Not our name, but our passion
Jenness State Beach in Rye, New Hampshire is a nice swimming beach along US Route 1A. There are changing and rest room facilities on site. If you want to swim or sunbathe without the hustle and bustle of Hampton Beach this is a nice option.
There is a metered parking lot that will fill up quickly in the summer. As of April 2019 the beach parking area is undergoing renovation and is closed off. I expect it will be open for the 2019 summer season.
Rye Harbor State Park in Rye, New Hampshire is a wonderful spot for a summer picnic with relaxing views of the ocean.
There are restroom facilities available during the season and some good fishing off the breakwater in front of Rye Harbor.
There are nice views of the Isles of Shoals from the picnic grounds.
Don’t pass up the park during the off season you may be lucky enough to see a local seal taking a break on the quiet beach.
This post is dedicated to my son’s school bus driver Gidget. Always know that your kindness and enthusiasm touched him and gave him lasting memories.
The Seacoast Science Center is located in Odiorne State Park in Rye, New Hampshire. Odiorne State Park has some wonderful short easy trails to Odiorne Point and a nice picnic area and playground for the kids. The site and remnants of Fort Dearborn are also within the park. Whaleback Light House can also be seen from the point and from the grounds of the Science Center.
The Science Center itself has a wonderful small aquarium and is an ideal spot for youth programs and activities. Check out the Center’s web site for a schedule of events and activities.
As you enter the center there are a number of natural history displays.
And a touch pool.
Down the ramp are some historical exhibits and the activity center.
The small aquarium is on the left next to the gift shop and is a highlight. It has some interesting local sea creatures and some displays on diving and oceanography.
Also on the grounds at the foot of the Fort Dearborn battery is an old undersea habitat.
The center is a great place for a visit and if you have young children consider becoming a member and take advantage of the youth activities. If you do go be sure to say hello to Alex’s friend the skate.
Whaleback Light is located sitting on a ledge off Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The current lighthouse was built in 1829 and became fully automated in 1963. The lighthouse can be viewed from Odiorne Point State Park.
There are also lighthouse cruises available out of both Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine.
Be sure to stop at the Seacoast Science Center if stopping at Odiorne Point.
North Hampton State Beach is a local beach with a parking lot and bathhouse but little other amenities. It is the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
The surf in the winter can be fun to watch.
