8 Hampton Beach Hotels: Summertime Fun in the Heart of New England

The Victoria Inn is a great option if you want to immerse yourself in the hubbub of one of the region’s most popular beaches by day, but enjoy some laid back New England charm, too. This inn is located in what was once the carriage house for a much larger 19th-century hotel. The main building was lost to a fire in 1900, but the smaller one survived.

For history buffs, The Victoria Inn is near the historic Franklin Pierce house, once the summer residence of President Pierce, who served from 1853 to 1857. Pierce built the two-story “cottage” in 1866 and spent his last summers there.

Today, this charming B&B offers comfy guest rooms, most with private bathrooms, as well as one and two-bedroom suites. The main floor of the inn is just the right size for small group festivities and the flower-laden grounds feature a charming pavilion, perfect for outdoor weddings and family reunions. There’s even a classic New England-style porch where you can enjoy your morning coffee and scones, take a nightcap, or just re-charge your batteries after a day of frolicking in the ocean.

Ashworth By the Sea is the oldest hotel in Hampton Beach. Built by Colonel George Ashworth on Hampton Beach’s scenic Ocean Boulevard, this property has hosted everyone from everyday vacationers to presidents and celebrities over the past century. Famous guests have included luminaries such as Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Johnny Cash, and BB King.

The hotel has some of the most inviting beautiful public spaces in Hampton Beach, and its oceanside function rooms are popular for social gatherings and weddings. The Ashworth is also a great place to savor a classic lobster roll while sipping a freshly made New England-style margarita at The Breakers or The Sand Bar Rooftop Lounge. In the morning, indulge in a one-of-a-kind “beach burrito” or a ready-made omelet at The Wharfside Cafe.

Atlantic Breeze is a popular choice for family vacations or a weekend getaway with friends. Many of the rooms offer private balconies with views of the ocean or of the Hampton Salt Marsh conservation area. The Marsh is a part of an extensive estuary system that provides a summer haven for many bird species, such as Willets, Saltmarsh Sparrows, and Piping Plovers. It’s a great destination for bird-lovers who are packing a telephoto lens or a pair of binoculars.

For a bit more fun, Aces and Eights Casino, a poker and casino room inside the historic Hampton Beach Casino, is just around the corner. Funarama, the largest arcade in town, is a magnet for kids. After hours of baking in the hot sun, you might want to grab an ice cream cone from Aloha or Sweet Hannah’s and then stroll along the boardwalk. Also, don’t miss Blink’s Fry Doe, a one-of-a-kind shop that specializes in fried dough with all kinds of tasty toppings.

The Hampton House is in the middle of this quintessential New England beachfront town, with an old-fashioned boardwalk that’s lined with shops, restaurants, and arcades. It’s an always trendy destination for families, for couples, and for teenagers, and college kids.

Rooms feature ocean views with Jumpin Jack’s Java coffee. The on-site ocean view breakfast cafe specializes in breakfast sandwiches, such as the “Jack Attack,” a combination of bacon, sausage, ham, egg, and cheese. After breakfast, grab a seat in the spacious lobby where you can relax and enjoy your coffee while enjoying a vista that is constantly in motion with waves, sunbathers, and people coming and going from the beach.

On the other side of town from The Hampton House, you’ll find the Marguerite Motel on Ashworth Avenue, just off of Route 1A. This conveniently located property is just a short walk to the beach and the boardwalk. Some rooms include kitchenettes, and eight of the property’s rooms are pet-friendly.

If you’re hitting the beach with kids and/or furry friends in tow, the Marguerite is near all the action. During the busy summer season, you can take in the fireworks every Wednesday night or a concert on just about any night at the beachside Half Shell stage. You can also find some great music and entertainment at the nearby Casino Ballroom.

The motel has a heated in-ground pool and a picnic and barbecue area. The motel is also just five blocks from the state of New Hampshire Pier—the jumping-off point for deep sea fishing and whale watching excursions. Book early with Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching so you don’t miss out.

If you prefer the comfort of a familiar chain, The Inn at Hampton is a Best Western Hotels and Resorts property. The inn, located on Lafayette Boulevard, offers a wide range of room options—from cozy rooms for couples to spacious suites that can accommodate large families—along with a complimentary full breakfast, exercise facilities, and an indoor heated pool.

In addition to being just a short drive from the beach, the inn is near the historic James House, built in 1723, the Sagamore Golf Club, and the Tuck Museum of Hampton History. This museum includes a number of 18th and 19th Century buildings surrounded by interesting historical artifacts and monuments. One monument is dedicated to Eunice “Goody” Cole, the witch of Hampton. She was convicted of witchcraft in 1656 and restored to citizenship in 1938.

Finally, if you prefer a quaint getaway, Lamie’s Inn is a local landmark. The distinctive, colonial-style building was built on a family-owned property that dates back to 1740. Today, it’s located on scenic Route 1 and is just a few minutes drive from the beach.

The inn offers a selection of charming guest rooms, some with brick walls and four-poster beds. The inn is authentically decorated in a colonial-era style that makes guests feel like they are immersed in history.

Each morning, guests are treated to a continental breakfast and have guest privileges at a nearby fitness center to burn off those calories. This quintessential New England property also features The Old Salt restaurant, a great place to feast on some fresh, local seafood. After that, enjoy a nightcap in The Old Salt’s tavern, which offers a tempting selection of 18 craft and big-name beers on tap, and then rest up for another day at the beach.

For couples and families interested in exploring the New Hampshire coastline, there are also apartments, condos, and houses available for rent. One option for couples is a cozy, studio-style “getaway” apartment that is just a short walk from the beach. The recently renovated apartment sleeps up to three adults and features a small kitchen and a backyard grill.

This apartment, like all of the hotels in the Hampton Beach area, offers easy access to the beach as well as to Interstate 95. That means you can quickly reach other nearby destinations, such as the popular Kittery Outlet shops or Brown’s Lobster Pound in Seabrook, which makes one of the best lobster rolls in New England.

The Kittery Outlets are just over the state line in Kittery, Maine. This is a short and easy side trip if you want a break from the sun and surf. Dozens of well-known retailers can be found in Kittery, ranging from Calvin Klein and Van Heusen to Lenox and Yankee Candle. There are also plenty of choices for enjoying a coffee, or a bite to eat before you head back to the seashore.