Hampton Beach in Hampton, New Hampshire is a major beach destination in New England, drawing throngs of tourists who visit multiple times each year to experience both the ocean and the many side attractions along the boardwalk as well.
A $14.5 million dollar restoration that began in 2001 was completed in 2012 and includes the Seashell Stage which seats 750 persons and boasts state of the art sound and lighting.
Across the street from the Seashell Complex, the Casino Ballroom has been offering top-notch entertainment since 1899, and was ranked #23 for worldwide club venues in 2010 according to Pollstar.
Many shops and hotels line the boardwalk on Ocean Boulevard.
Whether you're looking for a dance club...
...open air dining...
....or arcade games and food...
there's plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and waves.
Where else but in New England would a simple lobster trap make such a fitting decoration for a roof?
Perhaps you could explore the area by motorcycle...
...or take a charter boat on a deep-sea fishing excursion.
For the more adventurous, take a bird's eye view by helicopter! Boston Air Tours offers a seacoast trip that includes a flyover at Plum Island, Salisbury Beach and Hampton Beach.
But the main attraction in the sweltering summer heat of New England is the beach.
In fact, Hampton Beach is one of only twelve U.S. beaches in 2012 to receive a 5 star rating for water cleanliness according to the National Resources Defense Council.
The swirling waters rush in at high tide...
...leaving behind the shallow tidepools...
....which are well worth the effort of exploring for sea creatures such as crabs and starfish.
Kids will enjoy looking for shells, a hidden treasure among the rocks at the end of the beach.
Hampton Beach is not only a tourist destination, but also boasts some very fine real estate for 365 days of gorgeous views of the ocean.
For a quieter seaside experience, you might consider visiting North Hampton which is just up the road from Ocean Boulevard.
You can walk by the sea on a sidewalk in the area known by locals as Little Boars Head.
Where you're especially in for a treat if you time your visit when the flowers are blooming...
....which decorate the ocean seawall in abundance along large portions of the sidewalk.
The homes along this stretch of ocean include some fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Union Chapel, with views of the ocean, was built in 1877 and even looks like an English country church.
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North Hampton, New Hampshire is also home to Fuller Gardens, a turn-of-the-century botanical garden located on Willow Avenue. The gardens are situated on the former estate of Alvan T. Fuller, who was governor of Massachusetts between 1925 and 1929.
There is an admission charge to Fuller Gardens, but it is well worth paying to support the immaculate maintenance of the landscape.
Within the walled gardens are pools...
...fountains...
...statues...
...birdbaths...
and other well-chosen decorations which accent the main attraction...
Roses.
The air is laden with their scent.
And the many interweaving colors are stunning to the eye.
While the chief attraction may be the Rose Gardens, the Japanese Garden is equally compelling and offers a more contemplative atmosphere.
It includes a Koi Pond and various decorations appropriate to the Japanese theme.
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Don't forget to visit the greenhouse!
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When you're ready to leave, you'll wish you had your very own private rose garden complete with a "gateway to the sea". But until that day comes, you can always visit again and dream.
