16 Excellent New Hampshire Beaches

Who said beaches have to be by the coast? New Hampshire has a combination of coastal and inland lakeside beaches. But with only 18 miles (29 km) of coastline, many of the best beaches in New Hampshire are wrapped around its lakes. And with 273 lakes, New Hampshire has its fair share of picturesque lake beaches.

You might not instantly think of New Hampshire or New England for a beach holiday, and you’ll be surprised at the hidden gems waiting to be explored. New Hampshire’s beaches are diverse, ranging from white sandy beaches to lakeshore hideaways, grassy shorelines, and dunes. So, pack your swimming costumes, sunscreen and money for ice-creams and have a fantastic time at these New Hampshire beaches.

New Hampshire Beaches

20 Beaches In New Hampshire

1- Hampton Beach

Long, wide, and covered in soft sand, Hampton Beach is the crème de la crème of New Hampshire beaches.

The beach is fantastic, and the town of Hampton is also atmospheric, making it well worth exploring.

This beach is perfect for visiting with kids as you can walk along the 13 miles (21 km) of coastline, and the kids can play in the shallow, calm waters.

During the summer, lifeguards are also on duty for that extra peace of mind.

There is a small parking fee for the beach, but it’s well worth it for the fun you’ll have all day.

There are restrooms, picnic benches and shelters, too, if you want to bring lunch.

This is one New Hampshire beach not to be missed.

Hampton Beach is at 160 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH 03842.

Stay at: Ocean Front condo in the heart of Hampton Beach

2- Odiorne Point State Park

Odiorne Point State Park has 18 miles (29 km) of rocky coastline, with both sandy and pebbly beaches.

This is the place to go if you want to hit the beach and enjoy watersports.

Rent boats or fishing gear for a fun-filled morning or afternoon. The nature trails are also a brilliant place to walk or bike along.

You’ll want to be visiting in summer for watersports. In winter Odiorne Point transforms into a cross-country skiing haven.

The park has a small entrance fee (around $4 for 12+ and $2 for kids).

This park doesn’t just have spectacular beaches but also a Seacoast Science Center, where you can learn about the natural history of the coastline while exploring the area.

Odiorne Point State Park is at 570 Ocean Boulevard, NH 03870.

Stay at: RYE MOTOR INN

3- Allen Albee Beach

Head to Lake Wentworth near Wolfeboro for our third New Hampshire Beach, which is on the northwest shores of the lake.

This sandy lakeside beach is perfect for young children as the shallow and calm waters are great for splashing around to cool off from the sun’s heat.

With lifeguards on duty, you’ll feel safe at this inland beach.

This is a popular local hangout with few tourists and a beautiful place to spend the day.

Launch a paddleboard, swim or relax on the beach.

Allen Albee Beach is at Albee Beach Road Rt 28, Wolfeboro, NH.

Stay at: Cottage 7

4- Jenness Beach

Head to the small New Hampshire town of Rye, and you will find Jenness Beach.

Surfers looking for the best New Hampshire beach may have found the spot as it’s popular among local surfers, and you can often see them on the water.

There are shower facilities, restrooms and lifeguards on duty throughout the summer.

As many beachgoers head to Hampton Beach, you’ll avoid the crowds by checking out Jenness.

Across the road from the beach, there are plenty of places to find snacks, food and drinks. There’s a pizza restaurant, coffee shop, ice cream store, and surf shop.

Jenness Beach is at 2280 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870.

Stay at: The Inn at Rye Place

5- Wallis Sands State Beach

Another of New Hampshire’s coastal beaches is the quaint Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye’s Wallis Sands State Park.

Check out this one if you are looking for a sandy and attractive-looking beach.

There are shower and bathroom facilities at the beach, and lifeguards are on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Snack shops and concession stands sell beach towels and other beach necessities you may have forgotten.

Wallis Sands State Beach is at 1050 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870.

Stay at: Quality Inn Portsmouth

6- Wellington State Beach

Head inland to the town of Bristol, and you’ll find Wellington State Beach.

This is a spectacular lake and beach area, especially when the trees begin to turn orange in early autumn.

This lake is blessed with a white sandy shoreline backed with trees that provide some much-needed shade.

Wellington State Beach boasts the title of being New Hampshire’s largest freshwater swimming beach.

The beach sits on the shores of Newfoundland Lake.

A snack bar sells ice creams and cold drinks, perfect for refuelling throughout the day, and there’s a small shop where you can rent kayaks.

Wellington State Beach is at 614 West Shore Road, Bristol, NH 03222.

Stay at: Family Townhome Less Than Half-Mi to Wellington State Park

7- North Hampton State Beach

North Hampton State Beach is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north of Hampton Beach, but despite the relative proximity, these two beaches are very different.

If you are looking for a seaside beach that’s quieter than Hampton Beach, this is the place to be.

The wide sands and calm waters attract many families to this beach.

Unlike Hampton Beach, you won’t have trouble finding a spot of beach to yourself at North Hampton.

The beach has picnic facilities, restrooms and shower facilities.

North Hampton State Beach is at 27 Ocean Boulevard, North Hampton, NH 03862.

Stay at: 935 Ocean, a Beachside Inn

9- Ellacoya State Park Beach

Ellacoya State Park Beach is effortlessly beautiful, with calm, gentle waters and a tree-lined shore, making this a stunning place to spend the beach day.

This beach is on Lake Winnipesaukee on the southwest shores.

If you’ve got canoes or kayaks, why not launch them at Ellacoya Beach and paddle out to Governors Island?

You can enjoy the stunning views and the knowledge that Governors Island is home to the most expensive real estate in New Hampshire.

If you’re visiting with kids, there’s a playground nearby and picnic tables in the shaded pavilion.

There’s a campground if you want to spend the night at this picturesque beach.

Ellacoya State Park Beach is at 280 Scenic Drive, Gilford, NH03249.

Stay at: Samoset Vacation

10- Mount Sunapee State Park Beach

Close to Newbury (the locals call it Newbury Beach), Mount Sunapee State Park Beach at Lake Sunapee is a great beach to visit for watersports.

There are places to rent kayaks and canoes and a boat launch if you are travelling with your own gear. But only non-motorised boats are allowed on the lake.

While paddling on the water, be sure to nosy at the lake houses tucked among the trees.

As you enter a state park, you’ll need to pay a small fee ($5 for adults) to access the beach, and it’s worth the bucks to experience this little slice of lakeshore heaven.

Mount Sunapee State Park Beach is at 86 Beach Access Road, Newbury, NH 03255.

Stay at: Bluebird Sunapee

10- Seabrook Beach

From Hampton Beach, head south for about two miles, and you will reach the spectacular Seabrook Beach.

This sand dune-backed beach is a treat for the eyes and will have you feeling relaxed in seconds.

While the general crowds don’t tend to head here, there are many vacation homes along the seafront.

Stroll along the two-mile stretch of sand, dipping your feet in the water. Dogs are allowed at this beach but must be kept on a leash.

Seabrook Beach is the spot for you if you want a lovely stretch of sand away from the crowds.

Seabrook Beach is at 111 Atlantic Avenue, Seabrook, NH 03874.

Stay at: Best Western Hampshire Inn & Suites

11- White Lake State Park

You’ll find the White Lake State Park near the White Mountains.

This state park and its lakeside sandy white beaches have some of the best swimming spots in the area.

It’s a beautiful place, with rolling mountain views in the background and a tree-lined shore.

You can even see the beautiful Mount Chocorua peaking its head above the trees.

This park has well-maintained footpaths, and there is the opportunity to see a lot of wildlife like beavers and loons.

As there’s lots of trout in the lake, if you have a fisherman in the family, they’ll want to bring some fishing gear.

No motorised boats are allowed on the lake, so swimming from the beach is safe.

Launch your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and explore the lake to your heart’s content.

The White Lake State Park is at 1632 White Mountain Highway, Tamworth, NH 03886. 

Stay at: Comfort Inn & Suites

12- Weirs Beach

Another of New Hampshire’s lake beaches is Weirs Beach, which is on the western shores of Lake Winnipesauke.

This crescent-shaped beach is a relaxing place to while away half a day.

If you’d like to participate in watersports at the beach, you can rent boats, canoes, kayaks and even scuba dive.

There are lifeguards watching the beach between Memorial and Labor Day.

The calm water is perfect for the little ones as well as adults, and children will be delighted to see a playground nearby.

To explore more of the lake, take a boat tour or a lunch or dinner cruise and dine on the water while you enjoy the lake views.

Weirs Beach is at 201 Lakeside Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246.

Stay at: The Lakeview Inn & Cottages

13- Wadleigh State Beach

Wadleigh State Beach is on the southern shores of Kezar Lake in Sutton, New Hampshire and is a beautiful beach to visit.

Pack a picnic to eat lunch on the beach with spectacular rolling mountain views.

Besides relaxing on the soft sand, you can rent a pontoon boat for your group to venture out on or go swimming, sailing and hiking around the lake.

Unlike some other lake beaches in New Hampshire, this one is quiet and an excellent beach if you’re looking for tranquillity.

Wadleigh State Beach is in Sutton, NH 03260.

Stay at: Charming Sutton Cottage Walk to Lake and Farm

14- Echo Lake

This lovely crescent-shaped beach is one of the best beaches in New Hampshire.

Only one word can be used to describe this beach…wow!

Mountains flank each side of the lake, making swimming feel like you are in a mountainous paradise.

You’ll feel like you are at the ultimate mountain beach hideaway in the mountains.

Head there as autumn arrives and you’ll be treated to a breathtaking colour change.

Rent paddleboards at a nearby kiosk and launch them right from the beach.

This really is one of the best beaches in New Hampshire.

Echo Lake Beach is in Franconia, NH 03580.

Stay at: Copper Cannon Lodge in Franconia

15- Forest Lake State Park Beach

This state park was first formed in 1935 and is one of New Hampshire’s original state parks.

The park covers 397 acres (160 ha) and has a fantastic 200-foot (61 m) sandy beach.

Plan to spend the whole day at Forest Lake State Park and start by renting mountain bikes to explore the forest tracks.

Then there is fishing and boats to rent for a little more relaxation.

Pack a picnic and eat at their picnic area. And of course, spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach.

Forest Lake State Park Beach is at 397 Forest Lake Road, Dalton, NH 03598.

Stay at: Garfield’s Grand View

16- Sandy Beach at Lake Chocorua

Sandy Beach at Lake Chocorua is another brilliant New Hampshire beach.

Picnicking, canoeing, swimming, kayaking and fishing are all popular Chocorua Lake activities.

There are several narrow beaches along the lake’s shoreline, so venture to the lake and discover your favourite spot.

Arrive on a super-clear day, and you’ll be treated to remarkable lake reflections.

This lake is not one of the most frequented, so the area is peaceful, clean, and well kept.

Sandy Beach is at 16 Silver Lake Road, Chocorua, NH, 03875.

Whether you are visiting New Hampshire’s ocean or lakeside beaches, you are bound to have a good time.

With so many beaches in New Hampshire to choose from and an array of activities at each location, you’ll never be bored.

Stay at: Pond Vista

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