Odiorne Point State Park is a public recreation area that opened in Rye, New Hampshire in July 1972. It is administered by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. The park is located along the Atlantic seacoast in Rye, not far from Portsmouth. The area is the site of the Pannaway Plantation: the first European settlement in New Hampshire. Settled in 1622, the plantation was completely abandoned by the 1630s when the settlers moved to nearby Strawberry Banke. The land was settled in the mid-1660s by the Odiorne Family, whom the park is now named after. From 1942 to 1947, the park was the home of Fort Dearborn. The ruins of the deactivated World War II-era fort can still be seen today. Today the park is home to hiking trails, bike paths, a playground, picnic areas, pavilions, and a Seacoast Science Center which opened in 1992. My family and I visited Odiorne Point State Park this summer while we were heading to Maine for a summer getaway. We had some time to kill before we could check in to our AirBnb, so we decided to stop at the park. We had fun exploring the grounds and my two sons especially enjoyed playing on the nautical-themed playground. The highlight of the park is the Seacoast Science Center. There are all sorts of exhibits devoted to the conservation of marine and coastal environments. My two sons loved learning about whales, local shellfish populations, the local fishing industry, the fight against ocean pollution, and underwater exploration. There was even a cool gift shop where we picked up a few things. Whether you live in the area or you're just passing through like us, Odiorne Point State Park is a fun place for the whole family! read more

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I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around 3500 miles of coastline, Maine (and NH) has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Yes. Loop trail? Yes. Well marked signs? Yes. Element of surprise? Yes. I was looking for state parks in New Hampshire and this one caught my eye because of the name, if we're being honest. It sounded magical! So was the way it was advertised: "picnickers can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and rocky shore, and explorers can uncover evidence of past military occupation. An extensive network of trails wind through the dense vegetation and traverse the park. [t]he property is also renowned for its... seven distinct habitats that can be visited within an hour's walk. Although the spectacular rocky shore is the one of the most notable, the woodlands, uplands, salt marsh, freshwater and salt ponds, and sandy beach (non-swimming) combine to create one of the region's most diverse nature walks." I like a little bit of everything, and this sounded like it had just that! The first time I came I bought a pass online; when we arrived it was a freak snowstorm and we were the only ones there. So we had a literal winter wonderland to play around it. The views from the coast were lovely and offer plenty of picnic tables to sit and enjoy yourself at, but exploring the woods that day was even more amazing - we spent a lot of time with a big buck who kept finding himself lazily meandering on the same trail as us. Thank goodness for binoculars! And the element of surprise! There was also some tremendously graffitied old batteries, a breakwater (that becomes nearly inaccessible when the tide is high; reversely when the tide is low that same area exposes a Sandy beach), there's an area called Pirate's Cove, an old cemetery, and Dolphin Fountain (which looks like it belongs in France, not NH). This became an immediate favorite! I can't wait to come back and see it in Spring and Summer! (SIDE NOTE: There's also the Seacoast Science Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit, that provides educational exhibits related to the seacoast area for a separate fee; but, I haven't been able to check that out yet!) read more

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A nice little scenic park. Stopped during a trip up to Maine on a dreary day and it was still a nice break. Can't comment on an extended stay, but the ocean views were gorgeous. Seems like an ideal spot for a picnic date. read more

Perfect winter hike along the spectacular harbour. Views, phew. Solitude and peace. Plenty of parking, plenty of space to avoid people. Nothing is marked but we made a few loops and really, you cannot get lost. The trails traverse through wooded trails and on the sand. Diverse and wonderful. Go to La Mulita for coffee, after. read more

Little park along the ocean. It is nice to have a small walk. It is only 1.5 miles, so if you want to have a real hike, this is not the one. I saw a nature center where a lot of kayak were piled up. Kayaking might be nice in the ocean. read more

Odiorne Point State Park - Parks Near Me

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We haven't been able to experience this park in the warmer months yet, but even in the dead of winter, this place offers some beautiful views. There is a playground that my children loved, picnic tables for lunches on the go, plenty of rocks to climb, and a nice stretch of beach to look for shells and beach glass. read more

Odiorne Point State Park - Parks Near Me

Wow, we were pleasantly surprised. Yeah, you pay at the gate and were were MA not NH residents. Plus, it's not admission per vehicle but $4 per person. However, you hear on the news that tons of state parks are closing in CA and also the temporary closure of MN state parks for July 4th. It's a blessing that NH is keeping up with their state parks. We parked at the main entrance which is further past the boat loading dock lot on Ocean Blvd. The parking lot was full so we parked in the oversized lot which was ironic since we saw a monster truck taking up 2 spaces in the regular lot. THINGS TO DO SEACOAST MARINE CENTER If you have kids then you can check out the Seacoast Marine Center. However, one look on the outside and I determined it wasn't worth the time. You are here for the scenery not a kiddy museum which is additional $5 per person. Restrooms are on the opposite side which is near the playground. HIKING TRAILS If you continue behind the museum where the truck parking is located, then make your way through the trail which winds in and out near the coastline. After hitting the big rocks, then jump down to the rocky pebble beach. Take your time and look at the tidal pools and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Plus, take out your camera to take some photos of sea birds. BEACHES Once on the beach, you can tour all different ecosystems which is absolutely amazing. * Rocky pebbled beach * Grassy lined beach * Sandy smooth beach I have never seen such a fantastic well-kept area. Beaches are clean and water is transparent. You can definitely seen all the little critters like snails and eaten crabs in the tidal pools. Plus, tons of kelp and sea plants swirling around. NATURAL ROCK PIER Before the sand beach, make sure to walk across the natural rock pier which lets you walk from land right into the middle of the bay. You cannot get any further since the opening is for boats to get in and out. However, you can see tons of sailboats and people fishing which is cool. Well, we walked back since the bridge in the distance seemed far. We just drove back and walked across it since it was closer to the boat loading dock lot. Less traffic than Plum Island and Newburyport in MA and Ogunquit in ME. Yeah, you gotta walk to the sandy beach, but it's worth it. Plus tons of activities here and things to see besides just roasting in the sun on the beach. read more

If you're into investigating a seaweed covered, rocky tide-pool area, Odiorne is for you. If you dig walking along forested flat paths, come check this place out. Fancy a snooze in a grassy meadow, surrounded by a perfect wind barrier made out of old fort stone walls? Come on over to this gorgeous state park. Ok, ok, I know, you just want to find a sandy beach to stretch out on and work on your tan before winter hits. Well, that too is right here folks! What about a playground for the kids? Check. Paved paths for running or cycling? Yup. There's even a small science museum here (geared more for kids than adults). I mean really, what's not to love about Odiorne State Park? Another great find for outdoor activities with tons to explore, in the state where you are encouraged to Live Free or Die. read more

Odiorne Point State Park - Parks Near Me

Great place for hiking for a few hours - definitely not a place for thin sandals or flip flops - many of the trails are rocky, some with loose gravel, others covered with twigs and roots. I took others advice and parked in the public lot north of the science center parking lot, which was free as it was after Labor Day. Park trails are not well signed, so it is easy to get lost on the trails, use a gps device if you want to avoid wandering for an hour trying to get back to the car. It seems that after labor day the no dogs rule is not very enforced, I saw four people with dogs on my late September visit. Even though it was a Monday in late September, it was quite busy, so I can see who it could be packed in the winter. There are picnic tables in several areas of the park, so it is a good pace to carry in a lunch in a backpack or something as there are some next to the parking lot but the others are quite a ways away. Most of the coastline is rocky, with some small patches of sandy areas facing the harbor. As others have said, I only saw snails in the code pools, nothing else. A wonderful place to hike in nature with both coastal and forest trails. read more

Expansive space Beautiful views Varied activities My family and I decided to stop here on our way toward Portsmouth as a pretty waypoint. Glad we did - there was something for everyone, from the Seacoast Science Center to the solid playground to the walking trails to the well-positioned benches for simply sitting and taking in the expansive, outstanding views. I read about the $4 entry fee for non-NH-residents, but as this must have been off-season, we weren't required to pay. After seeing the place and its well-maintained status, though, I'd pay to return. Well worth a stop if you can carve it into your plans, this has Active Life written all over it. A winner. read more

Beautiful views and I had a great walk around the park though I did get lost. I wish there were some markers that say this way to parking but I know it's a National Park and they want to keep it to nature. read more

This is a nice park for a very short walk by the water and through the Forest. It is a pretty small park. We didn't see any seals or anything. The East end of the park has a bunch of parking lots, lawns and playgrounds. Tip: There is a parking area on the West End that has a "suggested donation" instead of a fee. read more

A really beautiful park with nice walking & biking trails. There is also a beach however, steer clear of the sand closest to the trees, higher up on the beach as there are red ants that bite! I got bitten and it hurt! We came here to go tubing also! It's a great asset and parking is free. If you walk further into the trails there are some cool old war forts that make for some interesting exploring! Lovely sunsets and ocean views. read more

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Stopped in while out and about on the beautiful day yesterday. My first time actually going inside the science center. I was charged $10, which seemed a little steep to me, but I paid it since I wanted to check the place out. Great place for kids of all ages, great sea life, etc. The grounds area amazing and you should definitely plan on spending a good amount of time exploring outside. My only issue was the restroom and how dirty it was. Unacceptable really, and no need for it - even if it was a very busy day. Nice place to stop on your drive up the coast. Go exploring and get some fresh air. read more

Odiorne Point State Park is always going to hold a special place in my heart. Its where my bf ( now fiancée) proposed to me. We had set out to enjoy a nice picnic on the beach area among the tide pools and seagulls. It was a beautiful day beside the wind. And the scene is just lovely. Ordiorne Park is a great place to take a walk and explore and enjoy the beauty that is New England. Tip: you can save yourself the $4/person to park if you travel up a little way and park at the public beach parking. read more

This is a perfect place to come and explore the NH coastline if you don't like the sand, crowds and beach hustle. Well over 100 acres of land are covered by trees, marshes and ponds, as well as the shoreline. The Science Center is a great place to teach the kids about ecology and preservation of the NH coastline. They do not allow dogs, but I see people with them anyways, so if you're going to break the rules, please pick up after them at least. It's well worth a visit if you're looking to spend a day outdoors and are in the area. read more

Gorgeous views from this old fort. Very New England. You've got water, trees, and lots of benches. Super picturesque. There's a playground for the kiddies. (It's pretty fun- they have a zip line thingy!) Not to mention there's a science center that I've never actually been inside of. Just watch out for all the damn mosquitoes! Never fear though. There were just as many dragon flies trying to polish them off. The drive pretty much makes it worth the trip. There are some of the most incredible houses north and south of the park. And its absolutely breathtaking during the fall. read more

What a great state park. Sure it's a bit of a bummer to pay $4 per person for entrance if you're not a NH resident, but considering the scope of the park and how nicely maintained it is, I feel that's a small price to pay. There are picnic tables and large grassy spaces that are perfect for entertaining, and this is where I spent most of my time so I can't really comment on the marine center or hiking trails. However, it's impeccably well-maintained, so that $4-per-person fee must be going towards SOMETHING good! There are several different beaches you can enjoy while visiting, but if you go to the rocky beach be careful because there isn't anyone watching out for you! read more

Amazing, amazing place. Woodsy paths and an INCREDIBLE beach to explore. Picturesque doesn't even begin to describe it. read more

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Somewhat wheelchair and stroller friendly except for the cool stuff. I was disappointed last time I went though because there were 2 weddings going on, that HOGGED the entire coastal area. They failed to mention it when we arrived too, which was annoying. Its a fairly clean park, but vandals have graffiti'd the place- which kinda ruins the beauty. There are plenty of walking trails on the coast and wooded areas... also a small beach and playgrounds. Maps available for free in the SSC. read more

This is a fantastic park. Bring a lunch and explore the ocean life. They have charcoal grills and picnic tables on site. Also there is a great playground. Join the science center as it includes parking. read more

This is a review for the Science center / Museum. A very nice museum with a great view. It's small but informative, mostly about local coastline and environment. A few live displays and a cool touch pond. Only $5 for adults and $2 for kids under 12. read more

Odiorne Point State Park - Parks Near Me

Been going here since I was a youngin' and I still love it just as much as back then! Even though I feel I used to find sea urchins and starfish as a kid, I know the times change. Beautiful place for a quick run. read more

love this place. expect to pay a lot for going, though, as parking is a little pricey. be sure to walk the stairs up above the forge and you will probably see the falcon perched above waiting for his prey. don't expect to sunbathe here on a sandy beach - it's all rocks. You might even see a seal peek out of the water, too. great for collecting sea shells, snails, and random driftwood and seaglass. my kids love the place! read more

Odiorne Point State Park - Falcon perched above - Parks Near Me

Beautiful-absolutely worth the drive from Boston. So many trails, beautiful beaches and tons of parking. We can Saturday after 5 so it was free too. Sunsets are incredible too! read more

Odiorne Point State Park - Parks Near Me

This is by far one of the most beautiful parks I've every been too!!! The playground is very clean and overlooks the ocean. The whole atmosphere is beautiful!! The staff were excellent, friendly, and knowledge. read more

Love this park and the trails and views it offers. Sea coast science center also very nice to visit! Go to the shoreline and look for crabs under rocks very fun and easy for kids' read more

We had a great time the people are super friendly very will to answer questions that you have. We got to pet a shark AMAZING !!!!!!

This is where I got married, and it couldn't have been better. Amazing views of the water, a nice tent and sitting (and dancing) area for our reception. It was the perfect spot for a New England wedding. read more