If you’re looking for the best dog friendly beaches in New Hampshire, then you’ve come to the right website.
We’ve got loads of pup-friendly information on the top beaches in New Hampshire that allow dogs.
So come on in. We’re looking forward to helping you out!
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Table of contents
1. Foss Beach
- 1497 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870
- A long stretch of rocky beach that runs from the Rye Harbor State Park
- Dogs are allowed to run off-leash along the entire stretch of Foss Beach, at certain times
- During the off season, you can bring your dog on the beach at any time
- Free parking is available along Ocean Boulevard
Foss Beach in Rye is a fabulous dog friendly beach in New Hampshire.
It’s located on the Atlantic Coast, 11 miles north of Seabrook Beach and 6 miles south of New Castle Town Landing. And it’s a little over an hour’s drive from Boston, Massachusetts.
Like many New Hampshire beaches, you can bring your dog to Foss Beach at any time during the quieter off season.
Free To Run Off-Leash On The Beach
And as long as your furball is under full voice control, she’s free to run off-leash on the beach.
In the summer months, you can bring your pup here between sunrise and 9am, and from 7pm to midnight. This rule applies from the Saturday before Memorial Day through the Saturday after Labor Day.
A New Law
A new law that came into force in 2022 means that on Saturdays, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 9am and 9pm. Again, this applies from the Saturday before Memorial Day through the Saturday after Labor Day.
Please note that dogs are unfortunately NOT allowed at neighboring Rye Harbor State Park.
Also please note that Foss Beach virtually disappears at high tide. So be sure to check the Foss Beach tide chart before you visit.
Website: Foss Beach
2. Jenness Beach
- 2280 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870
- This beach is over a mile of fine golden sand
- Dogs are allowed to run off-leash at Jenness Beach during the summer months, before 9am and after 7pm
- During the off season, you can bring your dog to the beach at any time
- Payable, open-air parking lot is right there at the beach
Jenness Beach in Rye lies just 2.5 miles south of Foss Beach.
This beautiful, sandy, city-owned beach is split in two by the small stretch of Jenness State Beach in the middle.
Don’t get the two mixed up. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the state beach at any time during the busy summer season.
You Can Bring Your Dog To Both Sections Of The City Beach
However, you can bring your dog to both sections of the city beach before 9am and after 7pm in the summer. Or before 9am and after 9pm on Saturdays in the summer.
These rules apply from the Saturday before Memorial Day through the Saturday after Labor Day.
Walk through the state park parking lot to get from one section of the city beach to the other (in the summer months). From November 1 through spring, you can also bring your pup to the state beach.
Jenness Beach Dog Rules
Jenness Beach dog rules state that, during all dog-friendly hours, your dog can run around off-leash whilst at the beach. As long as she is under full voice control. And dog parents have to clean up after their pets.
The state beach parking lot provides metered parking for 67 cars. Metered parking hours are from 8am to midnight every day.
Free Jenness Beach Parking Along Ocean Boulevard
There is also free parking along Ocean Boulevard. Just keep a look out for any no parking signs.
The public restrooms are next to the parking lot.
All in all, Jenness Beach is one of the best dog friendly beaches in NH.
Website: Jenness Beach
3. Seabrook Beach
- 77 Atlantic Avenue, Seabrook, NH 03874
- Gorgeous, serene beach with beautiful white sand
- Dogs on Seabrook Beach must be leashed at all times
- In summer, you can bring your dog to this beach before 8am and after 6pm
- During the off season, you can bring your dog to the beach at any time
Seabrook Beach is in the far south of New Hampshire, just a mile or so from the state border with Massachusetts.
This gorgeous white-sand beach is one of several NH beaches that allow dogs. It lies between Hampton Beach to the north and Salisbury Beach to the south.
Seabrook Beach Dog Rules
Seabrook Beach dog rules state that you must keep your dog on a leash at all times whilst at the beach.
In the busy season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, leashed dogs are allowed at the beach before 8am and after 6pm ONLY.
However, during the off season, you’re free to bring your dog to Seabrook Beach at any time between sunrise and 1am. Please note that the beach is closed from 1am to sunrise every day.
Parking here can be difficult, particularly during the summer season. From Memorial Day through September 15, all on-street parking is for residents only. And it is strictly enforced by the authorities.
Consequently, it’s best to visit Seabrook Beach in New Hampshire during the quiet season.
One Of The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in NH
There are also restricted plover nesting areas, which dogs must stay away from.
Note also that there are no bathrooms at the beach, and no other amenities to speak of.
But this long, sandy beach is a great spot to bring your pup, especially in the off season. Even with the restricted areas, there’s still plenty of room to walk and play at high tide.
Seabrook Beach is without doubt one of the best dog friendly beaches in New Hampshire!
Website: Seabrook Beach
4. Harborside Park
- Ocean Boulevard, Seabrook, NH 03874
- Fabulous dog-friendly beachfront park and memorial
- Leashed dogs are allowed at Harborside Park all year round
- Crystal clear water and a beautiful sandy beach
- Free parking and good amenities
Harborside Park in Seabrook NH is a dog-friendly gem of a place.
It’s located within walking distance of Seabrook Beach, on the opposite side. The Harborside Dunes, and Hampton Bridge across to Hampton Beach State Park, are literally minutes away.
The park is located at the point where Blackwater River spills out into the Hampton Harbor Inlet.
No Seasonal Restrictions For Your Pup At Harborside Park
You can bring your pup to Harborside Park at any time of year – there are no seasonal restrictions.
The only restriction is that you must keep your four-legged friend on a leash at all times.
Once here, you’ll find free parking and great amenities. Including restrooms, park benches and covered picnic tables.
It’s a beautiful sandy beach, with crystal clear water. Just be aware that the currents here are very strong, even on days when the waves are small.
Stunning Sunsets At This Beautiful Dog Friendly Beach
The memorial here is a monument in memory of the Seabrook fishermen who lost their lives at sea. Eight of the ten names etched on the memorial are those of the men who were lost at sea on the fishing vessel Statesman in October 1851.
This is a great little beachfront park to bring your pup to, and the sunsets here are stunning.
Harborside Park provides a wonderful New Hampshire dog beach.
Website: Harborside Park
5. New Castle Town Landing
- 55 Wentworth Road, New Castle, NH 03854
- Beautiful island location
- Dogs are allowed to roam free off-leash all year round at New Castle Town Landing, with time restrictions
- You can bring your pup to the beach before 8am and after 8pm ONLY
- Area includes beach access and plenty of room to play fetch or chase
The New Castle Town Landing is in the small town of New Castle, in the far northeastern corner of New Hampshire.
New Castle is in Rockingham County and the town is located entirely on a group of islands at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. This tidal river forms a natural boundary between New Hampshire and Maine.
And by the way, we’ve got a whole article all about the best dog friendly beaches in Maine.
Your Pup Is Free To Run Around Off Leash
You’re allowed to bring your furry friend to the New Castle Town Landing before 8am and after 8pm each day. And your pup is free to run around off leash the whole time you are there.
This is all year round, as well. Unlike many other dog beaches in New Hampshire, there are no seasonal restrictions here.
In the quiet season, you can also bring your canine companion to Great Island Common. This beautiful area is made up of 32 acres of seaside green space and beach.
And it’s less than a mile from the New Castle Town Landing.
Great Island Common Opening Times
There are picnic facilities, lawns and play equipment here. The Common is open to the public from 9am to 9pm daily.
You’re not allowed to bring your dog to Great Island Common from May 15th through September 15th. But for the rest of the year, this is a great place to bring your pup for some fresh air and exercise.
Just make sure to keep your dog on a leash at all times whilst enjoying the Common.
New Castle Town Landing and Great Island Common. Home to two fabulous dog friendly beaches in New Hampshire!
Website: New Castle Town Landing
Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in New Hampshire
Although the ocean coastline of New Hampshire is only 13 miles, the state has some wonderful dog-friendly beaches.
Admittedly, many of them do have restrictions. But sometimes that’s nothing more than having to keep your pup on a leash. And clean up after her.
Whether it’s the mile of fine golden sand at Jenness Beach. The long stretch of rocky beach at Foss Beach. The crystal clear water of Harborside Park. Serenity and white sand at Seabrook Beach. Or the beautiful island location of New Castle Town Landing and Great Island Common.
You’re sure to have tons of fun with your pup at the dog beaches of New Hampshire!
So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in New Hampshire? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.
Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!
If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the best dog friendly beaches in New Hampshire, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in New Hampshire
Many of the beaches in New Hampshire allow dogs, albeit often with restrictions. Some of the best ones are Jenness Beach and Foss Beach in Rye, Seabrook Beach and Harborside Park in Seabrook, and New Castle Town Landing in New Castle.
Leashed dogs are allowed at Wallis Sands State Park when the park closes for the season, and until it opens in the spring. Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in the park when it is open and staffed.
