Hampton Beach State Park

Hampton Beach State Park has been a popular, family-friendly beach on the southern seacoast of New Hampshire for over 100 years. The state of New Hampshire purchased the property in 1933 from the town of Hampton, which dictated that the beach must always remain open to the public for outdoor recreation. Hampton Beach State Park boasts a sandy shoreline and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is a perfect spot for relaxing in the sun, building sand castles, and swimming. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-June through Labor Day. It’s also the only state beach in New Hampshire where you can park your RV in a campground right on the water! Unfortunately, there is no tent or pop-up camper camping at this park, and pets are not allowed on the beach during the busy season from May through September.

Parking at the southern end as well as along the beach is only a few steps from the sand and within walking distance of nearby restaurants and attractions. A paved sidewalk runs along the beach, making the ocean views accessible to those who don’t want to or cannot walk in the sand. Sunny and shaded benches line this walkway, and a large playground provides additional fun for children. Concerts and entertainment have been popular at Hampton Beach since the first bandstand was established in 1901. Redesigned and rebuilt in 1962 and again in 2012, the Seashell Complex’s amphitheater continues to provide space for outdoor entertainment today.