Situated between New Hampshire and Maine, the Isle of Shoals is a legendary location that has historically hosted vacationers, fishermen, and even pirates. Urban myth has it that there is buried treasure in one of the rocky islands that makes up the Isles. Trips to the islands depart from
Portsmouth Harbor every day. The Seacoast Science Center is an educational and interactive museum located in Rye, New Hampshire, which is just 15 miles from Hampton Beach. A day trip to the Seacoast Science Center would not be complete without a trip to the Odiorne Point State Park. The town of Rye also has nice beaches including Jenness State Beach, which is open to the general public as well as Wallis Sands State Beach. Visitors can also take the 1A route to the border of North Hampton and discover the Fuller Gardens featuring 2,000 rose bushes. Boat day trips are also available from Hampton Beach in which visitors can go whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean as well as go deep sea fishing. If you have time for an overnight trip, head to Acadia National Park, which is four hours north by car. Stay in the charming town of
Bar Harbor. This national park has many different
family activities to choose from.