Lakeside beaches in Seacoastarea offer forested beauty & blue water

Hampton Beach State Park

Route 1A Hampton, NH 03842 Phone: 603-926-3784

Year-round recreation, with Atlantic ocean-front facilities along miles of sandy beach. The Seashell complex includes an amphitheater, public information services, comfort station, and first aid. Activities in the park include swimming, fishing, picnicking, and RV camping with full hook-ups. Admission fee by vehicle. Parking meters on Route 1A accept quarters ($1.50 an hour) and tokens. Tokens can be purchased at parking lot south of Hampton Seashell, restroom on Ross Avenue, and restrooms at North Beach, Jenness Beach, and North Hampton State Beach. Open weekends starting in late May, then daily June through Labor Day; open weekends from Labor Day through October. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Lifeguards on duty at the Main Beach daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is an accessible ramp available at the Seashell Complex.

Hampton Seashell

Route 1A Hampton, NH

This beach area is also home to a band shell, information area and comfort station.

Jenness State Beach

Route 1A Rye, NH 03870 Phone: 603-436-1552

Sandy beach is excellent for swimming and picnicking. Bathhouse; lifeguards after mid-June. Parking meters on Route 1A accept quarters ($1.50 an hour) and tokens. Tokens can be purchased at parking lot south of Hampton Seashell, restroom on Ross Avenue, and restrooms at North Beach, Jenness Beach, and North Hampton State Beach. The beach is open weekends starting in late May, then daily from June through September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates.

Kingston State Park

124 Main St. Kingston, NH 03848 Phone: 603-642-5471

This park is 14 miles from the seacoast and close to many attractions, such as Canobie Lake Park, the Fox Run Mall, antique shops, and restaurants. The park includes fireplaces and picnic areas, a playground, softball field, and three game areas for horseshoes and volleyball. Two bathhouses with dressing rooms and toilets near the beach. Open weekends starting in late May; then daily from June through Labor Day. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

North Beach

Route 1A Hampton, NH 03842 Phone: 603-436-1552

Beautiful oceanfront setting with a sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and picnicking. Parking meters on Route 1A accept quarters ($1.50 an hour) and tokens. Tokens can be purchased at parking lot south of Hampton Seashell, restroom on Ross Avenue, and restrooms at North Beach, Jenness Beach, and North Hampton State Beach. The beach is open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from June through September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Facilities beach include a bathhouse and lifeguards, on duty after mid-June.

North Hampton State Beach

Route 1A North Hampton, NH 03862 Phone: 603-436-1552

Wonderful oceanfront sandy beach. Good for swimming and picnicking. Open weekends starting in late May, then daily from June through September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Bathhouse and lifeguard service after mid-June. Parking meters on Route 1A accept quarters ($1.50 an hour) and tokens. Tokens can be purchased at parking lot south of Hampton Seashell, restroom on Ross Avenue, and restrooms at North Beach, Jenness Beach, and North Hampton State Beach.

Swimming Holes

Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info

Wallis Sands State Beach

Route 1A Rye, NH 03870 Phone: 603-436-9404

Oceanfront swimming, views of the Isles of Shoals, and a sandy beach especially good for families. Picnicking allowed; no fires. Beach is open weekends starting in late May, then daily, June through September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Facilities a store, bathhouses, showers, and lifeguards after mid-June. Pets not allowed. Admission fee by vehicle.