Location: Hampton
Top Things to do in Hampton
What to do and see in Hampton, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Hampton is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 14,976 at the 2010 census. Located beside the Atlantic Ocean, Hampton is home to Hampton Beach, a summer tourist destination.
Restaurants in Hampton
1. Hampton Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 929 reviews
Reviewed By mesatraveler - mesa az
Whether you come in mid-summer with huge crowds or in the spring or fall, you will never bee disappointed. The state keeps this well maintained and safe for families.
The water is cold even in mid-August, but who cares? Enjoy the sun, the freee concerts and the nearby food options.
2. Hampton Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By kelmel13 - Westfield, Massachusetts
I had not been to Hampton Beach for years and was hesitant to go back because the water is sooo cold. However, I had a great time. We parked in a lot about a block from the beach for $30. The beach is very large and even though it was packed with people it did not feel crowded. There was so much to look at: the people, the boats, the parasailing, the hotels, the boardwalk. The water is still cold but it was tolerable and there were many people in the water. The bath house only has toilets, no showers inside. The teens loved it because they could walk the boardwalk, play in the arcade, get stuff to eat and shop. Personally I prefer going south to RI (I'm in MA) but I would return to this beach again. Beware of the seagulls, there are lots of them and they will go right into your bags for food. There is beach patrol also that circulates often.
3. Smoky Quartz Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Smoky Quartz is a veteran owned and operated craft distillery. Distilllery produces The award winning V5 bourbon and Granite Coast Rum. The distillery also produces premium craft spirits Granite Lightning Moonshine and Solid Granite Vodka. .
Reviewed By John S - Falls Church, Virginia
One of many emerging artisan distilleries with a nice story and a couple of very interesting spirits. I was most impressed with the bourbon but also liked the vodka, both different that some of the harsher new entrants in the distillery market.Thank you for a wonderful review! We thank you for your business!This month is Bourbon Heritage Month-follow us on Facebook for interesting articles and recipes!
4. Granite State Whale Watch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By kedavis4 - Wells, Maine
We took our grandson on this whale watch in the hopes of seeing humpback whales and dolphins. We were only able to see one humpback which was not very cooperative as it did not stay up long before taking deep dives. Nevertheless, we did get to see it and my grandson loved it. The crew was friendly and very helpful and they did everything they could to manuever the boat so we would see the whale when it surfaced. While we were disappointed to see only one whale, that is the way of whale watches. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don't. We did see a young seal in the water near the boat and, the highlight of the trip, was an Ocean Sunfish laying flat on the surface of the ocean absorbing the sun's rays. It seemed enormous and the captain manuevered the boat so everyone could get a chance to see it. We were able to see its huge mouth and an eye, observing it for quite awhile. At the end of the trip, we were given 3 complimentary tickets for another whale watch because they felt that one whale was not very exciting. The complimentary tickets are good for two years which was a pleasant surprise. Despite the lack of whales, it was an enjoyable outing on the ocean and we will be using our free tickets to try again next year!
5. Throwback Brewery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Wendy F - Nashua, New Hampshire
After roaming around Portsmouth's Fairy Festival with a 3 year old fairy on a hot fall day, Throwback beckoned! The name says it all--it's a throwback to a simpler time with it's casual outdoor seating where children are welcome and pets, too. Just a cool place to sample some great beer and delicious farm to table food in a family-friendly atmosphere.The staff is very friendly and helpful, too. Throwback is definitely the closest I've seen to a German biergarten in NE.
I would give 5 stars but the day we went (a Saturday), Throwback was very busy and the line to order food was quite backed up--there was only one person taking orders so the wait to give the order was lengthy and there was a bit of wait to get the food. However, the saving grace was the farm animals--chickens and some goats. Being able to walk over to see the animals entertained our 3 year old fairy princess and her baby sister.
I still highly recommend Throwback, but if you're plan to visit on a weekend (especially a nice weather-weekend) with small children, you may want to prepare for a bit of a wait.
6. Cider Hill Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Hugh H
OK, we are talking about picking your own apples, in season fresh fruits and vegetables, safe-close-up honey bee production, delicious fresh baked rolls and cookies and on and on. Great experience for the kids to see how many fruits and vegetables are grown.
7. Smuttynose Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Come visit historic Towle Farm, home of Smuttynose Brewing Company, one of New England's oldest and most beloved craft breweries. Take a free tour of our brewery, enjoy a guided tasting (for a small fee) and shop for favorite and hard-to-find Smuttynose and Smuttlabs beers, as well as other goodies in our retail store. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious meal at Hayseed, the Smuttynose public house located on the same grounds, featuring over two dozen beers, a farm-to-table menu and a seasonal beer garden and fire pit. And if you have time, play a round of disc golf while exploring our 17-acre site. The course is free and loaner discs are available in our retail shop.
Reviewed By TeePeeEmDee - Solomons, MD
Outdoor venue, coordinated by Leslie, who did a fantastic job converting my daughter's "vision" into a reality. Smuttynose provided a large, durable tent, portable dance floor, in a lovely outdoor setting on the brewery grounds. We were impressed by how well everything was organized, and by the friendliness of the entire staff. This was Smuttynose's first attempt, I understand, at an outdoor wedding event, which caused me some initial concern, but they came through with flying colors and I highly recommend them.
8. Applecrest Farm Orchards
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Objective-NOT-PC - Boston, Massachusetts
This was our first visit (and last) based upon the suggestion of a friend. He said it was expansive but ridiculous-priced. And that comes from someone who is not very frugal.
He was right. The store setting was expansive, with many offerings. That's good. It also contained a restaurant. That's good as well. The location was nice and grounds attractive. All good. But in our opinion, none of this would cause us to return.
It appeared as though everything we examined as a potential purchase was far over-priced. The notion of "value" seemed to be absent from this entire enterprise.
As we were roaming the aisles, we overheard other visitors mumbling to themselves about ridiculous prices as well. The prices of those items we scanned were simply offensive
We observed several people who appeared to be foreign visitors. This place may be acceptable to one-time-visit- tourists, but does not best represent the better more
value-oriented "Yankee culture" (i.e., good stuff at a good / reasonable price) aspect of our many other farm stands.
We will not return.
As always, this is just our opinion, based upon our limited one-time experience. We could be incorrect in our conclusions.
Visit the place and form your own opinion.
9. Fuller Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Fuller Gardens is a turn of the century public botanical garden nestled along the coast of New Hampshire. The grounds were designed in the 1920's by noted landscape designer Arthur Shurtcleff and the Olmsted Brothers and commissioned by Alvan T. Fuller as an ornament to his summer estate. The Fuller Gardens features 1700 rose bushes, formal English perennial borders, annual displays, Japanese Garden and Conservatory. The Garden are located on the ocean and entirely wrapped in sculpted hedges. Open from 10-5:30 mid April through mid October.
Reviewed By Beth P - Brandon, VT
Although I've not had the opportunity to see other "gardens", this was much less than I expected. The roses were beautiful and some were in bloom. The green house was great. I thought the price was a little steep, but I have nothing to compare it to. I visited the American Independence Museum (loaded with artifacts & history) and it was only $6, so $9 to see some (lovely) flowers seemed a little high.
10. Hampton Airfield
Overall Ratings
4 based on 58 reviews
This classic "grass strip" attracts general aviation enthusiasts, antique airplane buffs and anyone who enjoys watching planes. With just 2000 feet of turf runway and a pilots' lounge that's a throwback to the good old days, You'll see plenty of interesting planes and the people who fly them! Daring visitors can take a "thrill ride" in an historic 1930 New Standard open-air biplane and fly over the nearby beaches Hampton Airfield has had continuous Piper Cub training since 1946. Open Deck Cafe 7AM - 2PM
Reviewed By dctourguide - New Hampshire
The only negative about this restaurant ( cafe) is its obscured entrance. If you aren't keenly observant, you could miss it! It's right off Rye 1 in North Hampton, and there is a moderately large sign with an arrow directing you to the "Airport Cafe". If you want a delicious breakfast or lunch in a homey, local color atmosphere, treat yourself here. Wait staff is welcoming but not obese. Food is fresh and hearty. Baked goods are scrumptious, though some offerings run out if you opt for mid-morning.
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