Jenness Beach — Attraction in Rye

Jenness Beach is always totally packed. The first time we went we drove around looking for a parking place for so long. The parking lot was full and the roads were full. It was a total zoo. We finally went up to Wallis Sands and got a place in the lot no problem. They had showers and food. Much better. Now we go straight to Wallis Sands. There are plans for a new bath house and paving the parking lot. If you’re looking for surf, it’s only worth it in the winter around a big storm. In the summer it’s insignificant and the water is full of boogie boarders and people wading. There’s no alcohol allowed- and they are hardasses about it. I heard from my friend there is soon to be a ban on RVs at Jenness, so maybe there will be better parking for cars then. But for now...

I live part-time in MA and NH and a difficult thing to find is a beach where you can surf before the lifeguards leave at 4pm. Jenness is open all day, and while it can be busy, and trying to park is a nightmare, it is worth it. Across the street is Summer Sessions, a surf shop, so if you need any supplies or want to rent a board while you're there, you can do it for relatively cheap. Also across the street is a small ice cream stand and shop serving small meals and smoothies, perfect for a little meal or snack. All in all, Jenness is a great beach and waiting in line for a parking space is rewarded by the great...

New Hampshire’s mere 18 miles of coastline means that saltwater beaching in the Granite State is limited. The picturesque town of Rye, sandwiched between the honky-tonk of Hampton and the crunchy/foodie vibe of Portsmouth, hogs most of the opportunity. But to great effect: The town’s main beach, Jenness, offers easy walk-on, walk-off access to all the beach essentials—a mini-mart, a surf shop, whose staff can be spotted catching waves early morning or as the sun sets, and lots of options for harbor side drinks and snacks when the sun...