Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

Bring your appetite as we tour the mouthwatering Hampton Beach Seafood Festival! Enjoy the video and post below and plan your own visit to one of New Hampshire’s true gems, Hampton Beach!

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Hampton Beach is one of New Hampshire’s gems! The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival makes it all the more special! If you are looking for things to do in New Hampshire, Hampton Beach will not disappoint! I’ve been going there since I was a little kid and it is a blessing to be so close to the ocean with all the sights, sounds and smells it provides. There is something about going to the beach and the ocean that recharges the soul. Add sand, sun, and waves to the list of New Hampshire’s natural wonders!

The Seafood Festival was our draw for this trip. Hurricane Dorian was gasping its last breath and heading out to sea, but the forecast looked promising. We parked one block away from the beach and made our way up to the festivities.

I have been to Hampton countless times in my lifetime, but the waves were unlike any I had ever seen there before. We aren’t talking about Hawaii-type surf, but we were all in awe of the power and beauty of the waves. They were breaking way off into the distance as Hurricane Dorian moved off to sea. It started on August 24th as a tropical storm, yet still packed an impressive amount of power over a month later.

Seafood Festival

Once we had our fill of salt, spray, and ocean breeze, we worked our way into the festival footprint. There is a modest fee to enter the event but it is worth the price of admission and it benefits the local charities and Hampton Chamber of Commerce.

There is every type of seafood you can imagine. Of course, lobster rolls were front and center at many of the vendors’ tables. If you are not a seafood lover, there is plenty for you as well. Burgers, french fries, sausage grinders, and much more were available.

We made it about halfway through the tent maze before seeing a vendor that caught our attention. Lobster Seafood Stew and Clam Chowder in bread bowls! It was worth the drive just for that!

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We warmed our stomachs and people watched as we ate on the boardwalk. Numerous bandstands were alive with music. The Clamshell Stage is the centerpiece of the beach. People were playing cornhole in the sand and kids were enjoying a bungee trampoline.

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Hampton Beach Boardwalk

You can’t go to Hampton Beach without strolling down the boardwalk and wandering through all the stores. If you bring kids, expect to spend an hour or more a the arcades! Playland has been there for as long as I can remember. Blink’s Fry Doe is another landmark that has stood the test of time. Craft tents added to the mix of shopping options.

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Beach Fireworks

We were debating whether or not to stay for the fireworks. The weather started to shift as the day went on. We opted to stick it out and after a few sprinkles and an hour delay, we stretched out in the beach chairs and on the blankets and had a front-row seat to a great show. Out of all my trips to Hampton Beach, I somehow never recall seeing fireworks on the beach. Another adventure checked off the list.

I definitely encourage you to explore Hampton Beach for yourself. The skill and artistry at the Sandcastle Competition are breathtaking.  Check out their website and plan a visit. Each season has something special to offer. Check out my post on the New Hampshire League of Craftsmen Fair for another treat!

If you have a favorite memory of Hampton Beach or experienced the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival in the past, share it in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, “New Hampshire Live Free and Explore!”