Updated 2022

If you are looking for a no-frills, dog friendly beach in New Hampshire, then Foss Beach in Rye is a good place to visit.  This is a town owned beach, so unlike Jenness State Beach, dogs are allowed on the entire beach from the hours of Sunrise to 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM to Midnight, the Saturday before Memorial Day through the Saturday after Labor Day. Except on Saturdays when dogs are prohibited from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. During the off season, dogs are allowed at any time.  Foss Beach is a long stretch of beach that runs from the Rye Harbor State Park, along Ocean Boulevard just past Washington Road. Access is via wooden ramps along the loose gravel stone wall, and free parking is available along Ocean Boulevard.  Please note dogs are NOT allowed at Rye Harbor State Park.

Dogs are allowed to run off-leash as long as they are under voice control. The down part of Foss Beach is it is a very rocky beach. However, this is a town owned beach, so unlike Jenness State Beach, dogs are allowed. But be sure to check the tide chart before you head out! Foss Beach virtually disappears during the high tide. There are no lifeguards on duty here, and no public restrooms.

To learn about other Dog Beaches in the area, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.

2017 Update: Rye recently enacted a very steep pet-poop penalty for those not cleaning up after their pets. It is now considered a class B misdemeanor and a conviction carries a fine of up to $1,000.  So please ALWAYS pick up the poop, so that all dogs may continue to enjoy this great beach.

2022 UPDATE: Dogs are prohibited on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the Saturday before Memorial Day to the Saturday after Labor Day

Foss Beach Directions:

Ocean Boulevard (Route 1A) Rye, NH. Adjacent to Rye Harbor State Park. Please note dogs are NOT allowed at Rye Harbor State Park.