The Seacoast

Historic Towns. Scenic
Beaches. Local Character.

Stretching from southern Maine to New Hampshire’s border with Massachusetts, the Seacoast combines rich history, local character, and vibrant arts and culture. From working waterfronts and white-steepled churches to seasonal festivals and scenic dining, this stretch of New England coast has been welcoming visitors since the 1600s. The city of Portsmouth anchors the region with its walkable downtown, acclaimed restaurants, and 400 years of living history. Venture a little further to explore the galleries and indie shops of Kittery, Maine, and the New Hampshire beach towns that line the coast from New Castle to Hampton.

The Piscataqua River

At the heart of the Seacoast is the Piscataqua River, a defining feature that shapes both the landscape and the region’s identity. Flowing between New Hampshire and Maine, this powerful tidal estuary connects inland rivers to the Atlantic and forms Portsmouth Harbor, one of the region’s most significant coastal waterways.

Named by the area’s original Abenaki inhabitants, the river has long served as a gateway for commerce, shipbuilding, fishing, and trade. It was here that some of the earliest European settlers established communities in the 1600s, drawn by abundant natural resources and the deep-water harbor. Today, it remains a vital working waterfront and a gateway to the broader Seacoast, linking communities across state lines.

A Destination for Every Season

Enjoy seaside dining, browse local shops and galleries, explore museums, or catch live music. Visit historic forts and lighthouses, paddle quiet waterways, hike scenic trails, or set out on the water for a boating adventure. From summer beach days to fall foliage weekends to cozy winter getaways, there’s always something new to discover on the Seacoast.