Stops along New Hampshire’s coast

By Lisa K. Berton

The air has salty highlights of the Atlantic Ocean. Toddlers are spinning and sliding. Motels are shuttered and undergoing updates. Parking is plentiful and free. Hampton Beach during the offseason is peaceful.

Located along Ocean Drive (NH-1A,) this popular seaside Summer destination is quite mellow this time of year. The plethora of hamburger stands and gift shops are closed, however, the clean and modern bathhouse is open. The beach is vacant except for a dozen or so scattered locals out for a walk. And why not, there aren’t any over decades-old towels to avoid stepping on or oversized umbrellas to bonk you in the head. A little sun and a little surf make a lovely combination any time of year.

As warmer days approach, Hampton Beach will become more and more populated. Hotels, motels, and inns will sell out, if they haven’t already and ice cream cones will drip equally on surfer dudes and glamorous grandmas. A variety of events are planned for 2018 and you can keep track through Hampton Beach Village District. Headlining performances are already underway at Casino Ballroom, also located on Ocean Drive. Parking fees begin on April 1st (no joke) and are managed by Parks and Recreation of New Hampshire. Rates and additional information are available on the linked website. An enclosed, sand-filled complimentary playground for kids is situated across from G Street and close to the public restrooms. Take a swing at mini golf at Buc’s Lagoon or if the heat gets to you, try the indoor course at Casino Mini Golf. Both professional and amateur surfers are known to hit a section further up on NH-1A known as The Wall, beginning across the street from 539 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH 03842.

Harris Sea Ranch Motel

You can’t miss this jolly fella.

Continue along NH-1A heading North and you’ll pass by beautiful mansions and adorable cottages facing the ocean. Watch for approved parking spaces and lots on the right. Follow the road to Seacoast Science Center located within Odiorne Point State Park at 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870. Little ones will love all of the sea creatures on exhibit, educational games, interactive displays, and touch tanks. Admission is $5.00 for kids ages 3-12, $10.00 for ages 13-adult, and $8.00 for seniors and military.

Learn about deep sea diving.

During your visit, they may offer the chance to learn from a naturalist. Pictured below (left) is Mike Doherty, a program naturalist at Seacoast Science Center. Mike shared binoculars and knowledge with guests. Not only can he answer questions about the physical coastline itself, but he loves to share stories about pirates, well known pirates like Blackbeard and Rachel Wall. Ask Mike about their connection to New Hampshire. Thanks to Mike, another location has been added to the list of places to visit, the Isles of Shoals located off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine.

Especially during the off season, operating restaurants can be hard to find. Year round accommodations offer dining options. Less than four miles from Odiorne Point State Park is Wentworth by the Sea Hotel. Take NH-1A to 1B to 588 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, NH 03854. The Marriott property has two restaurants, Latitudes and SALT.  I had a flatbread pizza at SALT. Seating consists of various sized tables with short cushioned chairs. My table was circular and small, too small for two people to enjoy lunch. During my visit only a few other tables were occupied and we all complained to each other about the below par service. The flatbread was fine, not awful, not great.

Hop back into your car and drive one mile down Wentworth Rd to Fort Constitution, The historic site is in ruins, free, and open to the public during scheduled hours. On the day of my visit, the park closed at 4 PM. A member of the U.S. military rounded up visitors and escorted us to the exit shortly after closing time.

From Fort Constitution you can see Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse as pictured at the top of this article. Walk around the park for changing views, a look into how the coast was defended hundreds of years ago, and imagine what it was like. Catch a sunset breathe life into the antique bricks walls.

Whether you enjoy history, beaches, wildlife, science or just a drive to escape daily routines, New Hampshire’s coast offers it all and then some.

A portcullis is a heavy grating sliding up and down in vertical grooves to block a gateway to a fortress.