If New Hampshire isn’t the first state that springs to mind when you think of a killer beach trip, well, you’re not alone, but you are missing out. New Hampshire is home to some incredible beachscapes, both oceanside and lakeside. Here are ten not to miss.
New Hampshire Beaches
Echo Lake State Park Beach
Echo Lake State Park offers a shimmering lakefront beach with soft sands and the most beautiful turquoise waters. Best of all, you’re ringed on all sides with rolling green peaks, and the park is criss-crossed with hiking trails. Lie lazily along the calm rim of the lake or take to its waters for a swim.
Things to do Near Echo Lake State Park Beach
The park itself is chock full of things to do, from horseback riding to ice fishing to rock climbing. To top it off, it’s all in the shadow of White Mountain National Forest, which offers more than 800,000 acres of additional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Wellington State Park Beach
Wellington State Park boasts a soft-sand, scenic lake beachfront that will make you feel as if you’ve journeyed to the coastline. The difference? The gorgeous mountains in the distance. The state park has its own boat facility and is a good option for those looking for a launch point. That said, you won’t be disappointed if all you do is show up, lay out your towel, and enjoy the lakefront.
Things to do Near Wellington State Park Beach
Situated far afield from any major New Hampshire towns, Wellington State Park is only a short drive from Cardigan Mountain State Forest.
Mount Sunapee State Park Beach
Mount Sunapee State Park is home to one of the few alpine skiing resorts on the east coast, and thus is a popular winter vacation choice. That said, it’s a stunning place to visit in the warmer weather, too. This is thanks in part to its sparkling mountain beach. Here you’ll find soft sand, cool waters, and a playground for the kids.
Things to do Near Mount Sunapee State Park Beach
Yet another New Hampshire state park that’s not very close to any major population centers, but is an easy drive from some other wildernesses, we recommend you string your visit along with trips to Wadleigh State Park or Mount Kearsarge State Forest Park.
Allen Albee Beach
Sometimes, good things come in small packages and that’s definitely the case for Allen Albee Beach. This is a classic lakeside beach getaway with blue-green waters, golden-white sands, and surrounding foliage that won’t let you forget that you’re still deep in the heart of the mountain northeast. Along with sunbathing and swimming, this beach is also popular amongst boaters looking for a launch point, and the Cotton Valley Rail Trail runs right through it.
Things to do Near Allen Albee Beach
The New Hampshire Boat Museum is just minutes away from this beachfront, as are other natural preserves like Wentworth State Park and the Ellis R. Hatch Jr. Wildlife Management Area.
Weirs Beach
Weirs Beach is both a small city and an actual beachfront that sits at the place where the Weirs Channel connects the lake to Paugus Bay. One of the best-known interior beaches in the state of New Hampshire, this one is often crowded, but the wide swath of sand offers ample room for everyone to lay down their towel. Plus, it’s all within walking distance of the many amenities and attractions that await in the small town of the same name.
Things to do Near Weirs Beach
The Endicott Rock State Historic Site, with its 1652 engraving, is immediately adjacent to the beach, and other preserved green spaces like Weirs Community Park aren’t much further afield.
Wallis Sands State Beach
Time to move onto the New Hampshire Atlantic oceanfront, which offers plenty of stunning beach opportunities. Wallis Sands State Beach offers golden-white sands which are lined with scenic stones and look out on an absolutely endless ocean vista. The surf is generally gentle, and lifeguards are on duty during peak swimming times.
Things to do Near Wallis Sands State Beach
If you’re looking to get a different look at the unique ocean flora and fauna in the area, head to the Seacoast Science Center, which features touch tanks and other programming designed especially for kids. Plus, the small towns lining the oceanfront here are chock-full of cute places to shop, eat, and relax.
Jenness Beach
Jenness Beach is another ocean beach that is perfect for sun-worshippers and swimmers. It’s got a surf shop right behind it, so you know it’s the place to head if you’re looking to hang ten. With less crowding and more of a local community feel than many other beaches we’ve listed here, Jenness Beach is a great place to catch the sunrise if you’re up early enough, or simply to while away a day with a great book.
Things to do Near Jenness Beach
This beach is closer to the more developed part of town, so you’re within walking distance of several shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Continue a touch further south to visit Sawyers Beach and get yet another viewpoint on this unique area.
Hampton Beach State Park
Last but certainly not least, Hampton Beach State Park‘s beachfront is widely considered one of the best in the state. Offering a whopping 50 acres of preserved oceanfront, there’s no shortage of soft sands to lay down your towel on here, and the scenery is out of this world. It’s an absolutely unmissable destination for anyone in New Hampshire, so be sure to add it to your list!
Things to do Near Hampton Beach State Park
The town of Hampton Beach has plenty of attractions to offer, not least of which are its well-known casinos, and if you’re looking for a day trip, Fuller Gardens to the north offers a different kind of natural beauty to enjoy.
The Best New Hampshire Beaches for RVers
White Lake State Park Beach
Another state-run wilderness preserve on an interior New Hampshire lake, White Lake State Park’s beach is lovely. A slightly smaller state park, this one is really all about the lake front — though there are still enough amenities to make it into a fun family trip, including restrooms, and some walking trails.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
This park offers onsite camping, making it a perfect choice for RVers who hope to park near all the fun.
Things to do Near White Lake State Park Beach
This state park has the unique benefit of being within an easy driving distance of several other beautiful inland lakes, so there are even more opportunities to get your feet wet in the area! Check out Ossipee Lake and Silver Lake, for starters, or head to Hemenway State Forest for some more woodsy goodness.
Ellacoya State Park Beach
This small state park offers a well-maintained sandy beach area with excellent views, shallow waters, and low wake. Although it might be a smaller state park than some of the others New Hampshire has to offer, Ellacoya State Park is the perfect place to while away a beachy weekend in the heart of central New Hampshire!
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
One of the best things about this state park is the fact that it offers RV camping with hookups. This means you can camp in comfort while enjoying the beach.
Things to do Near Ellacoya State Park Beach
If you continue to tour the perimeter of this stunning interior New Hampshire lake, you won’t run out of things to see, do, or eat — it’s one of the premier vacation destinations in the state.
Planning an RV Trip to New Hampshire
While in New Hampshire, make sure to check out the best campgrounds and state parks. You’ll also want to make time to see the towns of Nashua and Manchester during your time in the area.
