2022 Update

Jenness Beach in Rye is a great dog friendly beach in New Hampshire that allows dogs to run off leash.  But before you head out it is important to know that dogs are NOT allowed on Jenness State Beach or any state owned beach in New Hampshire.  However, dogs are ALLOWED on the town owned portions of Jenness  Beach.  Confused?  Here is some useful advice on how to avoid the fine.

The town owned portion of Jenness Beach can be accessed from a foot path on E Street, F Street, G Street, Cable Road, Sunrise Path, and Old Beach Way.  Each of these public right-of-ways are clearly marked with signs.  There are small parking lots available at some of these entrances, but during the summer season resident-only permit parking is enforced.  However, there is free parking along Ocean Boulevard, just beware of the no parking signs in some areas.  Jenness State Beach has a metered parking lot that can also be used, as long as you walk your dog on leash to the town owned sections.

Dogs are only allowed on the town owned portion between sunrise and 9:00 AM and between 7:00 PM until midnight during the summer season which runs from 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.

Ok, we admit this does sound like a lot of hassle for you and your dog.  But during the dog friendly times they are allowed to run off leash during the summer.  A luxury that many beaches in the area have banned.  So please obey these rules so that dogs can continue to enjoy Rye Beaches. During low tide this wide sandy beach offers plenty of places to run.  During high tide there is less space, but still enough to enjoy a good game of fetch.  At the Jenness State Beach parking lot there are 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

Jenness Beach Directions:

Ocean Boulevard (Route 1A) Rye, NH. See above for dog friendly entrances to beach.  No dogs allowed on state owned parts of Jenness Beach.