What Beaches Make up New Hampshire's 18 Miles of Coastline?

New Hampshire has the shortest coastline in all of America, with only 18 miles of ocean front. Obviously, landlocked states are excluded. However, of the states that have an ocean coastline, New Hampshire has the least.

Since New Hampshire boasts incredible waterfront and ocean towns, like Hampton Beach and Portsmouth, NH, people don't realize that there is not as much coastline as you would think.

Maine's coastline is a whopping 3,400 miles. And that does not include the tiny islands that are also a part of Maine...

What Beaches Are in New Hampshire's 18 Miles of Coastline?

Along New Hampshire's 18 miles of coastline are a few popular state-run beaches: Hampton Beach, North Beach, Jenness, and Wallis Sands. Rye has the most coastline in New Hampshire, with eight of the 18 miles.

But it is the nooks and crannies of the coastline that are really special in New Hampshire.

For example, Ordione State Park in Rye, NH, is a beautiful part of the New Hampshire coastline; however, because it is near major beaches like Hampton Beach or Jenness, it is far less explored.

Pierce Island, Portsmouth, NH

The same thing goes for "beaches" near Portsmouth, NH, and New Castle, NH. Overlooking the Piscatiqua River are two small "beaches" in Portsmouth, NH, known as Pierce Island and Four Tree Island.

At Pierce Island in Portsmouth, NH, you can find picnic tables, a volleyball court, a playground, and even a few small sandy inlets to swim around in the river. It is a perfect piece of coastline to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic near the water.