Wallis Sands State Park located at 1050 Ocean Blvd (aka Route 1A) in Rye, NH is open year-round, daily from 8 am to 8 pm in season, May – September, and no overnight parking allowed. Parking fees apply and are as follows:
Passenger Vehicle (driver & all passengers) - $15 / day
NH residents 65+ - free
Season passes are available for Individuals, $65, NH family, $110, and out of state family, $125, from New Hampshire State Parks, newhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com
During peak season, May – September, It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the 500 parking spots can fill up quickly. Reservations can also be made in season, May through September, and up to 30 days in advance as parking is limited by calling Wallis Sands State Park at 603.436.9404.
A bathhouse with restrooms and hot / cold showers is available from 8 am to 6 pm in season. An onsite store operates from 11 am to 4 pm in season offering convenience items and beach necessities. During off hours and the off-season the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available and gates should be closed.
Swimming is permitted at the beach, but lifeguards are only on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, thereby ensuring visitor safety during peak summer months. Pets are not permitted in the park during the peak, May 1st – September 30th, season, but leashed pets are allowed when the park closes for the season, October 1st, and until it opens again in the spring so through April 30th.
Alcohol, firearms and fires are not permitted on Wallis Sands State Park.
One of the park's main attractions is its panoramic views of the Isles of Shoals, a group of small islands visible from the shoreline. These islands add a picturesque backdrop to the already stunning coastal scenery, making Wallis Sands an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts.
For those interested in marine life, the rocky areas of the beach provide an opportunity to explore tide pools and observe various sea creatures. Visitors can often spot crabs, snails and even starfish in these natural aquariums. There is also a playground for children.
The beach offers a unique vantage point for watching both sunrise and sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. During low tide, the beach reveals a long, gradual, smooth slope, perfect for long walks along the water's edge. The park operates on a carry in / carry out program, encouraging visitors to help keep the beach clean by taking their trash with them. Wallis Sands is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a top choice for visitors with young children.
Before becoming a state park, Wallis Sands served as a Life-Saving Station for the United States Life-Saving Service and later as a United States Coast Guard station until around 1938. In July 2010, Wallis Sands State Beach made headlines when nearly 150 beachgoers were stung by a massive lion's mane jellyfish. The incident occurred after a lifeguard attempted to remove a 40-pound jellyfish with a 13-foot-long tentacle, causing it to break apart and release its stingers.
Wallis Sands State Park stands as a testament to New Hampshire's natural beauty and rich coastal history. Whether you're seeking a day of relaxation on the beach, an opportunity to explore nature or a glimpse into the region's maritime past, this charming state park offers something for everyone. With its well-maintained facilities and stunning ocean vistas, Wallis Sands State Park continues to be a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike, inviting all to experience the magic of New Hampshire's seacoast.
