Top 3 Best Motorcycle Rides Along the New Hampshire Seacoast

It’s almost time to twist the throttle, shake off winter, and let the ocean remind you why we love to ride. I’m told that there’s something about that first ride after a long New England winter.

Open the garage and roll the bike out. The air is still a little cold. You thumb the starter… and just like that, cabin fever is gone.

If you want to feel freedom and if you’re anywhere near the Seacoast of New Hampshire, I found three rides you need to put at the top of your list.

1. Ocean Boulevard: Hampton Beach to Rye

I’ve been on this road in my truck. Now it’s time to get on the bike. I hear that Ocean Boulevard from Hampton Beach up through Rye is pure coastal therapy.

You’ve got Atlantic waves crashing on one side, beach houses and salty air on the other.
Early morning is magic here: Fewer cars, the sun just coming up over the water, and that cool ocean breeze hitting your jacket.

It’s all about the view on this one. It’s not a technical ride, and it’s not aggressive.
This is the ride where you roll two or three bikes deep with your buddies. No rush. No destination. So, if you’ve been waiting all winter to feel free again, this is where you start.

2. Portsmouth to Route 1B Coastal Loop

Here’s the route: Start in Portsmouth. Grab a coffee, then roll out toward New Castle and hop on Route 1B.

This loop gives you tighter turns, some quick elevation changes and harbor views. Along the ride, you will see boats in the water, lobster traps stacked up, and plenty of historic homes.

There’s something about leaning slightly into those curves with ocean spray in the air that just hits different.

This is the ride where you feel connected. You’re not thinking about work, you’re not thinking about anything. You’re just riding.

3. The Border Cruise: Portsmouth to Coastal Route 113

If you want to stretch it out a bit, this is your longer ride to really stretch

Ride south out of Portsmouth toward the border, then connect into Route 113 for more open stretches and that feeling of real movement.

This is where you get a little more confident in twisting the throttle. The bike finally feels alive again. You’ve knocked the rust off.

Trees start lining the road. Traffic thins out. This is the ride that reminds you why motorcycles aren’t transportation, they’re therapy.

READ MORE: Are There Female Motorcycle Riding Groups in Southern New Hampshire?

My final thoughts: 

You have the combination of ocean views, historic harbor towns, and salt air. That seems hard to beat. If you’re new to New Hampshire or just new to riding here, the Seacoast is where your season should begin.