9 Beach Bars & Decks on the Seacoast That Just Feel Like Summer

Everyone here at the office is talking about it. There’s a very specific moment that tells you summer has officially started on the Seacoast.

It’s not the calendar.
It’s not the weather app either.

It’s the bartender handing you that first drink… on a deck… with the sun out and salt in the air, live music somewhere in the background, and having zero plans for the rest of the day.

That’s the feeling we all want, right? Remove the responsibilities for just a little bit, even if it's only for an hour. I'll gladly take that.

If you’re trying to make the most of summer in New Hampshire and Maine, these are the spots where you post up, stay way longer than you planned, and start saying things like “we should do this every weekend.”

The Decks You’ll Keep Going Back To

Beach Deck Bar & Grill

207 Ocean Blvd, Seabrook, NH
This one just feels like summer. Big open-air deck, frozen drinks, live music, and that laid-back beach energy. Sunsets here hit in a way that makes you forget what day it is.

Wally's

144 Ashworth Ave, Hampton, NH
Loud, packed, and exactly what you want sometimes. Grab a drink, sit outside, and just people-watch Hampton Beach doing its thing.

BG's Boat House Restaurant & Marina

191 Wentworth Rd, Portsmouth, NH
Low-key, local, and right on the water. Boats cruising by, cold drink in hand, it’s the kind of spot you almost don’t want to tell people about.

River House

53 Bow St, Portsmouth, NH
Right on the river in downtown Portsmouth. Grab a drink on the deck and just hang. It’s one of those “why don’t we do this more often?” places.

Water View Grill

37 Bow St, Portsmouth, NH
Same waterfront energy, slightly more chill vibe. Perfect for a slower afternoon drink that turns into dinner.

READ MORE: 2 NH Ice Cream Stops on Lake Winnipesaukee You Can Get to by Boat

Bernie's Beach Bar

73 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH
Massive deck. Live bands. Absolute chaos—in the best way. If you want that full-on summer crowd energy, this is your spot.

The Old Salt Restaurant at Lamie's Inn

490 Lafayette Rd, Hampton, NH
A little more classic New England, but still delivers that seasonal coastal feel. Seafood, drinks, and a slower pace.

Ashworth by the Sea (Surf Room Deck)

295 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH
Oceanfront views right over the sand. Slightly more upscale, but still very much a “grab a drink and soak it in” kind of place.

The Clam Shack

2 Western Ave, Kennebunkport, ME
Not a full-on bar—but grab a beer, sit outside, and pair it with one of the best lobster rolls you’ll ever have. Simple, iconic, perfect.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a big plan this summer. You just need a spot like these, a couple friends, maybe a live band in the background, and something cold in your hand.

Tthose are always the days you remember the most.  Let's Go!!!!!!