Free Rockingham County Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Rockingham County with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Rockingham County
Rockingham County photo 2
Rockingham County photo 3
All photos

Rockingham County blends Portsmouth’s maritime history, Atlantic beaches, tidal estuaries, rural trails and New Hampshire food culture.

Rockingham County occupies the southeastern corner of New Hampshire, extending from the Atlantic shoreline and the tidal reaches of the Piscataqua River westwards through wooded hills, old mill towns and open farmland. It is the state’s most varied coastal region, combining the historic urban character of Portsmouth with beach communities, estuarine landscapes and rural towns that approach the Merrimack Valley. Massachusetts borders the county to the south, while Maine lies across the Piscataqua and the wider Gulf of Maine to the east.
Read more about Rockingham County
Portsmouth is the county’s principal cultural centre. Its compact historic district contains timber-framed houses, brick commercial buildings, handsome churches and former warehouses shaped by maritime trade. Strawbery Banke Museum presents several centuries of neighbourhood history, while the waterfront and Market Square connect the old port to a contemporary restaurant, gallery and performing-arts scene. Exeter, another important historic town, is known for its colonial streetscape, the American Independence Museum and the long-standing influence of Phillips Exeter Academy.
The coast is more than a chain of beaches. Hampton Beach is the county’s busiest seaside resort, with a broad sandy shore and a traditional entertainment strip, whereas Rye, North Hampton and Seabrook offer a mixture of quieter shoreline, salt marsh and residential coastal landscapes. Odiorne Point State Park in Rye combines rocky shore, walking paths and the Seacoast Science Center. Inland, Great Bay and its tidal rivers provide habitat for wading birds, waterfowl and shellfish, and are best appreciated by kayak, guided cruise or waterside walk.
Beyond the coast, Rockingham County becomes increasingly rural. Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham surrounds a lake and a prominent cluster of granite ledges, with trails, camping and paddling opportunities. The Exeter, Lamprey and Squamscott rivers pass through landscapes where former mills, covered bridges, farms and conservation land reveal the county’s transition from colonial settlement to industrial and suburban society. Small towns such as Newmarket, Epping and Hampstead provide a slower counterpoint to the Seacoast.
Local travel is shaped by the contrast between the busy summer coast, year-round Portsmouth and the dispersed inland countryside. Seafood, New England baking, farm produce and independent breweries feature prominently in the food scene, while antiques, books, crafts and locally made goods are found in historic centres and seasonal markets. A well-planned visit can pair maritime history with a beach walk, a river town with a forest trail, or a lively evening in Portsmouth with the dark skies and open roads of the interior.

When is the best time to visit Rockingham County?

Best: June, August–September · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January179
February370
March890
April1493
May2096
June (best)2595
July28100
August (best)27100
September (best)2295
October1691
November1092
December385

Getting to and around Rockingham County

How to get there

Portsmouth International Airport at Pease is within Rockingham County, although scheduled passenger services can be limited and change over time. Many international visitors use Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts, outside the county, and continue by car, bus or pre-arranged transfer. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is also outside Rockingham County and can be practical for inland and southern approaches. Interstate 95 runs through the Seacoast, while US routes 1 and 4 and state highways connect Portsmouth with Hampton, Exeter, the beaches and inland towns. Amtrak’s Downeaster serves Exeter and neighbouring Durham, with onward connections to Boston and Maine; check current services before travelling.

Transportation

A car offers the greatest flexibility because beaches, state parks, conservation areas and small towns are widely spread. Portsmouth and some surrounding communities have local bus services, while intercity coaches and rail provide useful links along the Seacoast corridor, but rural coverage is less extensive and may not suit a sightseeing itinerary. Traffic and parking are significant considerations at Hampton Beach and on summer weekends. Portsmouth is manageable on foot, and parts of the coast and inland towns are suitable for cycling, but visitors should use care on roads without continuous shoulders. Kayak launches and boat excursions provide seasonal access to tidal waterways rather than a general substitute for road transport.

Top city travel guides in Rockingham County

The cities of Rockingham County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Rockingham County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Rockingham County

Rockingham County’s attractions range from the preserved maritime streets of Portsmouth to broad beaches, tidal estuaries and inland woodland. Strawbery Banke Museum offers a carefully interpreted view of several centuries of Portsmouth neighbourhood life, while the USS Albacore, a historic research submarine, adds a distinctive naval dimension. In Exeter, the American Independence Museum explores New Hampshire’s revolutionary history, and the town’s institutions and riverfront provide a quieter historic setting. Hampton Beach is the county’s principal traditional resort, whereas Odiorne Point State Park and the Seacoast Science Center in Rye combine coastal scenery with marine interpretation. Great Bay and its connected waterways are suited to birdwatching, paddling and guided excursions. Inland, Pawtuckaway State Park provides hiking, camping, swimming and boating around a lake and granite outcrops. Farms, conservation lands, galleries, seasonal events and former mill communities widen the county’s appeal beyond the shoreline.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Rockingham County

Show more landmarks

Explore Rockingham County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Rockingham County

Dining in Rockingham County reflects its New England coast, river towns and productive countryside. Portsmouth has the broadest choice, from contemporary restaurants and seafood kitchens to cafés, bakeries, taverns and international dining in and around the historic centre. Fish, oysters, clams and other Atlantic ingredients appear widely, although menus also draw on the wider New England tradition of chowders, lobster rolls and fried seafood. Along the coast, casual restaurants and seasonal stands suit beach visits, while Exeter and other inland towns combine independent cafés, pubs and restaurants with farm-influenced menus. Farmers’ markets, farm stands and local producers offer fruit, vegetables, baked goods, maple products and meats as the seasons change. New Hampshire craft beer is well represented, and some establishments highlight nearby breweries or regional cider. Dining hours and seasonal opening patterns vary outside Portsmouth, so visitors exploring rural towns should plan ahead rather than rely on late-night choices.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Rockingham County

Evening life is concentrated in Portsmouth, where historic streets contain traditional pubs, cocktail bars, breweries, wine-focused venues, restaurants with late service and places presenting live music or comedy. The city’s theatres and performance spaces add cultural options that do not depend on a large nightclub scene. Exeter and the larger Seacoast communities offer smaller selections of pubs, taverns and casual bars, while Hampton Beach has a more seasonal resort atmosphere with music, entertainment and shoreline establishments during the warmer months. Inland towns generally settle earlier, with evening activity centred on local restaurants, community events and established pubs rather than dedicated clubs. Breweries and taprooms can be part of the regional evening circuit, but visitors should check current opening arrangements and transport options. Drinking and driving is unsafe; designated drivers, taxis or ride services are particularly important when staying outside Portsmouth.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Rockingham County

Evening life is concentrated in Portsmouth, where historic streets contain traditional pubs, cocktail bars, breweries, wine-focused venues, restaurants with late service and places presenting live music or comedy. The city’s theatres and performance spaces add cultural options that do not depend on a large nightclub scene. Exeter and the larger Seacoast communities offer smaller selections of pubs, taverns and casual bars, while Hampton Beach has a more seasonal resort atmosphere with music, entertainment and shoreline establishments during the warmer months. Inland towns generally settle earlier, with evening activity centred on local restaurants, community events and established pubs rather than dedicated clubs. Breweries and taprooms can be part of the regional evening circuit, but visitors should check current opening arrangements and transport options. Drinking and driving is unsafe; designated drivers, taxis or ride services are particularly important when staying outside Portsmouth.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Rockingham County

Shopping in Rockingham County is strongest in its historic town centres rather than in one dominant retail district. Portsmouth offers independent bookshops, galleries, design stores, clothing shops, gift retailers, antiques and locally produced food around Market Square and adjoining streets, with a more contemporary retail mix alongside its preserved architecture. Exeter has a compact centre of independent businesses, galleries, cafés and specialist shops, while smaller towns provide antiques, farm stands and practical local services. Coastal resorts add beachwear, souvenirs and seasonal goods, particularly around Hampton Beach. Farmers’ markets and direct-from-farm stalls are useful for New Hampshire produce, baked goods, maple products and other provisions, though locations and dates vary by season. Craft beer, regional food items, pottery, artwork and books make more durable alternatives to generic souvenirs. Visitors should distinguish permanent town-centre businesses from seasonal beach retailers, whose opening patterns can change outside the summer period.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Rockingham County, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Rockingham County essentials

Currency and Payment
Rockingham County uses the United States dollar (USD), as does the rest of New Hampshire. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Portsmouth, hotels, larger shops, restaurants and visitor attractions, although a small amount of cash remains useful for parking, farm stands, seasonal vendors and some older self-service facilities. New Hampshire has no general state sales tax on most retail purchases, but accommodation, prepared meals, admission charges and particular goods may be subject to separate taxes or fees. Check the final amount when paying, and remember that restaurant tipping is customary in the United States.
Safety
Rockingham County is generally straightforward for visitors, but normal precautions apply in busy resorts, car parks and nightlife areas. At the coast, observe posted warnings, avoid entering the ocean in rough conditions and take care around rocks, tidal inlets and rapidly changing weather. Marshes and wooded trails can be slippery, buggy or poorly lit after dark, while Pawtuckaway’s rocky terrain requires suitable footwear and water. Summer congestion creates driving and parking risks, and winter weather can make rural roads hazardous. Check local conditions before boating, swimming, hiking or visiting exposed shoreline.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in Rockingham County for police, fire or ambulance assistance; provide the exact town, road, trail, beach access or landmark where help is needed. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in wooded or remote areas, so note trailheads and tell someone your plans before hiking or paddling. At the coast, follow lifeguard and beach warnings and report water emergencies immediately. For non-urgent medical care, ask accommodation staff or a local health provider about the most appropriate facility, and ensure travel insurance covers treatment in the United States.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow posted rules at beaches, parks, wildlife refuges and historic properties, and keep dogs leashed where required. Do treat tidal marshes, private land and working farms with respect, and dispose of fishing and picnic waste properly. Do queue patiently and tip appropriately in restaurants and for personal services, as these are broad United States customs rather than special Rockingham County rules. Do not assume every shoreline is safe for swimming or accessible at every tide, and do not park across residential driveways or on restricted beach roads during busy periods.
Local Tips
Plan coastal visits around parking arrangements and tides rather than distance alone, especially in summer. Portsmouth, Exeter and Newmarket reward exploration beyond their principal attractions, with historic streets, riverside paths and independent businesses. Autumn is an excellent season for inland drives and walking, while spring and early summer bring active marsh and woodland habitats. Farm stands and seasonal markets vary by town and date, so ask locally for current options. If visiting Pawtuckaway State Park or a conservation area, download or carry reliable directions because mobile reception and facilities can be limited.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey there[Hey thair]
GoodbyeSee ya[See yah]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing/No problem[Shur thing/No prob]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thangs a lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me/Sorry 'bout that[Pardon me/Sorry 'bout that]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How yah doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[Good. And you?]
Do you speak English?You speakin' English?[Yuh speakin' English?]
I don't understandI ain't gettin' it[I ain't gettin' it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI'm not a meat eater[I'm not a meat eater]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI'm turned around[I'm turned around]
I'm illI ain't feelin' well[I ain't feelin' well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing, thanks[Just browsing, thanks]
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[That's a bit pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can ya do better on the price?[Can ya do better on the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the time?[What's the time?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[It's one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[Can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A ticket to...]

History of Rockingham County

Abenaki Homelands and the Piscataqua Estuary

Before European settlement, the rivers, forests, marshes and coast of present-day Rockingham County formed part of the homeland and seasonal travel network of Indigenous peoples, including Abenaki communities. The Piscataqua and its tributaries supported fishing, hunting, gathering and movement between inland and coastal environments. European settlement altered these patterns through land claims, trade, disease and conflict. Indigenous history remains essential to understanding the county’s landscape, even though much of the visible built heritage dates from later colonial periods.

Colonial Portsmouth and Exeter

English settlement developed around the Piscataqua River during the seventeenth century, creating the port that became Portsmouth and farming communities farther inland. Exeter was founded in 1638 by settlers associated with the Reverend John Wheelwright and developed around the Squamscott River. The region’s early economy combined agriculture, timber, fishing, small-scale manufacturing and Atlantic trade. Surviving houses, churchyards, street plans and waterfront buildings reflect the growing importance of these settlements in colonial New Hampshire.

Portsmouth’s Maritime Economy

Portsmouth prospered through shipbuilding, coastal and overseas commerce, timber exports and its position on the Piscataqua. The harbour connected New Hampshire’s interior to the Atlantic, while merchants, shipwrights and seafarers shaped the town’s architecture and social life. The town’s maritime importance continued after independence, although larger ports eventually overtook it in commercial scale. Historic warehouses, Market Square, the waterfront and preserved residential streets still reveal the town’s long relationship with the river and ocean.

Exeter and the American Revolution

Exeter became an important revolutionary centre in 1775 when the Provincial Congress of New Hampshire met there after royal authority collapsed. The town served as a seat of revolutionary government and was closely associated with the state’s early political organisation. The American Independence Museum preserves documents and objects connected with this period, including the state’s original 1776 constitution. The episode gave Exeter significance beyond its role as a market and river town.

Mills, Railways and Nineteenth-Century Industry

During the nineteenth century, waterpower and improved transport encouraged industrial growth along the Exeter, Lamprey and other rivers. Newmarket became particularly associated with textile manufacturing, while Exeter and other communities developed mills, workshops and commercial services. Railways linked inland towns with Portsmouth, Boston and regional markets, reducing reliance on river transport and coastal shipping. Former mill buildings, dams, railway corridors and dense village centres provide reminders of this industrial transformation.

The Seacoast as a Resort

Improved rail and road connections helped Hampton Beach and neighbouring coastal communities develop as summer resorts during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Seaside hotels, amusement businesses, bathing facilities and seasonal cottages created an economy distinct from the working harbour of Portsmouth and the county’s inland farms. Hampton Beach retains a recognisable traditional resort character, although modern development, coastal erosion and changing visitor habits have continually reshaped the shoreline.

Airfields, Suburban Growth and Conservation

The twentieth century brought major changes through motor transport, Boston-area commuting, defence infrastructure and suburban development. The former Pease Air Force Base, now associated with Pease International Tradeport and Pease Air National Guard Base, altered the landscape and economy around Portsmouth and Newington. At the same time, public parks, wildlife refuges, estuary protection and land trusts became increasingly important as communities sought to conserve forests, farmland, marshes and shorelines amid continuing growth.

Rockingham County in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Rockingham County

The closest regions to Rockingham County, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

New Hampshire
More of the region

Explore more of New Hampshire

Discover New Hampshire: Explore the majestic White Mountains, serene lakes, and historic towns in the heart of New England's enchanting landscapes.

Explore New Hampshire
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Rockingham County

Discover Rockingham County with Evendo: your 100% free app-based travel guide covering all top attractions, landmarks, eateries, and more for an unforgettable trip.

  • Comprehensive guide to attractions, landmarks, and dining in Rockingham County
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Detailed maps and contact information for seamless navigation
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Rockingham County like never before with Evendo, the free travel guide app that brings you the best attractions, dining, and experiences right at your fingertips.

  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions and eateries
  • 100% free to use with no hidden charges

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Rockingham County, New Hampshire, with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide designed for savvy travelers. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Evendo offers a comprehensive guide to the county's top attractions, landmarks, and dining spots, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Discover the rich history of Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque Hampton Beach. Indulge your taste buds at the renowned Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe or savor the local flavors at Black Trumpet Bistro. With detailed information on all the best shops, bars, nightclubs, hotels, and more, Evendo makes planning your trip a breeze.

Navigate with ease using our interactive maps and 'Near me' feature, which highlights nearby attractions and dining options, no matter where you are. From booking hotels and tours to exploring curated local tips, Evendo empowers you to experience Rockingham County like a local. Download Evendo today and unlock a world of exploration, all from the convenience of your smartphone.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.