New Hampshire surprised me with how much it packed into a relatively small state—mountains that made my stomach flip, gardens that calmed everything down, and quirky science stops that had me grinning like a kid. Whether I was driving up impossible inclines or tracing the path of submarines, it felt like each experience added a new layer. Somewhere between the lakes and the White Mountains, I found a slower rhythm. And I kept thinking, "This is the kind of trip where nature and wonder keep shaking hands."
Here are a few of my favorite stops—each one full of personality, perspective, and a little bit of New Hampshire magic.
Best Things to Do in New Hampshire
Wandering with Wildlife at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center felt more like a nature walk that decided to teach me something along the way. I wandered wooded trails where bobcats, black bears, and owls live in spacious habitats that blend into the forest. At one point, I watched a mountain lion stretch in the morning light and thought, "This is what it looks like when animals and people share space with respect."
The live animal exhibits were quietly powerful, but I also loved the hands-on science spots—solar panels, wetland models, and tree ID guides tucked along the trail. Everything felt thoughtful and intentional, like it wanted me to slow down and pay attention.
After the trail, I grabbed a sandwich and a maple latte at The Common Café in nearby Holderness. I ordered their turkey, apple, and cheddar panini on sourdough, which came with kettle chips and a side of sunshine on the porch. It was the kind of small-town lunch that makes you linger a little longer.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Manor on Golden Pond, a cozy inn overlooking Squam Lake. My room had a fireplace and the kind of quiet that lets you hear your own thoughts. That night, I watched the sky turn watercolor above the lake and thought, "This might be the most peaceful place I’ve been in a long time."
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center At a Glance
- Location: 23 Science Center Rd, Holderness, NH 03245
- Vibe: Educational, peaceful, family-friendly
- Highlights: Forested wildlife trails, live native animals, science exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for full access to trails and animals
- Cost: $22 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3–15)
- Hours: Daily 9:30am–5pm (May–November)
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—it’s a walk through the woods, not a zoo
Reaching for the Stars at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center was small but mighty—kind of like New Hampshire itself. Named for two space heroes from the state, Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard, the center made me feel like I was brushing up against something vast. As I stood beneath a model of the Mercury capsule, I thought, "Space always felt far away, but somehow this place brings it right to eye level."
I sat through a planetarium show that flew me across the galaxy, then wandered through interactive exhibits about spaceflight, weather, and aviation. There were hands-on areas for kids, but even as an adult, I found myself pressing buttons and running simulations like it was my first field trip.
Afterward, I drove into downtown Concord and grabbed a late breakfast at Revelstoke Coffee. I ordered a warm croissant sandwich with eggs, cheddar, and thick-cut bacon, plus a cardamom vanilla latte. The place had a cozy, creative vibe—like the kind of café astronauts might’ve dreamed in before liftoff.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Hotel Concord, a modern boutique spot right in the heart of the capital city. My room looked out over Main Street, and that night I curled up with a notebook and wrote down everything I remembered from the planetarium. It felt good to be still after thinking about galaxies in motion.
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center At a Glance
- Location: 2 Institute Dr, Concord, NH 03301
- Vibe: Educational, inspiring, hands-on
- Highlights: Planetarium shows, NASA exhibits, local space history
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds and quieter exhibits
- Cost: $12 adults, $9 kids; planetarium shows extra
- Hours: Open Thursday–Sunday, 10:30am–4pm (check for seasonal hours)
- Tip: Don’t skip the planetarium—it’s a surprisingly moving experience
Driving into the Clouds on the Mount Washington Auto Road
Driving the Mount Washington Auto Road felt like something between a dare and a dream. The road twists up New England’s highest peak with no guardrails, epic drop-offs, and views that stretch for what feels like forever. About halfway up, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter, I muttered, "This is probably the most dramatic road trip I’ve ever taken."
At the summit—6,288 feet high—I stepped out into crisp air and wind strong enough to steal your hat. The view? It was wild. Jagged ranges, clouds rolling beneath me, and the sense that I was standing on top of the region. There’s a small museum, a weather observatory, and even a summit marker where everyone takes a breathless selfie.
Back at the base, I stopped at The Glen View Café and ordered a cup of clam chowder and a grilled cheese sandwich. Nothing fancy—just warm and comforting after the adrenaline of the climb. I sat by the window and watched cars inch their way down the mountain, proud to say I’d been up there.
Where I Stayed: I stayed nearby in Jackson at The Wentworth, a classic New England inn with mountain views and a porch made for morning coffee. That evening, I soaked in a private hot tub and thought, "I climbed the tallest mountain in the northeast… and my legs still feel it."
Mount Washington Auto Road At a Glance
- Location: 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd, Gorham, NH 03581
- Vibe: Thrilling, scenic, iconic
- Highlights: Summit views, historic drive, weather station
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for clear skies and open roads
- Cost: $45 per car (includes driver), $20 per passenger
- Hours: Varies by season and weather; typically open May–October
- Tip: If you’re not comfortable driving, take the guided tour—it’s just as incredible
Finding Christmas in July at Santa's Village
Walking into Santa’s Village in Jefferson felt like opening a snow globe that someone forgot to shake. Even in summer, it was pure holiday cheer—twinkling lights, jingling bells, and the smell of cinnamon sugar in the air. As I watched a group of kids hug a dancing reindeer, I smiled and thought, "You know what? We all need a little Christmas… even in shorts."
The park was small enough to feel personal but big enough to fill a full day with rides, games, and holiday magic. I rode the Skyway Sleigh monorail, fed reindeer, and even met Santa himself in a cozy cottage that looked straight out of the North Pole.
For lunch, I stopped at Dasher’s Delights and had a hearty turkey sandwich with cranberry mayo on a warm roll, plus a side of curly fries. It was simple and festive—just like the park.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Inn at Bowman, a quiet and cozy B&B about 20 minutes away in Randolph. My room had a fireplace and mountain views, and that night I curled up under a thick quilt and thought, "Turns out, holiday spirit doesn’t care what month it is."
Santa’s Village At a Glance
- Location: 528 Presidential Hwy, Jefferson, NH 03583
- Vibe: Whimsical, cheerful, family-centered
- Highlights: Santa meet-and-greet, themed rides, reindeer barn
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for easy weather, November–December for peak holiday vibes
- Cost: $48 per person (kids under 3 free)
- Hours: Seasonal; typically open late spring through December weekends
- Tip: Download the Elfabet scavenger hunt—it adds a fun, interactive twist
Riding the Rails into the Sky on the Mount Washington Cog Railway
The The Mount Washington Cog Railway felt like time travel with a view. I boarded the bright red train at the base of the mountain, sat back in a wooden seat, and began the steepest railway climb in North America. As we chugged higher, steam curling from the smokestack, I looked out at the wild terrain and thought, "This is what adventure sounded like in the 1800s."
The ride to the summit was slow, steep, and stunning. Our brakeman shared stories of early climbs, near-misses, and snowy rescues. When we reached the top, I stepped out into that famously wild wind and took a photo by the summit sign—smiling and squinting through the gusts.
Back at the base, I grabbed a bite at the Base Station Café—a hot bowl of chili with cornbread and a cold root beer. It was exactly what I needed after sitting high in the clouds for most of the morning.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at Thayers Inn in Littleton, a historic spot with creaky floors and charm for days. My room overlooked the main street, and that night I sat on the porch watching the town wind down, still buzzing from the ride to the top of New England.
Mount Washington Cog Railway At a Glance
- Location: 3168 Base Station Rd, Mount Washington, NH 03589
- Vibe: Historic, thrilling, scenic
- Highlights: Scenic train ride, summit stop, storytelling brakemen
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for full summit access
- Cost: $72–$86 for adults; depends on train type (steam vs. biodiesel)
- Hours: Daily during season; multiple departures (advance booking recommended)
- Tip: Bring layers—it’s often 30 degrees cooler at the top, even in summer
Ducking into History at the USS Albacore Museum
Stepping inside the USS Albacore Museum was like crawling into a time capsule. The retired research submarine now sits on dry land in Portsmouth, and walking its narrow corridors gave me a real sense of what it meant to live underwater. I ducked through hatches and ran my fingers along steel walls, thinking, "This isn’t a set—it’s the real thing."
The audio tour added depth with stories from the crew: how they slept, what they ate, the pranks they pulled. The control room, with its periscopes and dials, made me feel like a Cold War movie extra. It was tight, clever, and oddly cozy in parts.
After touring the sub, I headed into town and had lunch at Row 34, a stylish seafood spot with serious flavor. I ordered the warm buttered lobster roll and a side of sea salt fries. Sitting at the bar with a cold cider, I felt like I’d resurfaced into exactly the right place.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Hotel Portsmouth, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion just a few blocks from downtown. The mix of historic charm and modern details made it easy to unwind after crawling around a submarine.
USS Albacore Museum At a Glance
- Location: 600 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801
- Vibe: Compact, immersive, fascinating
- Highlights: Full self-guided submarine tour, crew stories, Cold War history
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for outdoor access and open exhibits
- Cost: $10 adults, $5 children
- Hours: Open daily 9:30am–5:30pm (April–October)
- Tip: Mind your head—those hatches are no joke
Slowing Down in Bloom at Fuller Gardens
Fuller Gardens was a breath of calm on the New Hampshire seacoast. Tucked in the quiet town of North Hampton, it felt like the kind of place that doesn’t need to be big to be beautiful. I wandered through formal rose gardens and along brick pathways edged with dahlias and lilies, and at one point I sat on a shaded bench and thought, "This is what it means to really slow down."
The garden’s layout was elegant without feeling stuffy—English borders, Japanese-inspired sections, and fountains that made everything feel cinematic. Bees buzzed lazily from bloom to bloom, and even the breeze seemed to move gently. I didn’t rush. It was the kind of stop that resets your pace.
Afterward, I drove a few minutes down the road to Throwback Brewery, set on a former farm. I ordered their local haddock sandwich with house tartar sauce and a pint of their Rhubarb Witbier. It was fresh, unfussy, and full of local flavor—just like the gardens themselves.
Where I Stayed: I checked in at the Lamie’s Inn in nearby Hampton. With colonial-style rooms and an old tavern downstairs, it felt like New England through and through. That evening, I sat out front with a book and a ginger ale, still thinking about roses in the sun.
Fuller Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 10 Willow Ave, North Hampton, NH 03862
- Vibe: Quiet, graceful, botanical
- Highlights: Formal rose gardens, fountains, ocean breeze
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for peak bloom
- Cost: $9 adults, $4 children
- Hours: Daily 10am–5:30pm (mid-May to mid-October)
- Tip: Bring a camera—this is one of the most photogenic corners of the seacoast
Conclusion
By the time I left New Hampshire, I felt like I’d seen it from every angle—mountaintop, museum corridor, submarine hatch, and garden path. Each stop added something new to the picture: a little wonder, a little adrenaline, a little peace. It was the kind of trip that doesn’t shout for attention, but lingers in the back of your mind like a favorite story you keep returning to.
If you're looking for a place that moves at a thoughtful pace—but still knows how to surprise you—New Hampshire just might be it.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Wandering with Wildlife at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
- • Reaching for the Stars at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
- • Driving into the Clouds on the Mount Washington Auto Road
- • Finding Christmas in July at Santa's Village
- • Riding the Rails into the Sky on the Mount Washington Cog Railway
- • Ducking into History at the USS Albacore Museum
- • Slowing Down in Bloom at Fuller Gardens