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Embark on a daylong tour of the varied New Hampshire coastline at the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
(Photo: Jeff Dell, via Flickr) |
Explore the beaches and seaside villages of New Hampshire’s 18-mile coastline, the shortest of any state. Begin along the state’s northern border with Maine in the island town of New Castle, home to the photogenic Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and the RevolutionaryWar–era ruins of the Fort Constitution State Historic Site. Order a fresh-baked scone ($2) or a breakfast pita with poached eggs, roasted tomatoes, and cheddar cheese ($5) at Henrys’ Market Café, housed in an 1890s market. Drive ten minutes south along the coast to Odiorne Point State Park ($4), where you can hike among pebble beaches, sheltered tidal pools, wildflower fields, and salt marshes. Four miles farther along Ocean Boulevard (Route 1A), board the converted lobster boat the Uncle Oscar for a Star Island Tour with Island Cruises ($26). Departing from Rye Harbor, this three-hour tour takes passengers to the Isles of Shoals, first visited by John Smith in 1614. Though only six miles from shore, these islands remain unknown to many locals. On your tour, you’ll explore Star Island’s 1800s stone chapel, graveyard, fishing village, and the historic Oceanic Hotel. Back on shore, stop by the buoy-covered Ray’s Seafood Restaurant for �hot� lobster rolls, with meat sautéed in sherry butter ($16.99). Stroll through the rose bushes of Fuller Gardens ($9), which also includes formal English gardens, a tropical conservatory, Japanese gardens, and statues by a student of Michelangelo. Drive past the Newport-style mansions of Little Boar’s Head, then order a cone of Toll House Cookie or seasonal blueberry ice-cream ($4) at the Beach Plum, and stroll with it along the sandy beach across the street at North Hampton State Park. A ten-minute drive down the coast, breeze through Hampton Beach’s boardwalk, buzzing with games and vendors. For a much-needed moment of quiet, stop by the grassy dunes of Seabrook Beach, an ideal spot for birdwatching that attracts gulls, plovers, and sandpipers. Finish the evening with an area classic since 1950: baked lobster pie ($18.25) or clam strips ($14.25) at Brown’s Lobster Pound.