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Route 1A: New Hampshire Seacoast, Seacoast, New Hampshire
Photo: gailf548 from New York State, USA · CC BY 2.0

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Route 1A: New Hampshire Seacoast

NH 1A, NH 1B, Ocean Boulevard · Hampton Beach → Portsmouth

Sweeping18.4 mi45 min200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 0 ftOne way
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The drive

NH 1A follows New Hampshire's short Atlantic coast, and this drive runs it south to north from Hampton Beach to Portsmouth, about 18 miles. At Hampton Beach, the road is a four-lane divided highway running directly next to the beaches. North through North Hampton and Rye, it passes Rye Beach, Rye North Beach and Wallis Sands, and is called Ocean Boulevard along the shore.

At Odiorne Point State Park the road turns west, away from the ocean. The park has WWII-era coastal defense bunkers at Battery Seaman, the Settlers Monument and the Seacoast Science Center. The road becomes Pioneer Road in northern Rye and Sagamore Avenue in Portsmouth. NH 1B then loops over Great Island through New Castle and returns to downtown Portsmouth.

Along the way

  1. Hampton Beach
  2. Rye Harbor
  3. Odiorne Point
  4. New Castle
  5. Portsmouth
Elevation
200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 0 ft
Hampton BeachPortsmouth
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
Hampton BeachPortsmouth
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Odiorne Point State Park charges a day-use fee, and some trails were closed for a dune restoration project.
  • The Seacoast Science Center has separate admission from the state park.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check New England 511 (New Hampshire).

Questions about this drive

How long does Route 1A on the New Hampshire seacoast take?

Route 1A from Hampton Beach to Portsmouth, including NH 1B through New Castle, is 18.4 miles and takes about 45 minutes.

What beaches are on Route 1A?

NH 1A passes Hampton Beach, Rye Beach, Rye North Beach and Wallis Sands.

Is there a fee at Odiorne Point State Park?

Yes, the park charges day-use fees: adults 12 and over pay $4, children 6 to 11 pay $2, and children 5 and under are free.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Route 1A: New Hampshire Seacoast, from Hampton Beach to Portsmouth