Seabrook Town Guide: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore

Seabrook is the first New Hampshire town most drivers see. Cross the state line northbound on I-95 and you are in it. Many people keep going to Hampton or Portsmouth, but Seabrook has its own character: a stretch of Atlantic beach, a large casino and entertainment complex, a busy commercial strip along Lafayette Road, and a long working history tied to fishing and, more recently, nuclear power. This guide covers things to do in Seabrook NH, where to eat, and how to fit the town into a Seacoast trip.

Seabrook at a glance

Seabrook is in Rockingham County at the southern end of New Hampshire's short coastline, on the border with Massachusetts. The 2020 census counted 8,401 residents. The town covers about 9.7 square miles, and its eastern end along the ocean is the separate census-designated place of Seabrook Beach.

Neighboring towns include Hampton Falls to the north, Hampton to the northeast, South Hampton to the west, Kensington to the northwest, and Salisbury, Massachusetts, to the south. Several small rivers, including the Blackwater and the Browns River, drain north and east into Hampton Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic.

Seabrook is also known for its own local accent, sometimes called the "Brookah" accent. Descriptions compare it to rural English accents, and one explanation ties it to the town's fishing connections with communities in Maine.

Seabrook Station

You will likely notice the domed containment building of Seabrook Station from the highway or the marshes. The plant has operated since 1990, and its single unit, at 1,244 megawatts, is the largest individual generating unit on the New England power grid. The station produces roughly 40 percent of New Hampshire's electricity.

The plant has a dramatic history. Construction began in 1976, and it became the focus of years of protest. The largest demonstration, in 1977, led to more than 1,400 arrests. A second planned unit was never built, and the delays and costs contributed to the bankruptcy of the utility that originally owned it. Since 2002 it has been owned and operated by NextEra Energy Resources.

It is not a tourist attraction, but it is part of the town's story and a good piece of context for anyone driving through.

Seabrook Beach

The ocean end of town is quieter than its famous neighbor to the north. Seabrook Beach runs along the Atlantic up toward Hampton Harbor. For a classic boardwalk-style day with lifeguards and a full set of facilities, Hampton Beach State Park is just across the harbor. It is a 50-acre state park where the Hampton River meets the Atlantic, with a lifeguarded beach, a playground, an amphitheater, restrooms, a pavilion and an RV campground with full hookups.

After Labor Day the summer crowds thin out, which makes September a pleasant time for a long beach walk.

The Brook: casino, sportsbook and restaurants

The Brook, at 319 New Zealand Road, is the biggest attraction in town and a large entertainment complex. It offers casino gaming, table games and poker, charity gaming and race wagering. Its sportsbook, the DraftKings Sportsbook at The Brook, is described by The Brook as the largest in the state.

The complex has added The Secret Garden, an outdoor space with live music, along with several places to eat and drink:

• 9 Dragons
• Lucky's and Victory's
• The Secret Garden Restaurant, which also serves a Sunday brunch
• Charlie's, along with several bars

The Brook is an adults-oriented venue. Check its website for current hours, entertainment lineups and age requirements before you go. As with any casino, set a budget in advance.

Where to eat in Seabrook

Beyond The Brook, Seabrook's restaurants cluster along Lafayette Road (Route 1) and near the beach.

12 Ocean Grill. Down at Seabrook Beach, 12 Ocean Grill is a local sports bar and restaurant. It calls itself "Statey South," a nod to the owner's former bar in Portsmouth, and aims for the same everyone-is-welcome feel. It also has golf simulators, which makes it a useful rainy-day option. Its menu, specials and events are listed on its website.

Red's Kitchen and Tavern. At 530 Lafayette Road, Red's has a second location in Peabody, Massachusetts. It is a solid choice for a sit-down meal on the main commercial strip.

Casa Tequila. Also on Lafayette Road, Casa Tequila offers online ordering and catering for parties, holidays, corporate events and weddings. It is an easy stop if you are picking up food on the way to the beach or feeding a group.

Because Lafayette Road is the main commercial corridor, you will also find a long list of national chains and quick-service places along it. Our directory lists more Seabrook restaurants if you want options beyond those above.

Where to stay

Seabrook's lodging is limited compared with Hampton Beach, and many visitors stay a few minutes north in Hampton or Portsmouth and drive down. If you want to be close to the ocean in Seabrook itself, look at seasonal rentals near Seabrook Beach. For hotel options along the coast, see our Seacoast lodging coverage and confirm details directly with any property before booking.

A day in Seabrook

Here is one way to spend a day in and around town:

1. Morning beach walk. Start at Seabrook Beach or cross to Hampton Beach State Park for the full-facilities experience.

2. Lunch near the beach at 12 Ocean Grill.

3. Afternoon on Lafayette Road for errands or shopping, or drive north up Route 1A along the coast.

4. Evening at The Brook for dinner at 9 Dragons and live entertainment.

If you are traveling with kids, swap the casino for more beach time or a trip up the coast to Hampton's attractions.

Getting there and around

• By car. I-95 runs through the western part of town, and Seabrook is the first exit area in New Hampshire for northbound drivers. Route 1 (Lafayette Road) is the commercial spine, and Route 1A follows the coast.
• Distances. Seabrook Station is roughly 40 miles north of Boston and 10 miles south of Portsmouth, which gives a good sense of where the town sits.
• Parking. Beach parking near the ocean is limited and seasonal. Check posted rules before you leave the car.

Tips for visiting

• Go after Labor Day for quiet beaches. Early fall brings fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
• Check hours before you go. Restaurant and entertainment hours change by season.
• Combine towns. Seabrook, Hampton and Hampton Falls are close together, so it is easy to spread a day across all three.
• Know your limits at the casino. Decide on a budget in advance and stick to it.

FAQ

What is Seabrook, NH known for?

Seabrook is known for Seabrook Station, the nuclear power plant that produces roughly 40 percent of New Hampshire's electricity, for The Brook casino, and for being the first New Hampshire town on I-95 northbound.

Does Seabrook have a beach?

Yes. Seabrook Beach runs along the Atlantic at the eastern end of town. Hampton Beach State Park is just across Hampton Harbor.

What is there to do at The Brook in Seabrook?

The Brook offers casino gaming, poker and table games, race wagering, a sportsbook, live music at The Secret Garden, and several restaurants including 9 Dragons.

How many people live in Seabrook, NH?

The 2020 census counted 8,401 residents.

What towns are near Seabrook?

Hampton, Hampton Falls, South Hampton and Kensington in New Hampshire, and Salisbury, Massachusetts, to the south.

Sources

• Seabrook, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 population, location, area, neighbors, rivers, accent, I-95): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seabrook,_New_Hampshire
• Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant, Wikipedia (operation since 1990, 1,244 MW, about 40 percent of NH electricity, protests, ownership, distances): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seabrook_Station_Nuclear_Power_Plant
• Hampton Beach State Park, Wikipedia (50 acres, facilities): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Beach_State_Park
• The Brook, official site (address, gaming, sportsbook, Secret Garden, restaurants): https://www.livefreeandplay.com/
• 12 Ocean Grill, official site and about page (Seabrook Beach sports bar, "Statey South", golf simulators): https://12oceangrillgolf.com/
• Red's Kitchen and Tavern, official site (530 Lafayette Road, Peabody location): https://redskitchenandtavern.com/
• Casa Tequila, official site (online ordering, catering): https://casatequilaseabrook.com/