I lived in New Hampshire for 25 years and had many opportunities to explore everything it has to offer. The Granite State may be small, but it’s packed full of attractions and activities to appeal to everyone. From the tides of the Atlantic coastline to the placid Lakes Region to the jaw-dropping White Mountains up north, the best places to visit in New Hampshire showcase its incredible outdoor beauty and adventures.

But there are also plenty of cultural activities, fun activities for families, and seafood to eat too. And it’s arguably the best destination for vibrantly-colored leaf peeping in the United States.

New Hampshire at a Glance

• Capital: Concord
• Motto: Live Free or Die
• Population: 1.395 million (2022)
• Abbreviation: NH
• Area: 9,304 mi²
• Admitted to the Union: June 21, 1788 (9th)

OUTDOORS

Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway just might be the most popular foliage drive in New England and one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire. The 34.5-mile National Scenic Byway stretches from Lincoln to Conway in the White Mountains with many pull-off and scenic overlook points where you can start a hike or simply gaze star-struck at the views of mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The rural Route 112 road reaches 2,855 feet in elevation.

Over a million people drive the scenic road every year, and it can be jammed with cars and RVs on a dazzling autumn day, but don’t let that deter you. The various species of trees burst into color from mid-September through mid-October, depending on the elevation.

Mt. Washington

I climbed Mount Washington, the crown jewel of White Mountain peaks, twice, both times in my early 20s. Towering above its surroundings, at 6,288 feet, Mt. Washington is the highest point in the Northeast and has the dubious distinction of having the world’s worst weather. It has been called the deadliest small mountain in the world; since 1849 over 150 individuals have died in pursuit of the summit.

Since 1642, Mount Washington has attracted those with an adventurous spirit to hike its taxing elevation. Five primary hiking trails lead to the top. Not for the faint of heart, it takes around 4 hours to hike the 4.2 miles to the summit via Tuckerman Ravine Trail. The journey down is not much faster and in some ways harder, especially on your knees. Hiking to the summit of Mount Washington is a serious challenge that requires a certain level of physical conditioning.

There’s also the Cog Railway train (see below) that takes visitors who do not wish to climb to the summit, as well as your own car (with weight restrictions).

Hampton Beach

My kiddos at Hampton Beach, 1999.

New Hampshire only has 18 miles of coastline, so not surprisingly, Hampton Beach State Park – the state’s largest and most popular beach, is packed with people in the summer. The wide sandy beach, jammed with colorful umbrellas is free to enter (though parking is not). The highlight of the summer is the annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic, where sculptors build impressive works of art from 200 tons of imported sand.

If you tire of the salty air and crashing blue waves, the festive strip across from the beach is filled with arcade games, fast food vendors, small amusement rides, and souvenir shops.

If you don’t like crowds, don’t worry, Rye’s Jenness State Beach, just a bit north is really nice. The only downside is that it’s only metered parking and not much of it, so be sure to arrive early.  Amenities include lifeguards and restrooms.

Mt. Kearsarge

Mt. Kearsage 1999

Mount Kearsarge is a mountain located in Wilmot, New Hampshire, and the entire mountain is within Kearsarge Mountain State Forest. I’ve hiked it twice, once with my kids around 25 years ago, and again with my friend Alison in 2020.

Mt. Kearsarge 2020

The 2.0-mile out-and-back trail is considered a moderately challenging route that takes 2 – 3 hours to complete, depending on fitness level. The full loop Winslow Trail is steep with lots of boulders to scale and roots to climb over.

On a very clear day, you can see skyscrapers in the city of Boston, 80 miles away, from the fire tower on the 2,937-foot mountain.

Lost River Gorge

The Lost River Gorge is a unique experience! The massive gorge sits within a vibrant forest and offers a self-guided, 1-mile wooden boardwalk loop trail with more than 1,000 stairs which is fun to explore during the day, and also has guided lantern tours to explore the gorge after dusk.

Along the way, there are scenic spots to stop and admire the intense beauty of the river and its cascading waterfalls and caves. My favorite spot is called “the Lemon Squeezer” – explorers must be limber and not claustrophobic. Note: all of the cave crawls can be bypassed.

Lake Winnipesaukee

Covering 72 square miles, Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the state, located in the Lakes Region at the foothills of the White Mountains. The clear lake is approximately 21 miles long, surrounded by forests and mountains. It’s one of New Hampshire’s most popular summer vacation spots, especially for families who enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking. The surrounding beach towns offer a ton of fun things such as mini-golf, ice cream shops, an old-fashioned arcade, and go-karts.

CULTURE

North Conway

Nestled in the White Mountains and surrounded by forests, the charming village of North Conway is a jumping-off point for hikes to Mt. Washington, Cathedral Ledge, Diana’s Baths, and fall leaf-viewing tours. It’s also a popular weekend destination for those seeking bargains at the many outlets.

Shaker Village

From a 1906 postcard., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Shaker Village was established in 1792 when followers of founder Mother Ann Lee formed their seventh community in Canterbury where it remained for 200 years. The Shakers received their name because of their ecstatic dancing rituals.

Shaker Village has operated exclusively as a museum since 1992 when the last Shaker sister-in-residence, Ethel Hudson, died. The village provides an insight into the small American community and its unique lifestyle.

Unlike the Amish or Quakers, the Shakers were celibate; they did not marry or bear children. Shakers were generally accepting of modern technology, such as television and other forms of entertainment.

Castle in the Clouds

While you won’t find many castles in America, there are a handful of impressive structures, including the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina and Castle in the Clouds in New Hampshire now officially known as the Lucknow Estate. The 1914 Arts and Crafts-style mansion sits high in New Hampshire’s Ossipee Mountain Range, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee below.

Hop aboard a trolley from the Carriage House, and take a tour of a historic rags-to-riches 16-room mansion that was built atop a mountain in 1913 and features some modern technological advances of the time.

Explore the sprawling 5,200+ acre estate on one of over 45 miles of hiking scenic trails past waterfalls and lake views, as well as more strenuous summit hikes.

Portsmouth

The charming Seacoast city of Portsmouth is one of my favorite places in the state. Named one of the prettiest and coziest towns in America, brick sidewalks line the picturesque downtown with colorful houses – featuring a vibrant restaurant scene, galleries, shops, and historic buildings.

Prescott Park has gorgeous gardens and fun live theater performances in summer. History lovers will enjoy hopping aboard the USS Albacore Museum, a decommissioned submarine that set a world record for speed in the 1960s. You can also take a tour of the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, a Georgian-style mansion that once housed General William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Set on 10 acres in downtown Portsmouth, history comes to life at the Strawberry Banke Museum. An interactive program includes costumed actors who share what life was like as far back as 1623. 32 historic buildings and 8 heritage gardens that feature traditional crafts and a chance to step back in time to Colonial America.

Cog Railway

If you don’t want to climb Mt. Washington (above) the Cog Railway is an old-fashioned, unforgettable ride on the rails to get the same views. For 150 years, the engine has chugged up the second-steepest track (3,500 feet) in the world to arrive at the summit, 6,288 feet.

One rail line cuts through the valleys where you can see the banks of passing streams, while another one heads north of the mountains where you can enjoy the scenic views for miles and miles.  The onboard, guided tour provides an entertaining narrative on the three-hour adventure, which includes an hour at the summit.

FAMILY FUN

Canobie Lake Park

It began in 1902 as a lakeside botanical park, but Canobie Lake Park in Salem is still going strong as a beloved old-time amusement park with 85 attractions, thrill rides, a water park, and carnival-style midway games. The park also offers restaurants that serve traditional New England food such as lobster rolls and fried dough. If you dare, take a spin on the roller coaster named “Untamed” which catapults riders on a vertical drop of 97 degrees.

Story Land

AnotherMaker, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

For small children or nostalgic adults, this attraction dates back to 1954 and is probably one of the most fun places in New Hampshire for little ones to spend the day. 30-plus attractions create a magical and photogenic environment that includes children’s nursery rhymes and fairy tales, plus water rides, a wooden roller coaster, a magic show, and a vegetable puppet show.

Clark’s Trading Post

Clark’s Trading Post, now known as Clark’s Bears, was an annual summer tradition for our family. The highlight is seeing trained bears perform impressive tricks but there are other attractions like an optical illusion Merlin theater show, rock climbing, water rides, and scooter tours throughout the adorable little town.

There’s a quirky but beloved train ride that searches for “the Wolfman,” an old-fashioned hillbilly character that chases the train in his homemade, barely-running jalopy, waving a huge bone and shooting a (fake) vintage revolver at the train passengers. The kids are encouraged to shout, “Scram, you bum” at him every time he appears.

Santa’s Village

As the name suggests, Christmas-themed Santa’s Village is a celebration of the jolly old St. Nick, as well as all things that make the holiday special, from elves and reindeer to sleighs and sweet treats. Family-friendly amusements include the Reindeer Carousel, Christmas Ferris Wheel, Santa’s Express Train and Yule Log Flume an interactive family scavenger hunt, a real blacksmith shop, a visit to Santa’s house, and a small petting zoo, and a water park with tube rides.

Where to Stay

If you can afford to splurge, don’t miss a stay at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort, even if it’s just for one night. Located in the White Mountains about 50 miles from Bretton Woods, the stunning and luxurious Omni Mount Washington Resort offers many amenities including a relaxing spa and multiple dining options.

In the past, trainloads of wealthy Bostonians and New Yorkers would arrive in New Hampshire each summer in search of cooler fresh air and some pampering.

The Great Hall with its soaring ceilings and massive crystal chandeliers is especially stunning at Christmastime, where the decorations are over-the-top but still tasteful, and there are many programs for children such as a magician. The resort is nothing short of magical.

What to Eat

• Lobster rolls
• New England clam chowder
• Steamers
• Fried lake bass
• Maple Syrup
• Apples
• Apple cider donuts
• Baked brown beans

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About the Author

Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.

She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.

Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.