Odiorne Point State Park is a public recreation area that opened in Rye, New Hampshire in July…read more1972. 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!

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 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!)

We booked Black Dog for a trip with out of town visitors. We did the 3/4 day trip and there were 5…read moreof us including two teenage boys. We went out about 20 miles, and found a spot where we caught haddock non-stop along with some pollock and a few cod (can't take cod with new regulations). While our guide got us started, we did more of the baiting and landing as we learned the techniques. On the return trip we stopped at Star Island while Raz, our guide, cleaned the fish. Back at Rye Harbor we all agreed it was a great day! We cooked some of the haddock that night for dinner and still have a lot in the freezer. All the fees are exactly as stated on the website. There is a $5 parking fee at Rye Harbor and a nice tip for the guide who knows where the fish are! Would definitely book with Black Dog again and highly recommend.

If you want to spend $500 to catch no fish and be treated poorly, then Black Dog Charters is your…read moreplace. We booked this charter for my son's 9th birthday. He loves fishing and was extremely excited. The boat not a typical private charter boat. It had nothing but a two foot slab of wood serving as a bench for two of the four of us to sit on (no sport fishing seats) and a 5-gallon pail for a bathroom (take note ladies). The captain (who was not the owner, Dwight, as anticipated) was nice enough. He took us from spot to spot to spot on our 1/2 day trip - not one fish. When my son became impatient after 3+ hours without a bite (rightfully so), the captain had us jig for bottom fish. One 4 inch fish was the catch of the day. No joke. Needless to say, we were extremely disappointed. What was more disappointing, however, is how we were treated when we called Dwight later that day. I called and left him a message, telling him how disappointed we were and asking if he could fit us in sometime later in the week - even for a few hours - so we could get a fish for my son. Naturally, he never returned my call. When we called back 2 days later, he was abrasive and absolutely refused to take us out again or refund any portion of the fee. It was not how a dissatisfied customer expects to be treated and was very unpleasant. The website for Black Dog promises "When you've finished your day at sea you'll have a fridg [sic] full of the best fish!" Not only did we not have a fridge full, we didn't even get one single fish. While we understand that fishing can be hit or miss, the fact that we got zero fish coupled with the lousy and unprofessional treatment we received when we requested a reasonable accommodation left us with an awful taste in our mouths. Unfortunately, that taste was not the taste of fresh fish . . .

What I like about these guys is they offer the longer 10 hour trip as it takes a while to get out…read moreto the better fishing grounds. Captain was always sharing what he is seeing on the radar. Good sized boat and this one only takes out 24 people so you have room and its less crowded at the rail. 1st mates are great and responsive. 2 bathrooms. Even when you are over fish, they don't always bite. Came home with a nice sized bag of Haddock and Pollack this trip as we could not keep Cod this trip...yet. I would go back and I would recommend. Bring plenty of snacks & food as this isn't provided, layers and sun screen (which I forgot) and sunglasses. They provide all the bait you'll need and the gear.

me and my son went out fish were bitig we caught a lot of keepers it was great lots of room and…read morethey have help with your rods worth the trip caught haddock and cus was great they know were the fish are always dress for the weather cause it can be nasty out there

The Rye Harbor State Park offers some great views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Isles of Shoals, and…read morethe Rye Harbor. This is a great place to do some saltwater fishing, have a picnic, or just to enjoy the scenic views. Others may utilize this spot for private events and for weddings. There is a fee to access the park, and when it is unstaffed for a portion of the year, there is a self-paying kiosk. Plenty of parking off the main road as well!

This little park has a beautiful view of the ocean. Please be aware that between the hours of 7am…read moreand 9pm, no dogs are allowed after April until late fall.

Amazing personality, experience and fun while fishing with Tidewater. The owner, Bob, is not only…read moregracious and courteous- he knows his fishing! He took us out many times last summer and we cannot wait to go out again for summer 2013. We went out both alone and with a group of our friends for a little day trip. I highly suggest giving it a shot when you are looking for an adventure! Right off Kittery Point- easy to find. They have a facebook page for more info and pictures: www.facebook.com/tidewatercharterservices

Went out for my first time deep sea fishing on the Sea Star last weekend for a full day. The…read moreCaptain and his mate were excellent teachers as well as patient with all of us on board. They were wicked friendly and more than willing to move if the fish were being picky or we were catching dog sharks. It was relaxing if nothing else. I will happily recommend them for future trips. I hope to head out with them again soon. :-)

Ok I've been out with these guys three time they are friendly they put you on the fish very good if…read moreyour not getting keepers they move to a better spot. Yes seems some of there tackel for a whole 8 bucks can be deflected. But there are plenty of rods. I talk with them about what ever n they are very personable n friendly.

Outstanding experience. Very knowledgeable captain Bob. We had a wonderful time. Don't miss this…read moreadventure.

Bobs great, Pulled 15-20 traps and caught 7 keepers…read more He was easy to book with and was on time. Great to learn about the local fisheries and how they take good care of it.....

Great Guy second time fishing with captain Roland in a week…read morecan't wait to go again.....

Had a beautiful day weather wise and Captain Roland's confidence and competence was evident from…read morefirst hand shake to last. We knew we were in good hands so it was easy to relax and focus on the fish. After setting us on the mackerel for bait we quickly had more than we needed and got to the Stripers. Depth finder showed Captain had us on the fish, they just weren't biting. Rather than sit on a dead spot, Capt moved us around with the appropriate amount of wait time. Just when we started to think it would be a bust of a trip the Stripers began to hit. We reeled in some good size fish, and Capt let us work the sight past or charter hour and we all really appreciated the extra time. Was a great day, we all had a blast. We highly recommend Angler Management without reservation. Thanks Capt. Roland for a great day.

*This review is for Jet Ski rentals*…read more I have been going to Hampton Beach my life. And one hour with Adventure Charters warped my whole vision of what Hampton had to offer. What do I know about jet skis? Pretty much nothing. I have a driver's license but I've never driven anything more exotic than a go-kart or a vespa. So when my boyfriend suggesting renting jet skis during our vacation my immediate reaction was to LEAP at the suggestion and then slowly return to reality. 1. I have no idea how to ride one 2. I may get eaten by sharks (I just watched Shark Week!). So we called up Adventure Charters (the only place in Hampton Beach that rents jet skis). They were super friendly and answered all of my questions thoroughly and pleasantly. Since I don't have a boating license, I'd have to fill out a quick test to give me a 14 day temporary license. Then it's $85/hour per jet ski, no matter how many people on the jet ski. That sounds great. Flash forward to August when we walk past all the deep sea fishing shacks. We were greeted by the friendly and genuinely pleasant people working there who explained the little instruction book and test. Test took maybe 15 minutes and cost $20 to take. But no worries, that fee is applied toward the jet ski fee. Then we paid the $500 deposit on each jet ski and the remaining $65 per jet ski. The place provides life jackets, which you must wear, and wet suits, which are optional. I thought we'd need them since NH is notorious for FREEZING COLD lips turning purple water. But not so. The man who took us to the dock was so nice and put all my fears to rest. He even took our pictures on the jet ski and put them on their facebook wall for us to see later. (we couldn't find a water-proof disposable camera on the way there. boo) ZOMG jet skis are my favorite thing in the world. About halfway through our hour, i stopped the jet ski, turned to my boyfriend and insisted that we buy one (ok maybe two) for ourselves. I felt so safe. It was so easy to handle. And we went speeeeding through the waves. An hour was a perfect amount of time. There's a little clock on the "dashboard" next to the speedometer to keep track of when you need to return. We had plenty of time to test our courage and have fun and get back on time. We then walked, back returned the life jackets, got our things (which they were nice enough to keep behind the counter so they were not destroyed). We started planning next year's trip as we walked out the door. Nothing negative to say about this company!

This place is a hidden gem. Tucked away by the marina. The staff is friendly and very helpful. I…read morerented a jet ski here for an hour. I'm not very familiar navigating the seas of the Hampton Beach area. It was low tide, so they made sure I navigated the waters well before going out. They also told me the best spots to go to. I was cruising and ripping through waves the rest of the time and had a great experience! Will definitely be back.