Rockingham County encompasses all 18 miles of New Hampshire’s Atlantic coastline. But the region is more than just its waterfront: rocky shores, dune beaches, lakes and protected landscapes sit alongside places where literary and colonial history come to life.
Coastline Between Rocks and Dunes
At Odiorne Point State Park, ocean views and a rocky shoreline shape the experience. The park also has an extensive network of trails, and the Seacoast Science Center offers educational programs there. The landscape and learning opportunities give a visit to the coast its own distinctive character.
Hampton Beach State Park is located on an expansive beach with sand dunes. Swimming is one of the summer activities there. The park also has an RV campground with full hookups; conditions and availability may change. Campground conditions and availability may change, so check the latest information before your trip.
Lakes, Trails and Protected Areas
Pawtuckaway State Park has a 700-foot family beach on a lake. Hiking trails lead to a fire tower on a mountain summit. The Pawtuckaway Mountains form the outline of an ancient volcanic ring dike, dating back 130 to 110 million years. A specific trail destination and a far-reaching geological history come together here.
Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Rockingham County is the largest protected land area on the Great Bay Estuary. Visitors can watch wildlife, hike and cycle there; the refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. These details give your plans a clear time frame, while the activities offer different ways to explore nature.
The 44-acre Kingston State Park is located on Kingston Pond, also known as Great Pond. Parking is limited, so visitors can reserve a parking space before arriving. It’s worth planning for parking before your visit.
History in Homes and Landscapes
The nearly 10-acre Strawbery Banke Museum is located in the Puddle Dock neighborhood of Portsmouth, in Rockingham County, and is dedicated to bringing history to life. Visitors can explore historic homes, preservation gardens, exhibits and traditional crafts. The variety of themes offers several cultural points of interest, making the museum about more than just architecture.
The Robert Frost Farm Historic Site has a literary connection tied to a specific period: it was home to Robert Frost and his family from 1900 to 1911. The historic site hosts poetry readings. The grounds and trails around the house and barn are open year-round from dusk until dawn—a helpful detail when planning your visit.
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site offers a glimpse into another chapter of colonial history. This expansive, 40-room mansion is one of the finest surviving houses from that era and was the former home of Benning Wentworth, New Hampshire’s first royal governor.
Fort Stark State Historic Site also combines history with a coastal view. It features military artifacts and information about the 22nd Coastal Artillery during World War II. A walking trail with an informational guide and views of the Atlantic Ocean add an outdoor exploration opportunity to the historical experience.
For the eastern part of Rockingham County, COAST’s TripLink provides information and referrals for transportation services.
Discover more destinations: Hampton, Exeter, Portsmouth, Sandown, Seabrook, Northwood, North Hampton, Hampton Falls, Windham, Rye, Londonderry, Candia, Atkinson, Greenland.
For the broader travel overview: New Hampshire.
