What are the best things to do in Rye, New Hampshire? Located just 30 minutes from the University of New Hampshire's main campus in Durham, NH, Rye is a top vacation destination featuring beautiful beaches and panoramic views of the coast.
If you are taking a UNH campus tour this summer, consider extending your day or weekend with a day trip to Rye. We’ll show you how in this 24 Hours in Wildcat Country blog post. Let’s take a day trip to Rye!
Beach in Rye, NH
8:30 a.m.
Morning at the beach
Head to Jenness State Beach early to get a great parking spot and enjoy a morning at the beach.
learn more about jenness beach
Beachside stores in Rye, NH
12 p.m.
Lunch
Walk over to Common Roots Café, right across the street from Jenness Beach, to grab some lunch. Enjoy a sandwich, bagel, burger or smoothie while you watch the waves.
Coastline in Rye, NH
1 p.m.
Explore the coast
Start driving down Ocean Boulevard to see panoramic ocean views. Take advantage of the spots to pull over along the way to see the open ocean or explore Rye Harbor State Park.
learn more about rye harbor state park
Beach in Rye, NH
1:30 p.m.
Learn something new
Dive into science at the Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park. At the Seacoast Science Center, you can interact with sea creatures and discover more about the animals and plants of the coast. At Odiorne Point, enjoy a walk around the scenic park with rocky outcroppings and ocean views.
learn more about odiorne point
5 p.m.
Dinner
Get the authentic seacoast experience by eating at one of the seafood restaurants along Ocean Boulevard, such as Ray's Seafood.
learn more about ray's seafood
Our campus is just the beginning! Keep following along for more day trips within reach of our campus.
Explore more about our middle-of-everywhere location:
- Schedule your summer visit to UNH.
- Just 20 minutes from UNH's Durham campus is Kittery, ME. Check out a day trip in Kittery.
- Explore more towns around Durham!
Related posts:
Experience UNH's Middle-of-Everywhere Location
Today, we’re talking about UNH’s middle-of-everywhere location, including the fun day trips you’ll take to the beach, the city and the mountains, the professional opportunities you’ll have access to and the campus that will feel like home. read more about unh's location
