Seabrook Beach, New Hampshire: 10 Scenic Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips From Seabrook Beach, NH (All Outside Rockingham County)

If you’re staying at Seabrook Beach, New Hampshire and you’ve already walked every inch of sand, watched a few sunsets, and eaten your fill of fried clams, you might be wondering: “Now what?” Good news—you’re in the perfect spot for short road trips. Within about an hour or so, you can cross into Maine or Massachusetts, or head west into the heart of New Hampshire. And because we’re focusing on out-of-county road trips, everything here is outside Rockingham County, but still close enough for a half-day or full-day adventure. Below are 10 short road trips from Seabrook Beach into nearby counties:
  • York County, Maine
  • Essex County, Massachusetts
  • Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
  • Merrimack County, New Hampshire
  • Strafford County, New Hampshire
Each destination includes a rough drive time from Seabrook Beach so you can plan your day.

1. Classic Coastal Charm in Ogunquit, Maine (York County)

Drive time: About 40–50 minutes north If you love the feel of a beach town but want a change of scenery, Ogunquit is a great first road trip from Seabrook Beach. Why go: Ogunquit has a relaxed vibe, a long sandy beach, and one of the prettiest ocean walks in New England. Don’t miss:
  • Marginal Way – A paved cliff walk, roughly a mile long, with benches, crashing waves, and postcard views. It’s great for strollers and families.
  • Perkins Cove – A tiny harbor with shops, restaurants, and a wooden drawbridge that’s fun to watch in action.
  • Ogunquit Beach – Wide, soft sand perfect for a laid-back beach afternoon.
If you’re traveling with kids, grab ice cream in Perkins Cove and walk a portion of Marginal Way. Even a half-mile stroll feels special here.

2. Lighthouses & Lobster in York, Maine (York County)

Drive time: About 45–60 minutes north York is one of those coastal Maine towns that feels like it was built for postcards and vacation photos. Top things to do:
  • Nubble Light (Cape Neddick Lighthouse) – One of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses. You can’t go inside, but the views are fantastic, and there’s usually a breeze off the water.
  • Short Sands & Long Sands Beaches – Short Sands is more compact and lively; Long Sands stretches out and feels more open.
  • York’s Wild Kingdom – A seasonal zoo and amusement park that’s especially fun for younger kids.
If you’re a photography fan, try to time your visit to Nubble Light around sunset. The sky can put on a serious show.

3. Outlet Shopping & River Views in Kittery, Maine (York County)

Drive time: About 30–40 minutes north When the weather isn’t beach-friendly, consider a shopping-and-snacks road trip to Kittery. What to do:
  • Kittery Premium Outlets – A long strip of outlet stores with clothing, shoes, outdoor gear, and more.
  • Kittery Foreside – A small, walkable area with cafés, local shops, and restaurants.
  • Walk or drive along the water near the Piscataqua River and enjoy views toward Portsmouth and the shipyard.
Think of Kittery as a practical road trip from Seabrook Beach: stock up on deals, grab lunch, then head back in time for a stroll on Seabrook Beach at dusk.

4. Art, History & Food in Newburyport, Massachusetts (Essex County)

Drive time: About 20–30 minutes south This is one of the easiest and most rewarding short drives from Seabrook Beach. Newburyport is a small coastal city with brick sidewalks, historic buildings, and a ton of charm. Highlights:
  • Downtown Waterfront – Stroll along the boardwalk, watch the boats on the Merrimack River, and enjoy the breeze.
  • Boutiques & Galleries – The downtown area is packed with independent shops, from clothing to art to specialty foods.
  • Dining – Plenty of spots for seafood, burgers, craft beer, and coffee. It’s very walkable, so you can wander until something smells good.
On my last visit, I spent a couple of hours just wandering, stopping for coffee, then sitting on a bench by the river. It’s an easy, no-rush kind of day trip.

5. Sandy Shores & Bird Watching at Plum Island, Massachusetts (Essex County)

Drive time: About 30–40 minutes south If you’re okay leaving one beach to visit another, Plum Island is worth your time. It feels a bit wilder and more natural than many busy beaches. What to do:
  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge – Miles of beach, boardwalks, and wildlife viewing areas. This is a great spot for bird watching.
  • Plum Island Beach – A long stretch of sand that’s great for walking, shell hunting, or just relaxing.
  • Stop at local beach shacks for a casual lunch or snack.
If you enjoy nature, bring binoculars. You might spot herons, egrets, and other coastal birds. It’s also a peaceful place if you need a break from crowds.

6. Urban Adventure in Manchester, NH (Hillsborough County)

Drive time: About 55–70 minutes west When you’re in the mood for a more “city” day, Manchester is one of the best road trips from Seabrook Beach that still keeps you within easy reach of the coast. Things to check out:
  • SEE Science Center – Hands-on exhibits that kids love, and adults can enjoy too.
  • Currier Museum of Art – A manageable-sized art museum that won’t wear you out.
  • Downtown Elm Street – Restaurants, cafés, and shops along the main drag.
  • Millyard Historic District – Old brick mill buildings along the river; great for a short walk and photos.
This is a good option if you hit a cold or rainy stretch at Seabrook Beach and are craving museums, coffee shops, and a change of pace.

7. Classic New England Downtown in Nashua, NH (Hillsborough County)

Drive time: About 1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes southwest Nashua is another easy city-style day trip from Seabrook Beach, with a mix of shopping, food, and outdoors. What to do in Nashua:
  • Downtown Nashua – Stroll Main Street for local shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
  • Mines Falls Park – Wooded trails, a dam, and river views within city limits. It’s a nice way to get some steps in without a big hike.
  • Check the local events calendar – Nashua often hosts street fairs, markets, and seasonal festivals.
If you like mixing a gentle walk with a nice meal, you can easily spend a lazy afternoon here, then get back to Seabrook Beach in time for an evening walk on the sand.

8. State Capital Vibes in Concord, NH (Merrimack County)

Drive time: About 1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes northwest Concord may not be as flashy as some cities, but it offers a calm, walkable downtown and a taste of New Hampshire’s history. Key stops:
  • New Hampshire State House – See the gold dome, walk around the grounds, and, when open, step inside to explore.
  • Downtown Main Street – Coffee shops, bookstores, and casual dining, all easy to explore on foot.
  • Local Trails – Short area trails and parks if you want a little nature with your road trip.
This is a good road trip from Seabrook Beach if you’re curious about the state beyond the seacoast and want a slower-paced city day.

9. Family Fun & Country Feels in Hooksett, NH (Merrimack County)

Drive time: About 55–70 minutes northwest Hooksett sits between Manchester and Concord and has a slightly more rural feel, but still offers fun roadside stops, especially if you like farms and local treats. Ideas for your visit:
  • Visit a local farm stand or orchard in season for fresh produce, cider, or doughnuts.
  • Enjoy river views along the Merrimack River in the area.
  • Use Hooksett as a pit stop if you’re linking Manchester and Concord into one longer day trip.
This is a low-key option—perfect when you don’t want a packed schedule but still want to explore beyond Seabrook Beach.

10. College Town Energy in Durham, NH (Strafford County)

Drive time: About 40–50 minutes northwest Home to the University of New Hampshire, Durham has a youthful feel and plenty of green space. What to do:
  • UNH Campus Walk – Wander through campus, check out the lawns and brick buildings, and soak in the college-town atmosphere.
  • Local Trails & Conserved Lands – Look for short hikes or walking paths near town for a little nature break.
  • Downtown Durham – Small but lively, with cafés, pizza joints, and student-friendly spots.
If you like people-watching, grab a coffee and sit near campus. It’s a totally different vibe than the beach, and that contrast can be refreshing.

Bonus: Dover, NH – History & Riverfront Strolls (Strafford County)

Drive time: About 35–45 minutes north-northwest If you have a bit of extra time, add Dover to your Seabrook Beach road-trip list. Why visit Dover:
  • Walkable Downtown – Restaurants, shops, and breweries set in historic brick buildings.
  • Cochecho Riverfront – Pretty spots to walk and relax by the water.
  • Kid-friendly attractions and parks in and around the city.
Dover pairs nicely with Durham if you want to hit two Strafford County spots in one longer outing.

Tips for Planning Road Trips From Seabrook Beach

To make the most of these short out-of-county road trips from Seabrook Beach, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check drive times – Most of these are within 20 minutes to about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Watch the weather – Save indoor-focused trips like Manchester or Concord for rainy days.
  • Go early in summer – Places like Ogunquit, York, and Plum Island can get busy; an early start helps with parking.
  • Pack a “car bag” – Water, snacks, light layers, and maybe a beach towel or walking shoes, just in case.
With Seabrook Beach as your home base, you can easily string together a few of these day trips and get a real taste of southern Maine, northeastern Massachusetts, and central New Hampshire—all without long, tiring drives.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Seabrook Beach?

Have you taken any of these Seabrook Beach day trips? Did I miss a spot in York, Essex, Hillsborough, Merrimack, or Strafford County that you absolutely love? Share your favorite drives, hidden gems, and must-try restaurants in the comments. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family planning a New Hampshire beach getaway. Your shares and comments help other travelers discover fun things to do near Seabrook Beach—and they help keep guides like this coming.
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