Fun in the Sun at Jenness State Beach in New Hampshire
We could spend hours playing on the beach, building sand castles, tackling waves or relaxing with a good book. While vacationing in New England with our family, we spent an afternoon at Jenness State Beach in Rye, New Hampshire. We had a great time and as you’ll see from the photos, we were all smiles.
Here’s a rundown on what you need to know as you plan a day at the beach on the coast of New Hampshire.
Getting to the Beach in Rye
Jenness State Beach is located along Ocean Boulevard – a.k.a. State Route 1A. Don’t get the road confused for Highway 1, which is more inland. Rye, New Hampshire, has several beaches along the coast, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for the sign along the road indicated Jenness State Beach.
The parking lot is on the east side of the road, with the beach directly behind that. There are only 67 parking stalls, so you may have to be patient to find an open stall, or find another spot to park. There are adjacent roads and other options, but pay attention to the signs so you don’t park somewhere beach parking isn’t allowed.
After parking in one of the available stalls, use the pay station to pay the parking fee. The machines accept cash, coin and card. During the main season (April-September), cost is $2 per hour for parking. In October, it’s only $1 per hour. During the off-season, there is no charge for parking.
Amenities Available at Jenness State Beach
Jenness State Beach has an awesome bathhouse near the parking area. It’s open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the main season. There are changing stalls, along with restrooms. On the east side of the bathhouse are showers that can be used to rinse off the sand and salt water before getting into your vehicle. If you’ve got kids with you, these little showers are the best way to keep some sort of cleanliness in your car, especially if you are using a rental car.
The bathhouse also has information on the dangers you need to be aware of. There are flags that indicated safety, along with warning signs about rip currents and how to spot them. During the main season, there are lifeguards on duty. But you still assume all risk when participating in the outdoor recreational activities.
Despite the amenities available at Jenness State Beach, there are some supplies you should bring with you to help maximize your beach day.
- Sunscreen (SPF30 or higher)
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Towels
- Life jackets (especially if you have younger kids)
- Flipflops or water shoes
- Beach chairs
- Beach umbrella
- Water (to stay hydrated)
- Waterproof camera (like an Olympus Tough TG-5)
- Beach toys (Frisbee, bocce ball, ladder ball, horseshoes, corn hole, Spikeball, etc.)
- Beach tools (sand shovel, buckets, etc.)
Things to Do at Jenness State Beach
Jenness State Beach has a whole list of things you can do. During our afternoon at the beach, we had a great time doing a lot of different things. There’s a picnic area and fishing available at the beach, but you can also bring your beach chairs and setup a spot for you and your party.
Be aware of where the tide is at and whether it’s coming in or going out. Setting up a spot too close to the water as the tide rolls in can get your stuff wet or swept out to the ocean if you aren’t paying attention. You also don’t want to leave valuables unattended in your bags. There isn’t necessarily a problem of theft, but you can never be too sure.
While the list of activities at the beach may seem endless, I’ll throw a few ideas down. They are either activities we engaged in while on the beach, or ones we saw others doing.
- Build a sand castle, complete with moat and tunnels
- Toss a frisbee around
- Enjoy beach games like ladder ball, bocce ball or corn hole
- Enjoy a picnic on the beach (just be sure and clean up after yourself)
- Body surf
- Surf the waves
- Swim
- Play in the waves
- Sunbathe
- Collect shells (although we didn’t find very many at this beach)
Despite all the fun you can have at the beach, the ocean also has its dangers. Be sure and read the information board at the bathhouse to be aware of any dangers.
The Details
Address: 2280 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870
Parking: There are 67 stalls available at the beach, next to the bathhouse. Otherwise, you’ll need to find another spot in town to park legally.
Cost: During the main season, cost is $2 per hour for parking. It’s only $1 during the off-season. There are no other fees associated with a day at Jenness State Beach.
Website: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/jenness-state-beach
Phone: (603) 227-8722 Seacoast Regional Office; (603) 227-8700 Parking Information
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How would you compare this beach with those in Maine and Mass? Similar feel or worth making NH a destination? I figured we’d focus more on the destinations more inland.
The countryside in New England is amazing. We spent some time at Lake Lovell in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and enjoyed that spot for a few hours. But spending time at the beach is a great way to spend time, too. As for comparing this beach to others in Maine and Mass… it’s a great beach, so if you’re in the area and want to hang out on the beach, this is a fabulous one to check out. But I’m sure there are other beaches in those two states that are enjoyable, too. In Mass, I would check out Cape Ann and the Essex Scenic Byway. There are lighthouses to explore, beaches, small towns with great food and more. I’ve got an article about that stop if you want to check it out, too.