Rainy days at the beach can feel like a letdown, but the New Hampshire seacoast has plenty of hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems to keep the vacation vibes alive. Whether you are looking to keep the kids entertained, do some tax-free shopping, or soak up some local culture, here is a guide to saving your rainy day around Hampton Beach.
1. Stay Dry on the Boardwalk
You don’t have to leave the main strip to find shelter. Several staples of the Hampton Beach boardwalk are perfect for waiting out a passing storm.
- Classic Arcades: Hampton Beach is famous for its retro arcades. Funarama and Playland Arcade offer a mix of classic skeeball, pinball, and modern video games. It’s easy to kill an hour or two here with a pocketful of quarters while the rain drums on the roof.
- Blue Ocean Discovery Center: Located at the northern end of the strip, this is a fantastic spot for families. It features a large touch tank where kids can handle starfish and crabs, as well as exhibits on whales and local marine life. It is small but educational and fully indoors.
- Beach Club Casino: for the adults (21+), this casino offers charitable gaming, including poker, roulette, and blackjack, along with a full bar and restaurant with ocean views—so you can watch the stormy waves in comfort.
2. Just a Short Drive (10–15 Minutes)
If the rain is set in for the day, hop in the car. Just a few miles north or west, you will find excellent indoor attractions.
- Seacoast Science Center (Rye, NH): Located in Odiorne Point State Park, this is arguably the best rainy day spot for families. It is much larger than the Discovery Center and features extensive aquariums, deep-sea exhibits, and indoor tide pools.
- Tuck Museum of Hampton History: If you are a history buff, check the hours for the Tuck Museum. It offers a fascinating look at the region’s history, from its settlement in the 1630s to the golden age of the resort era. (Note: Hours can be limited, so check online before driving over).
3. Entertainment & Bowling
- Bowl-O-Rama (Portsmouth, NH): A short drive up Route 1 takes you to this candlepin bowling alley. Candlepin is a New England classic—the balls are smaller, you get three shots per frame, and it’s arguably more challenging than standard ten-pin.
- Cinemas: If you want to catch a movie, your best bets are Regal Fox Run in Newington (near the mall) or O’neil Cinemas in Epping. Both feature modern reclining seats and full concessions.
4. Tax-Free Shopping
New Hampshire is a tax-free state, making rainy days the perfect excuse for a shopping spree.
- Kittery Outlets (Kittery, ME): Just across the border (about 20 minutes north), the Kittery Outlets are massive. While you do have to walk outside between store clusters, the savings at stores like Nike, Crate & Barrel, and Lululemon make it worth the umbrella juggling.
Quick Rainy Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at a local diner, then head to the Blue Ocean Discovery Center to touch a starfish.
- Afternoon: Drive to Kittery for shopping or Rye for the Science Center.
- Late Afternoon: Hit Funarama for some skeeball.
- Evening: Have dinner at one of the many Hampton Beach restaurants.
Even during rainy days, there’s plenty to do at Hampton Beach! Book your vacation today.