Things to do & places to visit in Rye, New Hampshire, United States

Rye city in New Hampshire, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 16:45.

Top things to do (11)

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Beaches
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Aquariums
• Surfing & Windsurfing
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Boat Tours
• State Parks
• Sports Complexes
• Historic Sites

Top places to visit (14 attractions)

1. 5.0 Granite State Whale Watch (204 reviews)
   - Humpback whales
   Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching
   
   
   A overcast day with a bit of rain. Not long out of the harbour we came across a large sunfish and the boat was skilfully manourvered so that we got a close up view of this large and strange fish. We then motored out to the area were whales are apt to be. Our first sighting was a brief glimpse of a finwhale which then vanished. However we then came across a number of humpbacks, 7 of them in one group. They were not feeding but loading about on the surface and slowly moving along. We also saw them slepping the water with flippers but some distance away. During the trip also saw a number of different seabird species. Crew were knowledgeable and helpful. Snacks and drinks on on board including some alcoholic. I tried hard Meltzer for the first time and decided I did not like it! Quite a run out to the area where whales are. Over one and a half hours each way so a long day. Also cold at this time of year so take plenty of layers. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Atlantic Whale Watch (46 reviews)
   - Outstanding afternoon!
   Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM Dolphin & Whale Watching
   
   
   We went out on the Atlantic Queen II on July 11, 2012 and had an outstanding afternoon. It was a beautiful day, the crew was great, and we spotted 16 whales! I was very impressed with the cleanliness of this vessel (considering it is also used for fishing trips in the morning). We had a great trip out to Jefferys Ledge, the captian moved around as needed while communicating with other vessels to ensure the best possible experience for us. We are planning to take another whale watch trip later this season, and will return here. We had a wonderful afternoon and the price was very reasonable. (and there is even a discount coupon on their website for added savings) Great experience! See more..
   
3. 5.0 Seacoast New Hampshire Sportfishing (37 reviews)
   - Fantastic day with the grandkids!
   Fishing Charters & Tours
   
   
   Had a wonderful day with Captain Bob - we booked a 1/2 day striper trip with my sons and grandkids. They caught their first stripers and are still talking about how nice Captain Bob was. He truly went out of his way to make sure everyone had a great experience. We will be back for more. Thanks for a great day! See more..
   
4. 5.0 Island Cruises (14 reviews)
   - Capt Tom and crew were terrific!
   Boat Tours
   
   
   Captain Tom and his crew (Heather and Luke) were terrific! Finding the harbor was easy, parking was plentiful and reasonable ($5), and the boat was spotless! The crew helped passengers on/off the boat and clearly were a well practiced team when it came to docking and departing from port. Not only was Tom a seasoned Captain, he was an excellent narrator sharing many fascinating facts about The Island’s history. It was a very enjoyable trip and something I would highly recommend! See more..
   
5. 4.5 Odiorne Point State Park (186 reviews)
   - Something for everyone
   Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks
   
   
   A 330-acre park on the coastline. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Wallis Sands State Beach (132 reviews)
   - Cozy and quaint
   Beaches
   
   
   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. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Summer Sessions Surf Shop (18 reviews)
   - Super groovy shop!
   Saturday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing
   
   
   I called Summer Sessions Surf Shop to ask a few questions which were answered factually and in a friendly manner. Wanting to see products for myself, I drove over an hour to get there. One of the owners assisted me right away, providing me with several choices, suggestions and good advise. I made my purchase, which was a great deal. Another owner and an employee prepared my board and strapped it to my roof with instructions to do this myself. The shop of buzzing with customers browsing a wide selection of product, including food, drink and clothing in addition to various boards. I would certainly suggest shopping there for all of your "wants" and needs. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Atlantic Queen II Deep Sea Fishing (18 reviews)
   - Great day on the ocean!
   Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM Boat Tours
   
   
   Wonderful trip with knowledgeable crew. It was a good day and we saw lots of minke whales. No humpbacks this time but last year we saw several. Worth a 4 hour trip on our limited vacation time. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Rye Airfield (10 reviews)
   - Family weekend @ Rye
   Sports Complexes
   
   
   This indoor skatepark was incredible. Admission was reasonable, especially the weekend morning family rate that was offered... See more..
   
10. 4.0 Seacoast Science Center (146 reviews)
    - Wonderful place to experience.
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums
    
    
    Located within scenic Odiorne Point State Park, the Seacoast Science Center connects people to the wonders of the ocean through exhibits, programs, touch tanks and unique outdoor experiences. Our live animal exhibits feature the amazing creatures that live in the rapidly changing Gulf of Maine ecosystem, from whales to snails. Our engaging programs make learning about the ocean fun for visitors of all ages. Our hands-on science exhibits, many featuring live animals, motivate visitors to become caretakers of our blue planet. Come visit the Center and also explore the rocky shoreline, sandy beach, saltmarshes and woodlands of Odiorne State Park. Seacoast Science Center is open year-round and reservations are recommended. See more..
    
11. 4.0 Rye Harbor State Park (50 reviews)
    - A beautiful and serene spot!
    Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks
    
    
    State park located on the Atlantic coast. See more..
    
12. Rye Congregational Church (0 review)
    Churches & Cathedrals
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13. St. Andrew's-by-the-Sea Church (0 review)
    Churches & Cathedrals
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14. White Island State Historic Site (0 review)
    Historic Sites
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