In This Article
I like to visit Concord in the heart of New England because it's full of history, nature, and small-city vibes. I enjoy hanging out at an artsy downtown café, visiting colonial landmarks or catching a show at the Capitol Center for the Arts. If you’re into the outdoors, you should take time to hike along the Merrimack River.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Concord is during spring and fall (May–June and September–October). Enjoy mild temperatures, colorful foliage, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals in these beautiful seasons.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Concord is easily accessible via Interstate 93 and Interstate 89. It's about 1.5 hours north of Boston.
- By Plane: The closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). The drive is about 30 minutes south of Concord.
- By Bus: Concord Coach Lines provides frequent bus service to and from Boston and Manchester.
Where to Stay
Best Things to Do
1. Step Into Granite State History at the New Hampshire Historical Society
Rating:
★★★★★
© New Hampshire Historical Society
Established back in the year 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and sharing the history of the state of New Hampshire.
The historical society’s museum is home to thousands of photographs, maps, documents, books, and many other artifacts that help tell the state’s history to visitors.
The building itself dates back to 1911 and is considered to be one of New Hampshire’s best examples of architecture, featuring a Greek temple-esque exterior and sculpture. Visitors can see state memorabilia, nineteenth-century paintings of the beautiful White Mountains, Native American creations, and much more.
Address: 30 Park St, Concord, NH 03301 , Phone: 603-228-6688
2. If You Love Politics and Architecture, Tour the New Hampshire State House
© sframe/stock.adobe.com
The New Hampshire State House is New Hampshire’s state capitol building and is home to the Governor, the Executive Council, and the General Courts. Constructed back in 1819, the State House is the oldest in the United State of those where the legislature of the state still occupies the original chambers.
The New Hampshire State House houses the country’s largest legislative body. Referred to as “The People’s House,” visitors can take a self-guided tour of the building and its artwork and artifacts. Guided tours are often available as well.
Address: 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03303 , Phone: 603-271-2154
3. Catch Indie Films and Community Events at Red River Theatres
© lapandr/stock.adobe.com
First opening its doors in 2007, the state-of-the-art Red River Theatre in Concord began as a project by the local community to create a place to show art house films.
The cinema features three movie screens and doesn’t show mainstream movies, but instead focuses on local movies and art house productions. Many people in the community have a special place in their hearts for the Red River Theatres and the cinema has become an important aspect of the cultural scene of New Hampshire. Guests can enjoy soft drinks and popcorn, just like most movie theaters, and other food at the Indie Cafe.
Address: 11 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301 , Phone: 603-224-4600,
4. Pick Apples, Sip Cider, and Soak Up Views at Carter Hill Orchard
© Carter Hill Orchard
The Carter Hill Orchard in Concord is a family-owned and operated farm that consists of much more than simply an apple orchard. The grounds also include hiking trails, an on-site bakery, and a country store, as well as an observation tower that offers great views of the occasional raptor and the mountains of the New Hampshire region.
The fruit available to visitors at the Carter Hill Orchard, varies throughout the year. Depending on the season, the orchard has cantaloupe, watermelon, pears, plums, raspberries, blueberries, and over ten varieties of apples. Most of the apples are available in September and October.
Address: 73 Carter Hill Rd, Concord, NH 03303 , Phone: 603-225-2625
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Experience Live Entertainment and Broadway Acts at Capitol Center for the Arts
© Capitol Center for the Arts
One of the premier venues in New Hampshire for theatrical productions and concerts, the Capitol Center for the Arts is a non-profit performing arts center in the city of Concord that offers everything from comedy to Broadway shows, as well as family-friendly events, dance performances, and music performances.
The Egyptian-motif decorated history theater is known in the community for having some of the best volunteers, a friendly staff, and a high quality, eclectic mix of performances. Originally built back in 1927, the theater has since been modernized with air conditioning and more, yet still retains its original charm.
Address: 44 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-225-1111
6. If You’re a Space or Science Fan, Blast Off at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
© McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center was established in honor of two New Hampshire natives: Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard. The first was a high school social studies teacher who was chosen as the first teacher to go to space, and the second was the first American to go into space, as well as one of the few to walk on the Moon.
McAuliffe tragically died aboard the Challenger space shuttle. This interactive museum was designed to provide inspiration for future generations to “reach for the stars” and to provide a place for people to learn more about space exploration.
Address: 2 Institute Dr, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-271-7827
7. Sip Local Flavor and Learn the Craft at Concord Craft Brewing Company
© Concord Craft Brewing Company
The Concord Craft Brewing Company is one of New Hampshire’s local craft breweries in the city of Concord, located within the historic downtown district.
The brewery is the city’s nanobrewery and visitors can find eight of the current brews on tap in the Concord Craft tap room, many of which boast names featuring political overtones, such as the Ballot Box Brut IPA. In addition to sampling the local flavors of beers in the tap room, guests can also pick up beer gear in the retail store or take a tour of the steam-powered, fifteen-barrel Concord Craft Brewery.
Address: 117 Storrs St, Concord, NH 03301 , Phone: 603-856-7625
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
8. Walk Through the Past at the Historic Home of President Pierce - Pierce Manse
© Pierce Manse
When I visited Pierce Manse in Concord, I felt like I was stepping straight into the life of President Franklin Pierce, New Hampshire’s only U.S. president.
You can tour his former home and get a guided look at what daily life was like in the mid-1800s.
I found it really eye-opening to see the personal items the President used every day.
If you’re a history lover or just curious about presidential life beyond the spotlight, this is definitely a stop you should make while you’re in Concord.
Address: 14 Horseshoe Pond Ln, Concord, NH 03301 , Phone: 603-225-4555
9. If You Want Scenic Farm Vibes and Fresh Produce, Visit Dimond Hill Farm
© Dimond Hill Farm
The Dimond Hill Farm offers a place for relaxation, reflection, exploration, exercise, adventure, and natural beauty. It also provides a wide selection of tasty local products and produce, as well as one of the city’s best sitting porches. Visitors are welcome to come to the farm walking along the trails, take in scenic views, or just simply sit and relax. Guests at the farm can also pick their own berries, visit with a llama, and buy fresh berries, soda, and natural ice cream among other activities. The Dimond Hill Farm is also home to its very own labyrinth.
Address: 314 Hopkinton Rd, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-496-8218
10. Meet the Animals and Embrace Country Charm at Apple Hill Farm
© Janelle/stock.adobe.com
The Apple Hill Farm has been around for more than thirty-five years, establishing “pick-your-own” opportunities for apples and other small fruits in 1995. Visitors wanting to pick their own fruit at the farm will find apples from around Labor Day through Columbus Day, black currants and raspberries from the middle of July through early August, blueberries from the middle of July through the beginning of September, and strawberries from the middle of June to the middle of July. Along with the pick-your-own fruit, the Apple Hill Farm also offers a bakery and expansive modern farmstand selling homemade farm products.
Address: 580 Mountain Rd, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-224-8862
Plan Your Trip