New Hampshire Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Top Attractions

Known as the Granite State, New Hampshire is famous for its rugged mountains, scenic lakes, and charming small towns. Whether you're looking for leaf-peeping in the fall, skiing in winter, or hiking in the summer, this guide highlights the best places to visit in New Hampshire.

Where is New Hampshire?

📍 Location: Northeastern United States, New England region
🌆 Major Cities: Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth, Nashua
🏔️ Bordering States: Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts
🔗 Visit New Hampshire Tourism

Best Time to Visit New Hampshire

🌸 Spring (March-May): Great for wildflower hikes, maple syrup festivals, and scenic drives.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for beach trips, hiking, and lake vacations.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Ideal for fall foliage, apple picking, and covered bridge tours.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and holiday lights.

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Top Attractions & Destinations in New Hampshire

1. White Mountains – A Hiker’s Paradise

The White Mountains are a year-round outdoor playground, featuring majestic peaks, waterfalls, and wildlife.

🏔️ Best Things to Do in the White Mountains:

Drive the Kancamagus Highway – One of New England’s most scenic byways.
Hike Mount Washington – The highest peak in the Northeast.
Visit Franconia Notch State Park – Home to Flume Gorge and the Basin.

📍 Location: Northern New Hampshire
🔗 Visit the White Mountains

2. Portsmouth – A Coastal Gem

Portsmouth is a historic seaport town with charming streets, waterfront views, and colonial sites.

⚓ Top Attractions in Portsmouth:

Strawbery Banke Museum – A living history museum with 17th-century homes.
Prescott Park – A scenic spot with gardens and harbor views.
Market Square – A bustling area with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

📍 Location: Southeastern New Hampshire
🔗 Visit Portsmouth

3. Lake Winnipesaukee – New Hampshire’s Largest Lake

Lake Winnipesaukee is a top summer destination for boating, fishing, and relaxing on the water.

🏞️ Best Things to Do at Lake Winnipesaukee:

Take a Scenic Cruise – Enjoy a boat tour of the lake’s beautiful islands.
Visit Weirs Beach – A classic New England beach town with arcades and boardwalks.
Hike Mount Major – A short but rewarding hike with panoramic lake views.

📍 Location: Central New Hampshire
🔗 Visit Lake Winnipesaukee

4. The Monadnock Region – Small Town Charm & Outdoor Beauty

Home to quaint villages, scenic countryside, and one of the most-climbed mountains in the world.

🌄 Top Activities in the Monadnock Region:

Hike Mount Monadnock – A moderate trail with 360-degree views at the summit.
Explore Keene’s Downtown – A charming college town with historic buildings and local shops.
Drive the Covered Bridge Trail – Visit classic New England covered bridges.

📍 Location: Southwestern New Hampshire
🔗 Visit Monadnock Region

5. Conway & North Conway – Gateway to the White Mountains

A popular base for outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and outlet shopping.

🚞 Things to Do in Conway & North Conway:

Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad – A picturesque train journey through the mountains.
Shop at Settlers Green Outlets – A tax-free shopping destination.
Visit Diana’s Baths – A beautiful waterfall and swimming hole.

📍 Location: Eastern New Hampshire
🔗 Visit North Conway

Best Outdoor Adventures in New Hampshire

🚣 Kayaking on the Connecticut River – Paddle through scenic countryside and forested banks.
🎿 Skiing at Bretton Woods – A top ski resort with stunning White Mountain views.
🏕️ Camping in Crawford Notch State Park – A great place for backcountry adventures.
🌳 Exploring Lost River Gorge – Discover caves, waterfalls, and wooden boardwalks.

Where to Stay in New Hampshire

🏨 Luxury Hotels & Unique Stays:

The Omni Mount Washington Resort – A historic, grand hotel in the mountains.
Wentworth by the Sea (Portsmouth) – A seaside retreat with luxury accommodations.

🏕️ Best Cabins & Campgrounds:

Loon Lake Lodge & Campground – A peaceful retreat near the White Mountains.
Pawtuckaway State Park Camping – A great spot for lakefront camping and hiking.

Tips for Visiting New Hampshire

✅ Book Early for Fall Foliage Season – Hotels fill up quickly in October.
✅ Pack Layers for the Mountains – Weather can change rapidly in higher elevations.
✅ Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping – New Hampshire has no sales tax.
✅ Try Local Maple Syrup & Apple Cider – A must-have when visiting in fall.

Nearby Travel Destinations

If you’re visiting New Hampshire, consider exploring these nearby states:

Vermont – Visit Burlington, Stowe, and Green Mountain hiking trails (1-hour drive from New Hampshire).
Maine – Explore Portland’s coastal charm and Acadia National Park (1.5-hour drive from Portsmouth).
Massachusetts – Take a day trip to Boston or Cape Cod (1-2 hours from southern NH).

Final Thoughts

From rugged mountain trails and scenic lakes to historic coastal towns, New Hampshire offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and New England charm. Whether you're hiking the White Mountains, cruising on Lake Winnipesaukee, or exploring Portsmouth’s waterfront, the Granite State is a must-visit destination.

For more New England travel guides, check out our Vermont Travel Guide and Maine Travel Guide.