Hampton Beach main beach provides year-round recreation, with Atlantic oceanfront facilities situated along miles of sandy beach. This is the most popular / visited beach on the seacoast of New Hampshire. The Seashell Oceanfront Pavilion includes a band shell amphitheater, public information services, comfort station and first aid. Metered parking from 8 am to 12 am seven (7) days / week including holidays is available along Ocean Boulevard and costs vary depending upon the season with May 1 through October 1 being more expensive.
There are three (3) municipal parking lots, Ashworth Ave, Island Path and Church St, and each is operated by the Town of Hampton as pay and display lots. This means you pay at the meter and display the printed ticket on the dash of your car. There is currently no mobile app and each meter is credit / debit card only so NO cash or coin accepted.
It is a flat rate for the day meaning you pay once and your ticket will not expire until the following day. All three (3) parking lots hours of operation are 7:00 am - 2:00 am Sunday through Saturday so seven (7) days / week. Any other parking lot at Hampton Beach is either privately owned and operated or owned and operated by the State of New Hampshire.
Lifeguards are on duty at Hampton Beach longer than anywhere else on the NH seacoast from June 1 to the weekend after Labor Day (aka Hampton Beach Seafood Festival). Public restrooms exist on Ocean Blvd. just north of A St. from 7:30 am to 9 pm everyday and just north of F St., across the street from the Casino Ballroom and near the Seashell Oceanfront Pavilion, from 7:30 am to 5 pm. Given the number of businesses at Hampton Beach, there are also several private restrooms available for patrons.
Pets are not allowed on Hampton Beach from May 1 to October 31, service animals are permitted in accordance with the ADA, but are fine from November 1 to April 30 on a retractable or standard leash no longer than 6’ in length.
Alcohol, firearms and fires are not permitted on Hampton Beach.
The heart of Hampton Beach is its vibrant boardwalk, connecting the beach with an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, bike rides, or even surrey rides along the coast, taking in the scenic views and lively atmosphere.
A centerpiece of Hampton Beach entertainment since the late 1800s, the Casino Ballroom hosts concerts from national touring acts from April to November. With a capacity of 1,800 seats, it's a must-visit venue for music enthusiasts. Efforts are underway to greatly expand the Casino Ballroom’s footprint and would also include a convention center and hotel(s). The Seashell Stage offers free nightly entertainment throughout the summer, featuring a diverse range of performances from big band sounds to country and western music.
Hampton Beach was rated in the Top 3 Cleanest Beaches in the United States by the National Resources Defense Council. The beach hosts weekly Wednesday night fireworks from mid June to until the week before Labor Day weekend throughout the summer as well as on the 4th of July and the Sunday night of Labor Day weekend. And Mon nights from July through August there is a free family friendly movie shown on the beach next to the playground.
Annual events throughout the summer include the Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic, by invitation only, every June with a top prize of $50,000, Country Music Fest every July, Hampton Beach Children’s Festival every August and the annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival held the weekend after Labor Day.
The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom has been a central attraction for well over 100 years and recently placed in the top 30 for worldwide ticket sales in venues under 3,000 seats.
