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30 top things to do in new hampshire.

Outdoor adventures, amusement parks, museums and historic sites abound in the Granite State.

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Courtesy of Mount Washington Cog Railway

From traveling on the Mount Washington Cog Railway to posing in front of Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach at Story Land, New Hampshire has something for everyone to enjoy.

New Hampshire may be a small state, but it's packed full of attractions and activities for visitors. From its 18 miles of coastline to its centrally located Lakes Region to the looming White Mountains up north, New Hampshire offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Then there are the amusement parks, historic sites and thought-provoking museums to explore while vacationing in the Granite State.

With skiing in the winter, summer fun by the lakes and leaf-peeping in the fall, this state is a year-round destination. Here are some of the best things to do and see in New Hampshire.

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

The Lost River Gorge tops the list of what to see in New Hampshire for those looking for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Open seasonally from early May to mid-October, this attraction has a self-guided, 1-mile boardwalk loop trail with more than 1,000 stairs. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.

Along the way there are scenic spots to stop and admire the Lost River and its cascading waterfalls in the gorge. If you're limber and not too claustrophobic, you might choose to maneuver through nearly a dozen boulder caves, including one particularly tight spot called the Lemon Squeezer. Visitors to this attraction in the White Mountains appreciate that any of the cave crawls can be bypassed. Lost River Gorge is around 5 miles from North Woodstock's Main Street, where The Wilderness Inn Bed & Breakfast welcomes overnight guests in a craftsman-style 1912 home.

Address: 1712 Lost River Road, North Woodstock, NH 03262

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Ascend to the summit of the highest peak in New England aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Onboard one of the specially designed biodiesel locomotives, you'll pass through steep grades and three climate zones to reach the Mount Washington summit at 6,288 feet in elevation. When you book your tickets online, you can also choose to take a historic steam locomotive at certain times of the year.

Schedule and pricing may vary based on weather and train excursion selection; check out Mount Washington Cog Railway's website for more information. The Cog Railway makes multiple daily trips in the warmer months to the summit, with its visitor center and rooftop observation deck. From late October to early spring, the railway operates shorter trips to the Waumbek Station, at about 4,000 feet in elevation. Past travelers appreciated the onboard live commentary that covers the history, flora and fauna of the area. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is located in the White Mountains near Bretton Woods, home to the majestic Omni Mount Washington Resort with its relaxing spa and multiple dining options.

Address: 3168 Base Station Road, Mount Washington, NH 03589

[Read: The Best Hotels in New Hampshire .]

Lake Winnipesaukee

Getty Images

The largest lake in the state at 72 square miles, Lake Winnipesaukee is one of New Hampshire's most popular summer vacation spots. Families flock to the lake to go boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and canoeing on the clear water surrounded by thick forest and looming mountains. A popular excursion is a scenic boat ride on the historic M/S Mount Washington ship. The resort towns that ring the lake are chock-full of fun things for families to do, including old-fashioned arcades, go-karting and mini-golf.

Lodging abounds in the area, from vacation homes and lakeside cottages to budget motels and small inns. Church Landing at Mill Falls in Meredith has a convenient and scenic location right on the lake, within walking distance of several restaurants and shops in town.

North Conway

In the heart of New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley, North Conway is a fabulous vacation destination for fans of scenic railroads, historic covered bridges and outdoor adventures. The village is an especially popular spot in the winter months, as it's been ranked among the best ski towns in North America, with more than a dozen ski areas within a short drive of the village.

Outside of winter, the easy hike to the waterfalls at Diana's Baths is on a fairly flat gravel path, but the small parking lot can get quite busy in the summer, so recent hikers advise you try to go early or late in the day. Visitors flock to North Conway's many shopping outlets and malls, with no general sales tax charged on goods in New Hampshire. For a glamorous place to rest your head, consider a night at Stonehurst Manor , a beautiful 19th-century hotel with mountain views and wood fireplaces.

[Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in New Hampshire .]

Hampton Beach State Park

Hampton Beach State Park is packed with people in the summer, especially on hot, sunny weekends. Walking the wide sandy beach or picnicking under an umbrella for the day is free at this coastal state park. You'll need to pay to park your car, and recent visitors suggest making parking reservations ahead of time online at the New Hampshire State Parks website; otherwise, you'll likely have to hunt for a first-come, first-served metered space around town.

Across the street from Hampton Beach sits the legendary Hampton Beach Casino, which dates back to 1899. Not so much a popular place to gamble (though there are a few games of chance), this historic strip is filled with family-friendly arcade games, small amusement rides, snacks and souvenir shops. If you want to stay overnight, check out the oceanfront Ashworth by the Sea, the only full-service beachfront hotel here.

Lincoln is a great home base for exploring New Hampshire's White Mountains. The small town is home to Loon Mountain Resort for skiing, tubing and snowshoeing in the winter as well as zip lining, gondola rides, biking and hiking in the summer. Other local attractions for warm weather visitors include Whale's Tale Waterpark, Hobo Railroad and Flume Gorge. If you're trying to keep things affordable on your getaway to the White Mountains, consider booking a room at the Notch Hostel, a dog-friendly spot with fire pits, camping spaces, cabins and more.

Hood Museum of Art

Michael Moran | Courtesy of The Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth

Home to a wide range of art and artifacts, including Indigenous Australian contemporary art and a major archive of photojournalism, the Hood Museum of Art is located on the campus of Hanover's Dartmouth College. The collection is vast, with more than 65,000 pieces of art in the museum's care, though only a portion are on display to the public at any given time. Recent museum enthusiasts note that with free admission, the museum is certainly worth an hourlong stroll through the exhibits; there are also free guided tours on occasion. Right next door to the Hopkins Center for the Arts and the Hood Museum is the elegant Hanover Inn, the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state.

Address: 6 E. Wheelock St., Hanover, NH 03755

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Courtesy of McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Concord's must-visit McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center honors two New Hampshire residents: Alan Shepard, who in 1961 was the first American to travel into space, and Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who was aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger that tragically exploded just after it launched in 1986. Visitors to this family-friendly attraction can learn about space travel and science through hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and planetarium shows.

Concord, the capital of New Hampshire, has plenty of hotel chains and budget-friendly lodging, but if you're looking for something different and historic, consider The Centennial Hotel, located in a 19th-century Victorian mansion.

Address: 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH 03301

Prescott Park

Visitors to Prescott Park in the seaside city of Portsmouth rave about the beautiful flowers and waterfront views, commenting on what a great job the gardeners do with the landscaping in the summer months. The 10-acre waterfront park makes for a lovely place to stroll and take in the sights and smells of the serene space; there are also benches for rest and reflection. Admission to the park is free. In the summer, concerts, movies and theater productions take place in the park as part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival.

If you're looking to stay overnight in the city, Ale House Inn is housed in an 1880 former brewery warehouse and located within walking distance of the park.

Address: 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, NH 03801

[Read: The Best Weekend Getaways in New England .]

Canobie Lake Park

Canobie Lake Park has been delighting visitors since it opened in 1902 with its botanical gardens, swings, canoes and penny arcade. Today it's a fun-for-the-whole-family amusement park filled with exciting rides, a water park and carnival-style midway games – plus dining venues that serve quintessential New England favorites like lobster rolls and fried dough. Thrill rides at this amusement park include the spinning, strobe light-filled Psychodrome and a roller coaster called Untamed that sends riders on a beyond-vertical drop of 97 degrees.

The amusement park is open seasonally, generally from Memorial Day weekend through Halloween. Check the website calendar for specific days and hours of operation (early and late in the season it's open on weekends only). Canobie Lake Park is located in Salem, in the southern part of New Hampshire. The closest hotel is the basic, budget-friendly Red Roof Inn Salem, which gets props from past travelers for its convenient location next to Interstate 93.

Address: 85 N. Policy St., Salem, NH 03079

Russell-Colbath Historic Site

The Russell-Colbath Historic Site sits in Albany, New Hampshire, along the Kancamagus Highway between the towns of Lincoln and Conway in the White Mountains. Built in the 1830s by the Russell family, a simple home on the property serves as an example of what living quarters were like for original settlers of the area. Guided tours are offered from July to September, and recent visitors praise the on-site staff, who can explain some of the home's history and preserved household items on display.

Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this historic site also includes an accessible half-mile trail with interpretive panels about the logging and railroading industries here in the 19th century. The Russell-Colbath Historic Site is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Outside of Conway along the Kancamagus Highway you'll find the Kancamagus Swift River Inn, with 10 quaint rooms and daily continental breakfast.

Address: Kancamagus Highway, Albany, NH 03818

Flume Gorge

Part of Franconia Notch State Park, the Flume is a scenic gorge with a 2-mile loop trail that allows visitors to admire the looming granite walls, rushing Flume Brook and even a classic New England covered bridge. The boardwalk trail at this attraction in the White Mountains does include many steps, so you'll want to make sure to wear sturdy shoes to traverse it safely. Admire plentiful mosses, ferns and flowers along the way.

Recent visitors note that the optional one-way Wolf's Den path, which involves crawling on hands and knees through boulders, is especially fun for kids. Make your reservations in advance to ensure that you'll be able to access the trail (and get a reduced entry fee) via the New Hampshire State Parks website. Nearby lodging includes Indian Head Resort in Lincoln, with resort rooms, cottages, bungalows and rustic houses.

Address: 852 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH 03251

Courtesy of Storyland

For small children or nostalgic adults, this attraction is probably one of the most fun places in New Hampshire to spend the day. Story Land is located in Glen, east of the White Mountain National Forest, and dates back to 1954. It features classic attractions that celebrate children's nursery rhymes and fairy tales, including a giant Humpty Dumpty and Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach – both make great photo opportunities.

Young children like to visit the petting zoo with animals right out of favorite storybooks like the "Three Billy Goats Gruff." Older kids can pilot Swan Boats on a calm pond. More thrilling attractions include Dr. Geyser's Remarkable Raft Ride (be prepared to get splashed) and the Roar-O-Saurus wooden roller coaster. Nearby Nordic Village Resort in Jackson gets rave reviews from past travelers for its spacious accommodations that include studios, condos and townhouses, as well as pools, hot tubs and saunas for relaxation.

Address: 850 state Route 16, Glen, NH 03838

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

This National Historical Park honors Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a prominent American Renaissance sculptor who spent his later years (1885 to 1907) at this estate in Cornish. Visitors to this historic site can see his home, tour his studio and walk the grounds where his sculptures are on display. Recent parkgoers say they were in awe of the beautiful gardens.

Travelers should note that some areas are only open seasonally, with most indoor areas like the galleries closed from November to Memorial Day. In addition, there are wooded hiking trails up to 2 miles long on the 100-acre property, if you're looking to get a little exercise amid nature while visiting Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park. Cornish is located in central New Hampshire, near the Vermont border. Some of the closest budget lodging can be found to the north in the Connecticut River Valley, including the Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon – admire the hotel's impressive atrium filled with trees while you're there.

Address: 139 Saint Gaudens Road, Cornish, NH 03745

Santa's Village

Courtesy of Santa's Village

Just as the name suggests, Christmas-themed Santa's Village is a celebration of the jolly old fellow himself, as well as all things that make this winter holiday special, from elves and reindeer to sleighs and sweet treats. Family-friendly rides at this amusement park in Jefferson include the Reindeer Carousel, Christmas Ferris Wheel, Santa's Express Train and Yule Log Flume. There's also a water park that's open in the summer, with slides, splash pads and water sprays.

Visitors have noted how clean and charming this amusement park is. Typically Santa's Village is open daily in the summer, with limited weekend hours in the late spring and from Labor Day through Christmas. Be sure to check the website for operating hours before you visit. One inexpensive option for overnighting nearby is the Coos Motor Inn in Lancaster, located 6 miles north.

Address: 528 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, NH 03583

Strawbery Banke Museum

Courtesy of Strawbery Banke Museum

Set on 10 acres in downtown Portsmouth, Strawbery Banke Museum brings centuries of U.S. history alive with costumed role-players who share what life was like in New England's past. Visitors can tour historic buildings and interactive exhibits to learn about the people who once made their homes in this waterfront neighborhood. Past travelers say a highlight of their visit is chatting with the craftspeople in period dress, such as barrel makers and boat builders.

As an outdoor history museum, Strawbery Banke is typically open daily from May through October. In the winter months, try out outdoor ice skating on Puddle Dock Pond. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. If you're with kids, consider getting a family admission ticket to save some money. Just around the corner from Strawbery Banke is The Sailmaker's House, an intimate and historic boutique hotel with just 10 guest rooms.

Address: 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, NH 03801

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Whale's Tale Waterpark

Courtesy of Whale's Tale Waterpark

Cool off during New Hampshire's hot and humid summer months at Whale's Tale Waterpark in Lincoln. Thrill rides include the Plunge body slides, where you might reach up to 40 miles an hour, as well as the Banzai Pipeline, which is a speedy tube ride that shoots you into a quarter pipe. Other attractions include Whale Harbor with short slides and gentle water sprays for toddlers; Shipwreck Island with its massive bucket dump; and Willie's Wild Waves, billed as the only wave pool in the White Mountains.

Past travelers consistently praise the friendly staff at Whale's Tale Waterpark, which is generally open mid-June through Labor Day. Located less than half a mile away on U.S. Route 3 is the Days Inn by Wyndham Lincoln, which has an indoor and outdoor pool and a kids playground.

Address: 481 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH 03251

Castle in the Clouds

Courtesy of Castle in the Clouds

This unique seasonal attraction in Moultonborough offers a variety of things for visitors to do. You can tour a historic, 16-room, mountaintop mansion that was built in 1913 and features some modern technological advances of the time, including a central vacuum system. Take a self-guided mansion tour of the first two floors from late May to late October; guests can also opt for a guided basement tour of the mansion for an additional charge.

Spend the day hiking more than 28 miles of scenic trails, including gentle paths to waterfalls and more strenuous summit hikes. Trails in the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area are free to access for summer hikes as well as winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There is a gift shop, cafe and restaurant on-site with outdoor seating offering sweeping mountain and lake views. You won't find many hotels near Castle in the Clouds, as it's located in a rural part of the Lakes Region. One of the closer options is Center Harbor Inn, set right on Lake Winnipesaukee and featuring a sandy beach plus kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals for guests.

Address: 455 Old Mountain Road, Moultonborough, NH 03254

Polar Caves

Courtesy of Polar Caves

The Polar Caves in Rumney were formed by a moving glacier 50,000 years ago. Visitors can pass through nine distinct boulder caves on a self-guided tour, while enjoying the cooler temperatures on a hot summer day. The granite spaces are all named: Shimmy through Orange Crush and walk the narrow path of Devil's Turnpike. The caves are linked by a series of trails and wooden boardwalks, and all cave entry is optional.

Be prepared to crawl, twist and get a little dirty if you choose to make your way through the natural obstacles, say past travelers. Visitors can also feed the fallow deer and ducks at the on-site animal park. Polar Caves is open seasonally, from mid-May through mid-October. Nearby Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Plymouth White Mountains offers daily hot breakfast.

Address: 705 Rumney Route 25, Rumney NH 03266

Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile National Scenic Byway that stretches from Lincoln to Conway in the White Mountains. This portion of state Route 112 is a wildly popular scenic drive in the autumn for its plentiful vistas of colorful fall foliage . Many pull-off points allow for stretching legs along this curvy, wooded highway, where you can take in views of mountains, waterfalls and rivers.

Along the highway, there are also parking lots at trailheads that allow you to traverse through the woods on foot. Past road-trippers and leaf-peepers note that cell service is very limited in this remote area. You won't really find any motels or hotels along this stretch of rural road that reaches 2,855 feet in elevation, though there are six White Mountain National Forest campgrounds.

Gunstock Mountain Resort

Courtesy of Gunstock Mountain Resort

This ski area in the Lakes Region welcomes outdoor enthusiasts in the winter with its 49 downhill ski and snowboard trails, around 17 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, and a tubing hill. You can also hike or snowshoe up the mountain, practice tricks in the terrain park, and even ski or snowboard under the lights at night.

Gunstock Mountain Resort also shines in the warmer months with its activity-packed Adventure Park. Go zip lining amid the trees up to 70 miles an hour, zoom through the forest on the Mountain Coaster, or walk along swinging bridges on an aerial obstacle course. If you're looking for a more mellow activity, consider a scenic lift ride. Tent and RV campsites are available at Gunstock Mountain Resort. Further afield is The Margate on Winnipesaukee in Laconia, which past travelers have praised for its sandy beach and indoor and outdoor pools.

Address: 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249

Currier Museum of Art

Courtesy of Currier Museum of Art

Manchester's Currier Museum of Art has a collection of 15,000 art objects, with a focus on painting and sculpture from the 14th through 17th centuries as well as contemporary works. Rotating gallery exhibits and special exhibitions showcase the varied collection. The Currier also offers access to two Frank Lloyd Wright homes, the only houses designed by the influential architect that are open to the public in New England.

Guided house tours are offered on Thursday evenings as part of "Art After Work," and the Currier Museum of Art is open year-round. For accommodations nearby, the Ash Street Inn is a bed-and-breakfast located in a 19th-century Victorian home with all the modern comforts you need. It's a couple of blocks from the museum and within easy walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.

Address: 150 Ash St., Manchester, NH 03104

Courtesy of Funspot

A popular attraction for all ages in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Funspot in Laconia houses the world's largest arcade with more than 600 games, including classic video arcade games and pinball machines, a 10-pin and candlepin bowling alley, indoor mini-golf, and rides for young children. Kids love playing games of skill to earn tickets to redeem for prizes, or you can spend a couple of hours playing old favorites like Space Invaders, Pac-Man and Asteroids. With Funspot's plethora of classic games, past travelers applaud the attraction for its nostalgic factor, while others say it's a good value for game tokens. Laconia's Summit Resort has two-bedroom suites, making this lodging option a good fit for families.

Address: 579 Endicott St. N., Laconia, NH 03246

Jenness State Beach

Smaller, with fewer bells and whistles than nearby Hampton Beach, Rye's Jenness State Beach is popular among families especially on sunny summer weekends, when you'll need to arrive early in the day to snag a metered parking spot, according to past visitors. Beachgoers will likely appreciate the bathhouse with restrooms, changing rooms and showers. Lifeguards keep watch as kids frolic in the waves in the summer months. Dogs are not allowed on the sandy beach in the summer, but leashed pets are permitted in the off-season. Dunes Motor Inn, with rooms under $200 a night, is right across the street.

Address: 2280 Ocean Blvd., Rye, NH 03870

[See: The Top Dog-Friendly Beaches in the U.S. ]

Bear Brook State Park

If you're looking to immerse yourself in nature on your trip to the Granite State, you can't go wrong with Bear Brook State Park, the largest developed state park in New Hampshire. Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, kayaking and swimming are a few of the activities you can enjoy in the warmer months in this recreational area. The park sits in the southeastern part of the state, near Manchester and Concord.

This is a heavily wooded area, and cell service may be limited – so come prepared with insect repellent and perhaps a paper map for navigation. Primitive campsites are available for RVs and tents at Beaver Pond Campground, with advance reservations available online. The closest lodging outside the park is near Concord and Manchester, including Tru by Hilton Concord, which is just off I-93 and offers free hot breakfast.

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden

John Butler | Courtesy Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden

This Georgian-style mansion at the heart of Portsmouth has been open as a museum for more than a century. Built around 1760, the Moffatt-Ladd House is brimming with history, having housed General William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. With original furniture, the house feels like a time warp; visitors have complimented the house's tour guides for their intimate and intriguing knowledge of the house's history.

Don't forget to check out the flower-laden garden while you're there. The house is open seasonally from spring to fall. Given the downtown location of this attraction, you'll find plenty of chain hotels in the area, but for something more special, consider staying at The Inn Downtown, a boutique apartment-hotel with chic rooms in an early 19th-century building.

Address: 154 Market St., Portsmouth, NH 03801

Mount Washington Auto Road

Courtesy of Mount Washington Auto Road

It's more than just a 7.6-mile road: The Mount Washington Auto Road bills itself as America's oldest continuously operating attraction. It opened in 1861, allowing visitors to take a four-hour carriage ride to the frigid summit of Mount Washington. Nowadays, you can do it a lot faster in your own car – just drive to the base of the road, pay the fee (you have to pay on a per-passenger basis) and start your ascent.

You'll want to download the Auto Road app to get an audio tour as you go up. For safety reasons, there are restrictions on certain vehicles as well as weight limits, so be sure to check them on the Auto Road website before heading out. If you don't want to drive, there are also guided tours available; in winter, the only option is to take the company's Snowcoach up, as private cars aren't permitted from December to March.

Address: 1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH 03581

USS Albacore Museum

If you or your family loves all things motorized, the USS Albacore is a fascinating place to visit. Built right nearby in Portsmouth, the USS Albacore was a state-of-the-art submarine that set a world record for speed in the 1960s. With the vessel now decommissioned, you can hop aboard and learn about how it works at this location just outside downtown Portsmouth – there's also a museum and memorial garden on-site. Take note: Children younger than 2 cannot go into the submarine, and the attraction is closed from around mid-December to mid-February each year.

Address: 600 Market St., Portsmouth, NH 03801

Wright Museum of World War II

If you're faced with a rainy day while visiting New Hampshire's Lake District, this museum is a formidable indoor alternative (and hard to miss, thanks to the tank poking out from one of its exterior walls). The museum has a collection of 14,000-plus items sourced both from the U.S. and the front lines of World War II as well as fully operational military vehicles. The museum aims to help visitors understand the role that Americans played in the Allied victory in 1945. Visitors have praised the Wright Museum for being thoroughly informative and for showing what happened in the U.S. during the war, not just focusing on the battle zones. If you're hoping to stay nearby, the historic Wolfeboro Inn with a New England-style pub on-site is one solid option.

Address: 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, NH 03894

Echo Lake State Park

This small but mighty state park is home to two stunning viewpoints. White Horse Ledge and Cathedral Ledge both require a little effort to get to, but they offer stellar views over Echo Lake and the surrounding forests. The trail up to Cathedral Ledge is shorter, at 1.2 miles, compared to 4.2 miles for White Horse Ledge. If hiking isn't your thing, you can swim and picnic by Echo Lake. Visitors praise the beautiful reflective waters of the lake and the easy walking trail that goes around it. The park is also easy to get to, located just outside the town of North Conway.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Timothy Forster hails from Montreal, Canada, right over the border from New Hampshire. The state's lakes and beaches are popular destinations for French Canadians, so he has no shortage of knowledge on what to do in the Granite State.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in Vermont
• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• Fall in New England: When & Where to Go
• The Best Places to Hike in North America

31 Charming Bed-and-Breakfasts

Tags: Travel , US Vacations , New England Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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15 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire

By Hannah Selinger

The Granite State might be small, but it's also geographically diverse. From ocean beaches to lakes, mountains to quaint cities, this state has pretty much everything you can ask for in terms of activity. Whether you’re heading to New Hampshire for a weekend away or for a quick, one-day excursion, there’s something for you. Here are the 15 best things to do in New Hampshire while you’re there.

Drive to the top of Mt. Washington

Mount Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak, is known for its particularly erratic weather patterns (and, among the daring, for its hike-in ski slope known as Tuckerman Ravine). Drive to the top via the Mt. Washington Auto Road , a steep and narrow 7.6-mile summit on winding roads that yields views all the way to New York (on clear days). No auto summit of Mt. Washington would be complete, however, without the obligatory “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker every car summiting since the 1950s has received.

Get out on the water on Lake Winnipesaukee

New Hampshire’s largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee , occupies 69 square miles in the state’s east. Enjoy everything the lake has to offer at the Ekal Activity Center , in Meredith, which offers antique boat rides, private charters, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

Go wine tasting in Amherst

LaBelle Winery produces a line of award-winning wines for visitors to sample on site. The tasting room offers 35 different wines, as well as curated tours of the property, which opened in 2012. LaBelle also operates two restaurants, in Amherst and Derry , with food designed to pair with its signature wines.

Hike off of iconic Kancamagus Highway

New Hampshire’s famed Kancamagus Highway offers 34.5 miles of trails with scenic views within the state’s White Mountains Region . Over 25 hiking trails sprout from the Kancamagus, from the challenging, nine-mile Moat Mountain Trail to the easy, half-mile Rail and River Trail . Both seasoned hikers and novices can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of New Hampshire through this trail network.

Jessica Puckett

Hannah Towey

Shop for antiques on Route 4 

Route 4 is known as New Hampshire’s Antique Alley , home to the state’s oldest antiquing district, with more than 500 dealers spread across the towns of Lee, Northwood, Epsom, and Chichester. Antique Alley has been a premier destination for New England antiquing for more than 40 years.

Visit a waterfall in Pinkham Notch

New Hampshire is home to more than 100 waterfalls, but Glen Ellis Falls, a 64-foot-high waterfall on Pinkham Notch’s Glen Ellis Falls trail , is a spectacular beauty. The waterfall is off-limits to swimming, but still provides some of the state’s most sought-after photographs.

Ride the Scenic Railroad in North Conway

Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, a trip that departs from North Conway Village’s 1874 rail station. The Railroad offers several different experiences, ranging from the one-hour leisure ride to the five-hour Crawford Notch Mountaineering train, which climbs up through New Hampshire to explore stunning vistas. First-class cars, outfitted with lounge chairs and screening rooms, are also available for those seeking an upgrade.

Visit the Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough

This 1913 mountaintop estate sits on more than 5,000 acres of magnificent land. Visitors can tour the property, take advantage of hiking and walking trails, dine at the estate restaurant, and even feed the ducks at Shannon Pond. Originally owned by shoe manufacturer Thomas Plant, the property has a dedicated exhibit to the history of its ownership on-site.

Dive into history at Canterbury Shaker Village

This national historic landmark consists of 24 original Shaker buildings, four reconstructed Shaker buildings, and 694 acres of conserved land. The village was established in the late 1700s and remained an important part of New Hampshire’s religious history until 1992, when the final practicing Shaker in residence died. Today, visitors can tour the homes and grounds for a sense of how the Shakers lived.

Enjoy the sand dunes at Seabrook Beach

New Hampshire’s slim coastline runs about 18 miles from the Massachusetts to Maine borders. Still, the state is home to unblemished beaches, with tufted dunes, soft sand, and a bit of a surf break. Seabrook Beach , New Hampshire’s southernmost ocean beach (it’s known, familiarly, as “The Line,” since it’s adjacent to the Massachusetts border), offers plenty of space for sunbathing, and close proximity to the area’s famed competing beach pizza vendors. Cristy’s Pizza and Tripoli Pizza Bakery make sweet, square, and optionally Provolone-topped slices of pizza that are legendary among locals.

Test your nerves on the Yankee Cannonball

Canobie Lake Park , in Salem, has been open since 1902, when it was established as a lakeside trolley park. Thirty-four years later, the amusement park welcomed the addition of the Yankee Cannonball, a wooden roller coaster that was built in 1930 for use at Westbury, Connecticut’s Lakewood Park. (It was later relocated.) The historic ride, in all its rickety splendor, is one of New Hampshire’s most iconic activities.

Ride Attitash’s Alpine Slide

In winter, Attitash Mountain Resort , which abuts the White Mountain National Park, draws expert skiers from all over the Northeast. In non-ski season, the resort operates two alpine slides that wind passengers down the ski mountain. Take the Flying Yankee chairlift to the top and enjoy the scenic ride down from the 1,750-foot mountain.

Stroll down Portsmouth’s State Street

Located on the Piscataqua River (and just a bridge away from Kittery, in southern Maine ), Portsmouth, a traditional New England city, is marked by Colonial and Federal architecture. The city’s beating heart is the historic downtown area, where shops and restaurants draw visitors from all over. State Street, downtown’s main thoroughfare, offers a walkable view of the city, as well as plenty of nearby shopping and dining options.

Reach for the stars at Concord’s McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

The name Christa McAuliffe is legendary in New Hampshire: the 37-year-old teacher from Concord was aboard the doomed 1986 mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger . In 1990, this space center —dedicated not only to McAuliffe, but also to astronaut Alan Shepard, a New Hampshire native—opened to the public. The museum offers educational experience for kids and adults alike, and features a state-of-the-art planetarium with rotating shows.

Experience farm-to-table dining in Manchester

The Foundry Restaurant is tucked into Manchester’s Millyard District , an area of historic brick buildings and former textile factories. The restaurant, which opened in 2015, is the city’s largest certified farm-to-table operation, with produce, dairy, and protein representing The Granite State’s local farms.

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29 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire

Written by Lura R Seavey Updated Sep 16, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Granite State is home to some of New England's most beautiful natural attractions and varied terrain, offering countless things to do for outdoor enthusiasts. As one of the earliest European settlements, New Hampshire is also filled with historic sites and a rich cultural heritage that draws visitors from all over the world.

New Hampshire is also a great place to visit for families, offering a variety of theme parks that are big enough for a ton of fun but not overwhelming for kids and parents.

From hiking in the White Mountains to boating on the Big Lake, there are plenty of outdoor activities in New Hampshire, while its cultural and recreational sites offer even more for all ages and interests.

Plan your next visit with our list of the best things to do in New Hampshire.

1. Climb Mount Washington (in Your Car)

2. take a scenic train ride, 3. enjoy dining and shopping in north conway, 4. climb mount monadnock, 5. spend a day on lake winnipesaukee, 6. chase waterfalls, 7. explore concord, 8. go skiing, 9. visit santa's village, jefferson, 10. hunt for antiques along antique alley, 11. black heritage trail of new hampshire, portsmouth, 12. see the bears at clark's, 13. hike the presidential range, 14. go camping, 15. visit manchester's museums, 16. drive the scenic kancamagus pass, 17. visit strawbery banke museum, 18. take a cruise on a working mail boat, 19. have a beach day at hampton, 20. take the kids to story land, 21. enjoy a fall foliage drive, 22. go amateur spelunking at polar caves, 23. explore lost river gorge, 24. play at weirs beach, 25. take a cruise around the isles of shoals, 26. dive into history on the uss albacore, 27. discover market days, 28. make a splash at whale's tale, 29. stay at a historic grand resort, map of things to do in new hampshire.

Although some do brave the arduous trek to the 6,288-foot peak of Mount Washington, most prefer a less hazardous approach. Since 1861, visitors have had the option of driving to the summit via the steep and winding Mount Washington Auto Road.

At the peak, tourists can take in the stunning views on a clear day, and visit the observatory where they study some of the world's most extreme weather.

To give your car recognition for the hard work it put in, every ascension includes a sticker announcing that "This Car Climbed Mt. Washington."

For those who don't want to put their car through the paces or would simply rather enjoy the view instead of focusing on the road, tourists can choose to ride in one of the vans during warmer months.

In the winter, visitors can take the SnowCoach to the tree line to enjoy the snow-covered scenery. Alternately, tourists can book passage on the Cog Railway , a historic train that makes its way straight up the mountain.

The Mount Washington Bed & Breakfast is an ideal place to stay, located close to the auto road entrance in Pinkham Notch. The property has been operating as a bed and breakfast since 1853 and offers a good range of accommodation options including suites, all with private baths.

Official site: https://mt-washington.com/

Trains offer tourists a completely different perspective of the landscape, daring to go where the roads don't, and providing the opportunity to fully focus on enjoying the view.

The Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway offers a variety of tours that explore the White Mountains, with hour-long trips through Conway Valley, two-hour rides in a vintage train car along the Sawyer River, or half-day excursions through the Mount Washington Valley and Crawford Notch.

If you're not headed quite that far north, the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln offers sightseeing rail tours along the Pemigewasset River.

Tourists can see the lakes region by rail on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad , which operates between Laconia, Weirs Beach, and Meredith; in the autumn, they offer special foliage tours and dinner trains catered by Hart's Turkey Farm .

There is a timeless charm about North Conway , with its shops and restaurants that surround the historic train station. This downtown area is packed with so many unique shops and enticing eateries, it's easy to spend an entire day here and still feel like you need to go back.

Be sure to get to Peach's early to kick off your day with the best breakfast in town, and when you need a boost, head to The Met coffee house for a latte or tea. If you are hankering for something sweet to have with that coffee, head to Mystic Sugar Bakery for a selection of mouthwatering baked goods, including the best key lime pie in the northeast. For a hearty meal, Horsefeathers serves lunch and dinner, or for a more refined supper, head to Chef's Bistro .

One of the best-known of North Conway's shops is Zeb's General Store , a quirky and nostalgic place that features specialty foods, handmade soaps, and gifts, as well as rare finds like Moxie jelly and an old-fashioned candy counter.

Just a few doors down, stepping into the North Conway 5 and 10 Cent Store is like a time warp. Although their goods aren't quite as inexpensive as the name suggests, this little shop is full of surprising finds for all ages.

Other top-notch shops include unusual gifts and toys at the Penguin Gallery , metal art and sculpture at the Naked Bohemian , and clothing at World Magic Gifts .

Mount Monadnock is known for its majestic white-tipped peak, a landmark that is recognizable from many points in southern New Hampshire. It reaches a height of 3,165 feet and provides a challenging but rewarding hike for more experienced climbers.

The most direct path begins at "Monadnock HQ" in Jaffrey and takes a steep 1.9-mile course to the top, around four hours round trip. The Old Toll Road trail is a little longer at 2.2 miles each way, and the Birchtoft Trail, departing from Gilson Pond is the longest, stretching 3.5 miles from base to peak.

If you're not up for quite that much of a hike, Pack Monadnock in Peterborough is an easier way to climb Monadnock. It reaches a height of just under 2,300 feet and can be hiked in two to three hours round trip.

Read More: Top-Rated Hiking Trails in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's Lakes Region is a popular tourist destination in the summer and during foliage season, and there are plenty of options when deciding where to start and what to do. Lake Winnipesaukee, referred to simply as the "big lake" by locals, is one of the best lakes in New Hampshire . It offers the most things to do, with several beaches and activities along the shore.

Weirs Beach in Laconia is one of the most popular beaches in New Hampshire . Here, tourists can spend the day sunbathing and playing arcade games, or take a leisurely sightseeing cruise on the M/S Mount Washington .

There are also several marinas that offer boat slips and rentals, and lakeside towns like Meredith, Wolfeboro, Alton Bay, and Center Harbor each have at least one restaurant that you can cruise right up to for lunch or dinner.

New Hampshire is home to beautiful waterfalls , many of which can be easily accessed without a long walk or strenuous hike. The Flume in Franconia Notch is one of the state's best-known waterfalls. It flows for 800 feet through 90-foot walls of granite that it spent thousands of years slowly cutting through, dropping 40 feet from the hill above.

The tallest waterfall in New Hampshire is Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch , dropping 175 feet. It is most spectacular after a heavy rain or in the spring during snowmelt, and there are several other smaller falls along the 1.3-mile trail that reaches the main attraction.

The Swift River , which runs parallel to the Kancamagus Highway , has two impressive waterfalls inside the White Mountain National Forest. Rocky Gorge sits above a series of rapids, and the base of Lower Falls is a popular swimming spot on hot summer days. Sabbaday Falls is also located near the Kancamagus, accessed via trailhead in Albany.

Other popular waterfalls include Crystal Cascade and Glen Ellis Falls in Gorham; Lost River Gorge in Kinsman Notch; and the Basin in Lincoln, which is one of the few wheelchair-accessible waterfalls.

New Hampshire's capital city is by far one of the most charming places to visit. Its compact and pedestrian-friendly downtown area is filled with local shops and restaurants, public art, and the grandeur of the gold-capped Capitol Building.

Just off main street, visitors will find Eagle Square after passing through the Tree of Life gate, and nearby Bicentennial Square is a favorite with kids for its stone sculptures and the Turtle Statue .

Concord is also home to some excellent museums, like the McAulliffe-Shepard Discovery Center . Dedicated to the Concord teacher who lost her life in the Challenger disaster, it has a planetarium and interactive exhibits that teach all ages about air and space travel, astronomy, and the Earth.

Visitors interested in New Hampshire history can take a tour of the State House and visit the Historical Society next door on Park Street.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Concord, NH

With well over a dozen to choose from, New Hampshire offers ski resorts of all sizes and for all skill levels. The state's largest is Bretton Woods Resort in the White Mountains, which features over 450 skiable acres of groomed trails served by 10 lifts, as well as three terrain parks.

Located just a few minutes from I-93, Loon Mountain is a convenient destination for skiers headed north from Boston. It offers 61 trails with northern exposure and snowmaking, ensuring a long season and great conditions. Those who want an excuse to visit North Conway will want to head to Cranmore Mountain, which offers 56 trails and stunning views of Mount Washington .

Other top ski resorts include Mount Sunapee in Newbury; Cannon Mountain in Franconia; and King Pine in East Madison, which is home to one of the state's steepest trails. New Hampshire is also home to several excellent cross-country skiing areas , including the family-friendly Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, the Bretton Woods Nordic Center, and the Nordic Center at Waterville Valley.

If you're visiting when there's no snow on the ground, most resorts offer other outdoor activities like mountain biking and hiking.

Santa's Village in Jefferson is a favorite thing to do for kids and adults alike, offering a slice of Christmas cheer all summer long. Here, visitors will find a variety of rides, activities, and entertainment, as well as plenty of goodies to eat, and presents to bring home.

There are park rides for all ages, including a train that makes stops throughout the park, a yule log flume ride, a Ferris wheel with views of Mount Washington, and the Santa's Sleigh monorail that flies at a leisurely pace above the park. Between rides, kids can get their photo taken with Santa, pick up a free gift at the blacksmith shop, and feed Santa's reindeer.

There is also a water park that's included in admission, offering a splash pad, waterslides, a playground, and a pool area; locker rentals and showers are also available. The park is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and weekends until Christmas, so families who want a more seasonal visit can feel the full holiday magic right up until the big day.

Address: 528 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, New Hampshire

Official site: www.santasvillage.com

There is rarely a town in New Hampshire that does not have at least one antique store, but "Antique Alley" along Route 4 between Portsmouth and Concord is the best place to head for antiquing.

One of the top places to visit is R. S. Butler's Trading Company in Northwood, home to a huge variety of vintage and antique furniture, art, decorative items, and ephemera. With over 5,200 square feet of indoor display space and a vintage garden area as well, there is enough to peruse for hours.

Also located in Northwood, Eagle Antiques specializes in country furniture, crank phonographs, and Maxfield Parrish prints, as well as a variety of other items.

N. Dearborn Antiques Gallery is nearby, housed in an 1836 barn next to the historic Nathaniel Dearborn House. The owner, Joyce Fontaine, offers a variety of fine arts, quilts, architectural salvage, and military items.

Official site: www.nhantiquealley.com

In 2003, an unmarked burial ground with the remains of nearly 200 free and enslaved peoples of African descent was uncovered in Portsmouth. Today it is the African Burying Ground Memorial Park and one of the main attractions on the Black Heritage Trail in Portsmouth.

Although slavery was not as prominent as it was in the south, slave ships did land in New Hampshire's port city, where they were auctioned in the 17 th and 18 th centuries.

Tourists can take a 90-minute guided tour or a self-guided tour of Portsmouth's most significant Black history sites, many of which are part of the Strawbery Banke historic area. Most stops along the tour feature educational plaques.

Official site: www.blackheritagetrailnh.org

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH

Since 1931, the Clark family has featured trained bears as the central feature of their unique amusement park. Wildlife advocates need not fret — the Clarks only raise and train orphaned bears that cannot be returned to the wild, and they really do treat them like family.

Several times a day, visitors can watch Maureen and Murray Clark play with the bears who happily ham it up for the crowd.

In addition to the bears, the big ring also has circus shows featuring acrobats and other performers throughout the day. All shows are included in admission, as are rides like Merlin's Mansion, Wolfman train ride, the climbing tower, and the refreshing blaster boats.

Guests can also take a short ride on a Segway in their dedicated park, or for an additional fee, take a guided 45-minute sightseeing Segway Safari.

Address: 110 US Route 3, Lincoln, New Hampshire

Official site: www.clarksbears.com

The White Mountains include the Presidential Range, part of the northernmost United States section of the Appalachian Trail . Hiking the range is a multi-day trip that can be as long as 18 miles depending on trail choice, and should only be attempted by experienced and well-equipped hikers. AMC huts are positioned along the route, and the organization also provides guided hikes and themed excursions.

For those who aren't ready to commit to such a long and arduous journey, Mount Willard in Bretton Woods is a great option. The trail from base to peak is only three miles round trip, with a rewarding view of Crawford Notch at the top.

Official site: www.appalachiantrail.org

One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors is to go camping in New Hampshire . From the waterside campgrounds in the Lakes Region to the many sites in the White Mountain National Forest , the state has a variety of outstanding options for campers.

Those who want easy access to hiking trails along the Appalachian Trail will like Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia, offering both tent and RV sites. Another good option is Sugarloaf Mountain , which offers primarily tent sites in a heavily wooded area of the National Forest.

Tourists traveling with kids in the summer will enjoy the beach and water views at White Lake State Park in Tamworth and Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham.

For those visiting the southern half of the state, Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown offers a pond for canoeing and kayaking, a good selection of amenities, and plenty of trails for exploring by foot, cycle, or even on horseback.

Tourists who want to get in touch with nature without sleeping on the ground will love Huttopia, a "glamping" campground in Albany in the White Mountains. Guests can choose from a variety of permanent tents that range from platform-raised rustic models to large family-sized tents and cabins with toilets, showers, and even kitchens. Huttopia White Mountains also has a heated saltwater swimming pool on-site, as well as an upscale food truck for snacks and meals.

Manchester is a city full of history, a former gritty mill-yard town that has been reborn as a cultural and social hub. Tourists interested in the history of the mills will want to visit the Millyard Museum in the Amoskeag Millyard , a former textile factory that was powered by the water flowing past in the Merrimack River. Tourists with kids will want to head upstairs to visit the See Science Center , home of a variety of educational exhibits, as well as an impressive Lego® model of the mills in 1:55 scale.

Art lovers will want to visit the Currier Museum of Art , home to over 11,000 pieces of art in a wide range of media, from drawings to furniture. The museum also offers self-guided tours of Frank Lloyd Wright's Zimmerman and Kalil Houses , both of which are located in Manchester.

Manchester is also home to an Aviation Museum and the Lawrence L. Lee Scouting Museum .

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Manchester, NH

Despite its moniker, the Kancamagus Highway is a relatively narrow two-lane road that traverses the Kancamagus Pass , connecting the towns of Conway and Lincoln via the White Mountain National Forest. It runs, for the most part, along Swift River, which is home to several excellent waterfalls, like Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge.

This 35-mile stretch offers plenty of safe pull-off spots where you can stop to photograph the scenery and vistas, and is also home to several national park trailheads, including the route to Sabbaday Falls . This is a popular route for early season leaf-peeping and is also known for being a good place to spot moose.

Strawbery Banke is an open-air history museum that highlights 300 years of the Puddle Duck neighborhood, the first European settlement on the Piscataqua River.

Historic homes and re-created pockets of time span from early settlement in 1695 to 1954, allowing visitors to witness the progression of architecture, customs, and daily life over the centuries.

This is a good tourist attraction for families, as well as history-lovers , thanks to the engaging costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts, perform daily tasks from various eras, and answer questions from curious visitors.

Gardeners and aspiring botanists can also admire a variety of historic ornamental and edible gardens throughout the neighborhood, including the Ethnobotanical Herb Garden, a Victorian garden, a colonial kitchen garden, and a WWII Victory Garden.

In addition to the history of the colonial settlement, the museum includes information about local Native American peoples, as well as the enslaved Africans who lived and worked in the neighborhood.

Address: 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Official site: www.strawberybanke.org

The M/V Sophie C has been delivering mail to the summer residents of Lake Winnipesaukee's islands since 1945, making it the oldest floating U.S. Post Office .

It continues to make its rounds, and tourists can hop aboard for the ride to get a unique sightseeing experience on New Hampshire's "big lake." The two-hour loop visits four islands on its morning rounds and five different islands in the afternoon.

Passengers get expert commentary from the skipper along the way, and can even mail a postcard from onboard, complete with its own postage cancellation stamp.

Cruises depart from the docks at Weirs Beach in Laconia, where tourists can also opt to take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington . This larger ship offers daytime, sunset, and dinner cruises; morning cruises offer the option to hop off for sightseeing in Wolfeboro or Alton Bay and hop on later in the day to return.

Address: 211 Lakeside Avenue, Weirs Beach, Laconia, New Hampshire

Official site: https://cruisenh.com/

Hampton Beach is New Hampshire's most popular beach , stretching a mile and a half along the Atlantic shoreline and offering a lively Boardwalk area full of beach supplies, restaurants, and snack shops . Families will also find plenty of things to do when the kids need a break from the sun, including several arcades and plenty of shopping.

During the summer season, the beach is staffed with lifeguards and there are multiple bathhouses. The Sea Shell Stage hosts nightly live music , and on Wednesday evenings and holidays there are free public fireworks.

Hampton Beach also has several major annual events, including the Master Sand Sculpting Classic in mid-June, a country music festival in early July, and a seafood festival in September.

There is metered parking along the beach which fills up early, but Central Parking on Ashworth Ave is a great option if you want to avoid traffic, only one block from the sand with friendly staff who can tell you where to get the best local seafood.

Address: Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, New Hampshire

Official site: https://hamptonbeach.org/

Story Land is a top New Hampshire family attraction located in the White Mountains region, offering the rides and entertainment of a theme park while focusing on the simple joys of classic fairy-tale stories.

In addition to plenty of rides like spinning teacups and flying fish, there are several creative play areas in the park, including a tree house and the legendary house of the old woman who lived in a shoe. There are also musical shows and performances throughout the park on a regular schedule.

Although best suited for younger kids and pre-teens, even older siblings will find exciting things to do within the park, including newer additions like the Roar-O-Sauraus wooden roller coaster, a refreshing raft ride, and the Bamboo Chutes flume ride.

To cool off during the heat of summer, there are several mist tents, as well as water-play areas. Adjacent to the park, tourists can also New Hampshire's first and only aquarium. Living Shores Aquarium is a new addition to the park, featuring touch pools, activities, and educational presentations; separate admission is required.

Address: 850 NH Route 16, Glen, New Hampshire

Official site: https://www.storylandnh.com

Each year in September and October , the landscape of New Hampshire turns from a dozen shades of green to a range of vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. It's hard to miss them no matter where you are, but there are some areas that offer the best fall foliage scenery.

One of the most popular fall foliage photography spots in New Hampshire is a footbridge off Route 16 in the valley at the base of Mount Chocorua , with the firey colors of the hillside reflected in the water of the small lake below.

The best place to get photos of New Hampshire's covered bridges surrounded by the colorful trees is in Swanzey , just south of the cozy city of Keene, where you'll find three bridges.

One of the most picturesque ways to admire the foliage is from the water, and kayaking or boating on Lake Winnipesaukee is an excellent way to find new and interesting views and scenery. Alternatively, several tour operators offer guided boat tours for leaf-peeping.

Having the opportunity to explore caves isn't just for trained spelunkers, thanks to Polar Caves park. The caves, which were formed when massive glaciers dropped enormous chunks of granite in their wake, are easily accessed via a series of secure staircases.

Visitors can bypass the more cramped spaces, but those who want to give it a try can sneak into narrow openings in the rocks to discover hidden passageways and hideouts.

This is a particularly great thing to do on a hot summer day in New Hampshire – despite all the stairs, visitors are rewarded with the cool, even temperatures of the subterranean caverns, including one that was once used by Native Americans to keep ice year-round.

Polar Caves isn't just a fun natural attraction – it's also full of history. The larger caves were used as part of the Underground Railway to hide escaping slaves, and later became hiding places for less noble pursuits during the prohibition era.

The park also includes lovely tree-shaded walking paths, with educational signage about local flora and fauna, and a small petting zoo, where visitors can feed the deer, ducks, and even peacocks.

Address: 705 Rumney Rte 25, Rumney, New Hampshire

Official site: https://polarcaves.com/

Lost River Gorge is another stunning natural attraction that we can thank the Ice Age for. As the glaciers moved and melted, they carved chasms and dropped massive rocks, which were then worn away by the melting ice.

Today, Lost River continues to flow through them, making its way over, around, and even under the boulders. Visitors can admire the falls and the water-worn rocks from a boardwalk , or opt to go explore the passageways and caves .

It is quite a climb to get to the top, but worth it for the views. Those who want to keep going will find another hiking trail, as well as a boulder field and a suspension bridge that's not for the faint-of-heart.

Address: Route 112, Kinsman Notch, New Hampshire

Weirs Beach is one of the state's most popular beaches, with its unique "boardwalk" taking center stage. It's a great option for families with younger kids and couples who prefer smaller venues; the businesses sit along one side of the street facing Lake Winnipesauke .

This quaint "downtown" area is home to arcades, ice-cream and pizza shops, souvenir vendors, and several good sit-down restaurants, including waterfront options.

Tracks run along the waterfront, and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad shares its station with the home dock of the MS Mount Washington . There are also public docks along the same stretch, and a large marina within walking distance.

Weirs Beach is also home to a classic drive-in theater that shows double features on each of its four screens on summer evenings – a great way to wrap-up a day of swimming, boating, and playing.

Those who enjoy motorcycles may recognize this as the home base for Laconia Bike Week , held each year in mid-June; those who don't, may want to avoid the area during that time, as main roads are closed to traffic and it can get very crowded.

Address: Lakeside Avenue, Laconia, New Hampshire

Tourists who want to explore New Hampshire's only ocean-islands can hop aboard a sightseeing cruise with the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company for an opportunity to spend a few hours ashore on Star Island .

This is one of the most popular things to do in Portsmouth , and a wonderful way to get out on the water and enjoy a new perspective of the New Hampshire seacoast.

Isles of Shoals cruises include a walking tour of Portsmouth Harbor in addition to the Star Island tour. Alternatively, visitors can skip the walking tours and spend all their time on the water with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises .

The USS Albacore was built in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and first saw active service in 1953. It gained notoriety in 1966 as the world's fastest submarine, and operated as a research vessel for the navy, testing early versions of technology still in use today.

Decommissioned in October of 1972, the Albacore sat idle for over a decade until it was moved back to its home town.

Visitors take a self-guided tour of the sub while exploring its interior, all left just as it was when in active use. Audio stations add depth to the experience, including stories about the ship's adventures read by former crew members.

There is also a visitor center with exhibits and a nice Memorial Garden at Albacore Park, which is dedicated to naval personnel who served on this submarine and others.

Those fascinated with engineering marvels should take time to learn about how the Albacore got to its current location (and why it almost never did!).

Address: 569 Submarine Way, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Official site: www.ussalbacore.org

If you're looking for something fun to do in late June, plan on heading to Market Days in downtown Concord . Each year, the capital city's Main Street is closed to traffic for three days, filling up with food, craft, and local shop vendors.

There is also live family-friendly entertainment, with musical performances in Eagle Square and Bicentennial Square , as well as the main stage in front of the Capitol Center for the Arts .

Portsmouth also has a similar festival in the beginning of June, and more of the smaller cities are following suit.

In addition to the larger events, many of New Hampshire's small towns have their own community celebrations that can be a fun thing to do on a lazy weekend drive. These usually include a parade and smaller fair-style gathering with games and concessions that benefit various local groups.

Whale's Tale Waterpark is the go-to White Mountains attraction for families in the summer, popular with vacationers and locals alike.

Little tikes have their own shallow water play area with a gradual zero-entry slope and gentle waterslides, while kids of all ages can play at Shipwreck Island, where getting splashed while you play pirate is guaranteed.

Other highlights include a lazy river; several thrilling waterslides; a huge wave pool; and "Akua Beach," where visitors can learn to surf or hone their skills.

The park also offers locker rentals and has good shower and changing facilities.

Address: 481 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, New Hampshire

Official site: https://whalestalewaterpark.net/

The classic grand resorts in the White Mountains are among the best resorts in New Hampshire, offering charm, history, and luxurious amenities.

Designed to emulate a luxury ocean-liner, the Mount Washington hotel is one of the most photogenic spots in the state with its wraparound decks, red roofs, and a dramatic backdrop of the famed mountain. First opened in 1902, this resort hotel has welcomed presidents, diplomats, and celebrities.

The Omni Mount Washington Resort offers on-site golf, skiing, and recreation packages, as well as all-inclusive dining options.

The Mountain View Resort & Spa comes in a close second with a sprawling property and its own slew of amenities, including a private movie theater, full-service spa, and an ice-skating-rink, among many other perks.

Although it has been closed for over a decade, tourists who find themselves in the Colebrook area should put The Balsams on their sightseeing bucket list. First founded in 1875, this picturesque historic property resembles a European palace. It is best-known as the home of the Dixville Notch Ballot Room and for its many reported paranormal sightings.

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Above , a covered bridge on a snowy morning in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and from left to right below , an historic home at Portsmouth’s Strawbery Banke, a mom and dad enjoying the best family activity since the earth cooled at North Conway’s Mount Cranmore, a cairn on a still quiet morning at Hampton Beach, and tugboats escorting the USS New Hampshire past New Castle, en route to its commissioning at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

If there is anything other than palm trees missing here, for families, couples, skiers, surfers, hikers, beach-bums, deep-sea fishermen, theater-goers, whale-watchers, history lovers, or adventurers young or old, honestly, we can’t think of a single thing.  Come visit New Hampshire and see for yourself.

View new hampshire’s top five hotels here.

Historic Portsmouth, founded in 1623, was already 166 years old when President George Washington visited New Hampshire’s only seaport in 1789 .  Portsmouth has a busy working harbor, and its walkable downtown is perhaps best known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and for shopping and harborside dining on the decks, at left, overlooking its iconic tugboats.  Indeed, Portsmouth has more seats in its restaurants than the roughly 25,000 residents who live there. ( Read More ) 

To View the Official Seacoast Region Visitor’s Guide, Click Here .

Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach is New Hampshire’s most popular family vacation destination ( at right, on a blustery September afternoon ), not just because of its mile and a half by 150 yards of sand beach (groomed daily) but also because of its proximity to restaurants, snack bars, arcades, gift shops, free summer concerts nightly at the bandshell, its Wednesday fireworks other attractions.  ( Read More ) 

Isles of Shoals

Historic homes on Star Island on the Isles of Shoals , a cluster of nine small islands, four in New Hampshire and five in Maine, six miles off the coast of Rye, New Hampshire, and originally named “Smith’s Isles” by the British explorer, Captain John Smith in 1614.  Some of the homes here are among the oldest structures in New England, several of which date to the early 1600s. ( Read More )

Rye and North Hampton

Rye and North Hampton.  Rye is said to be the first settlement in New Hampshire, probably visited by French explorer and cartographer, Samuel de Champlain in 1605.  Rye is an affluent, seaside, bedroom community of about 5,000 residents stretching between the Hamptons and Portsmouth, and is perhaps best known for its sandy beaches (three of which are State Parks) and for Rye Harbor , pictured at right, the birthplace of fluffy chowder. Read More

New Castle is the smallest town in New Hampshire, entirely contained on an island surrounded by saltwater at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, a two-minute drive from Portsmouth via a bridge and a causeway.   New Castle is the home of the historic Wentworth by the Sea Hotel ( at left ) and is well known for its lovely beach, its picturesque lighthouse, and its cluster of quaint, colonial homes, some dating almost to the time of its settling in 1623. ( Read More ) 

Hanover is an historic and picturesque town of about 12,000 residents, chartered in 1761 along the east bank of the Connecticut River (which separates New Hampshire from the State of Vermont). Hanover may be best known as the home of Dartmouth College, at right , and the resources, including the Hood Museum of Art the Hopkins Center performing arts facility in the center of town, and the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center that the College offers its residents and visitors.  ( Read More )   

 To view the official Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Tourist Guide, click here .

White Mountains

New Hampshire’s White Mountains are the home of the best skiing east of the Mississippi , including Cannon Mountain, Loon Mountain and Waterville Valley along Interstate 93, as well as Attitash, Cranmore, Wildcat and Bretton Woods in the Mount Washington Valley, all with more than 2,000 feet of vertical drop, and not least, the august Mount Washington Hotel and Resort at the base of Mount Washington, at left .

Click here to view the Official White Mountains Visitor’s Guide.

Lakes Region

The Lakes Region of New Hampshire,  home to over 273 lakes and ponds, is the self-proclaimed “ Oldest Summer Resort in America ”.  The Lakes Region is more than just a summertime destination, of course, with breathtaking scenery in the fall, and the lovely hotels in Wolfeboro , and  Meredith,  the principal lakeside towns of the region, are quaint, quiet, off-mountain refuges for snowmobilers and skiers to unwind after a day on one of the major, easily drivable snowmobile trails and ski resorts nearby. Indeed, Meredith’s rustic yet refined Church Landing hotel ( a view of an autumn sunrise over Meredith Bay from one of its guestroom balconies is pictured at right) , is considered one of the top five resort properties in the state.

Click Here to view the official Lakes Region Visitor’s Guide.

Manchester and the Merrimack Valley

Manchester is the most populous city, and the largest convention, sports, and entertainment  destination in New Hampshire , the home to the Hampshire Fisher Cats minor league baseball team and the Manchester Monarchs ECHL hockey team, and a number of historic sites.  The Currier Museum of Art , Manchester’s principal tourist attraction, has a renowned collection of American and European art including works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet, O’Keeffe,  Calder , Sargent and Andrew Wyeth, as well as two house museums designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright .   

Click here to view the official Merrimack Valley Visitors Guide.

Keene and Peterborough

The Monadnock Region , also known as the Currier and Ives corner of New Hampshire , encompassing the small towns of Keene , Dublin , and Peterborough , is characterized by rolling hills, quaint villages, and rustic farmsteads, and one significant mountain .   Keene ( pictured at right ), is a small, walkable, nearly 300-year-old city, rich in classic New England architecture and natural scenery; Peterborough is the regional arts and culture hub, where Thornton Wilder, Studs Terkel, Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein among others, wrote and composed while in residence at the venerable MacDowell Colony .   Mount Monadnock is the most climbed mountain in the world.

Click here to view the Monadnock Region Visitors Guide.

Historic Concord is the state capital and New Hampshire’s second largest city.   New Hampshire was the first of the thirteen colonies to declare its independence from England in 1775, and its neo-classical capitol ( pictured  at left ) is the oldest in the nation in which the state’s legislative branches meet in their original chambers.  Concord has a walkable downtown radiating from its golden-domed statehouse, with shops, restaurants, and bars, and several notable museums including the Concord History Museum and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center , a science and space museum (a short drive from the Statehouse) dedicated to the memory of Christa McAuliffe, the Concord High School teacher who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, and New Hampshire native Alan Shepard, the first American in space. 

Click  here  for a downloadable Concord Visitors Guide.

Discover history, culture, and New England charm in Exeter, New Hampshire, a walkable, quintessentially New England town of about 15,000, with an apocryphal claim to be the birthplace of the Republican Party .   Exeter is   the home of the American Independence Museum and of   Phillips Exeter Academy , one of the oldest and most prestigious secondary schools in the United States.  ( MAP )  Exeter is an easy day-trip from Boston , about an hour by car, or a one-stop ride on AMTRAK from Boston’s North Station , and about a 25-minute drive from Portsmouth .

C lick Here for an Exeter Area Community Guide.

View the Official State of New Hampshire Visitor’s Guide here  

Or, order your own New Hampshire Visitor’s Guide booklet by calling  (800) 386-4664

New Hampshire

• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 7 Get around
• 12 Stay safe

New Hampshire is a state in New England in the northeastern United States of America . Noted for its terse and independent inhabitants and cold winters, New Hampshire offers much natural beauty.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

Some of the major cities are:

• 43.206667 -71.538056 1 Concord — The capital of the state and its third-largest city
• 44.468611 -71.183889 2 Berlin
• 43.195278 -70.875 3 Dover
• 43.7 -72.283333 4 Hanover — Home of Dartmouth College, this college town on the Appalachian Trail also makes a good base for exploring the nearby Quechee area of Vermont
• 42.933611 -72.278056 5 Keene
• 42.990833 -71.463611 6 Manchester — revitalized mill town and its largest city
• 42.7575 -71.464444 7 Nashua — revitalized mill town and its second largest city
• 43.07572 -70.76075 8 Portsmouth — seaside town known for beer and Strawberry Banke Museum
• 43.301944 -70.973056 9 Rochester

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 43.5008 -72.3681 1 Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site , Cornish — Former home and studios of noted sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
• 44.2694 -71.3017 2 Mount Washington State Park
• 43.956389 -71.508611 3 Waterville Valley — a resort town in the White Mountains.
• 44.1 -71.4 4 White Mountain National Forest — home of many peaks in the Presidential Range

Understand [ edit ]

Residents of the state are proud of the nature around them; so, careless actions that damage the local environment are not appreciated. If hiking in the White Mountains, make certain that your travel plans are sound, as volunteer rescue teams do not appreciate being called in the middle of the night to find lost tourists.

However, as tourism is the main industry in New Hampshire, tourists are certainly greatly appreciated.

• Visit New Hampshire website

Talk [ edit ]

The main language is English.

Because of the proximity to Quebec and immigration by French Canadians, some French speakers can be found in the northern part of the state, especially in the Berlin area.

The southern regions have a growing Spanish-speaking population, especially Manchester and Nashua, but it remains small compared to larger U.S. cities such as Los Angeles or Albuquerque .

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

• Manchester - Boston Regional Airport , Brown Av. Route 101 exit 2 , Manchester , +1 603 624-6556. A convenient way to get to the city and much of southern New Hampshire. Sometimes used as a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to Logan International Airport in Boston .

By bus [ edit ]

• Greyhound , +1-800-231-2222. Service from Montréal , Boston , Vermont , and Maine .
• Concord Trailways , +1-800-639-3317. Service from Boston .

By train [ edit ]

There is limited access to New Hampshire by train, with no trains to the major cities. The two Amtrak routes that at least straddle New Hampshire are:

• Downeaster serves the seacoast region, passing through from Boston North Station to Portland , Maine . Note that if coming from south of Boston on the NE Corridor, trains terminate at Boston South Station, and you must connect via the T or taxi to North Station. Alternatively, buses (see above) leave directly from South Station.
• Vermonter primarily serves eastern Vermont, but also serves Claremont , although several other stops are across the Connecticut river from New Hampshire, including Bellows Falls (across from Walpole), White River Junction (across from Hanover and Lebanon), and Brattleboro (across from Hinsdale).

Get around [ edit ]

Concord Coach , Dartmouth Coach , and Boston Express offer service to much of the state. Information on New Hampshire Transit can be found here .

However, the easiest mode of transportation is by car. Buses and trains don't serve most areas; so, cars may be the only option.

See [ edit ]

• Manchester is a revitalized historical mill town.
• The White Mountains offers natural beauty, hiking, and skiing.
• Dartmouth College is an Ivy League school in Hanover with a beautiful campus. The Hopkins Center hosts an impressive number of highly regarded performers. Local interest in culture is low and therefore seats at the Hopkins Center can be obtained easily.
• Visit a small town outside of the "Golden Triangle" (Area from Salem to Nashua to Manchester) and check out the atmosphere.
• Mount Washington at 6,288 ft (1,917 m) is the largest mountain in the Northeast, and the site of the highest recorded windspeed at 231 miles per hour (372 km/h). Mount Washington provides an excellent experience for a hiker as well as contains Tuckerman's Ravine, a popular and difficult skiing destination reached only on foot.
• Lake Winnipesaukee
• Portsmouth is a historic town on the sea and was home to Revolutionary War naval hero John Paul Jones.
• American Classic Arcade Museum . Weirs Beach in Laconia Located inside the Funspot Family Entertainment Center (or simply Funspot) the ACAM has been recognized as the "Largest Arcade in the World" by Guinness World Records. The museum hosts roughly 180 playable games on the floor and another 100 or more in storage. It has been called "the Louvre of the '8-bit' world."  

Do [ edit ]

Skiing [ edit ]

Good terrain with great skiing.

• Attitash , ☏ +1 603 374-2368 . Barlett .  
• The Balsams , toll-free: +1-800-255-0600 . Dixville Notch .  
• Black Mountain , in Jackson .
• Bretton Woods Mountain Resort , in Bretton Woods is New Hampshire's largest.
• Cannon Mountain , Franconia .
• Dartmouth Skiway , ☏ +1 603 795-2143 . Lyme .  
• Gunstock , in Gilford .
• King Pine , ☏ +1 603 367-8896 . East Madison .  
• Loon Mountain , in Lincoln .
• Cranmore Mountain , in North Conway .
• Mount Sunapee , ☏ +1 603 763-2356 . Mount Sunapee .  
• Pats Peak , ☏ +1 603 428-3245 . Henniker .  
• Ragged Mountain , ☏ +1 603 768-3600 . Danbury .  
• Tenney Mountain , ☏ +1 603 536-4125 . Plymouth .  
• Waterville Valley , ☏ +1 603 236-8311 . Campton .  
• Whaleback , ☏ +1 603 448-1489 . Lebanon .  
• Wildcat , in Jackson .

Hiking [ edit ]

The White Mountains are a common destination for hiking, located in the central part of the state.

• Appalachian Trail

Mt. Monadnock is the most prominent peak in southern New Hampshire at 3,165 ft. A designated National Natural Landmark, it is said to be the world's second most frequently climbed mountain after Japan's Mt. Fuji.

Eat [ edit ]

New Hampshire offers up many great roadside diners and belt-busting quick-cheap eateries.

Drink [ edit ]

While the state is not known for its nightlife, there are some clubs to check out in Manchester .

There are many breweries throughout the state, including more than 20 microbreweries, more than 30 nanobreweries, and more than 20 brewpubs.

Some noteworthy breweries and brewpubs include:

• Smuttynose Brewing Company , Portsmouth .
• Redhook Brewery , Portsmouth .
• The Portsmouth Brewery in, you guessed it, Portsmouth .
• Seven Barrel Brewery , Lebanon .
• Tuckerman Brewing , Conway .
• Flying Goose Brewpub , New London .
• Elm City Brewpub , Keene .
• Budweiser , Merrimack .

Stay safe [ edit ]

New Hampshire is constantly ranked among the safest states in the country. Crime is typically not a problem, but make sure to be careful while driving—especially if you're unfamiliar with winter driving. Moose occasionally pose a hazard on roads in the White Mountains and northward. When hiking, bear encounters are possible and the weather can change rapidly at higher elevations, especially in the Presidential Range. The area surrounding Mount Washington is known for having some of the worst weather in the country. Please plan ahead when hiking.

Respect [ edit ]

New Hampshire's LGBT community is relatively obscure when compared with the other New England states, although the US Census reports that it has among the highest concentrations of gay and lesbian residents of any U.S. state. Gay venues do exist in the urbanized far south, but the heavily forested north still retains some remarkably homophobic attitudes. Overall, New Hampshire is less LGBT-friendly than neighboring states.

Go next [ edit ]

• Maine - The state's northeastern neighbor is known for its seacoast fishing villages, wooded and remote interior, and stunning vistas such as that found in Acadia National Park .
• Massachusetts - The birthplace of America's revolution, New Hampshire's southern neighbor is home to historical towns, the vacation hotspot of Cape Cod , and the always-interesting city of Boston .
• Vermont - The fall foliage in New Hampshire's western neighbor is a site not-to-be missed, while during the rest of the year the state offers a rural charm unique in America.
• Quebec - New Hampshire's northern neighbor, Québec's European feel, history, culture and warmth have made it a favorite tourist destination both nationally and internationally.

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Welcome to Portsmouth, NH

And the seacoast, welcome to portsmouth, new hampshire, a picturesque coastal gem that combines rich history with modern charm. explore the streets of the historic downtown, where you’ll discover quaint boutiques, art galleries, and delectable dining options overlooking the scenic waterfront. whether you’re drawn to its maritime heritage, vibrant cultural scene, or scenic beauty, portsmouth promises a delightful experience for all who visit., portsmouth's neighborhoods.

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Welcome to North Conway NH & the White Mountains

You’ll Love Our Neighbors Too!

Welcome to the White Mountains

North conway nh information and guide to white mountains, and mt. washington valley of new hampshire, visiting the north conway nh area is easier using our north conway information guide within these pages..

For many reasons, you will find helpful information about where to stay at hotels, lodging, restaurants, and shopping. In addition, you’ll also find fun things to do, such as skiing, golf, area attractions, local businesses, maps, news, events, and so much more.

You’ll see why North Conway, NH, and the Mt. Washington Valley area have been named among the Top 10 Best Small Towns in America for Adventure, thanks to readers of USA Today. With numerous golf courses, hundreds of hiking trails, plus 13 ski areas nearby, it’s understandable that North Conway was also voted among the top 5 Ski Towns in the country.

North Conway, NH You’ll LOVE Our Neighbors Too!

North Conway has a backdrop of over 700,000 acres of protected White Mountain National Forest. As you’ll find in North Conway information, North Conway also boasts the tallest peak in the northeast, Mount Washington at 6,288 feet in elevation. Visitors to the North Conway NH area have many activities to choose from, which span all four seasons. This includes some of the finest skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, golfing, fishing, canoeing, camping, family attractions, scenic tours, shopping, plus some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the entire country!

Click here to learn more

For example, enjoy the local cuisine in one of the nearly 100 restaurants, breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, and cafes in the area. Visitors can shop tax-free at the White Mountain Independents, the North Conway Settlers Green Outlet Village, local hand-craft, antique and gift shops.

See a play at one of the area playhouses or hop aboard the historic Conway Scenic Railroad . Take a scenic ride and a dip in the cool mountain waters along the Kancamagus Highway or visit Diana’s Baths waterfalls. Likewise, you’ll discover Story Land or one of the many area family attractions that North Conway and the Mt. Washington Valley, has to offer.

Whether you are looking for a rigorous outdoor adventure, a fun-filled family vacation, or just a quiet or romantic get-away, North Conway NH and the greater Mt. Washington Valley area, have just what you are looking for.

• North Conway Yellow Page Search
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• Rainy Day Activities

Ski 7 Alpine and 6 XC centers around North Conway NH

With over 1,600 skiable acres and 337 trails in the North Conway NH area, our 7 alpine resorts and 6 XC resorts will give you plenty of skiing options for everyone! >> Learn More!

Visit The MOUNt Washington Auto Road

>> Learn More!

Lots of snowtubing options around North Conway NH

Everyone will love out tax-free shopping options!

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NH Attractions

• Things to Do
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If you’re planning your vacation to New Hampshire, rest assured there are attractions here for everyone, from families, to couples and even the solo traveler. If history and art are what you’re searching for, consider browsing one of the state’s many art galleries, or checking out a live historical reenactment. Sports lovers will find a wide range of athletic prowess to enjoy, from motorcycle races to minor-league baseball. And depending on the season, outdoor enthusiasts can take a stroll through our scenic state parks, or book a summer cruise. We could keep listing the amazing attractions the state offers, but we’d rather invite you to come experience them for yourself!

So Much to See and Do

Kid friendly attractions, covered bridges, scenic chairlift rides, state parks, water parks & attractions, professional sports, train rides, nature activities, sleigh rides.

Advertisement

See Maps of Where Eclipse Seekers Flocked and the Traffic That Followed

Movement data shows the destinations with the greatest influx of people.

By Charlie Smart

PATH OF TOTALITY

St. Johnsbury

Adirondack Park

Ste. Genevieve

Ozarks region

Greater increase

in activity

Texas Hill Country

Note: The map shows change in movement activity on Monday, compared with an average of the movement activity on the previous four Mondays.

Source: Mapbox (movement data)

Monday’s solar eclipse drew huge crowds to the path of totality, temporarily ballooning the populations of small towns and rural areas across the country. The map above shows an estimate of where human activity increased the most on Monday, compared with that on an average Monday, according to data from Mapbox, an online mapping company.

Some towns in the path of totality expected their populations to double, and the data — drawn from mobile-device activity — showed such increases in many places.

Among the towns with more than 100 percent increases in activity were St. Johnsbury, Vt.; Lancaster, N.H.; and Ste. Geneviève, Mo. State parks like the Adirondack Park in New York and many areas in the Ozarks region of Arkansas and Missouri were also popular destinations. The data includes activity for the entire day and also shows a pattern of movement away from the path of totality, as seen in the darker areas on the edges of the path in the map above.

Around midafternoon Monday came the main event: the moment of totality, when the moon moved fully in front of the sun, turning daylight to darkness. That climax lasted only a few minutes, and then eclipse watchers started their trips home or to hotels.

Source: TomTom

Traffic was stopped or delayed along some highways more than eight hours later, according to data from TomTom, a mapping and navigation company. Officials in many parts of the country had warned of snarled traffic, and roads in the Northeast — from New York to Maine — had the greatest concentration of hourslong delays.

Interstate 87 in New York had a line of traffic more than 55 miles long around 6 p.m., and cars were still backed up for miles at 11 p.m. on Interstate 93 in New Hampshire, more than seven hours after the eclipse, according to TomTom.

On a normal weekday afternoon, the 210-mile drive from Burlington, Vt., to Somerville, Mass., takes about three and a half hours. On Monday, the same trip took Liam Sullivan, 26, of Somerville, more than nine hours after watching the eclipse.

“The worst part was that in the first four hours we only went about 40 miles,” Mr. Sullivan said. “A solid marathoner is beating our pace there. It was completely hopeless congestion the entire time.”

Eclipse watchers in Burlington, Vt., at Lake Champlain.

Cassandra Klos for The New York Times

Interstate 93 in New Hampshire many hours after the eclipse.

Nick Perry/Associated Press

While drivers in the Northeast faced the worst of the delays, there were also long traffic jams outside of Indianapolis, St. Louis and Columbus, Ohio.

Traffic delays at 9 p.m. Eastern time

Indianapolis

“It was definitely the worst traffic I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Richard Chen, who spent nine hours driving from Newport, Vt. to his home in Brooklyn, N.Y., after the eclipse.

Despite the traffic, Mr. Chen said he didn’t see any road rage. “I think people were just kind of thrilled to witness the eclipse, and the traffic and road tripping was just part of the experience,” he said.

Was the drive worth it? For Mr. Chen, there was no question. “Definitely,” he said, noting that the next major U.S. eclipse will take place in 2045.

Mr. Sullivan wasn’t so sure. He said that the eclipse was stunning and that he was grateful to witness it but added: “If you told me yesterday how long it would take, I would have gone back to bed.”

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Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Merrimack Valley

White Mountains has plenty of information centers to assist visitors

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

Inspired All-Season Adventure in the White Mountains

White Mountains Attractions

200 Kancamagus Highway North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8720 Toll-Free: 800-346-3687

Your White Mountains vacation starts here.

Waterville Valley Region Visitor Information Center

Off the ramp at Exit 28 of I-93 Campton (Waterville Valley), NH Phone:

North Conway Village

2473 White Mountain Highway North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5947

White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center

200 Kancamagus Hwy. (Exit 32 off of I-93) North Woodstock, NH Phone: 603-745-3816

Intervale Scenic Vista

3654 White Mountain Highway Intervale, NH, 03845 Phone: 603-356-2769

Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saco River Ranger Station

33 Kancamagus Highway Conway, NH, 03818 Phone: 603-745-3816

Hours: Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday - 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

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