Hampton Harbor

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Welcome to Hamton Harbor

MOST PEOPLE ASSOCIATE HAMPTON HARBOR WITH HAMPTON BEACH—3 MILES OF HUMANITY-FILLED SAND THAT HAS ALSO BECOME A NORTHEAST SURFING MECCA IN RECENT YEARS. FOR TRANSIENT BOATERS, HAMPTON HARBOR PROVIDES A RESPITE FROM THE PARTY WHILE MANAGING TO BE WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE OF IT. THE HARBOR IS ALSO A GREAT JUMPING-OFF SPOT FOR TRIPS TO NEWBURYPORT, THE ISLES OF SHOALS,PORTSMOUTH, KITTERY AND OTHER MAINE PORTS.
MOST PEOPLE ASSOCIATE HAMPTON HARBOR WITH HAMPTON BEACH—3 MILES OF HUMANITY-FILLED SAND THAT HAS ALSO BECOME A NORTHEAST SURFING MECCA IN RECENT YEARS. FOR TRANSIENT BOATERS, HAMPTON HARBOR PROVIDES A RESPITE FROM THE PARTY WHILE MANAGING TO BE WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE OF IT. THE HARBOR IS ALSO A GREAT JUMPING-OFF SPOT FOR TRIPS TO NEWBURYPORT, THE ISLES OF SHOALS, PORTSMOUTH, KITTERY AND OTHER MAINE PORTS.

The entrance to Hampton Harbor, at the southern end of Hampton Beach, can be challenging to navigate, especially when the current is roaring through the inlet. Resident boaters know to keep an eye out for rocks, especially the ledge (Inner Sunk Rocks) just north of the channel.

The approach is well marked, but be sure to stay inside the channel. At the west end of the inlet is the Underwood/Rte 1. Bridge—a bascule span with 18 feet of clearance at high tide. The bridge can be raised upon request.

Hampton Harbor is home to a fleet of commercial lobster and fishing boats. Many of them tie up along the state pier, which stands in stark contrast to the long row of waterfront condominiums in the background. The pier is also home to the only fuel dock in the harbor and a large state launch ramp.

A bit farther upriver is the Hampton River Marina, the only private marina in the harbor. The marina boasts 2 large docking areas and 144 slips with electric, water, pumpout, haulout, cable and WiFi. The marina welcomes transients, and has around 20 transient slips available in-season. Boaters can easily duck into the harbor for a night to catch a show at the Hampton Beach Casino or see some of the other area attractions.

Bustling, funky Ocean Boulevard is within walking or biking distance of the marina. Here you’ll find a summer cornucopia of food and fun, including stands selling fried-dough, ice-cream, cotton-candy, T-shirts and fake tattoos. Seeing the traffic that clogs the boulevard on most days, boaters will be glad they came by water.
For those wishing to escape the crowds, the the expansive (over 36,000 acres) marshes west, north and south of the harbor offer solitude and excellent wildlife viewing. Good fishing for stripers can also be had inside the harbor. Kayakers and boaters in shallow-draft skiffs and dinghies can venture far up the major tidal rivers to explore a world that hasn’t changed much since the first settlers arrived along this stretch of the New Hampshire coast in the 1600s.

GETTING THERE:

Charts: NOAA 13278
Hampton Harbor is approximately 5 nautical miles north of the Merrimack River in Massachusetts, 7 1/2 nautical miles south of Rye Harbor, and 12 nautical miles south of Portsmouth Harbor. The Isles of Shoals lie roughly 10 nautical miles north-northeast of the harbor. When approaching Hampton Harbor from the south, keep about a nautical mile offshore to avoid the rocks. From flashing R “2”, head to RG “4” (be sure to stay south of it), and proceed toward the harbor’s marked channel entrance. Be sure to stay within the channel, which is bordered closely by shallows. Once past the Rte. 1 bascule bridge (18-foot clearance), you’ll see the state pier to starboard, where you can get fuel. To reach Hampton River Marina, follow the Hampton River channel northwest approximately 1/2 mile to the marina entrance markers.

Dockage, Moorings & Service:

  • Because Hampton Harbor is primarily a commercial fishing port, transient dockage is limited. The state pier offers the only fuel in the harbor but cannot be used for overnight stays. Also, there are no public moorings and anchoring is not permitted within the harbor.

  • Hampton River Marina (603-929-1422): Offers transient slips for boats up to 50′ (5′ max draft) with water, electric, WiFi, cable, rack storage valet, ships store, internet access, ice, showers, laundry and engine repair. Also maintains a small cottage for weekly rentals. Located within easy biking or walking distance of downtown Hampton Beach.
  • The Hampton Harbor State Marina (609-929-0347): Reserved for permitted commercial vessels. However, it does offer fuel and a launch ramp.

Anchorages:

  • There are no approved anchorages in Hampton Harbor.

Launch Ramps:

  • A large state ramp with ample parking is located next to the state pier, near the inlet. Most boats can launch here on all stages of the tide.

Harbormaster:

  • (603) 929-0347
  • Port of New Hampshire

Provisions:

  • Ida Mae’s Deli (603-474-3354): On the harbor. Sells deli sandwiches, drinks and limited provisions.

Boat & Kayak Rental:

  • Smith & Gilmore Deep Sea Fishing (603-926-3503): PWC and kayak rental.
  • Adventure Charters (603-926-4648): PWC and boat rental.
  • Platypus Kayak Rental (603-474-346): Kayak rental, located on Eastman’s Docks.

Where to Eat:

  • Eastman’s Dock (603-474-7063): Fresh seafood on the harbor.
  • Captain Don’s Lobster Pound (603-474-3086): Seafood on the harbor.
  • Ceal’s Clam Shack (603-474-3150): Seafood on the harbor.
  • Ida Mae’s Deli (603-474-3354): Offers breakfast and lunch on the harbor.
  • Hampton Harbor Yacht Club: Transients at Hampton River Marina can access the club for lunch and dinner.

Restaurants in Hampton Beach:

  • Mama Leone’s (603-926-5579) on Ocean Boulevard is a family-style Italian restaurant.
  • Ron’s Landing at Rocky Bend (603-929-2122): Offers gourmet dining in a casual atmosphere and an ocean view.
  • McGuirk’s Ocean View (603-926-700). Traditional New England fare. Lively bar.
  • Cristy’s (603-929-4496): Popular pizza place on the corner of Riverview Terrace and Ashworth Avenue.
  • Sal’s Just Pizza (603-926-1313): Pizza on Ocean Boulevard.
  • Sea Ketch Restaurant (603-926-0324): Features live music most afternoons.
  • La Bec Rouge (603-926-5050): Offers dining and local bands.
  • Blink’s Fry Doe (603-926-8933): Popular fried dough stand on Ocean Boulevard.

Where to Stay:

  • Ashworth by the Sea (603-926-6762): Located at 295 Ocean Boulevard, Ashworth’s has 98 rooms, a restaurant and an indoor pool.
  • Oceanside Inn (603-926-3542)
  • Surf Hotel (800-348-3885)
  • Hampton Beach State Park (603-926-3784; 603-271-3556): At mouth of the Hampton River on Route 1A; offers RV and tent camping.

Things to See & Do:

  • Casino Ballroom (603-926-4541): On Ocean Boulevard, offers everything from mini-golf to concerts.
  • Sea Shell Stage : Hosts free live shows every night in the summer.
  • Playland Arcade (603-926-3831)
  • Buc’s Lagoon Mini Golf & Ice Cream (603-926-0888)
  • Casino Cascade Water Slide (603-926-4541)
  • Hampton Beach State Park (603-926-3784): Activities in the park include swimming, fishing, picnicking, and RV camping with full hook-ups in the campground area. Atlantic oceanfront facilities stretch along miles of sandy beach. The park also includes a band shell amphitheater, public information services, comfort station, and first aid.

Fishing, Lobster & Whale-Watch Charters:

General Information