Best Family-Friendly Beaches in New Hampshire

Hampton Beach State Park is a 50-acre coastal gem located in Hampton, New Hampshire, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Situated at the mouth of the Hampton River, it provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is renowned for its large sandy beach, lifeguards, playground, amphitheater, and RV camping facilities with full hook-ups. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, and live music events throughout the summer. The beach is a popular spot for families and tourists alike, with nearby attractions like whale watching and charter boats adding to its appeal.

The park's Seashell complex features a band shell amphitheater, public information services, comfort stations, and first aid facilities. Metered parking is available along Ocean Boulevard, making it easily accessible for day visitors. Hampton Beach State Park is also recognized for its cleanliness and value, having been rated among the top beaches in the U.S.

The surrounding area offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous restaurants, motels, and arcades, making it a lively vacation spot during the summer months.

Wallis Sands Beach is a picturesque half-mile stretch of fine white sand located in Rye, New Hampshire. It offers gentle waves perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is equipped with amenities like restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and picnic areas. Lifeguards are present during the summer months to ensure safety. The beach is surrounded by large rocks and a wall, creating a quaint seashore ideal for family visits. Dogs are allowed on leashes, but not on the beach itself.
The beach's proximity to Portsmouth and other local attractions makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the Colonial New Hampshire Seacoast Ride, which passes by historical sites and other oceanfront beaches.
Wallis Sands Beach is well-connected, with easy access from I-95, making it a convenient destination for those traveling from nearby cities like Hampton and Concord.

North Hampton State Beach is a serene and picturesque beach located in Hampton, New Hampshire. It stretches for 1.3 kilometers and features soft, white sand, making it perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. The beach offers a range of activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing, with lifeguards on duty to ensure safety. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Isle of Shoals, a group of small islands off the coast. The area is known for its beautiful natural landscape and a dedicated surf culture, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
North Hampton itself has a more laid-back atmosphere compared to nearby Hampton Beach, which is bustling with arcades and live music venues. However, North Hampton offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful beaches and scenic waterfront pathways ideal for biking.
The beach is family-friendly, with clean restrooms and nearby food options, making it an excellent choice for a day out with family or friends.

Jenness Beach, located in the Rye Beach Village District of New Hampshire, is a picturesque destination known for its soft, golden sand and a variety of activities such as swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. The beach is approximately 0.5 miles long and offers amenities like public restrooms, outdoor showers, and a playground. Lifeguards are present during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for visitors. Dogs are allowed on certain parts of the beach from September 15th to March 15th, making it a popular spot for pet owners.
The beach's proximity to attractions like Odiorne Point State Park and Rye Harbor State Park adds to its appeal, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. The nearby city of Portsmouth provides additional options for shopping and dining.
Jenness Beach is named after Benjamin Jenness, who originally owned the land, and it has a rich history as a fishing spot in the early 20th century.

Between Jenness State Beach and Little Boar’s Head, along the New Hampshire Route 1A Highway, you’ll find Rye Beach, a small town next to the Atlantic Ocean. This seemingly small town also has a rich history – it was the site of the state of New Hampshire’s first settlement in 1623. The settling group has been commissioned by the Laconia Company of England to found a plantation at Odiorne Point, currently the largest undeveloped stretch of shore on New Hampshire’s 18-mile coast. You can still visit the area now, which is a great way to explore the extensive array of flora and fauna. The shallow waters here are perfect to surf and swim in, while the beach is great for surfing, swimming and playing volleyball. Hungry after a day at the beach? Rye Beach is also home to some of the finest seafood restaurants on the New England Coast. Some of our favorites include the Ocean Grille, La Panetiere, and On the Way Café. For some of the guests who are looking to stay overnight have a range of options to choose from, including the Atlantic Four Winds, the Dunes Motor Inn, the Ashworth Hotel, of the Seascape Inn. Rye Beach State Park is also a fantastic destination for nature lovers. The south side is home to numerous sheltered tide pools and a rocky shore just waiting to be explored, while the north features a pebble beach sheltering a freshwater marsh, sand dunes, and marshland. Whether you’re here to experience the history​ or simply to relax and soak up the sun rays, Rye Beach is the perfect quiet family getaway for those looking for a quiet refuge from the urban metropolis.

Weirs Beach, located in Laconia, New Hampshire, is a vibrant and popular destination on Lake Winnipesaukee. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach, which is part of Endicott Rock Park, offering picnic tables, a playground, and restroom facilities. The beach is a focal point for activities and recreation, with a long boardwalk featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment options like arcades and mini golf. The area is also famous for its annual Motorcycle Week and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Visitors can enjoy water activities, scenic cruises on the M/S Mt. Washington, and rides on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
Weirs Beach is a family-friendly area with plenty of attractions, including the historic Endicott Rock, which is one of the oldest colonial monuments in the U.S. The beach itself is well-maintained, with shallow waters suitable for children, and is staffed by lifeguards during the summer months.
The area transforms into a lively spot during summer, with live music and events, but it quiets down after Labor Day as many businesses close for the season.

Rye Harbor State Park, located in Rye, New Hampshire, offers a picturesque coastal experience with stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, and rocky shores. It is part of the New Hampshire State Parks system and provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, educational programs, and access to nearby attractions like Jenness State Beach and Odiorne Point State Park. The park is open from May to mid-October, making it a perfect spot for summer activities like swimming and picnicking.
The park's unique features include the 1614 Monument dedicated to Captain John Smith and the New Hampshire Historical Marker No. 18, which provides insights into the Isles of Shoals. Rye Harbor itself is a working fishing harbor, offering a glimpse into New England's traditional fishing industry.
The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities, though spring and fall also offer pleasant conditions with fewer crowds.

Odiorne Point State Park is a stunning natural destination located in Rye, New Hampshire, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Little Harbor. The park spans 331.5 acres and features a diverse range of habitats, including woodlands, salt marshes, and rocky shores. It is the largest undeveloped stretch of coastline in New Hampshire, providing a serene escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The park also houses the Seacoast Science Center, which offers educational programs and exhibits on the natural and human history of the area.
The park's history is rich, having been transformed from a summer resort area to a military base during World War II, known as Fort Dearborn. Today, it serves as a popular spot for family outings and nature exploration.
With its expansive views and diverse ecosystems, Odiorne Point State Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with nature in New Hampshire.

Wellington State Park is a 220-acre public recreation area located on the southwest shore of Newfound Lake in Bristol, New Hampshire. It features the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system, offering stunning views of one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the state. The park is known for its beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating. The park's history dates back to 1931 when Elizabeth R. Wellington donated the land to the state for public recreation and conservation.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, and picnicking. The park also offers a snack bar with a range of snacks and souvenirs. The scenic peninsula nature trail provides picnic areas, designated fishing spots, and plant identification markers, offering breathtaking views of Newfound Lake and nearby islands.

The park is a popular day-use destination, with no family camping available. However, organized youth group camping is offered on Belle and Cliff Islands, requiring reservations in advance.

Ellacoya State Park is a picturesque destination located on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford, New Hampshire. The park is renowned for its 600-foot long sandy beach, offering stunning views of the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. It is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and RV camping. The park's scenic beauty and recreational activities make it an ideal place for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Visitors can enjoy boating on Lake Winnipesaukee using the park's boat launch, and fishing is also a favorite pastime. The park provides restrooms with showers and picnic areas for day use. During peak seasons, it's advisable to arrive early to secure entry.
Ellacoya State Park is a must-visit for those seeking a tranquil and adventurous experience in nature.

Echo Lake State Park, located in North Conway, New Hampshire, is a picturesque destination offering a serene escape amidst the White Mountains. The park features a 15.7-acre lake and is surrounded by two prominent rock ledges, Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge, which provide stunning views and opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and non-motorized boating on the lake, while the surrounding trails offer scenic walks and hikes. The park's proximity to North Conway makes it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The park's history dates back to the late 19th century when Cathedral and White Horse Ledges were purchased to preserve their natural beauty. In 1943, Echo Lake was added to the park to prevent commercial development. Today, it remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Echo Lake State Park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, offering a variety of activities and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Allen Albee Beach is a picturesque public beach located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. It offers a sandy shoreline, clear waters, and a family-friendly environment perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and boating. The beach is approximately 200 feet long and provides amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing and boating, and there are nearby hiking trails and museums to explore. The beach is named after Allen Albee, a local resident who donated the land to the town in 1922.
The beach's serene atmosphere and scenic views make it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. It is a popular destination during the summer months, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
For those looking to explore beyond the beach, Wolfeboro offers a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and historical sites to discover.

White Lake State Park is a 902.7-acre public recreation area located in Tamworth, New Hampshire, surrounding the picturesque 125-acre White Lake. Established in 1933, it offers a variety of activities year-round, including swimming, hiking, non-motorized boating, picnicking, trout fishing, and winter sports. The park is known for its 72-acre stand of pitch pine trees, designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Visitors can enjoy scenic trails, a large beach area, and a playground for kids. The park's serene environment, with no visible houses from the beach, provides a tranquil escape into nature.

The park's proximity to the historic town of Tamworth adds to its charm, offering easy access to local amenities. The clear waters of White Lake are perfect for swimming during the summer, while winter activities include ice fishing and snowmobiling. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for day use, with an entry fee of $5 for visitors aged 12 and older.

White Lake State Park is a haven for nature lovers and families alike, offering a peaceful retreat amidst beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife.