There are a lot of ways to enjoy the seacoast of New Hampshire. One of the most obvious is hitting the beach. But during the summer that can mean fighting for parking, lugging a cooler and any number of other hassles that come with setting up at one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. Instead, consider seeing it from the car on this beautiful drive. Click here for directions.
You’ll start your trip in one of the most well-known cities in New Hampshire. Portsmouth was a bustling port city in the 18th and early 19th century. And today the working waterfront and downtown area are a fun place to visit.
dougtone / Flickr
And this starts your trip along Route 1B! From the Portsmouth historic district you’ll make your way over the causeway to Newcastle.
dougtone / Flickr
The narrow portion of this road takes you around the island and gives you a great view of the famous Wentworth-by-the-Sea.
Leonardo / TripAdvisor
This is also where you’ll pass Fort Stark and Fort Constitution. You might remember from history class that Fort Constitution was the sight of the first aggressive act of the American Revolution.
Chris Soares / Google
From here Route 1B connects to Route 1A and heads south into Rye. Then it’s on to North Hampton to Hampton.
gjcosker / Flickr
This portion of the drive includes a number of oceanfront state parks. That includes the fun Odiorne State Park.
fredc392017 / TripAdvisor
From Hampton Beach you’ll pick up Route 101 and hop onto Rt. 1 where you’ll make your way through Hampton Falls. This is where you’ll find Route 84, which is one of the state’s first roads.
dougtone / Flickr
This road heads through Kensington towards Route 150 and then on to Exeter. The state’s capitol during the Revolutionary War, Exeter is one of the four first towns in the state.
Mariano Mantel / Flickr
Then hop onto Route 27 back to Hampton to complete a beautiful day and even grab yourself something to eat in town.
dougtone / Flickr
Google Maps
Have you taken the Colonial New Hampshire Seacoast drive? Tell us about your favorite part of any must-sees along the way! And, looking for other road trip ideas? These 7 beautiful byways in New Hampshire are perfect for a scenic drive.
dougtone / Flickr
Leonardo / TripAdvisor
Chris Soares / Google
gjcosker / Flickr
fredc392017 / TripAdvisor
Mariano Mantel / Flickr
Google Maps
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Address: Portsmouth, NH 03801, USAAddress: New Castle, NH, USAAddress: Wentworth by the Sea, A Marriott Hotel & Spa, 588 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, NH 03854, USAAddress: Rye, NH, USAAddress: North Hampton, NH, USAAddress: Hampton, NH, USAAddress: Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH 03842, USAAddress: Hampton Falls, NH, USAAddress: Kensington, NH, USAAddress: Exeter, NH 03833, USA
