Summer in
Portsmouth &
on the Seacoast
Sandy Beaches, Patio Dining, and Outdoor Exploring
Summer on the Seacoast means sunshine and salt air, al fresco dining, and a calendar packed with events — everything a classic New England summer should be! Spend your day at the beach, explore Portsmouth’s historic sites, savor a lobster roll and a craft brew, and cap it off with an evening of live entertainment. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a weekend of exploring, summer on the Seacoast offers the perfect mix of coastal relaxation and vibrant energy. From kayak tours and whale watching to the Prescott Park Arts Festival, and tax-free shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In the Spotlight
See the Seacoast from the Water
There’s no better way to experience the Seacoast in summer than from the water. Set sail from Portsmouth for fresh ocean air, harbor views, historic landmarks, and a whole new perspective on the coast. Choose your cruise, climb aboard, and let the Seacoast do the rest.
Ready to plan your summer getaway?
Use our Trip Planner to save your favorite spots, organize your must-do activities, and build a custom Seacoast itinerary filled with beaches, dining, events, and summer adventures.
Harbor Highlights
Big Hits: Ghosts, Films & Fall Flavors: Your Guide to Autumn Events on the Seacoast
October is when Portsmouth really starts showing off, and on the big screen too. There are movies, ghosts, pumpkins, costumes, good food and enough… Read more
Fall in Love with Seacoast Menus
Fall in Portsmouth has a way of showing off. Not just through crudely carved pumpkin smiles, but through chefs’ menus, too! Around the Seacoast,… Read more
Portsmouth’s White Mountains and Working Waterfront
They’re not mountains, of course (we know that!) They’re piles of road salt, stored along the working waterfront for the New Hampshire winter ahead…. Read more
Let’s Get Coastal
Summer FAQs
Absolutely! It’s the region’s most popular season for good reason. Warm weather, sandy beaches, a full cultural calendar, local breweries, waterfront dining, and some of the best seafood in New England all come together along this 18 mile stretch of coast between June and August. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a long weekend, or a spontaneous day trip, summer delivers.
The Seacoast is home to several beautiful beaches, including Wallis Sands and Jenness State Beach in Rye, NH, and Short Sands and Long Beach in Kittery, ME. Other beaches and coastal parks throughout the region offer places for swimming, picnicking, bird watching, fishing, and boating.
The Seacoast has a rich arts and culture scene that hits its stride in summer. Portsmouth’s weekly Summer in the Street event transforms downtown into a car-free open-air concert venue featuring local artists. The summer-long Prescott Park Arts Festival includes live music, family-friendly movie nights, dance performances, and more. Music by the Sea in Rye hosts oceanfront sunset concerts, and the Seacoast Repertory Theatre keeps the theater calendar full. For history buffs, there are guided walks along the Portsmouth Harbour Trail, visits to Strawbery Banke Museum, and opportunities to learn more about African American history on the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail of NH.
Warm weather and longer days make summer the perfect time for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing lessons, boating, deep-sea fishing, biking, hiking, coastal walks, and whale watching along the Seacoast. From cruises on the Piscataqua River and rail biking along decommissioned tracks to hiking the Odiorne Point Loop Trail at the Seacoast Science Center, opportunities for outdoor adventure are plentiful.
Families can enjoy beaches, museums, parks, boat rides, interactive attractions, and outdoor adventures throughout the Seacoast. From the Seacoast Science Center and nearby Water Country to Strawbery Banke Museum with its costumed role players, the region offers events and activities for all ages.
