Driving New Hampshire’s Seacoast | Coastal Route 1A

When summer begins, so does the scramble to the coast. Lines form at the lobster shacks. Hotels fill. Sandal-wearers lug their umbrellas down stretches of hot pavement. But those who reside on New Hampshire’s seacoast know there’s a favorable four-wheeled alternative to this crowded, sweaty hullabaloo. When the sun’s out, there’s nothing like rolling the windows down and taking a drive along Route 1A.

Unlike many of the scenic routes outlined in our recent guide to the best New England summer drives, the New Hampshire seacoast is only 13 miles long, meaning this drive can be as short or as long as you want. There’s something wonderful about a quick drive down the coast as a brief interlude, a way to cleanse the palate between activities. That said, you could easily spend an entire day making your way along this stretch of sand. There are numerous restaurants along the way, multiple beaches to wander, and beautiful views to be had around every bend (with plenty of photo-op pull-offs, to boot). Whether you choose to start your drive in picturesque Portsmouth or amidst the hustle and bustle of Hampton Beach, you really can’t go wrong. Simply follow the signs for Route 1A and, when in doubt, hug the coast.

Where to Eat on New Hampshire’s Coastal Route 1A

With ample award-winning restaurants to choose from, Portsmouth is the obvious choice when it comes to dining along New Hampshire’s coastal Route 1A. If you’re starting your journey in Portsmouth, we recommend fueling up first with a coffee and croissant from Elephantine Bakery, a Mediterranean bakery nestled down one of Portsmouth’s picture-perfect side streets. Other great coffee shops in the area include: Wild Valentine, a coffee and flower shop hybrid; The Islander Cafe, a new cafe on New Castle island; and La Mulita, an award-winning coffee roastery conveniently located on Route 1A between Portsmouth and Rye. If you’re already at the beach and in need of some sustenance, Wild Roots next to Jenness Beach makes a mean breakfast burrito.

When lunch rolls around, it’s time for a lobster roll. For the classic seafood shack experience, try BG’s Boat House in New Castle or Petey’s Summertime Seafood in Rye, where lobster buoys hang from every corner and lines form even in the off-season. Others swear by The Beach Plum in North Hampton, an old standby of the seacoast food scene. Locals know, however, that the real trick for beating the crowds is to head over to Rye Harbor where, in what can only be described as a true seafood shack, lives Rye Harbor Lobster. Sure, you can’t get table service there, but you can get a phenomenal lobster roll and a bag of potato chips within minutes. If you’re in Portsmouth, grab a takeout lobster roll from Sanders Fish Market (if you can handle a hamburger bun, that is) and eat it on a bench in nearby Prescott Park. Trust us.

For dinner, a majority of the options will be found in Portsmouth, but if you’re hoping to dine along the coast make sure to snag a reservation at The Carriage House next to Jenness Beach in Rye. Their patio picnic tables offer a beachy al fresco option, though the real gem is their swanky upstairs bar, where it would be easy to spend hours sipping cocktails in style. For those headed back to Portsmouth, start with some oysters and cocktails at Row 34. Then, either head across the street to Shalimar of India, grab a burger and a pint at The Press Room, or elevate your evening at the award-winning Black Trumpet.

Finally, what would a day on the coast be without some ice cream? When it comes to classic summertime ice cream stands, the Ice House in New Castle is the most obvious choice, though those ending their days in Portsmouth will want to stop by Annabelle’s on the water.

Beaches on New Hampshire’s Coastal Route 1A

A guide to the New Hampshire seacoast needs to include the water, right? Say what you will about the length of New Hampshire’s coastline, but its beaches are undeniably top-rate—not to mention diverse.

For the full boardwalk experience, head down to Hampton Beach. Here, you can enjoy a wide sandy beach, arcades, restaurants, shopping and souvenir stops along the surf.

If you’re not one for crowds, try Jenness or Wallis Sands in Rye. These state beaches may lack the retail opportunities of Hampton, but some like it better that way. Gaze out on the Isles of Shoals, enjoy a picnic on the grassy area, and swim in the Atlantic.

If the sand isn’t your friend, but you still want to witness breathtaking ocean views, the trails of Odiorne Point State Park and its onsite Seacoast Science Center provide an outlet to stroll along the rocky Atlantic coast and check out WWII relics. The family-friendly Science Center is home to two whale skeletons, a blue lobster, and many more opportunities for hands-on learning for children, plus tidal pools, playground, and picnic areas.

Check online or call ahead for parking fees and hours, as these vary by season and location.

What to Do on New Hampshire’s Coastal Route 1A

Get out on the ocean with Al Guaron Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching or a more leisurely tour of the area’s lighthouses, forts, and mansions with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises. A short walk inland to Market Square in Portsmouth provides ample shopping opportunities, from eclectic boutiques like Nahcotta to local novelty favorite Macro Polo.

In late June, a visit to the annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition promises to astound, and maybe even inspire you to build a sandcastle of your own. Check out Cinnamon Rainbows for all your surf and beach gear. A short walk from the beach lands you in the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, where musical guests like Snoop Dogg and Third Eye Blind have been known to perform.

Fuller Gardens in North Hampton is a turn-of-the-century estate and botanical garden that began in the 1920s. It features rose gardens, a Japanese garden, and continuous English perennial plantings. Escape the crowds at the boardwalk or downtown and delight in the ocean breeze and distinct history of the gardens and estate.

Prescott Park dates back to the days of Josie and Mary Prescott, who, after coming into a significant inheritance, bought and donated the land to the city of Portsmouth in 1940. Today, the park is free and accessible to all, a vision the sisters shared. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful gardens and scenery.

Petitions for a lighthouse along Portsmouth’s coast date back to 1721, and the site has seen a long and decorated history since. Portsmouth Harbor Light is still an active Coast Guard station, open to the public Sundays May-October from 1-5 pm. Take a tour to the top of the lighthouse and climb a ladder to the lantern room.

Historical Sites on New Hampshire’s Coastal Route 1A

The Strawbery Banke Museum is located at the site of Portsmouth’s original settlement in 1630. They operate nearly 40 period homes, covering 400 years of local history and lore. You won’t want to miss this wonderful look into a city steeped in history.

Another important part of Portsmouth’s history was nearly lost when a property between State and Chestnut Streets was paved over. This plot is home to the African Burying Ground, a sacred location that had been used as early as the 1700s (it’s the only such property in New England dating to this era). Now, thanks to an effort by the city council and the Seacoast African American Cultural Center, the Portsmouth African Burying Ground is a main attraction along the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail, walking tours, and self-guided tours.

Have you ever driven New Hampshire’s coastal Route 1A? Let us know your favorite stops along the way in the comments below!