The White Mountains get most of the attention during New Hampshire fall foliage season, but autumn looks just as good in a very different setting along the Seacoast. In Exeter, fall color fills historic streets, follows the Squamscott River, and continues east toward Portsmouth and the coastline.
The timing is different, too. While northern New Hampshire and higher elevations generally turn first, southern and coastal New Hampshire follow later. That makes Exeter a particularly good choice for visitors planning a later October trip.
If you’re deciding where to stay for fall foliage in New Hampshire, the Seacoast gives you more to add to your itinerary than just foliage alone. You can walk through historic Exeter, spend an afternoon in Portsmouth, drive toward the coast, have dinner downtown, and still see plenty of fall color along the way.
When Seacoast Foliage Peaks
So when does fall foliage peak in New Hampshire? There isn’t one date that applies to the entire state. Color generally develops first in northern New Hampshire and at higher elevations before moving south.
The White Mountains typically see their strongest foliage during the first half of October, while southern and coastal New Hampshire tend to follow later in the month. For Exeter and the Seacoast, the second half of October is generally the period to watch.
Weather, wind, rainfall, and temperature can move that schedule from year to year, so check the New Hampshire fall foliage tracker shortly before your trip for current conditions.
Foliage Right in Exeter: You Don’t Need to Drive Far
One of the best things about a fall trip to Exeter is how much you can see without planning an entire day around a scenic drive.
Swasey Parkway
Swasey Parkway follows the Squamscott River just off downtown Exeter. The waterfront park covers about 7.5 acres and extends roughly 0.58 mile along the river, with trees and benches lining the route.
In fall, it’s an easy place for a morning or late-afternoon walk. Plus, it’s located right next to downtown, so you can extend your walk to explore even more of Exeter.
Downtown Exeter
Exeter’s historic downtown is especially attractive in fall. Mature trees line streets filled with historic architecture, while the Bandstand, Water Street, shops, restaurants, and nearby riverfront give you plenty to explore on foot.
Exeter was founded in 1638 and played an important role in New Hampshire’s Revolutionary-era history, so there’s more here than scenery. You can spend a morning walking downtown, stop for coffee or lunch, visit a historic site, and head toward the river without getting back in the car.
For anyone interested in fall foliage on the Seacoast of New Hampshire, this is part of what makes Exeter such a great home base. The foliage isn’t isolated from everything else you’re here to see.
A Short Scenic Drive: Exeter to Portsmouth and the Coast
If you want to spend part of the day exploring the Seacoast, head east from Exeter toward Portsmouth and continue toward New Castle or Rye.
Portsmouth adds historic neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, and waterfront scenery to the day. Continuing toward the coast gives you another perspective on fall in New Hampshire, with colorful hardwoods appearing alongside harbors, historic homes, tidal landscapes, and the Atlantic.
Rather than trying to follow a rigid route, give yourself time to stop when something catches your attention. You can spend part of the day in Portsmouth, continue toward the coast, and return to Exeter for the evening. It’s an easy way to see more of the Seacoast during a colorful time of year.
Where to Stay: Inn by the Bandstand
If you’re planning a Seacoast foliage trip, where you stay matters. Being based in downtown Exeter means Swasey Parkway, the town’s historic streets, restaurants, and shops are close by, while Portsmouth and the coast are convenient additions to your itinerary.
One of the most unique hotels in Exeter, NH, our boutique inn offers something very different from a conventional hotel.
The Inn occupies an 1809 Federal-style mansion directly across from Exeter’s historic Bandstand. It has eight individually decorated guest rooms and suites, furnished with antiques, artwork, and fine linens. Seven of the eight accommodations have fireplaces, and several overlook downtown.
Breakfast is also available by advance reservation, with à la carte choices ranging from seasonal fruit and granola to French omelets and French toast, served in the dining room, on the patio when weather allows, or in your room for an additional charge.
A few reasons a fall foliage stay here works particularly well:
- Walkable location. Leave the car at the Inn and explore downtown Exeter, Swasey Parkway, shops, historic sites, and restaurants on foot.
- On-site dining. Ambrose Restaurant is located at the Inn, so you can come back from a day exploring the Seacoast and have dinner located right outside your door.
- Distinctive guest rooms. Each of the eight rooms and suites is individually designed, and seven have fireplaces, an especially welcome feature after a cool October day.
- Historic setting. Staying in an 1809 mansion in the center of Exeter makes the hotel an unforgettable part of the trip.
Book your stay and make Inn by the Bandstand your home base for a fall trip to Exeter and the New Hampshire Seacoast.
A Sample Seacoast Foliage Weekend
Friday evening: Arrive at Inn by the Bandstand and settle in. Walk through downtown Exeter and along Swasey Parkway before returning for dinner at Ambrose.
Saturday: Spend the morning in Exeter, then drive toward Portsmouth. Explore downtown and the waterfront, have lunch, and continue toward New Castle or Rye for more coastal scenery before heading back to Exeter.
Sunday: Enjoy a slower morning in town, have breakfast at the Inn if you’ve made an advance reservation, and take one last walk through downtown or along the river before checking out.
It’s a simple itinerary, but that’s the point. You can see New Hampshire fall foliage, explore several distinctly different places, and still have time to enjoy where you’re staying.
FAQ: Fall Foliage in Exeter and the Seacoast
When does fall foliage peak on the New Hampshire Seacoast?
The Seacoast generally reaches its strongest color later than northern and mountain regions. For Exeter, the second half of October is typically the period to watch, although conditions vary each year.
When does fall foliage peak in New Hampshire?
There isn’t one statewide peak. New Hampshire fall foliage moves broadly from north to south, beginning in northern areas and at higher elevations before reaching southern and coastal New Hampshire later in October.
What is the best time to visit New Hampshire in the fall?
The best time to visit New Hampshire in the fall depends on where you’re going. Earlier October generally works better for northern and mountain destinations, while later October is typically better for Exeter and the Seacoast.
Is Exeter a good base for seeing fall foliage?
Yes. Exeter combines foliage around its historic downtown and the Squamscott River with easy access to Portsmouth and the New Hampshire coast. It’s particularly well suited to visitors who want restaurants, history, shopping, and coastal day trips alongside fall scenery.
Do I need a car to see fall foliage in Exeter?
Not for everything. Downtown Exeter and Swasey Parkway can be explored on foot, particularly if you’re staying at Inn by the Bandstand. A car is useful for visiting Portsmouth, New Castle, Rye, and other parts of the Seacoast.
Are there hotels in Exeter, NH for a fall foliage weekend?
Yes. When comparing hotels in Exeter, NH, location is worth considering. Inn by the Bandstand is directly in historic downtown Exeter, across from the Bandstand, with restaurants, shops, historic sites, and Swasey Parkway nearby. The Inn has eight individually decorated guest rooms and suites, seven with fireplaces, giving it a much different character from a conventional hotel.
Can I combine a foliage trip with a visit to Portsmouth?
Yes. Portsmouth is an easy day trip from Exeter and adds historic neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, and waterfront scenery. You can also continue toward New Castle or Rye to spend more time along the coast.
What should I pack for a late October trip to the Seacoast?
Bring layers, a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and rain protection if it’s in the forecast. October weather can change considerably between morning and evening.