Odiorne Point State Park

Odiorne Point State Park is a park in the town of Rye, New Hampshire. It sits along the 18-mile seacoast of the state, and has 135 acres of shoreline accompanied by beaches and some rocky areas.

Understand

It is mainly visited by tourists as a day visit. Locals visit regularly for the walking trails, picnic areas, and science center.

Pets are not permitted.

• Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., ☏ +1 603 436-7406. Daily 8AM-5PM. The gate is staffed every day from late May to early September, and on weekends until mid-October. (updated Nov 2020)

History

Odiorne State Park was a “true wilderness” until about 400 years ago. The first people to discover Odiorne Point were the Abenaki and Penacook Native American tribes. They referred to Odiorne Point as “Pennaway” and only stopped in the area when passing through. During this time, they took advantage of the plentiful resources all around. This included fishing on the coast and digging in the sand for clams and mussels. Permanent settlement began in the 1600s. In 1623, an Englishman by the name of David Thompson sailed on a ship named the Jonathan, that aimed to settle along the coast of New England. This ship would be the first to settle in New Hampshire on Odiorne Point. Years later in 1660, John Odiorne joined this settlement and went on to acquire many acres of land and shoreline. The state park would later be named after John Odiorne. There are multiple forts and bunkers that date back to before the Civil War.

Landscape

Sandy beaches, areas of rocky coast, and grassy areas with patches of woods.

Climate

Varies for each season. New Hampshire is in the Northeast, with temperatures reaching above 90 °F (32 °C) in the summer and can reach below 0 °F (−18 °C) in the winter.

Get in

Odiorne State Park is about 30 minutes from the Massachusetts border and approximately 20 minutes from the Maine border.

The park is off of Route 1A; an 18-mile-long state highway in southeast New Hampshire. The route runs along the Atlantic coastline from the Massachusetts border north to Rye.

From 95 North or South:

• Take exit 5 on I-95 North or South to the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. Take Route 1 By-Pass South to Beaches/Hampton and continue south to Route 1. Turn left onto Elwyn Road. At the roundabout, go half-way around and turn onto Route 1A South. Continue for 1.8 miles and look for the park's sign.

Airports:

• Pease International, Portsmouth, NH (15 minutes)
• Portland International Jetport, Portland, Maine (30 minutes)
• Logan International Airport, Boston, Mass (1 hr 30 min)

Fees

Due to COVID-19, you must have reservations to enter the park.

Park admission (2020):

• Adult: $4.00
• Child (6-11): $2.00
• Child 5-under: free
• New Hampshire resident 65-over: free

See

• Seacoast Science Center, in Odiorne State Park, ☏ +1 603 436-8043. Due to COVID-19: Sa Su only 10AM-4PM. It is a marine biology center where you are able to touch and experience marine life up close. You must have reservations to enter the park. (updated Nov 2020)

Do

Within the park:

• Canoeing and kayaking
• Cross-country skiing (winter)
• Fishing
• Biking
• Snowshoeing (winter)
• Walking trails
• Boat ramps
• Picnic area
• Playground
• Restrooms
• Shows and festivals (website for details)

Eat

Rye and Portsmouth are famous for seafood and good hearty food. Hampton is also a neighboring town with plenty of food options.

Nearby:

• BG's Boathouse: 191 Wentworth Rd, Portsmouth. ☏ +1 603 431-1074. Enduring, relaxed dock & dine destination for seafood with a pub & outdoor decks on the water.
• Petey's Summertime Seafood: 1323 Ocean Blvd, Rye. ☏ +1 603 433-1937. Year-round, kid-friendly seafood shack with nautical touches, ocean views & an ice cream counter.
• 603 Burger Co.: 1215 Ocean Blvd, Rye. ☏ +1 603422-9503. All American burger shack.
• Atlantic Grill: 5 Pioneer Rd, Rye. ☏ +1 603 433-3000. Seafood & locavore fare including gluten-free items served in a stylish setting with a bar & patio.

Sleep

• Crown Colony Motel and Cottages: 1381 Ocean Blvd, Rye. ☏ +1 603 436-8923: 0.4 miles from Odiorne state park.
• Quality Inn: 1190 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth. ☏ +1 603 433-3338. 2.9 miles from Odiorne State Park in the energetic town of Portsmouth.
• Wentworth by the Sea, A Marriott Hotel & Spa: 588 Wentworth Road, New Castle. ☏ +1 603 422-7322. A luxury hotel with beautiful views and its own marina. Located on the quaint island of New Castle.

Stay safe

New Hampshire is considered a safe state to be in, especially along the seacoast area.