Ocean Beach suggestions?

[bigdog]

The family wants to take a day trip from the lake to go to a NH ocean beach.

Looking for suggestions?

Was thinking maybe Wallis Sands/Rye or Hampton?

Wallis Sands sounds more appealing to me b/c, at the end of the day I could jump across the bridge into Kittery for supper and shopping, then a straight shot back to Winnie.

Hampton Beach though is great ! :)

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Bigdog

[NHWakesurfer]

Depends on what your looking for if you want alot of people around Hampton would be a good choice. If you want something a bit more relaxed I like North Beach there are public bathrooms right there and the Beach Plum is right across the street for ice cream and the best lobster rolls around the seacoast. If you go to Wallis Sands its great but haven't been there in a long time to comment on that one.

enjoy but if you are going this week with the high temps get there early it will be packed.

[Merrymeeting]

Speaking as a NH resident and taxpayer, I'll probably be bashed for this... :eek:

Head north. The Maine beaches are still a day trip, less crowded, and more options for what you might be looking for.

[cillovely]

Why would you leave the lake for the ocean....sorry, I'm just very anti-saltwater. I hate going out on the ocean on the boat and not a fan of the ocean beaches. I'd rather stay on freshwater forever!

Although I'm going to suck it up and take my son to the beach next week, but in southern Mass so my legs won't go numb from the coldness.

But if it were me, I'd do the one near Kittery.

[mcdude]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BM__FzaPuxk/Tcnd66f-FqI/AAAAAAAACzo/0T66zSaAuPE/s1600/ogtairaddress.jpg
Ogunquit is really nice albeit a little cold (brrrrr)....head down to Rochester from Alton and then take the backroads through Berwick for a nice cruise. For lunch or dinner check out the Cape Neddick Lobster Pound. Great view! http://www.capeneddick.com/ They have outside seating on the deck
http://www.capeneddick.com/images/gallery/PID_11.jpg
view from restaurant

[hilltopper]

I agree with mcdude with one caveat. Whenever i go to Ogunquit I make sure to work around high tide the best I can. When it's high tide that beach gets awfully small and crowded. When I go there I like to go to Little Beach, just south of the main beach...a short walk along the Marginal Way.

Little Beach:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ogunquit/sets/72157623644486672/

[camp guy]

Hampton Beach is like Weirs on steroids, twice, but there is also a huge kiddies play area. North Beach is convenient, less crowded, has restrooms, and the restaurant across the street is great.

The Maine beaches are not so soft sand, and the wade into the water can be a little harsh, but, there are many other things to do in the way of shopping and eating.

I have an idea: Do both!.

[codeman671]

Hampton Beach is highly rated for water quality according to an article on wmur.com right now. Reputation-wise I think it is getting better but in past years it has been known to be a bit rough, especially after dark. It looks like a scene from the Fast and the Furious on some summer nights.

For just a day beach with none of the frills Jeness in Rye is nice. I lived within walking distance of it for a few years.

[Anvil]

As someone who has spent a lot of time at both Hampton and the beaches of Maine, I would definitely recommend Maine. Hampton beach is over crowded and not as clean as the Maine beaches. I would head a little further north and check out Ogunquit or Wells. The water is definitely colder but I think it is worth it. While you are up there, head to the Maine Diner in Wells. One of my favorite diners. Just make sure you go during off times. The wait can be well over an hour for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

[RailroadJoe]

To see hampton beach when crowded, like today after 10 and still at 6 PM, try " Hamptonbeach.org" and click on the web cam. It changes a lot but nice to see the mb.

[Heaven]

Was just past all NH beaches, Hampton beach was packed but Wallis always seems to catch a nice cool breeze, and it was not as crowded. There is also a sweet little beach in Odiorne Park facing Wentworth by the sea but I don't know about the swimming. Benefit is they also have the science center for the kids.

[uschisk]

Wallis is great for kids - it is pretty flat, and you can walk out forever. There are many rocks and tide pools to explore. If you actually want to swim and don't have little kids, it wouldn't be my choice unless you are there at high tide. Does have bathroom/snack bar/shower if that is important to you.
We tried Ogunquit last year - loved it.

[no-engine]

On 1A half mile south of Wallis Sands are several places to get seafood, sit down or take out, and with picnic tables. There is public access to the beaches, might be hard to spot. Get anywhere EARLY.

In Portsmouth, take the tour to Isle of Shoals; stay ashore and explore, and then return on the next trip.

[Winnisquamguy]

My family now takes all the kids to Fort Foster in Kittery, ME

http://www.kitteryme.gov/pages/kitteryme_clerk/fortfosterpolicies