3-Day New Hampshire Road Trip
Embark on a 3-day road trip along New Hampshire’s U.S. Route 1, hugging the short but stunning Seacoast from the southern border near Seabrook to the northern Piscataqua River crossing into Maine. This itinerary covers about 18 miles of coastal highway with inland detours, featuring 1-2 hours of driving each day, immersing you in the Granite State’s paradoxes: rocky shores, historic ports, and a live-free-or-die ethos blending Yankee grit with fresh seafood.
Drawing from New Hampshire’s revolutionary spirit and lobster trap traditions, this journey mixes iconic beaches with off-the-beaten-path spots like forgotten lighthouses and tidal pools, fusing adventure, history, and seasonal delights like apple cider donuts. Ideal for summer swims or fall foliage, pack layers for sea breezes, sturdy sandals for tidepooling, and a sense of humor for “what exit?” jokes.
Navigation via latitude and longitude coordinates will guide you, with options to extend inland to Portsmouth for craft beer scenes.
Day 1: Southern Seacoast – Seabrook to Hampton to Rye
Trace Route 1’s New Hampshire entry along the Atlantic’s edge, where the road reveals casino vibes turning to beachy havens and rocky outcrops.
Seabrook, NH (Border Beach Town)
Cross from Massachusetts into New Hampshire’s southernmost sands, where Route 1 kicks off with beachfront energy.
Start your Granite State Route 1 in this Rockingham County town, blending outlet shopping with untamed dunes. Duration: 2-3 hours.
For an off-the-beaten-path splash, seek the hidden Seabrook Harbor’s tidal flats, where low-tide exposes clam beds for digging (permit required) amid quiet marshes away from casino crowds.
Activities include strolling Seabrook Beach for Atlantic views, visiting the Seabrook Greyhound Park if open, exploring outlet malls for tax-free deals, hiking the Yankee Clipper Trail, and grabbing fresh fried clams at a roadside stand.
Hampton, NH (Beach Resort)
Hit the classic Seacoast strip where Route 1 parallels arcades and ocean waves.
Continue north on Route 1 to this Rockingham County hotspot, famed for its lively boardwalk and summer crowds. Duration: 3-4 hours.
Dip into the lesser-seen Hampton Salt Marsh Conservation Area, a network of boardwalks through cordgrass where herons stalk and kayakers glide in silence.
Another tucked-away treat: the Hampton Historical Society’s Tuck Museum, with its firehouse relics and one-room schoolhouse, offering a nostalgic peek sans beachgoers.
Activities include strolling the Hampton Beach State Park boardwalk for amusements and concerts, swimming in the Atlantic, visiting the Casino Ballroom for shows, exploring the Seashell Stage for free events, and savoring saltwater taffy from vendors.
North Hampton, NH (Quiet Beach Escape)
Retreat to manicured gardens and serene sands in this understated Route 1 town.
A brief stop on Route 1 in this Rockingham County community, offering refined coastal respites. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Activities include wandering Fuller Gardens for rose collections and conservatories, exploring North Hampton State Beach for swimming, visiting the Little Boars Head historic district, hiking Sagamore Creek trails, and picnicking with ocean breezes.
Rye, NH (Rocky Coastline)
Explore jagged shores and affluent enclaves where Route 1 hugs the Atlantic’s dramatic turns.
End the day in this Rockingham County town along Route 1, known for its upscale beaches and natural preserves. Duration: 2-3 hours (overnight recommended).
Activities include swimming at Wallis Sands State Beach, touring the Seacoast Science Center for marine exhibits, exploring Odiorne Point State Park trails, visiting the Rye Historical Society museum, and dining on lobster rolls with ocean views.
Day 2: Central Seacoast – Rye to Portsmouth to Kittery
Wind Route 1 through historic ports and brewery scenes, with detours to forgotten forts and tidal rivers.
Portsmouth, NH (Port City Gem)
Sail into this vibrant harbor town where Route 1 bridges colonial past and craft present.
Head north on Route 1 to this Rockingham County seaport, a nexus of history, arts, and brews. Duration: 4-6 hours.
Off the tourist map, uncover the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company’s lesser-sailed routes to offshore islands like Star Island, with abandoned hotels and ghostly lore.
Another secret: the Gundalow Company’s Piscataqua River sails on flat-bottom barges, recreating 18th-century trade with hands-on hauling and river ecology talks.
For a hidden haunt: the Point of Graves Burial Ground, Portsmouth’s oldest cemetery with slate stones from the 1600s, tucked in a quiet corner for contemplative visits.
Activities include touring Strawbery Banke Museum for living history in preserved homes, visiting the USS Albacore submarine museum, exploring Market Square for shops and cafes, cruising Portsmouth Harbor for lighthouse views, and sampling flights at local breweries like Smuttynose.
Kittery, ME (Outlet Outpost)
Shop tax-free at Maine’s southern gateway, where Route 1 briefly dips north before your NH focus.
Note: As Route 1 crosses into Maine, but to cap NH’s seacoast, include this border hop for outlets. Duration: 2-3 hours (overnight in Portsmouth).
Activities include browsing Kittery Premium Outlets for deals, visiting the Kittery Trading Post for outdoor gear, exploring Fort McClary State Historic Site, strolling the Piscataqua River waterfront, and tasting Maine craft beers.
Day 3: Northern Seacoast – Kittery to York to Wells
Though NH’s Route 1 ends at Portsmouth, extend conceptually north into Maine’s adjacent coast for a fuller seacoast arc, focusing on NH-adjacent gems.
York, ME (Cliff Walks)
Climb to iconic lighthouses in this York County town, extending NH’s coastal theme on Route 1.
Head north on Route 1 into Maine for this beachy enclave, famed for its candy and capes. Duration: 3-4 hours.
Unveil the Hartley Mason Reserve’s secluded cliff paths, winding through private estates with ocean sprays and wildflower meadows.
Another obscure allure: the Wiggly Bridge, a miniature suspension span over a tidal creek, swaying gently for a fun, forgotten crossing.
Activities include photographing Nubble Lighthouse from Sohier Park, exploring York’s Wild Kingdom for zoo and amusements, strolling Long Sands Beach, visiting the Old York Museum for colonial buildings, and tasting taffy at Goldenrod.
Ogunquit, ME (Artistic Enclave)
Wrap with dramatic cliffs and galleries in this York County gem, capping your extended Seacoast run.
Finish north on Route 1 in this artsy village, renowned for its playhouse and paths. Duration: 3-4 hours (extend for Maine handover).
Probe the Ogunquit Museum of American Art’s sculpture gardens, with oceanfront installations that feel like private discoveries amid waves.
A concealed cove: Perkins Cove’s back alleys, leading to lobster pounds and tide pools teeming with sea stars away from main drags.
Activities include walking the Marginal Way cliff path for views, touring the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, exploring Perkins Cove for shops and boats, swimming at Ogunquit Beach, and catching a show at Ogunquit Playhouse.
Wells, ME (Sanctuary Shores)
Traverse protected marshes in this York County haven, where Route 1 parallels wildlife refuges.
Conclude with this quiet coastal town on Route 1, emphasizing conservation and beaches. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Activities include hiking the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge trails for birding, swimming at Wells Beach, exploring the Wells Auto Museum for vintage cars, visiting the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, and picnicking amid dunes.
This brief but bold dash along New Hampshire’s Route 1 captures the Seacoast’s salty soul—from dune beaches to port brews—with staples and secrets beyond the interstate. Whether lighthouse beams or marsh whispers stay, this trip unveils the Granite’s coastal grit. For a languid end, revisit Portsmouth or push to Kennebunk—coordinates and your seafaring spark will sail on. For more Granite lore, see our All About New Hampshire guide.