Exploring Ocean Life at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Tucked into the beach town of Hampton Beach, New Hampshire is the Blue Ocean Discovery Center. Open all summer long, this little building houses the perfect way to start or end your day in the waves.
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Hampton Beach
After traveling to Salem, Massachusetts, we are continuing our Back East road trip 40 miles northeast to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Though we only had time to spend the morning here, I can see how it would be the perfect spot for a summer weekend getaway. Before hitting the waves, we chose to explore the…
Blue Ocean Discovery Center
The Blue Ocean Discovery Center is a small, but important building on Hampton Beach. The center serves as an educational space to teach visitors about marine life. Marine biology interns help welcome you to the center and are available to answer any questions. We enjoyed our visit so much more due to our interactions with them!
Exhibits at the Ocean Discovery Center
According to their website, current exhibits at the Discovery Center are as follows:
- Atlantic white-sided dolphin skeleton
- Giant fin whale vertebra
- Touch tank with sea stars, crabs, and other marine life (selection varies!)
- A 100-gallon observation tank
- Lobster trap demonstration
- SmartScope showing magnification of marine animals
- Marine debris exhibit and interactive map
- Old postcards of Hampton Beach
- Exhibits on whales and climate change
My kids most enjoyed the touch tanks. We were the only patrons in the Center at the time and got a lot of one on one attention.
Getting Here
The Discovery Center is a small building located at
180 Ocean Blvd.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
It is north of the Shell Stage and across from the casino complex. Parking is available up and down the coastline. For a detailed map and more information, visit the Beach’s website here. We arrived around 9:00 AM and had no problem parking nearby.
Hours and Admission
The Blue Ocean Discovery Center is open June-mid August from 10:00AM-6:00PM. They are available off-season and for groups by appoinment. You can also request to help with an ocean clean-up during your visit by calling ahead. The Discovery Center accepts donations as way of admission fee.
Things to enjoy in Hampton Beach
Swimming & Sandcastles
After our visit with the sea creatures, we decided to go for a swim. We were visiting towards the end of July and that water was still COLD! The older kids were willing to wade in further and enjoy the waves but it was a big nope from the little guy and myself. We hung back and enjoyed some time in the sand. The beach was busy but not overcrowded.
Activities at Hampton Beach
If you are planning to spend more than a few hours at Hampton Beach, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied. Check out hamptonbeach.org for accomodations, restaurant info and more. Other activities in the area include:
- Deep Sea Fishing tours
- Whale Watching tours
- Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Company
- Casinos
- Scooter Rentals
- Funarama at the Boardwalk
The Beach is also home to several events throughout the season, check out the calendar here.
Ready for more adventure? Follow The Chaos 175 miles northwest to Waterbury, Vermont and the Ben & Jerry’s Factory!
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