Best Places of the Seacoast

Looking for an opportunity to get out and explore the Granite State, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Our curated “choose your own adventure” guide gives you the map to food, adventure, shopping, nightlife and culture spots in each region so that you can create your own getaway (our list is just the jumping off point!), discover hidden gems and well-known favorites, make new memories and fall in love with our beautiful state and the people within it all over again.

Best Places of the Monadnock Region
Best Places of the Merrimack Valley
Best Places of the Dartmouth/ Lake Sunapee Region
Best Places of the Lakes Region
Best Places of the Great North Woods
Best Places of the White Mountains

With about 18 miles of coastline, New Hampshire has the shortest coastline in the United States. But don’t let that fool you — those 18 miles are saturated with history and surrounded by picturesque towns that you won’t be able to help but explore. The Seacoast is packed with things to do, no matter the season.

Food: 

Hong Asian Noodle Bar • Dover
Casual and cool, Hong Asian Noodle Bar serves
delicious noodles that will lift your mood and warm your soul. You can enjoy a menu full of your favorites, like Xiao Long Bao, Bubble Tea and Goyza, along with dumplings and their signature noodle dishes. hongasiannoodlebar.com

Watershed • Newmarket
From local farm to table, enjoy the rich flavors of the Seacoast. The Watershed has
designed its food, setting, atmosphere and tasteful architecture to highlight the
remarkable resources of its local surroundings. watershednh.com

 La Maison Navarre • Portsmouth
This authentic French patisserie, bistro and wine bar is the perfect spot for a sweet
treat during your day in Portsmouth. mnpastry.com

Shopping: 

The Drift Collective • Portsmouth
The Drift Collective takes sustainable fashion to a new level. They take secondhand clothing and upcycle it to create fresh, one-of-a-kind designs that you won’t find anywhere else. All of their apparel is made right there in-store, so customers can see the creative process that goes into creating each unique design. If you find something you love, make sure to take it home — it might never be done again! Drift also has fun, eclectic tchotchkes that will brighten up any space. thedriftcollective.com

Good Juju by Ceci • Newmarket
Support over 40 local artists in the heart of downtown Newmarket. goodjujubyceci.com

Lunachics • Exeter
Enjoy a personalized shopping experience with good vibes and playful styles. lunachics.com

Adventure: 

Granite State Whale Watch • Rye
An adventure you can only do on the Seacoast. With Granite State Whale Watch, you can experience the wonders of the Atlantic through a naturalist-led expedition. Their dedicated and enthusiastic crew knows everything there is to know about our coastal environment, and are committed to oceanic conservation. On your tour, you could see dolphins, whales, harbor seals, birds and so much more. While it’s up to the whales whether they want to be seen or not, Granite State Whale Watch boasts a 99% sighting rating and will offer a free pass on the rare occasion that they don’t spot any dolphins or whales. granitestatewhalewatch.com

Portsmouth Paddle Co. • Portsmouth
Take a scenic Stand-up Paddleboard Tour of the Seacoast’s calm waterways. portsmouthpaddleco.com

Great Bay National Estuarine Reserve • Greenland
Explore 10,000 protected acres in the heart of the Seacoast. greatbay.org

Culture: 

3S Art Space • Portsmouth
3S Art Space is a nonprofit that is a hub for all things art. The contemporary art organization and incubator is home to a mixed-use performance space, a large art gallery, a lobby gallery and a shop full of curated goods and a restaurant. At 3S, you can attend ticketed events, like themed dance parties and film screenings, and stroll through their gallery exhibitions, which are free and open to the public. 3sarts.org 

Seacoast Artist Association • Exeter
See gallery exhibitions of local art, attend live music and art events, and take engaging classes. seacoastartist.org 

 Seacoast Repertory Theatre • Portsmouth
You don’t have to travel to New York to see your favorite shows. seacoastrep.org

Nightlife: 

The Press Room • Portsmouth
No night is ever the same at The Press Room. Located in downtown Portsmouth, The Press Room is at the center of it all. Their first floor is home to a cozy bar with delicious bites and inventive drinks. Walk upstairs and you’ll find yourself at the party. With a never-ending stream of live bands, DJs, themed dance nights and more, you’ll always have fun. The Press Room has been Portsmouth’s night out for 45 years for a reason. pressroomnh.org

The Stone Church • Newmarket
Live music, karaoke, comedy, bingo … The Stone Church has it all and has been the Seacoast’s spot to rock out for 50 years. stonechurchrocks.com

 The Strand • Dover
For over a century, the Strand has been home to a variety of entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood to go dancing, see a play or a show, The Strand has something for you. thestranddover.com

Staycation: 

Hotel Thaxter • Portsmouth
Hotel Thaxter reflects the culture of Portsmouth in its décor and design with local history and art woven into every guest room and guest space (and restaurant!). hotelthaxter.com 

The Inn at the Bandstand • Exeter
Exploring downtown Exeter is a breeze when you stay at this boutique hotel. Housed in a Federal-style 1809 mansion, the inn offers distinctive guest suites, a Victorian living room and relaxing patio and garden inspired by the elegance of New England’s historic past. innbythebandstand.com 

Wentworth by the Sea • New Castle
A Seacoast staple, the iconic façade and towering turrets have welcomed guests for over 150 years and is still a perfect, serene space for weekend getaways and celebrations. opalcollection.com/wentworth