Itinerary 1: The Seacost

People unfamiliar with New England are sometimes shocked to discover New Hampshire has a coastline. It is only 18 miles long, but residents are proud of it, nonetheless. If you are looking for a beach vacation with an historic twist, the New Hampshire coast is a great destination.

 

Start your day with a fun breakfast at the quirky Friendly Toast. Then before you hit the beach, hit the history. The coastal village of Portsmouth is full of lovely architecture, with many buildings in the Georgian style. Strawberry Banke is the town’s centerpiece. It consists of 46 historic buildings over ten acres in the downtown area. If you have kids, don’t miss The Children’s Museum of Portsmouth. It is full of lively, hands-on exhibits. Also fun for kids is the Seacoast Trolley, which offers free tours around the town.

 

You may want to drive inland to the town of Exeter. It has lovely shops and boutiques and interesting residential architecture. It is also home to the American Independence Museum. Its claim-to-fame is the fact that an original copy of the Declaration of Independence was found in the attic sometime in the 1980s. It is not kept on display, however. You will have to settle for viewing a copy. Before you leave Exeter, have a hearty bowl of soup with homemade bread at Loaf and Ladle to fuel you for an afternoon at the beach.

 

For your time in the sun, hit Hampton Beach State Park for a crowded-but-in-a-fun-way beach experience. If people-watching isn’t a priority, Wallis Sands State Beach is usually less packed. Try dinner at Ron’s Landing, an anchor in the Hampton Beach dining scene. Or make your way back to Portsmouth via scenic Route 1A. The gorgeous architecture is increasingly impressive as you make your way to the famed Millionaire’s Row. Have dinner (try the Blue Mermaid World Grill – it’s where the locals go), and stay the night in one of the historic inns. Martin Hill Bed and Breakfast is a great choice.