Hampton New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hampton, New Hampshire.
1. Hampton Beach State Park
PRISTINE COASTAL BEAUTY
Hampton Beach State Park offers visitors a pristine beach experience with soft, clean sand and clear waters. The 1.35-mile stretch of sandy beach is complemented by a walkable boardwalk lined with classic beachfront businesses. Consistently high water quality and nightly entertainment make this a premier destination for beach lovers.
2. Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium
INTERACTIVE MARINE EDUCATION
Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium is an interactive marine center offering hands-on activities and educational tours focused on marine biology. The facility features touch tanks and various observation displays showcasing a variety of marine life. Located in the heart of Hampton Beach, this fun and educational experience is dedicated to ocean conservation.
3. Smuttynose Brewing Company
HISTORIC CRAFT BREWERY
Smuttynose Brewing Company is housed at the historic Towle Farm and stands as one of New England's oldest and most beloved craft breweries. Visitors can shop for favorite and hard-to-find Smuttynose beers along with other brewery merchandise. The brewery combines New England heritage with contemporary craft brewing traditions.
4. Casino Ballroom
ICONIC CONCERT VENUE
Casino Ballroom is an incredible concert venue that has become an institution in Hampton's entertainment scene. The venue hosts a variety of musical acts and performances throughout the year. Visitors often praise its intimate setting and excellent acoustics that create memorable live music experiences.
5. North Beach
SERENE COASTAL RETREAT
North Beach provides a more relaxed alternative to the bustling main Hampton Beach area. Its quieter atmosphere makes it perfect for those seeking a peaceful day by the ocean. The beach offers beautiful views and is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside walks.
6. Ocean Gaming Casino
BOARDWALK ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Ocean Gaming Casino offers visitors an exciting entertainment option right on Hampton Beach. The casino features various gaming options in a lively atmosphere with ocean views. It serves as both a gaming destination and social hub along the Hampton boardwalk.
7. Lane House Arts Center
CREATIVE COMMUNITY SPACE
Lane House Arts Center serves as Hampton's hub for creative expression and artistic development. The center offers various classes, workshops, and exhibition spaces for local and visiting artists. It contributes significantly to Hampton's cultural landscape by fostering artistic community engagement.
8. Tuck Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Tuck Museum preserves Hampton's rich historical heritage through its diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum showcases the town's development from early settlement through modern times. Visitors gain insights into local traditions, notable residents, and pivotal events that shaped Hampton's identity.
9. James House
COLONIAL HISTORICAL SITE
James House stands as one of Hampton's most significant historical structures dating back to the colonial era. The house offers visitors a glimpse into early New England architectural styles and living conditions. Its preservation helps maintain tangible connections to Hampton's earliest days as a settlement.
10. Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing & Whale Watching
OCEAN ADVENTURE TOURS
Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing & Whale Watching provides exciting maritime excursions from Hampton Harbor. Guests can choose between fishing adventures or whale watching tours guided by experienced captains. These excursions offer unforgettable opportunities to experience the Atlantic's marine ecosystem firsthand.
11. Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Company
SURF CULTURE DESTINATION
Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Company serves as Hampton Beach's premier destination for surfing culture and equipment. The shop offers everything from board rentals and sales to lessons for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Its knowledgeable staff and community atmosphere make it a beloved institution among local and visiting wave riders.
12. Strawbery Banke Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Strawbery Banke Museum spans a 10-acre site featuring an eclectic collection of period homes dating back to the 1690s. Costumed guides bring history to life as they recount tales from New Hampshire's past through interactive demonstrations. This immersive outdoor history museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience four centuries of American life.
13. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
COASTAL ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 4,662 acres on Plum Island, just a short drive from Hampton. The sanctuary is home to more than 800 species of birds, plants, and animals living within its diverse habitats. Visitors can explore beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests while observing the incredible biodiversity of this coastal ecosystem.
14. American Independence Museum
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERITAGE
American Independence Museum celebrates Exeter's pivotal role in early American history from its home in the historic 18th-century Ladd-Gilman House. The museum maintains the town's significant historical collections, including rare documents from the Revolutionary period. Among its highlights are original drafts of the Constitution and an original Purple Heart awarded by George Washington.
15. Odiorne Point State Park
COASTAL NATURE PRESERVE
Odiorne Point State Park offers visitors woodsy coastal trails, rocky shorelines, and spectacular ocean views just a short drive from Hampton. The park houses the engaging Seacoast Science Center with its undersea videos, aquariums, and interactive touch tanks. This family-friendly destination combines natural beauty with educational opportunities about the region's coastal ecosystem.