Exeter is one of the most appealing small towns in New England, rich in history and culture and featuring an easygoing downtown scene. Just minutes from the New Hampshire coast, this Seacoast destination offers the best of both worlds: coastal adventure and classic town charm. Each season offers something different, from colorful fall harbor views to crisp winter walks by the water. Yet, spring and summer are truly the best times thanks to warmer temperatures, vibrant beach towns, open-air dining, and long sunlit days along the New Hampshire coastline.

There are plenty of things to do in Exeter that round out your stay. Browse the Exeter Farmers Market for local produce and artisan goods, join a guided walking tour to uncover Revolutionary era stories, or spend an afternoon shopping along Water Street before heading toward nearby New Hampshire beaches. These experiences add depth to your getaway and pair perfectly with time spent along the New Hampshire coast, giving you both ocean views and authentic small town character in one trip.

Choosing one of the finest Luxury Hotels in New Hampshire completes the experience. Inn by the Bandstand places you in the heart of downtown, offering elegant accommodations, elevated amenities, and attentive hospitality that create a romantic setting for couples exploring the Seacoast. After a day discovering the New Hampshire coast, return to beautifully designed suites and a refined atmosphere that sets this property apart among Luxury Hotels in New Hampshire. Book your stay today and experience Exeter and the coast at their very best.

SECTION TWO
A visit to Exeter becomes even more rewarding when you set aside time for the New Hampshire coast, especially in spring and summer. These months bring warm sunshine, open air patios, bustling harbors, and classic beach days along the New Hampshire coastline. That said, fall introduces crisp air and colorful backdrops along the water, while winter offers a quieter, more intimate perspective on the New Hampshire coast, with fewer crowds and dramatic ocean views that feel distinctly New England.

In spring, seaside towns begin to wake up, shops reopen for the season, and coastal trails are ideal for long walks. Summer is prime time for swimming, boating, and lingering over seafood with a harbor view. Autumn paints the Seacoast in rich color, creating striking contrasts against blue water, and winter invites peaceful shoreline strolls followed by cozy dinners indoors. No matter the season, the New Hampshire coast offers a compelling reason to venture out from Exeter for the day and experience what New Hampshire is known for, maritime history, fresh seafood, scenic beaches, and proud coastal communities.

1. Hampton Beach Hampton Beach is one of the most iconic stops on the New Hampshire coast, especially in summer when the sand fills with sunbathers and the boardwalk buzzes with energy. In spring and fall, the atmosphere is more relaxed, perfect for long shoreline walks and classic fried seafood without peak season crowds. Even in winter, the sweeping ocean views and open beach create a striking setting for a brisk coastal walk.
2. Rye Beach and Jenness State BeachRye Beach and Jenness State Beach are favorites in late spring and summer, when surfers paddle out and beachgoers stretch out under clear skies. During fall, the cooler air and rolling surf make this stretch of the New Hampshire coastline especially scenic, with fewer visitors and wide open sand. In winter, waves crash against the shore with dramatic intensity, drawing photographers and those who appreciate the raw beauty of the Atlantic.
3. PortsmouthPortsmouth is lively year round, though spring and summer bring patio dining, harbor cruises, and outdoor events that showcase the best of the New Hampshire coast. In fall, brick sidewalks and historic homes glow against crisp blue skies, making it an ideal season for walking tours and boutique shopping. Winter adds festive lights, cozy restaurants, and seasonal markets that highlight what New Hampshire is known for, community spirit and rich coastal heritage.
4. Odiorne Point State ParkOdiorne Point is stunning in spring and summer, when walking trails wind past tide pools and ocean overlooks under bright skies. Fall introduces cool breezes and colorful foliage that frame the rocky shoreline, creating a peaceful setting for exploring the park’s historic sites. In winter, the park takes on a quiet, windswept character that reveals a dramatic side of the New Hampshire coast rarely seen in peak season.
5. New CastleNew Castle is particularly charming in late spring and summer, when boats fill the harbor and waterfront parks invite picnics by the water. Autumn brings golden light and calm roads, making it a beautiful spot for a scenic drive along the New Hampshire coastline. In winter, the quiet streets and sweeping harbor views offer a reflective coastal experience that feels both elegant and timeless.
6. Prescott Park shines in spring and summer with blooming gardens and outdoor performances set against the riverfront. During fall, the waterfront paths remain ideal for scenic strolls, with cool air and fewer crowds enhancing the experience. Winter offers peaceful river views and a slower rhythm that still captures the character of the New Hampshire coast.
7. Strawbery Banke Museum is a highlight in any season, with gardens and costumed interpreters bringing history to life in spring and summer. Fall is perfect for exploring historic homes surrounded by crisp air and seasonal color. In winter, the museum’s outdoor ice skating rink becomes a signature attraction, offering a classic New England experience along the New Hampshire coast.
8. The Seacoast Science CenterSpring and summer visits to the Seacoast Science Center allow you to pair interactive exhibits with time outdoors exploring nearby tide pools. In fall, the surrounding park offers striking ocean views and cooler hiking conditions. Winter visits focus on marine education and conservation, providing insight into the ecosystems that define the New Hampshire coast.
9. Wallis Sands State BeachWallis Sands is ideal in summer for swimming and relaxing by the Atlantic. Spring and fall offer wide open stretches of sand and gentle surf, perfect for peaceful walks along the New Hampshire coastline. In winter, the beach becomes a quiet vantage point for watching waves roll in under expansive skies.
10. Wentworth by the Sea and the Marina AreaIn spring and summer, the marina is lively with boats and waterfront dining that captures the elegance of the New Hampshire coast. Fall brings softer light and a more relaxed harbor scene, ideal for an afternoon stroll. Winter showcases the grand architecture and harbor views in a quieter setting that pairs beautifully with a romantic Seacoast getaway.
11. Boat tours to the Isles of Shoals are most popular in late spring and summer, when calm seas and clear skies provide expansive views of the New Hampshire coastline. Early fall sailings offer crisp air and fewer passengers, creating a more intimate experience on the water. While winter access is limited, the islands remain a legendary part of what New Hampshire is known for, maritime lore, poets, and centuries of seafaring history.

SECTION THREE
After a full day exploring the New Hampshire coast, there is something special about returning to Exeter rather than staying directly on the shoreline. As the best Exeter hotel, Inn by the Bandstand offers a refined retreat just minutes from the New Hampshire coast, giving you access to beaches, harbor towns, and oceanfront dining while surrounding you with downtown charm. You can stroll to dinner, catch a show at a local venue, or enjoy a quiet evening together without the crowds that often come with peak Seacoast destinations.

Our historic property features eight stunning guest suites and rooms, each designed with luxury finishes, curated art, and thoughtful details that create a romantic, elevated atmosphere. As the only AAA Four Diamond property on the Seacoast, and one of the premier Luxury Hotels in New Hampshire, we offer a level of personalized hospitality that sets the tone for your entire getaway. If you are planning a time along the New Hampshire coast, make your stay just as exceptional as your surroundings. Book your getaway today!