Visitor information

How big is it, really?

Small. Around twenty-two thousand residents, and a historic core you can cross on foot in twenty minutes. The visitor experience is concentrated in about six walkable blocks plus the waterfront.

How long do I need?

A full day covers the centre. Two days lets you add the museums and a boat. Three days gets you the coast, the lighthouses and Kittery without rushing.

Where is the middle?

Market Square, under the white steeple. Every walk in this guide starts or ends there, and it is the easiest place to arrange to meet.

Is there sales tax?

New Hampshire has no general sales tax, which is why the outlet shops across the region are busy. A separate tax applies to prepared meals and lodging.

When does everything open?

Shops keep daytime hours and mostly close early evening. Kitchens stop earlier than visitors from bigger cities expect. Historic house museums are strongly seasonal and many close entirely in winter.

Do I need to book?

For dinner in season, yes. For accommodation on a summer or foliage weekend, well in advance. For most daytime attractions, no.

• Summer weekends

  Peak everything. Book food and beds; arrive at beaches before ten.

• Foliage weeks, October

  Accommodation tightens across the whole Seacoast.

• Restaurant and beer weeks

  Downtown tables go early; a good reason to visit and a bad time to wing it.

• Holiday season, December

  Lit streets, busy shops, short daylight. Strong for atmosphere, weak for boats.

• January to March

  Quietest by a distance. Best restaurant availability of the year.

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