visiting seacoast in the summer (Manchester, Rochester: houses, to buy, live)

[maestramommy]

Anyone have family friendly suggestions for places to go this summer? We'll be driving out from Manchester and don't want to spend too much time on the road. Someplace with a boardwalk, sand where we can pitch a sun cover and have lunch, maybe splash around in the water with tiny toddlers. And BTW, do NHites care about women nursing babies in public? I wouldn't think so, in the Live Free or Die state, but don't want to presume. I don't think you have any laws either way on the books here.

[Verseau]

Hampton Beach is the "typical" beach town on the coast, with big sandy beaches, lots of tacky tourist shops and food shacks, etc... (oddly enough, I don't think think there's actually a boardwalk... have to go to Old Orchard in Maine for that). At any rate, it's a fun place to spend a summer day, but keep in mind that the ocean water might be a bit cold for toddlers... heck, even for adults. It's usually around 60-65 degrees... but colder in June (pretty much unswimable in my opinion).

There are smaller, less commercialized beaches on the seacoast, but I'm not sure if that's what your looking for.

Have you considered going to a lake instead? The water's warmer. Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee is only about 15 minutes farther from Manchester than the seacoast... and of course there are lots of more tranquil, secluded beaches nearby.

[maestramommy]

Actually, I'm thinking smaller, less commercialized is better. Weirs Beach sounds great too. It'd be nice if there was a place to buy a soda or ice cream. Otherwise we're not interested in souvenir shops and the like. Definitely not interested in crowds. The reason I ask about boardwalks is because we'd probably bring a stroller with us.

[NH2NCMom]

Then Weirs is definitely the place to go - or one of the smaller "parks" along the ocean between Hampton and York Beach -- Rye, N. Hampton and others are all along the Rte 1 corridor, lovely drive.

Weirs is the lake and it has a boardwalk somewhat, along with shops and such - as well as a sandy beach. Milton (north of Rochester) has a public beach too - for their "lake/pond" - you pay a nominal fee for access/parking for the day.

[steveusaf]

I think York Beach is much more family friendly than Hampton Beach. If I were 19 and single, looking for a good time, Hampton is where I'd want to go. York, not so much. Now that I have a 3 year old, I like York. A little less crowded, but more importantly, not the trouble that plagues Hampton. I believe it's all the Mass people from places like Lynn, Saugus, Salisbury, and Revere that are causing the trouble. Probably not fair to point out those towns, but you know what I mean. Just the vibe I got from growing up right between the two beaches....

[rmcewan]

Without a doubt, Jenness State Beach in Rye is the best beach in NH.

Jenness State Beach - Rye, NH

However, Newcastle Beach Park (Newcastle NH) is a very fine place for a picnic. Small beach, rock pools, a jetty, nice playground and a breathtaking view of the lighthouses, the Piscataqua River mouth, the islands, etc.

[maestramommy]

Wow, these all sound great, thanks! When does the weather get warm enough to visit the beach? Not necessarily to go swimming, but wading and splashing. Dh grew up in NJ and said that Pacific waters are much colder, but I don't have any personal experience.

[Valerie C]

Actually, some of us probably go to the beach more often in the 'off season' than in summer. I've spent the past few Sundays at the beach. 2 weeks ago we were bundled up, I had a scarf wrapped around my head almost up to my eyeballs. Stayed on the beach about 15 minutes. Then went to Browns to get some seafood Last week it was lovely, my dog got to run and play with the many many other dogs on the beach, bunch of horses as well. DH and DS walked all the way out to the end of the jetty. No 'swimmers' but more than a few waders and splashers. Water temp is probably just about 60, too cold for me!

That said, when I want to go to the beach, I head for Maine. The Hampton Beach that I went to as a child and teenager is no more. It's a shame to be on the beach and see people with no respect for themselves or anything/anyone around them, leave their cigarette butts, empty soda cans and dirty diapers on the beach. The beach I prefer in Maine has been, for as long as I can remember, considered the 'alternate lifestyles' beach, but it's clean, beautiful and during daylight hours anyway, discreet. Good enough for my family and I!

[Verseau]

Originally Posted by maestramommy

Wow, these all sound great, thanks! When does the weather get warm enough to visit the beach? Not necessarily to go swimming, but wading and splashing. Dh grew up in NJ and said that Pacific waters are much colder, but I don't have any personal experience.

It's true that, in general, the Pacific is much colder than the Atlantic during the summer, but the water in Northern New England is still quite cold. It's not until you get to Cape Cod and points south that you find water 70 degrees or warmer during the summer.

I don't think I would really consider wading or splashing in the ocean before June, haha. Even then...it's frigid. The warmest ocean temps are in early August.

Of course, you could certainly enjoy the sunshine on the beach as early as May (or even April -- last year it was over 80 degrees one day at the end of the month, and everyone flocked to the beach!)

[lisa g]

Considering coastal S. ME for a beach trip - what is the Kittery Point area like? If one is staying beachside, is there enough nearby to keep a family relaxed yet entertained? It seems that way. Are there any negatives to the area to be aware of?