Six Amazing Photo Locations Near the NH Seacoast

If you’re looking for a new spot to photograph near coastal New Hampshire, I’ve got you covered with these six must-visit gems.

Autumn view of downtown Exeter, NH from Swasey Parkway.

The New Hampshire Seacoast might only be 13 miles long, but there are plenty of photographable spots within a short drive of the coast. I’ve lived in this area for the bulk of my life and decided to gather a list of some of my favorite locations to photograph. To kick things off, we’ll start with my hometown of Newmarket.

Heron Point Sanctuary – Newmarket

Just outside of downtown Newmarket is a short nature trail that winds alongside the Lamprey River. This small park is across the river from town and offers beautiful views of the water and mill buildings.

My favorite details:

• Easy to get to: The entrance is tucked in a small neighborhood just off Bay Road. There’s a timed gate that opens and closes at set times (dawn to dusk). After driving down a short, unpaved road there is a small parking area.

• Viewing area: Just a short walk from the parking lot there are a series of decks and stairs that offer great views of town.

• West facing: Being on the east side of the river, the trails offer great sunset views of town.

• Multiple subjects: There are several subjects to photograph, including the mill buildings, a large waterfall, some rushing rapids, the steeple of the Newmarket Community Church and plenty of birds. This section of the river is also tidal, so you can get some interesting views when the tide is low. It would also be a great spot to pose people for portraits.

View on Google Maps.

Mill Falls

These mills lining the Lamprey River mark the split between fresh water and salt water coming in from Great Bay. This evening scene highlights the waterfall, tucked between the mills just after sunset.

Mills Aglow

As the autumn sun sets over the Newmarket waterfront, the restored Mills come to life with an evening glow.

Mills at sunset

The sun sets and leaves a soft glow above the Newmarket mills.

Moonlight Mills

As the Lamprey River begins to freeze over, a crescent moon hangs over the waterfront Mills. The sunset glow adds a blend of pink and orange to the horizon.

Swasey Park – Exeter

Alongside the Squamscott River in Exeter is Swasey Parkway. This stretch of road offers plenty of parking and great views of the river and downtown Exeter.

My favorite details:

• Variety of perspectives: The park is a long, narrow stretch of trees with a walking path that hugs the waterline. When you’re close to town you can get some interesting shots of the waterfront buildings on either side of the river. As you walk further away from town the view becomes more panoramic.

• Tree variety: There are a number of beautiful old trees in the park, including my two favorites: birch and maple.

• Sunrise and sunset: Depending on where you stand, you can capture beautiful sunrises, or if you cross over to the other side there is a walking trail that offers sunset views.

View on Google Maps. 

Waterfront in Autumn

A view of the Exeter waterfront on a cold fall morning.

Frosted Autumn

A scene capturing winter’s frost, dusting over a blanket of fallen leaves in early November.

Twilight Riverfront

A view of the park at night, with downtown glowing in the distance.

Frozen River

A blazing sunrise over downtown Exeter, with the Squamscott River frozen in the dead of winter.

Frosted Morning

One of the most stunning snowfalls I can remember covered Exeter’s waterfront with a blanket of winter.

Snowy Birch

A beautiful birch tree is covered in a layer of snow at sunrise.

Four Tree Island – Portsmouth

There are so many spots I love to shoot from in Portsmouth. This one offers some of the best variety, being on a peninsula just beyond Prescott Park.

My favorite details:

• Wide variety of views: From this vantage point, you have a lot of options to photograph. You have a nice view of Memorial Bridge, as well as a group of fishing boats, the waterfront by Prescott Park and even some views of North Church poking above the tree line.

• Easy access: There is a decent sized parking lot just next to the island. After walking through a gate, there’s a path leading you out to the island. This stretch offers great views, particularly at sunset. The island itself has quite a few places to set up, including a peninsula with an interesting statue on the end.

• Close to downtown: It’s a great place to start a walk through Portsmouth. The bridge heading back towards town offers some great views of the South end as well.

 View on Google Maps.

Sunset Over the River

The glowing sun breaks through a dark layer of clouds at sunset.

Fishing Boats at Sunset

A warm, sunny glow lights up a group of fishing boats as the sun sets over Portsmouth.

Memorial Bridge at Night

After the sun has set, Memorial Bridge begins to light up the night.

Church Above the Trees

North Church peers over the tree line near Prescott Park.

Adam’s Point – Durham

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been to Adam’s Point. My parents used to bring me there as a child and I’ve been going back ever since. With walking trails and views of Great Bay, it’s become one of my go-to locations for nature pics.

My favorite details:

• Great any time of day: The area is located on a peninsula, so you can capture both sunrise and sunset from the same location. There is also nice set of walking trails through the woods, so you can find some shaded areas to shoot even when it’s sunny out.

• Subject diversity: There’s a large open field, a tidal coastline, marshy areas and a forest all within minutes of each other. This offers a lot of options for shooting wildlife photos, along with various nature scenes.

 View on Google Maps.

Sunset Bay

The sun goes down over Great Bay.

Bird on an Island

A lone bird rests on the rocks as the sun sets.

Blue Bird Field

A beautiful Blue Bird looking over an open field.

Smoky Water

Steamy mist rises off a small island in the bay.

Fire and Ice

Peak foliage lights up the tress while a layer of frost covers the field.

 Great Island Common – New Castle

A great area to capture a variety of views, from lighthouses, to sunrise, to waves crashing. Just a short drive from Portsmouth and plenty of space to walk around and explore.

Note: There’s a fee to enter the park during certain times of day/year.

My favorite details:

• Great sunrise views: The park is on a point that faces East, offering several options for sunrise shots. It’s also free to enter the park in the early morning.

• Lighthouses: You can see two lighthouses from the park. Looking East you can see Whaleback Lighthouse on a small island off the coast. If you look North you can also see Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse on a peninsula. A telephoto definitely helps with either, but isn’t necessary.

• Ocean views: With direct access to the ocean you have lots of options with catching waves, birds, boats, and if you can brave the cold in the dead of winter, sea smoke.

 View on Google Maps.

Smoky Sunrise

Frigid temperatures create rising sea smoke on the shores of Great Island Common. Whaleback Lighthouse rests on the horizon as the sun rises over the water. Prints available.

Whaleback at Sunset

As the sun sets behind us, the sky lights up in pinks and purples above Whaleback Lighthouse.

Smoke on the Water

Sea smoke drifts across the ocean on a frigid winter morning.

Blue Harbor

As blue hour sets in, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse shines over the harbor. Prints available.

Badger’s Island – Kittery, Maine

Ok, so I’m cheating a bit with this one, since it’s technically not in NH. That being said, it offers some of the best views of Portsmouth you’ll find.

Note: Please be aware of and respect the private properties on this island.

My favorite details:

• Memorial Bridge: If you’re looking for long exposure shots of Memorial Bridge, this is an amazing vantage point. You’ll also have great views of the Portsmouth waterfront and docks from just across the river.

• Lobster shacks: You’ll find a number of iconic lobster shacks, covered in buoys, which always make a great subject with Portsmouth in the background. You can also grab a bite to eat at Morrison’s Lobsters and the new Buoy Shack, slated to open in 2022.

• Sunset views: If you’re able to get there for sunset, it’s a great vantage point for shots of downtown.

View on Google Maps.

Lobster Shack Lights

This lobster shack is decorated in holiday lights, casting a glow over the buoys.

Blue Bridge

Memorial Bridge lit up in a beautiful blue light.

Waterfront Glow

The Portsmouth waterfront lit up at night.

Bridge and Shack

This scene is decked out in holiday colors with Christmas right around the corner.

Hopefully you found this list helpful and it inspires you to get out for some new photos. They’re just a few examples of the many, many beautiful areas near New Hampshire’s seacoast.

I’d love to hear your feedback. Have you already visited these areas? What are some of your favorite spots? Leave a comment!

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