Wallis Sands State Beach, Rye: Address, Phone Number, Wallis Sands State Beach Reviews: 4.5/5
Wallis Sands State Beach
Wallis Sands State Beach
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
41 within 3 miles

Petey's Summertime Seafood
815
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Soups

Atlantic Grill
331
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood

Native Coffee + Kitchen
25
1.6 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Seaport Fish Co.
21
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Specialty Food Market • Seafood

La Mulita Coffee
1
1.6 miSouth American • Colombian

Ray's Seafood & Lobsters
330
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Soups

The Ice House
136
1.8 mi$ • Dessert • American

BG's Boathouse
316
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood

Latitudes Restaurant
274
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly

Salt Kitchen & Bar
655
2.2 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
106 within 6 miles

Odiorne Point State Park
186
1.4 miState Parks

Jenness State Beach
74
0.8 miBeaches

Portsmouth Historical Society's Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center
416
History Museums

Prescott Park
702
Parks • Gardens

Market Square
744
Points of Interest & Landmarks

USS Albacore Museum
606
Speciality Museums • History Museums

Strawbery Banke Museum
1,131
Historic Sites • History Museums

Seacoast Science Center
143
1.4 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums

Fort McClary State Historic Site
272
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

The Music Hall
195
Theaters
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
131 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
53
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
2
NHjo
Saco, ME5,308 contributions
It's pretty cozy compared to other State beaches, like Hampton down the road, but it abuts the rest of Rye Beach, so you have the best of both worlds. In season, there's a snack bar, showers, changing rooms, a picnic area, and a place to buy beach toys and so on. There's not much beach area within the rock wall during high tide, so you have to plan accordingly or it can get pretty crowded, unless you cross over to the rest of Rye Beach. Great views of the Isles of Shoals, too. Wonderful place for a beach walk during low tide. Big parking lot.
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rlspanda
Warsaw, NY94 contributions
Couples
It was only 50 degrees on this lovely mid-June day but I wanted my toes in the sand. Cute little beach. We were there after 5pm so the bathrooms were closed. Wasn't crowded, but it was cold and sprinkling, hope to be back under better conditions
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynn L
Griswold, CT340 contributions
We wanted to go to hampton beach, but when we drove by it was unbelievably crowded I just didn’t want to risk it, so we kept driving knowing Rye is up the road. I’ve never been there before and didn’t know what to expect.
We chose this beach not knowing the size, but it was beautiful, and not crowded at all. It was a little hidden gem, and I likely will be back!
We chose this beach not knowing the size, but it was beautiful, and not crowded at all. It was a little hidden gem, and I likely will be back!
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ron Trahan
Stratham, NH162 contributions
Couples
This is a good beach destination, not great, not undesirable, but small, especially at high tide. Not much of a walking beach because the length of the shoreline here is limited. Nevertheless it’s a fun beach for families to spend time. It used to get pretty crowded pre-COVID, but we were there mid-week second week in June 2020 and, although we arrived at around 1 p.m., we had the beach to ourselves almost. Reservation necessary. About 1/3 ofvthe parking spaces have been cordoned off.
Written June 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kerrih442018
Selkirk, NY392 contributions
Solo
I was trying to find a place where parking would not be a headache. So after a little trip to Kittery point I made my way here. It said you should’ve had a reservation but I didn’t need one. It was $15 to park but well worth it. There are bathrooms and a little shop in case you forget something. The water was surprisingly comfortable as well.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MsPearl105
Weldon, NC772 contributions
Friends
We stayed in downtown Portsmouth and drove about 15 minutes to this beautiful beach. I believe admission/parking were $15. The beach was spotless (one of the cleanest beaches ever) and there was ample space to setup.
Very relaxing! There was a lot of reddish seaweed that made the water appear darker than it is. Once we walked to the water we were able to see that the water was much clearer. Peace & serenity even with all the people.
Nice little shop that serves souvenirs, drinks and snacks. I didn’t see many restaurants nearby so we drove back into town for food. Many people packed their lunch and snacks.
Beach homes and beautiful rocks are on either side of the beach, making for a cozy, intimate experience.
Great beach day!! We stayed about 90
minutes. Wiish we had more time to enjoy, but we were on a tight schedule.
Very relaxing! There was a lot of reddish seaweed that made the water appear darker than it is. Once we walked to the water we were able to see that the water was much clearer. Peace & serenity even with all the people.
Nice little shop that serves souvenirs, drinks and snacks. I didn’t see many restaurants nearby so we drove back into town for food. Many people packed their lunch and snacks.
Beach homes and beautiful rocks are on either side of the beach, making for a cozy, intimate experience.
Great beach day!! We stayed about 90
minutes. Wiish we had more time to enjoy, but we were on a tight schedule.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
William L
Sandown, NH1,019 contributions
Family
We love Wallis Sands SP. if you have the NH state park plates you can get in without reservations. Water was cold but it felt good on this muggy afternoon. Best to go when the tide is going out.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lynnprin
Omaha, NE1,113 contributions
Took a nice 2 mile walk after a big lunch... it was brisk, but the sun was out and we worked up some body heat walking. Lovely homes to look at and friendly folks walking or running along the shoreline.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sullivan76
Derry, NH250 contributions
Couples
My wife and I repeatedly go to Wallis Sands. It is away from all the hustle and bustle of Hampton and is a smaller beach area. The parking lot is very large and I believe it is $15 for the day. You can climb on some rocks, stroll the beach, lie in the sun, play some frisbee or just sit and admire the ocean.
Written June 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pierrette C
North Chelmsford, MA1 contribution
Couples
Wallis Sands State Beach is cover with seaweed, the smell is horrible, they are cleaning the seaweed, but on each side of the beach there is high piles of seaweed. The water is also cover of seaweed. We had to leave the smell was terrible.
Written July 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
weluv2trvlaround
Exeter, NH4 contributions
Is the snack bar currently open and what type of food do they sell? We have reservations for the 4th and trying to figure out what to pack food wise. Thanks in advance!
Ron Trahan
Stratham, NH162 contributions
Snack bar and restrooms closed. Porta parties.
Hawk S
Nashua, NH
Are the waves as good as Hampton Beach as far as waves and boogie boarding for my older children or is it more for young children with less big waves?
William L
Sandown, NH1,019 contributions
We were there last week and the waves were great. Waters a bit cold but we enjoyed it. On the right is a jetty before that there is a path leading to a bigger beach if Wallis gets crowded
Can you use a national park pass for Wallis sands?
William L
Sandown, NH1,019 contributions
Nope. This is a state park so you’d need the NH parks license plate or other state pass. It’s $15 per car otherwise. We love Wallis Sands.
What time does the gate open? Thanks
GS Leader 31002
138 contributions
8 a.m. Closes about 8 p.m. during the summer months.
When do u open july 3 2019
ljbrown27
Newburyport, MA5 contributions
Does Wallis Sands beach get the green head flies that bite? Many beaches have problems with green heads for a few weeks in the middle of July.
Does park have free parking for seniors
GS Leader 31002
138 contributions
I do not believe that it does.
RosannaZM
Montreal, Canada40 contributions
What would water temperature be in late July or early August?
Inn At Rye Place
Rye, NH9 contributions
Around 60 or so Not very sure though. Get's warmer as we go into end september
Frequently Asked Questions about Wallis Sands State Beach
- Hotels near Wallis Sands State Beach:
- (0.22 mi) Contemporay Cape at Wallis Sands
- (0.30 mi) Newly-renovated getaway w/ an updated kitchen & deck w/ ocean & sunrise views
- (0.43 mi) Hoyt's Lodges
- (0.39 mi) Gorgeous Ocean Views
- (3.57 mi) The Sailmaker's House
- Restaurants near Wallis Sands State Beach:
- (0.80 mi) Petey's Summertime Seafood
- (3.83 mi) Green Elephant
- (3.68 mi) Ristorante Massimo
- (2.20 mi) Salt Kitchen & Bar
- (3.63 mi) Cure