Enjoy a Summer Getaway on the Seacoast of New Hampshire

A Charming Coastal Retreat

Incredible Atlantic beaches, charming historic towns mixed with hip and trendy cities, and an incredible diversity in things to do - that's what's waiting for you this summer on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. The Seacoast of New Hampshire is arguably one of the most charming summertime destinations on the East Coast!

The Seacoast of New Hampshire is relatively small, especially considering there are less than 20 miles of actual shoreline here. Despite its small size, the Seacoast of New Hampshire, which stretches from its border with Maine in the north to its southern border with Massachusetts, is simply spectacular. 

Whether you want to spend warm, lazy days at the lavishly popular Hampton Beach, or you'd rather explore the vibrant city of Portsmouth, there are plenty of things to do in the Seacoast of New Hampshire. It's here that you'll also find the charming, historic town of Exeter, home to the famed Phillips Exeter Academy. 

While visiting the Seacoast of New Hampshire, treat yourself to a taste of historic luxury at Select Registry's partner New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast. Located in the historic town of Exeter, NH, this New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast is centrally located for you to enjoy the very best of the stunning Seacoast of New Hampshire. 

Visit the Seacoast of New Hampshire

Visiting the Seacoast of New Hampshire allows visitors to relax, unwind, and enjoy life at a more leisurely pace. Not only is the Seacoast of New Hampshire exceedingly charming, but it's also easy to get to from many major metropolitan areas on the East Coast. With the cost of gas rising this year, finding close-to-home getaways packed with things to do is more important than ever!

Portsmouth is the most populous town on the Seacoast of New Hampshire, but it's certainly not the only town worth visiting. In fact, exploring the charming towns up and down the Seacoast is one of the best ways to get an authentic feel for the place. Aside from spending time in Portsmouth, which we'll cover in more detail below, here are the top things to do on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. 

1. Whatever else you do on the Seacoast of New Hampshire, don't miss the chance to explore the beautiful and historic town of Exeter, NH. There are so many great things to do in Exeter, NH, including visiting the American Independence Museum, strolling the grounds of the Phillips Exeter Academy, and browsing the shops in picturesque downtown Exeter. 
2. While you're in Exeter, don't miss the summer concerts at the Bandstand. The Exeter Brass Band is the oldest continually playing (except during Covid) brass band in the country. 
3. Hampton Beach is one of the best beaches in New Hampshire. You'll find a wide sandy beach, arcades, restaurants, shopping, and so much more here. It's also home to the popular Hampton Beach Seafood Festival each fall. 
4. Visit the Fuller Gardens, a magnificent estate garden located on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. 
5. While you're out touring the Seacoast of New Hampshire, stop in and grab lunch or a snack at Calef's Country Store in Barrington. This charming country store has been around since the horse-and-buggy days, and it's a great place to pick up picnic supplies!
6. Take a hike at one of the area's beautiful parks, like the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the beautiful Swasey Parkway, or the other great New Hampshire State Parks. 
7. Take a break and enjoy some tastings at one of the area's many great New Hampshire wineries, including Flag Hill Winery and Distillery, Squamscott Vineyard & Winery, LaBelle Winery, and more. 
8. Take in beautiful ocean views at Odiorne Point State Park. Apart from great views, you'll also find evidence of the park's military history and an extensive network of trails to enjoy. 

Things to do in Portsmouth, NH

The thriving port city of Portsmouth, NH, is located on the banks of the Piscataqua River and at the border between New Hampshire and Maine. Portsmouth has a long history and is notable for its busy harbor, gorgeous 17th, and 18th-century homes, its bustling town square, and its trendy ambiance. 

There are plenty of great things to do in Portsmouth, NH - from enjoying mouthwatering eateries and shopping 'til you drop to setting sail on the harbor and visiting historic museums, you'll never run out of things to do in Portsmouth, NH. Below, we've included a few of our favorites as you begin to plan your upcoming adventures to the magnificent Seacoast of New Hampshire. 

Here are the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH: 

1. One of the most popular things to do in Portsmouth, NH, is visiting the Strawberry Banke Museum. It's located in the oldest neighborhood in town. It is an excellent living history museum with historic houses on their original foundations, costumed roleplayers, traditional crafts demonstrations, and beautiful gardens and landscapes.
2. Tour the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Views from the top are some of the best in New England. It's one of many great lighthouses worth visiting while you're on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. 
3. Take a cruise through the Portsmouth Harbor with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises. You'll see some of the oldest naval yards in the country, five forts, two lighthouses, and the Olde Port waterfront. It's one of the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH!
4. Enjoy an afternoon walk on the 1.5-mile Little Harbor Trail, gently meandering through the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion grounds. There are also other great walking tours and trails worth taking in the area.
5. Enjoy some of the best shopping on the Seacoast of New Hampshire along Portsmouth's Market Street. It's been voted one of the best shopping areas in New England, and it's certainly one of the most popular things to do in Portsmouth, NH. 
6. Head to Portsmouth's Market Square for a lively afternoon, and don't miss sharing a cold pint of beer at the Portsmouth Brewery.
7. Explore sites along the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail, including the African Burying Ground.
8. Learn what it was like to live on a submarine in the historic USS Albacore Museum.
9. Visit the historic houses in Portsmouth, Nh. There's no shortage of options, including the Moffat-Ladd House & Garden.
10. Portsmouth is a surprising foodie town, but with so much fresh seafood at its disposal, it's easy to see why the chefs here are so inspired. Don't miss your chance to eat at the top Portsmouth, NH restaurants!

This is truly just the beginning of great things to do in Portsmouth, NH, let alone the entire Seacoast of New Hampshire. Relax, unwind, and choose a taste of luxury at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. 

Bed and Breakfast on the Seacoast of NH

Inn by the Bandstand

Inn By The Bandstand was built as a grand Federal-style home in 1809 and graces the heart of downtown Exeter, New Hampshire. Our hotel has won several awards and heralds as one of the premium lodging establishments in New England. We are located two blocks from the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, ten minutes drive from the beach, and one hour north of Boston.

Our English-inspired hotel offers exquisite decor and charm. We offer eight guest rooms and suites furnished with antiques and modern amenities for ultimate comfort. All of our accommodations feature private bathrooms, luxurious bathrobes, and fireplaces in seven of the eight guest rooms and suites. Our rates include a culinary-inspired breakfast each morning and freshly brewed coffee.

Reminiscent of the times long ago when life was slower paced and people stopped to chat, you will find that and more in quintessential downtown Exeter. There are rows of charming shops, antique stores, a chocolatier, an upscale toy shop, and a traditional bookstore. There is fine apparel, fine dining, and casual dining options all within walking distance of our hotel.

You can walk or ride one of our bikes to the Swasey Parkway and enjoy a picnic next to the river. There is the American Independence Museum, which holds one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary artifacts. Rich in Early American History, our town has much to offer for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.

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