Hampton Beach State Park — Attraction in Hampton

One of the best beach parks we’ve ever visited! Hampton Beach State Park exceeded our expectations in every way.

From the moment we arrived, everything was well-maintained, organized, and welcoming. We had reserved parking online (which I highly recommend during peak season), and the process was smooth — staff checked our name and plate, and we were parked in no time. The parking lot is close to the beach, so we didn’t have to walk far with our gear.

The beach itself is beautiful — wide, clean, and covered with soft sand. It’s perfect for walking, playing, or just relaxing by the waves. The water was chilly but refreshing, and the lifeguards on duty gave us peace of mind while the kids played near the shoreline. We found plenty of space even on a busy Saturday, and the whole atmosphere felt safe and family-friendly.

Facilities were excellent. Clean restrooms, changing areas, and a small playground added extra convenience for families. The staff was friendly and helpful. It was also nice to see how well the park enforces rules like no littering and no idling, which helps keep the air fresh and the area pleasant for everyone.

We stayed well into the evening and watched the sunset — absolutely breathtaking. Afterward, we walked along the lively boardwalk just outside the state park, which was full of shops, arcades, restaurants, and live music. It’s the perfect way to end a beach day.

Although we didn’t use the campground this time, we saw plenty of RVs set up near the water, and it looked like a great option for those staying overnight.

In short, Hampton Beach State Park is clean, beautiful, well-managed, and offers a great balance of nature and fun. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a full beach day, it’s well worth it. We’ll definitely be coming back — maybe next time...

My experience is past week on the first week they did fireworks was horrible there were people filming little kids in the playground there were people smoking marijuana everywhere on the boardwalk police walking by nobody cared about anything or the regards of children. There was litter on the beach almost everywhere nobody picked up anything and it was super packed and just dirty. Very disappointing from the Hampton beach I grew up with where you could go there with your family and enjoy a day by the boardwalk or on the beach and everybody was somewhat conservative. I understand that kinds of change but to have respect for yourself that's never changed that's a emotion deep down that people have to deal with I guess. The simple fact I don't want my kids to she women dress provocatively all a beach. I understand that women may be comfortable with their bodies but when you're wearing A song bikini next to your 15-year-old child or 5-year-old child it honestly doesn't matter it shouldn't be acceptable in my eyes. I understand everybody has their own opinion but the lack of class and human dignity was disgusting. I guess Hampton should just be considered you're the party beach for everybody that wants to catch in STD. I would advise for you never to bring your children there again. The boardwalk that we once knew is no longer that boardwalk. It is just a cesspool at this point in time. Very sad to see and to witness. The childhood beach I once knew that my Grandmother had brought me to is officially not cared for and destroyed. I can officially say this will be the last ti'm I bring my children to Hampton Beach N.H. Very Sad! Oh and last, but not least Hampton...

Visited there Tuesday 10/01/24 during a "leaf viewing tour" of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. This was a little side trip to see a different side of NH. We arrived at 10 am and there was plenty of parking available in the state park beach lots. It was a gorgeous day with temps in the low 70's and scattered clouds. There were plenty of locals out in the beach as well as walkers/runners, but not the crowds you would see during peak season.

The actual beach area is very wide and long - one of the nicer beaches along the New England coastal area. Overall it was very clean, the sand was "manicured", and there were a few life guards on duty along with some emergency responders. There is bathroom access in the two main parking areas. For public beach bathrooms, they were the cleanest I've ever seen! This is a very nice beach, beautiful small town, and scenic. It's definitely worth a visit and a multiple day stay. Definitely a 5 star New England beach.

Note: Since peak beach season has passed in that area, the were no crowds and many of the boardwalk restaurants and businesses were closed. I was told by the few that were open that those business either open only on the weekends or were fully closed for the season. If you're going for a visit expecting everything to be open, local activities and a vibrant night life, be sure to check in advance to make sure...