The New Hampshire Seacoast might be compact, but when summer rolls around, this stretch of shoreline is nothing less than spectacular. Our 18 miles of coastline feature some of the East Coast’s best hidden gems, including the popular Hampton Beach, and just up the coast, Jenness Beach. Located in the quiet coastal town of Rye NH, Jenness Beach offers a more relaxed alternative to the busier spots like Hampton Beach. With a clean stretch of sand, a convenient bathhouse, and a few local spots for snacks or surf gear, it’s the perfect spot to seek out a classic day at the beach.
Jenness Beach is one of the best beaches in New Hampshire, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a popular spot for families to spread out or for surfers to catch a wave. As delightful as beach days are, though, a summer escape to the New Hampshire beaches is about more than just sun and sand. You’ll find plenty to do along the Seacoast once your toes are dry. Head into Rye New Hampshire to explore charming shops, stop by a seasonal seafood shack, or check out Odiorne Point State Park for a scenic walk with ocean views. Nearby Portsmouth offers cobblestone streets, waterfront dining, and a laid-back arts scene. Whether you’re into paddleboarding, lighthouse-hopping, or just strolling with an ice cream cone in hand, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days with classic coastal charm.
When you’re ready to unwind in style, trade the surf for a bit of sophistication at the Inn by the Bandstand, our elevated boutique hotel in Exeter. This historic boutique inn is less than a half-hour from Jenness Beach, NH, and offers a level of hospitality that’s hard to match along the coast. Instead of lining up with the crowds at a beachfront hotel, you’ll be sipping craft cocktails in a tucked-away garden, dining at one of Exeter’s top restaurants just steps from your suite, and resting easy in rooms that blend period elegance with modern comforts.
You’re also just across the street from the town’s iconic Bandstand, where summer concerts grace our city streets every Monday night in July, and walkable to the town’s many shops and galleries. A stay at our Exeter hotel is the kind of elevated summer stay that makes you want to book next year’s getaway before this one’s even over. Book your stay today!
The Perfect Day at Jenness Beach in Rye, NH
The beaches in Rye, New Hampshire, situated between Hampton and Portsmouth, offer the longest stretch of New Hampshire coastline, spanning a whopping 8 miles. There are three beaches in Rye, including Rye Beach, Wallis Sands State Park, and Jenness Beach. Jenness State Beach in New Hampshire is one of our favorites. You don’t need much to enjoy a perfect day here: a towel, sunscreen, and a good book. This spot in Rye, New Hampshire, keeps things simple in the best way. The beach is clean and well-maintained, with soft sand, gentle waves, and a dedicated bathhouse with restrooms and outdoor showers, which are open from 8 am to 8 pm during the summer season.
Jenness Beach attracts a mix of locals and visitors who prefer a quieter atmosphere compared to other New Hampshire beaches. It’s perfect for swimming and there’s plenty of space to spread out. It’s also a favorite for beginner surfers thanks to the steady, manageable waves. You’ll even find a local surf shop right nearby if you need to rent a board or book a lesson. There’s metered parking right across the street, though it fills up quickly on summer weekends, so it’s wise to arrive early.
Once you’ve had your fill of swimming and sunbathing, head just a few minutes down the road to grab lunch in Rye NH. The Carriage House offers ocean views and a refined menu with coastal New England classics, while Petey’s Summertime Seafood is a laid-back favorite known for lobster rolls, fried clams, and beachy picnic tables. The Rye Harbor Lobster Pound, located in the row of “shacks” at Rye Harbor, is also a great spot for lobster rolls and steamers. If you’re craving something casual, Jenness Beach Pizza & Grill is right across from the sand and makes it easy to keep the beach day rolling without missing a beat.
After lunch, explore more of downtown Rye, stop by Rye Harbor State Park, or take a scenic drive up Route 1A for more of those postcard-worthy views of the rocky coastline, before heading inland to our charming paradise in downtown Exeter. Trade your flip flops in for a craft cocktail before dinner at Ambrose, the inn’s fine dining restaurant. Whether you’re headed out to explore Exeter’s walkable downtown or simply relaxing at our beautiful hotel, this is how to do New Hampshire beaches with a touch of sophistication.
The Most Luxurious Boutique Hotel near Rye, NH
While sunrises and sunsets over the sandy beaches of New Hampshire’s coastline are spectacular, there’s something special about staying just outside the bustle of the beach, at least when you get the chance to stay at our historic Inn. The Inn by the Bandstand is one of the most elevated hotels on the Seacoast, and certainly the finest of hotels in Exeter. With a AAA four-diamond rating and a spot in the Select Registry portfolio of properties, our Inn offers our guests the perfect blend of craft lodging that combines a historic sense of place with modern, elevated amenities.
This beautifully restored boutique inn puts you just a short drive from Jenness Beach, Rye, NH, not to mention other New Hampshire beaches and things to do on the Seacoast. Even with all of these things at your fingertips, we offer an experience that’s worlds apart from the typical summer rental or motel. From the moment you step through the front door, you’ll notice the difference: attentive service, curated interiors, and a genuine sense of place that reflects the history and character of the region.
Each guest suite at the Inn by the Bandstand is individually designed, featuring thoughtful touches such as antique furnishings, luxurious linens, and updated bathrooms. After a sun-soaked day at Jenness Beach NH, you can return to a glass of wine in the garden or a chef-crafted meal at Ambrose, the Inn’s on-site restaurant that’s quickly become a Seacoast favorite. The innkeepers are warm and welcoming, and their local knowledge adds depth to every part of your getaway, whether that’s finding a hidden beach cove or securing a dinner reservation.
Staying in Exeter also gives you the flexibility to experience more of what the Seacoast has to offer. Spend your mornings at the beach, your afternoons wandering local shops and art galleries, and your evenings back at the Inn, where the pace slows down and the setting invites you to linger. If you’re looking to experience the best beaches in New Hampshire without giving up comfort or character, our boutique hotel in Exeter is exactly where you want to be. Book your stay today!