Nestled on New Hampshire’s 30-kilometre stretch of Atlantic coastline, Hampton Beach reflects the ambience of an old-style seaside resort. A bustling boardwalk, arcades, gaming casinos and long stretches of sandy beach provide constant entertainment, while dozens of eateries along Ocean Boulevard make Hampton Beach a smorgasbord of food and family fun.
Things to do in Hampton Beach
A trip to Hampton Beach revolves around the Atlantic Ocean, with a carnival-like boardwalk stringing for 1.6 kilometres along Ocean Boulevard. You’ll find amusement arcades, restaurants, concerts and souvenir shops. For a blast to the past, spend some time playing pinball machines at Funarama Arcade, before enjoying ice cream and miniature golf at Buc’s Lagoon.
Live concerts by big-name entertainers take place year-round at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. In the warmer months, you can catch a free show at Concerts on the Seashell or enjoy Monday Night Movies on the Beach and weekly fireworks displays.
Hampton Beach State Park covers 20 hectares of prime oceanfront recreation, including swimming, fishing, picnicking and boating. Take the little ones tidepooling to find sea urchins amidst natural walls of rock, then interact with live marine animals at Blue Ocean Discovery Center.
Lively cafes, food stalls and pubs spill onto the sidewalks and alleyways surrounding Ocean Boulevard. Duck in for pre-concert drinks and food at The Boardwalk Café and Pub, just next to the Casino Ballroom, or grab a huge slice of pizza from Sal’s. With more time on your hands, indulge in seafood specialties at The Sea Ketch Restaurant or try your luck at Ocean Gaming Casino.
Getting around Hampton Beach
Rental cars are available at Logan International Airport and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, both within an hour’s drive of Hampton Beach. Seafront trollies and buses offer connections to major tourist attractions and you can rent a bike for exploring the coastline.