It’s summer on the Seacoast and what better way to enjoy in than a summer picnic! Get the family together and visit one of these awesome spots on the New Hampshire Seacoast and Southern Maine. These five perfect picnic spots on the Seacoast are just a taste of the best this region has to offer!
Fort Stark
211 Wildrose Lane, New Castle
With a large grassy lawn, historic fort, and sandy beach, Fort Stark is the perfect place to take your family for a picnic. Enjoy a meal at one of the picnic tables, then kick a soccer ball around or fly a kit. Fort Stark is open from 9 am to 7 pm in the summer and has free parking. If you love this spot, you might enjoy some of our other recommendations for Seacoast forts.
Odiorne Point State Park
570 Ocean Blvd, Rye
A new playground, picnic areas, ocean, and hiking trails make this state park a great choice for a summer picnic. Picnic tables dot the mowed lawns with views of crashing waves and distant lighthouses. The kids will be happy with the brand new playground and exploring the tidepools. In addition, there’s an awesome trail system. Walk the 3 mile loop around the perimeter – enjoying views of sandy beach, forest, and historic sites. A detailed trail description is available in Seacoast Hikes and Nature Walks.
Great Island Common
301 Wentworth Road, New Castle
With over 30 acres of lawns and beach, the Great Island Common is a perfect place to take the family for a Seacoast picnic. This gated park is open from 9 am to 9 pm daily with a nonresident fee of $15 per vehicle. In addition to greenspace and beach, the children will enjoy the playground.
Little River Park
39 North River Road, Lee
Little River Park has one of the best playgrounds for little kids on the Seacoast. In addition, it has an awesome trail system, baseball field, and basketball court. A large covered picnic area is perfect for a shady meal. Be aware that occasionally this area is rented out for parties, etc. There’s plenty of free parking here and porta potties for visitors. Kids will love the epic sandbox and climbing structure.
Fort Foster
Pocahontas Rd, Kittery Point
The whole family will enjoy the shoreline, beach, playground, trails, fort, and views at Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine. There are multiple places to set up your picnic and access to bathrooms. This gated park is open May-October. Nonresidents are charged $20 per vehicle fee for entry. Consequently, there’s plenty to do besides picnicking. Dogs are also allowed at this park. Enjoy the breathtaking views at this fabulous summer spot.
Picnicking on the Seacoast
There’s an abundance of beautiful places to picnic on the Seacoast. Before heading out, make sure to find out if there’s a charge for parking and the hours the location is open. Lastly, make sure to dispose of all trash and waste responsibly – in most cases, pack out your trash. What’s your favorite picnic spots on the Seacoast?
