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| Ocean Beaches, Seaside Attractions and History That Comes Alive | The Secret to a New Hampshire Seacoast Summer |
 
If summer sun-and-saltwater fun is what you seek, head to the Seacoast where New Hampshire's Atlantic shoreline is packed with places to discover. The boardwalk and hotels all along Hampton Beach offer arcades, shops and food as well as a long, gentle stretch of popular beach. On Route 1 you will find lodging of all types, familiar restaurants and family-friendly attractions, from water parks to miniature golf. Alternatively, spend the day at one of the family-friendly sandy beaches in Rye or North Hampton. Then head up the Coastal Byway to the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point, which offers hands-on tidal pool exhibits and nature walks. The coastal trails and marshes of the State Park offer birdwatching and kayaking opportunities plus plenty of places for seaside picnicking.
 If you'd rather combine learning and fun, historical Portsmouth puts 400 years of excitement at your feet. Start at the John Paul Jones House to meet the ”Father of the American Navy” who led a crew of local New Hampshire men against the British on the high seas during the Revolutionary War. Then check out the day's family activities at Strawbery Banke a few blocks away. This 10-acre living history museum teaches kids how children lived in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries -- spinning their own yarn or dipping candles. There are great family restaurants nearby or cross the street to picnic in Prescott Park and watch the ocean-bound ships or even a replica of the local historical gundalow watercraft go by. Prescott Park offers a daily summer schedule of evening performances and movies in the park. Farther down Marcy Street, children of all ages will discover something new at the award-winning Children's Museum of Portsmouth. Joint exhibits with the University of New Hampshire introduce kids to marine biology projects throughout the local Piscataqua River and Great Bay. Little ones can learn what it's like to be a lobsterman, then take a harbor cruise to see where the real lobster boats come and go. |
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