Places to Visit in New Hampshire
Searching for the best places to visit in New Hampshire? Well, you are in the right place! Towering mountains, shimmering lakes, the mystery of America’s Stonehenge, and charming small towns make New Hampshire a year-round adventure! From my many trips exploring the Granite State and a recent four week road trip, I can’t wait to share my favorite finds. If you base yourself in one of these towns and cities for a few days or as a local like we did, you can then explore all around and get the best value for your time.
Whether you’re chasing autumn foliage, hiking in the White Mountains, or strolling through history-rich villages, there’s always something magical waiting here that I think you will adore as much as I have.
1. Concord
An hour from Boston, this place might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of New England adventures, but that’s exactly why I think it's the best place to start. It's both cozy and quietly buzzing, with indie bookstores that beg you to linger, family-run coffee shops, and unique repurposed mills and art spaces.
I adored Concord’s uniqueness such as an entire shop dedicated to maple products, and theaters where you can watch Broadway touring shows one night and a community talent performance the next. It’s an outdoorsy place with joggers along the Merrimack River trail, kayakers launching into calm waters, and in fall, streets so ablaze with fall foliage color.
Our latest stay was a romantic one at 4-star The Centennial Hotel for four days and while there, I visited he New Hampshire State House. It has a golden dome and has the honor of being the oldest capitol still in use! I also strolled on Main Street, stopped by the Capitol Center for the Arts, listened to the stories at the New Hampshire Historical Society and took a day trip to beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee in the summer.
- Location: South-central New Hampshire, along the Merrimack River, north of Manchester and east of the Monadnock Region
- Drive Time from Manchester: ~25 minutes north
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blossoms and outdoor patios, or autumn for crisp air and foliage
What I loved best:
Farm to table dishes at Revival Kitchen & Bar were my personal favorite. I ordered the maple-glazed pork belly sandwich with roasted apple aioli on brioche. It arrived rich and warm, the sweetness of the maple balancing the savory fat just right.
2. Portsmouth
I loved this town’s personality with a brewery in nearly every direction, old taverns, and how you can purchase a lobster roll at every corner.
Tucked along New Hampshire’s tiny stretch of seacoast and just an hour from Boston which makes it an easy day trip, "The Port City" is a historic port town. We based ourselves at 3-star The Hotel Portsmouth (around $138/night) for seven days, and then walked around cobblestone streets, colonial-era houses, indie boutiques, and seafood restaurants.
- Location: Southeastern New Hampshire, on the Piscataqua River near the Atlantic coast, just south of the Maine border
- Drive Time from Boston: ~1 hour north
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for gardens, outdoor dining, and waterfront walks
What I loved best:
Dinner at Black Trumpet Bistro, tucked into an old brick warehouse near the waterfront. I ordered the seared duck breast with black garlic glaze and polenta.
3. Manchester
This place surprised me with its confident reinvention from a former factory town to a place humming with cafes and ambition. I had come for the 550 Art Center but ended up checking into 3-star Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown for two nights because there was so much to see and do. I drove up from NYC so I was happy to stay longer but if you are coming from Boston, Manchester is an easy, fun day trip.
I loved the red brick mills turned creative havens, side streets humming with cafes.... Inside the 550 Art Center, you can see art canvases the size of walls! I lingered in a studio where artists had left their brushes soaking in turpentine, their work in progress.
- Location: South-central New Hampshire, along the Merrimack River, just north of Nashua and west of the Seacoast region
- Drive Time from Boston: ~1 hour north
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage against brick, or spring for gallery events
What I loved best:
Lunch at The Bridge Cafe on Elm. I ordered the roasted turkey cranberry sandwich with herbed mayo on fresh multigrain bread. It smelled like Thanksgiving (savory and warm) and the cranberry hit sweet against the toasted crunch.
4. Hanover
This is a charming town, with scenic views, and a great mix of indoor and outdoor things to do. Set right along the Connecticut River, it’s the kind of place where you can shift between quiet nature time and hands-on museums without missing a beat. I was glad I brought my son along because we started our trip at the Montshire Museum of Science, which was huge hit. It’s very interactive for kids. From there, I dove into some history at the Old Constitution House and the Enfield Shaker Museum, both full of stories that bring the region’s past to life.
For fresh air and adventure, we hiked a (short!) section of the legendary Appalachian Trail.
I wanted to mention that in winter, the Dartmouth Skiway and Saskadena Six ski areas offer great local slopes (my sister-in-law is a skier and she's still raving about her trip).
- Location: Western New Hampshire, along the Connecticut River on the Vermont border, north of Lebanon and home to Dartmouth College
- Drive Time from Boston: Approximately 2 hours northwest
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for vibrant foliage and outdoor activities; winter for skiing and cozy cultural events
What I loved best:
Elegant lunch at Pine was worth a day trip (it's inside the Hanover Inn just steps from Dartmouth’s campus). I had the grilled trout with roasted root vegetables and a crisp local cider.
5. Squam Lake Inn
I admired the way this historic farmhouse, lovingly transformed into a boutique inn, has a way of making you slow down and savor the simple pleasures.
Squam Lake Inn was the kind of place where you instantly breathe deeper. Tucked near the water with pine trees all around, it made every moment feel like a retreat.
We drove about 2 hours north from Boston to Holderness, a tiny village of just over 2,000 people nestled on the shores of Squam Lake. Known for its old summer camps and lakefront cottages, Squam gained fame as the filming location for the 1981 movie On Golden Pond.
Our room for four blissful days had crisp linens, soft lighting, and rustic buy also modern décor that made my space feel both stylish and welcoming.
Dinner at the inn’s own Kitchen + Bar was a highlight of my stay with its creative, farm-to-table menu.
I loved having things to do nearby. We visited the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center for two hours, strolled on the historic village green, and admired views of the foothills of the White Mountains.
- To book, check availability or prices for the 3-star Squam Lake Inn.
- Map & Directions Best Time to Visit: Summer for fun on the lake
What I loved best:
The location couldn’t be better and just minutes from the lake itself, I spent my days hiking and enjoying natural beauty of the area. In addition, we had a great burger at Walter's Basin.
6. Keene
I think this is one of the best places to visit in New England for small-town vibes. It's definitely the perfect weekend getaway from Boston, about 1 hour and 45 minute by car.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Stonewall Farm, a real working farm that my son loved. From there, I took a scenic drive to spot some of the region’s beautiful covered bridges, definitely worth the detour. If you’re into hiking, the Mount Monadnock area is full of trails with incredible views.
- Location: Southwestern New Hampshire, in the Monadnock Region, near the Vermont border and south of Mount Monadnock
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for festivals and foliage; winter for snow sports and cozy downtown experiences
What I loved best:
Stopping by the Wyman Tavern Museum and the Horatio Colony Museum where we learned about the town’s rich past.
7. Chesterfield Inn - 20 minutes from Keene
One of the best romantic weekend getaways in New Hampshire when I moved was Chesterfield Inn which felt like we were stepping into a dream.
We drove just about 20 minutes from our last stop in Keene, NH, into West Chesterfield, a village of around 3,000 people on the Connecticut River. During our three day stay, I explored the ruins at Madame Sherri’s Forest, and checked out the rugged cliffs of Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area.
Our guest room for three days was uniquely styled, with a four-poster bed, fireplace, a whirlpool tub, and a private balcony.
Dining at the inn is another highlight since the on-site restaurant serves inventive, locally inspired dishes in a candlelit setting, making dinner feel like a special occasion every night. Breakfast, with homemade pastries and hearty New England classics, set the tone for relaxed mornings.
To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star Chesterfield Inn .
What I loved best:
My room had big windows that framed the surrounding countryside, and waking up to that view with a cup of coffee in hand quickly became my favorite ritual.
8. Plymouth
A one hour and 40 minute drive from Boston, this town turned out to be the perfect base for exploring both the White Mountains and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. We based ourselves at 4-star The Common Man Inn & Spa for four days and I loved how romantic the inn was.
Right near town, I found Langdon Park, which was great for an easy hike and even had a little river beach, perfect for relaxing after a walk. There’s a playground too, so it’s a nice spot for families. In winter, the trails turn into cross-country ski paths, giving the place year-round appeal.
Just a bit outside of town is Tenney Mountain, which is packed with things to do. There is rock climbing, biking, kayaking, fishing, and in the winter, skiing with options for guided lessons. One of the most fun things is Adventure Gorge, where you take a chairlift up the mountain, then fly back down on a 3,000-foot zip-line. I didn't want to do the zipline but it looked like lots of fun if you want a rush.
After a day of outdoor adventures, I wrapped things up in town with a cozy dinner and a live show at the Silver Center for the Arts.
- Location: Central New Hampshire, at the foothills of the White Mountains
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for hiking and cultural events; winter for skiing at Tenney Mountain
What I loved best:
The comfort food feast at The Main Street Station was my personal highlight, where I had the chicken pot pie and a slice of house-made apple crumble with views of the White Mountains.
9. Laconia
Want a lakeside day trip less than two hours from Boston? Located right between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, this town is the heart of the Lakes Region and an easy day trip from both Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
One of my favorite parts of visiting Laconia is spending time at Weirs Beach where the boardwalk is full of arcades and ice cream shops in July.
Laconia is also famous for its annual Motorcycle Week in June when the town transforms into a spectacular gathering place for bikers and fans, and even if you’re not riding, it’s exciting to be part of such a legendary tradition.
- Location: Central New Hampshire, in the Lakes Region between Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam Lake
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Cafe Dejavu for great pancakes and relaxing by Opechee Bay after. With mountains in the distance and lakes all around, the scenery is always awesome.
10. Lincoln, NH
This city, tucked right in the heart of the White Mountains, has always been one of my favorite spots for a day trip when I’m craving mountain air and adventure. Why? First off, it’s about two hours north of Boston, and the drive itself is spectacular, with winding roads, covered bridges, and peaks rising in the distance.
Although it works great as a day trip, I was glad we stayed at 3-star RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain for four days which gives us more time to explore.
In the summer, we’ve hiked trails in Franconia Notch State Park ($18 for Flume Gorge, otherwise free), explored the Flume Gorge, and taken scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway.
- Location: Northern New Hampshire, in the White Mountains along the western edge of the Kancamagus Highway, near Franconia Notch and Woodstock
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Lincoln has a joyful small-town vibe. I like to stop into the local cafés like Moose on the Run Cafe for coffee and check out the gift shops.
11. Rye, NH - 15 minutes from Portsmouth
This is one of my favorite coastal towns to escape to when I want a quieter, more relaxed vibe by the ocean. Just a short 15 minute drive south of Portsmouth, it feels like a hidden gem compared to the busier beaches nearby. .
Jenness Beach is usually my first stop—it’s less crowded than Hampton and perfect for a peaceful walk, swimming, or even watching surfers catch waves. On cooler days, I love strolling along the rocky sections of Rye’s coast, where tide pools reveal crabs, starfish, and other little ocean surprises.
I enjoy wandering along the trails in the summer, taking in coastal views, and learning a bit of history at the Seacoast Science Center ($15 for adults). It’s exciting to have both natural beauty and educational exhibits in one place, especially with my son in tow.
- Location: Southeastern New Hampshire, along the Atlantic coastline north of Hampton and south of Portsmouth, home to several state parks and beaches
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
I loved exploring Odiorne Point State Park with my husband and my son.
12. Salem - 40 minutes from Portsmouth
We made a stop here, and it turned out to be the perfect little base for exploring southern New Hampshire, and even parts of Boston, since it’s right near the state line. Despite its small-town feel, there’s plenty to do here, especially if you're traveling with family. We spent a fun day at Canobie Lake Park, which has over 40 rides, including lots of kid-friendly options. During the summer, they even host outdoor concerts. It had that nostalgic amusement park vibe that’s hard to beat. My son said it was "teenager approved!"
Another favorite stop was America’s Stonehenge, a mysterious and super intriguing spot with ancient rock formations and an astronomical calendar that still has people guessing.
If you’re visiting in the fall, Salem Town Forest is a gorgeous place for a hike. The foliage is unreal.
- Location: Southern New Hampshire, along the Massachusetts border east of Nashua and south of Derry, near the I-93 corridor and Canobie Lake
- Drive Time from Boston: Approximately 1 hour north
What I loved best:
The flavorful Mediterranean dinner at Black Water Grill was so appreciated because we were starving by the end of such a long, fun day. I had the chicken souvlaki with lemon rice and a cucumber mint martini.
13. Odiorne Point State Park - 1 hour south of Portland, Maine
I loved wandering along this rocky stretch of New Hampshire’s seacoast with tidepools brimming with sea stars, crabs, and barnacles.
Just a short drive from Portsmouth, this 330-acre park was the perfect blend of nature and history. From WWII-era bunkers tucked into the landscape to wide-open ocean views, every turn offered something unexpected.
- Location: Southeastern New Hampshire, in Rye along the Atlantic coast
- Odiorne Point State Park website
What I loved best:
Staying the night at The 3-star Inn At Rye Place for the night (but its an easy day trip from Portsmouth as well).
14. Claremont
This place has always felt to me like one of those underrated towns that surprises you with its history, character, and riverside beauty. If you are driving from Boston, it's around 2 hours or you can fly to Claremont Municipal Airport. Windsor Mansion Inn offers a lovely setting for a romantic 48-hour weekend stay.
I recommend starting downtown, where the restored mill district shows off Claremont’s industrial past. Walking along the Sugar River, I could admire the old brick facades blending with new shops, cafés, and art spaces.
- Location: Western New Hampshire, along the Connecticut River on the Vermont border, southwest of Lebanon and north of Charlestown
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
One of my favorite stops is the Claremont Opera House, a beautiful historic theater that hosts concerts, plays, and community events year-round.
15. North Conway - 1 hour and 25 minutes from Portland, Maine
This has always been one of my favorite mountain towns to escape to when I need fresh air and a change of pace for week. Nestled in the White Mountains and just south of Mount Washington, it’s about two and a half hours from Boston, making it a brilliant idea for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. We checked into Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites North Conway (around $89/night) for a relaxing week.
I love browsing the local shops, picking up treats at Zeb’s General Store, and wandering through art galleries before grabbing lunch at Underground Bakery & Cafe where we picked up delicious cupcakes.
- Location: Eastern New Hampshire, in the Mount Washington Valley near the Maine border, south of Mount Washington and surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
The Conway Scenic Railroad was my personal highlight, with its nostalgic ride through the mountains that was perfect for our whole family.
Conclusion
If this is your first trip to New Hampshire, brace yourself, you are in a for a treat (and a bit of planning because there are so many unique spots to choose from !) Every town had its own personality, yet there was a common thread of warmth, beauty that made me feel welcome wherever I went.
Not sure where to start? Let the season decide for you. In the spring, look for gardens, colorful local festivals, in the summer head towards the coast, in the fall, well...you can just look up and admire colors changing and taste amazing farm-to-table food from local harvests, and in winter head for a nearby slope to do some sledding or skiing.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
