Parks
Parks in New Hampshire & Southern Maine
The New Hampshire Seacoast and nearby Southern Maine are home to a wide variety of parks that showcase the natural beauty, history, and outdoor lifestyle of the region. In New Hampshire, Odiorne Point State Park in Rye offers scenic coastal trails, tide pools, and picnic areas with sweeping ocean views. Stratham Hill Park and Kingman Farm are local favorites for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Across the border, Southern Maine boasts gems like Mount Agamenticus in York, known for its panoramic summit views and well-maintained trail network, and Fort Foster in Kittery, a coastal park featuring beaches, historic military structures, and walking paths with views of Portsmouth Harbor. Whether you're into hiking, kayaking, nature watching, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon outdoors, the Seacoast's park system offers something for everyone year-round.
Fort Foster in Kittery
Nestled on the southwestern tip of Gerrish Island in Kittery, Maine, Fort Foster Park is a captivating blend of history, nature, and coastal charm. Originally constructed between 1898 and 1901 as part of the Endicott coastal defense system to protect the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor, its well-preserved Battery Bohlen, Battery Chapin, WWII gun platforms, and a six-story fire control tower offer a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century military engineering. Today, visitors can explore trails winding through salt marshes, tidal pools, and coastal woods, all while taking in sweeping views of Whaleback Lighthouse, the Isles of Shoals, and the Piscataqua River. The park also offers sandy beaches, a pier, picnic areas with grills and tables, and even a playground—making it a wonderful spot for both families and solo explorers. It opens daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer season (Memorial Day–Labor Day), accessible via a day pass or season pass.
Whether you're diving into the intriguing military remnants, spotting seabirds, swimming, kayaking, or simply soaking up the coastal scenery, Fort Foster offers a relaxed, enriching experience for all ages.
Four Tree Island In Portsmouth
Four Tree Island is a peaceful waterfront park located just steps from downtown Portsmouth, NH, offering one of the best panoramic views of the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This small but scenic island is a local favorite for picnicking, sunset watching, and enjoying the ocean breeze. It features walking paths, picnic tables, and open grassy areas, with views of tugboats, bridges, and passing ships. Accessible via a short footbridge from Peirce Island, Four Tree Island feels like a hidden gem — quiet, relaxing, and perfect for a quick escape from the bustle of the city. It's also a popular spot for photographers and locals looking to unwind with a view.
Great Island Commons In New Castle
Great Island Common, located in the charming town of New Castle, NH, is a scenic 32-acre waterfront park offering open green space, ocean views, and a relaxing coastal atmosphere. With picnic tables, a playground, a small beach area, and walking paths along the rocky shoreline, it’s a favorite for families, locals, and anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the New Hampshire Seacoast. The park provides stunning views of the Isles of Shoals, Whaleback Lighthouse, and passing boats on the Piscataqua River. Great Island Common is ideal for summer picnics, sunset strolls, and peaceful days by the water — all just minutes from downtown Portsmouth. Parking is available for residents and non-residents with a seasonal or day-use pass.
Odiorne State Park In Rye
Odiorne Point State Park, located in Rye, NH, is one of the most diverse and scenic parks along the New Hampshire Seacoast. Spanning over 330 acres, the park features rocky shorelines, tidal pools, salt marshes, wooded trails, and sweeping ocean views. It’s a favorite spot for hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring coastal ecosystems. The park also houses the Seacoast Science Center, which offers interactive exhibits and marine life education, making it a great destination for families. Remnants of old World War II military fortifications add a unique historical element to the landscape. With picnic areas, restrooms, and beach access, Odiorne Point offers a perfect blend of recreation, education, and natural beauty in a peaceful coastal setting.
Pierce Island In Portsmouth
Peirce Island, located just a short walk or drive from downtown Portsmouth, NH, is a 27-acre island offering a unique mix of natural beauty, recreational space, and scenic waterfront views. The island features walking trails, picnic areas, and dramatic overlooks of the Piscataqua River, making it a popular spot for strolls, sunbathing, or watching boats pass by. It's also home to the Peirce Island Outdoor Pool, one of the largest outdoor pools in New England, open seasonally to the public. Visitors can explore tidal basins, spot wildlife, and even access Four Tree Island via a short footbridge. With its blend of nature and accessibility, Peirce Island is a quiet retreat just minutes from Portsmouth’s vibrant downtown.
A place to call home
Prescott Park, located along the waterfront in downtown Portsmouth, NH, is a beautifully maintained public park known for its vibrant flower gardens, riverside walkways, and lively cultural events. Situated beside the Piscataqua River, the park offers scenic views, well-kept lawns, and plenty of benches for relaxing by the water. It’s most famous for hosting the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which brings outdoor concerts, theater performances, and movies to the park all summer long. With its colorful seasonal gardens, fountains, and proximity to the historic Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park is a cherished gathering place for locals and visitors alike — perfect for picnics, quiet strolls, or soaking in the arts and natural beauty of Portsmouth.
Seacoast Science Center In Rye
The Seacoast Science Center, located within Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH, is a family-friendly marine science and education center that celebrates the rich coastal ecosystem of the New Hampshire Seacoast. The center offers interactive exhibits, touch tanks with live tide pool creatures, and educational programs focused on ocean conservation, marine life, and local history. It's a favorite destination for school groups, families, and curious visitors of all ages. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the park, visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor trails, combining hands-on learning with coastal adventure. With its mission to inspire ocean stewardship, the Seacoast Science Center is both a fun and meaningful stop on the Seacoast.
Stevens Park
Stevens Park in Stratham, NH is a vibrant 21‑acre community hub located at 68 Bunker Hill Ave. Managed by the Parks & Recreation Department, it features a well-loved playground, two tennis courts, four outdoor hard-surface pickleball courts, two soccer fields, a softball field, and a Babe Ruth baseball diamond—ideal for family fun, team sports, or a relaxed afternoon under the New Hampshire sky. The park welcomes public walk-ins—tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while athletic fields can be reserved by teams with insurance.Please note that dogs are not permitted, even on a leash. Whether you're chasing a home run, rallying on the court, or simply unwinding by the playground, Stevens Park offers a relaxed, inclusive space for all ages in our Seacoast community.
