SEACOAST

Although there are only 18 miles of coastline, a tour to the Seacoast Region offers more than can be planned in a day. This itinerary features a sample of the region's highlights, and works equally well in either direction.

From I-95 take Route 286 east just over the Massachusetts border to coastal Route 1A. Make a short stop in Hampton Beach for a walk on the beach or shopping (1/2 hour). Two bus parking spaces are located just past the band shell.

Continue north on Route 1A to Willow Avenue, located on the left just past Route 111, for a tour of the Fuller Gardens. Here two acres of formal gardens feature 1500 roses, perennials and annuals (45 min.) Willow Avenue is one way going north. To avoid missing the Fuller Mansions on Route 1A, loop the bus around Chapel Road and Atlantic Avenue back to Route 1A.

Continue north to Rye Harbor for a photo stop at the boat launch (15 min.), then on to Portsmouth, turning right onto Route 1B for a coastline tour of Newcastle. Lunch on your own in Market Square (1 1/4 hours).

There are several options to choose from for the afternoon. They include: a tour of Portsmouth and a visit to one or more of its seven colonial houses such as the John Paul Jones House, Moffatt-Ladd or Governor John Langdon House; a tour of Strawbery Banke Museum, a 10-acre historic site with a glimpse of our country's historical roots, (this can be combined by splitting your group in half with a tour of Portsmouth by horse and buggy) (1 1/2-2 hours); a visit to the Port of Portsmouth Maritime Museum and USS Albacore Park (45 min.); shopping, or an afternoon cruise of Portsmouth Harbor or the outer islands.

Both Portsmouth and Rye offer whale watches. Cruise to off-shore localities where various species of whales have been sighted. You will need to plan on approximately 5 hours. On-board naturalists narrate your trip.