Your Guide to Experiencing the NH Seacoast in the Offseason
What’s open along the Seacoast in the offseason? This is a question that we field frequently throughout the winter months and, not to fear, there is no shortage of fun occurring along the Seacoast this time of year!
Travel down the Seacoast with us to find out where to spend your time to maximize and make the most of your winter stay:
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Known as an historic seaport and popular tourist destination, Portsmouth is also one of the oldest cities in the United States. As the cultural and commercial hub of the Seacoast region, Portsmouth is as bright and bustling as ever during the winter months. Sure, you may have to bundle up, but there are many charming reasons to venture to this quintessential New England coastal town in the offseason. From its historical landmarks, tourist attractions, and eclectic shops to its plethora of renowned restaurants, taprooms and taverns, there is plenty to experience in Portsmouth.
Wine & Dine Your Way through Town: From coffee, breakfast and brunch to lunch, breweries, bars and dinner, you won’t go hungry or thirsty here. You really can’t go wrong with any choice you make, but we’ll make some recommendations to steer you in the right direction. Kick off your day at White Heron Tea & Coffee, a cozy neighborhood staple serving organic java & teas, as well as tasty wraps & other delicious cafe fare. After you explore downtown Portsmouth and work up your appetite for lunch, fuel up with an artisan sandwich and smoothie or a locally-inspired salad from The Works Cafe. Have a different kind of fuel in mind? Liars Bench Beer Co. has you covered. Housed in an old plumbing supply warehouse in Portsmouth’s up and coming West End, Liars Bench is an independently owned nano-brewery, tap room and biergarten that offers an ever-rotating selection of intentionally brewed, traditionally inspired ales and lagers, as well as a playful menu built for the beer drinker and their brethren. After a couple of libations, make your way to dinner. From the waterfront building that is home to the dim, cozy Black Trumpet, and the eclectic share plates and kicky cocktails at Moxy, to the 1785 mansion that houses legendary New England steakhouse The Library, and the comfort food served at the intimate street-corner spot Cure, you’ll be happy wherever you choose to dine.
Self-Guided Walking Tour through Downtown: Beautifully preserved historic buildings, homes and churches abound in New Hampshire’s oldest settlement. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the North Church and, if you time it right, you might be able to catch a look at Strawbery Banke Museum’s furnished historic houses during the annual Candlelight Stroll.
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond: Enjoy classic New England ice skating at Strawbery Banke's seasonal and professionally maintained outdoor rink. (Did you know that when Europeans first settled here, Portsmouth was called Strawbery Banke?) Online ticketing is available, and the most up-to-date schedule can be found on their Facebook page.
Visit the Unique Local Shops: Stroll along the brick sidewalks of downtown Portsmouth as you sidewalk shop and familiarize yourself with its variety of eclectic stores. Pop into The Refill Station to peruse a selection of eco-friendly and sustainable products. Enjoy getting lost in the stacks? Spend time browsing or buying books at Riverrun Bookstore. No matter what piques your interest, you’ll find an array of exciting shops ranging from brand-name clothing stores and unique boutiques to upscale kitchen stores, gift and card shops, fine jewelry stores, toy emporiums, bookstores and much more.
Catch a Show at The Music Hall: The Music Hall opened its doors in 1878 as a Vaudeville theater, bringing a fresh cultural vibrancy to the city of Portsmouth. Fast forward 140 years and The Music Hall, now with a second theater, has been pivotal in a revitalization of downtown into one of the most robust arts destinations in New England.
Rye, New Hampshire
As you travel down the Seacoast, you’ll land in the coastal gem of Rye, which is just a short drive south of Portsmouth and home to several state parks along the Atlantic coastline.
Odiorne Point State Park: If the weather and your skill level permits, enjoy the miles of walking trails and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean along Odiorne Point State Park’s rocky shore. The 135-acre park is always open for recreation unless otherwise posted. During off hours and the off-season the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available and gates may be closed, so recreationists are encouraged to possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to ensure their own safety.
Seacoast Science Center: Located on the grounds of Odiorne Point State Park, the Seacoast Science Center features an opportunity to engage in hands-on discovery about the habitats and creatures of New Hampshire’s coast. The Indoor Tide Pool Touch Tank is always a favorite stop. Here, you can hold sea stars, sea urchins, hermit crabs and other creatures that live on the rocky shore just outside the Center’s door.
Jenness State Beach: Believe it or not, Jenness State Beach attracts avid, devoted surfers all year-round. Like Odiorne State Park, while the park is open for recreation unless otherwise noted, it is not staffed in the off-season. That being said, you can still enjoy its amazing views of the Atlantic.
Rye Harbor State Park: Hoping to soak in as much nature as possible during your stay? Rye State Park affords scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Isles of Shoals, and Rye Harbor (also called Ragged Neck).
Time to Dine: One of our favorites includes The Carriage House, which serves upscale American cuisine highlighting seafood presented in a relaxed backdrop with ocean views. Another foolproof dining option is PARKD, an appropriate name for a popular Seacoast food truck operation that decides to settle in one place. Boasting high ceilings and an open concept kitchen, this eclectic eatery features an expansive, mouthwatering menu.
Hampton, New Hampshire
Head about 15 minutes south of Rye and you’ll land in Hampton, the home of Hampton Beach. In the summer, it’s known for its lively boardwalk lined with souvenir shops, pizzerias, ice cream parlors, and arcades. Sure, a lot of the action may be closed during the winter months, but the locals know what’s up:
Hampton Beach Walk: Enjoy the peaceful bliss of this beautiful beach without its sands being dotted with tourists as far as you can see - one of the best perks of witnessing the magic of the amazing sea in the offseason! In fact, on a warm afternoon or on the fading light, the horizon is as flat as glass and shadows stretch halfway across the sandy horizon.
Check Out the Ocean Gaming Casino: Feeling lucky? Or in the mood for some energy and entertainment? The Ocean Gaming Casino is open for gaming everyday until 1a ET and offers free parking from November through March.
Always Time to Eat & Drink: Do yourself a favor and check out Flamingo’s Coffee Bar. Known for their stellar specialty coffee and unique coffee flights, it’s a must-visit. Brunch, lunch or dinner? On certain days of the week, you may indulge in all 3 at the original location of The Goat, a Western-themed joint offering American comfort grub, whiskey & frequent live country music. For a casual atmosphere with ocean views, seafood and live music, put the Boardwalk Cafe & Pub on your list. In the mood for American food and local brews? Make a reservation at the Old Salt Inn, a family-owned and operated mainstay.
In our opinion, there are two primary factors that make winter getaways spectacular along the Seacoast: the first is the unobstructed, undisturbed views of the Atlantic Ocean combined with the feeling you get while experiencing a trip to a peaceful beach in the colder months of the year; and, PRICES! From short term rentals to restaurants and bars, you’ll get a bigger bang for your buck this time of year.
Stay tuned for our follow up post, which will highlight your many winter getaway options while visiting Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts and Plum Island, Massachusetts in the offseason!