Best 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
There’s something about Concord that instantly made me feel like I’d discovered an underrated New England treasure. 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.
We started our Concord adventure right downtown near Main Street, which is in the heart of the city and honestly felt like the best way to ease into the weekend. Our latest stay was a romantic one at 4-star The Centennial Hotel for a long weekend.
Walking around the shops and cafes was our first experience, and I loved how vibrant yet relaxed everything felt, like a cool little capital city that doesn’t try too hard.
After that, we headed over to the New Hampshire State House near Eagle Square, and this was easily one of my favorite and most interesting stops of the trip.
Seeing the gold dome up close felt kind of magical, and I thought it was amazing that this historic building is still in use today.
Next, we made our way toward the Merrimack River, which is just a short walk from downtown and felt like a hidden gem tucked right into the city.
We spent time strolling along the Merrimack River Greenway Trail, and this peaceful experience ended up being one of the absolute best moments for us.
Later in the afternoon, we drove just outside Concord to Canterbury Shaker Village, which is nearby and felt like stepping into a quiet, unique dream.
The historic buildings, open fields, and calm paths made it an underrated and unusual place that I still think about.
As evening came, we went back toward Capitol Street near downtown for dinner, and the food scene felt exciting, cozy, and surprisingly cool.
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
Chris and I both absolutely love Portsmouth, and have been many times. This town along the Seacoast region of New Hampshire is one of my favorite places to visit when I want a mix of history, food, and waterfront adventure.
The first time we visited Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I was completely charmed by how much character was packed into such a small coastal city. It feels historic and lived-in in the best way, with brick buildings, narrow streets, and waterfront views that instantly slow you down.
Walking through downtown, you’re surrounded by centuries-old homes, independent shops, cozy cafés, and some of the best seafood in New England. And of course, being right on the Piscataqua River means there’s always a salty breeze and boats drifting by.
Portsmouth is one of the oldest cities in the country, and its history is everywhere you look. The Strawbery Banke Museum is a perfect example—it’s an open-air museum that brings over 300 years of history to life with preserved houses, gardens, and costumed interpreters. Just outside the downtown area, you’ll also find classic New England lighthouses like Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Whaleback Light, which are especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
What I really love about Portsmouth is how easy it is to explore. The downtown area is extremely walkable, and you can see a lot in just a day or two without ever needing a car. That said, if you do have one, Portsmouth makes an ideal base for exploring the New Hampshire seacoast and beyond. Beautiful beaches like Rye and Hampton are only a short drive away, and you’re less than an hour from Maine’s coastal towns like Kittery and York.
Getting to Portsmouth is also surprisingly convenient. It’s about an hour from Boston by car, making it a great weekend getaway if you’re coming from the city. If you’re driving, traffic is usually manageable compared to larger metro areas, but summer weekends can be busy—especially during peak beach season—so leaving early in the morning or later in the evening is your best bet.
A fantastic way to experience Portsmouth is through an organized tour. Walking and harbor tours are especially popular here, and for good reason—they give you a deeper appreciation for the city’s maritime history, architecture, and hidden stories. We’ve found guided tours to be a great way to cover a lot in a short amount of time, especially in a place with as much history as 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.
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, my favorite highlight.
3. Manchester
This place wowed 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.
What I loved best:
Lunch at The Bridge Cafe on Elm was my favorite highlight. 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
Located on the Connecticut River like a quiet intellectual retreat, Hanover is one of the most polished and peaceful towns I’ve visited in New Hampshire. It’s the kind of place where I 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).
What I loved best:
Elegant lunch at Pine was my favorite highlight and totally 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
Ready for a quiet, nature-filled getaway? 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 things in life.
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.
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, my personal highlight.
6. Keene
I think this is one of the best places to visit in New England for small-town vibes, and I think it's one of my favorite weekend getaways 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.
What I loved best:
Stopping by the Wyman Tavern Museum and the Horatio Colony Museum was my personal highlight, 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 to the East Coast was Chesterfield Inn, a hidden countryside retreat.
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
Ready for a friendly New England getaway? Check out Plymouth, a real standout! 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.
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 fantastic lakeside day trip less than two hours from Boston? Located right between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, "The City on the Lakes" 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.
What I loved best:
Cafe Dejavu for great pancakes and relaxing by Opechee Bay after was my favorite highlight. 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? 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.
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.
What I loved best:
I loved exploring Odiorne Point State Park with my husband and my son.
12. Salem - 40 minutes from Portsmouth
This is one of my favorite places to visit with my family in New England because Salem offers both family-friendly attractions, and easy access to the outdoors.
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 ($18 Adult admission, $10 kids, Ages 3 and under: free), a mysterious and super intriguing spot with ancient rock formations and an astronomical calendar.
If you’re visiting in the fall, Salem Town Forest is a gorgeous place for a hike - The foliage is unreal.
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
Ready for a nature-filled coastal getaway? 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.
What I loved best:
Staying at The 3-star Inn At Rye Place for the night was my favorite highlight (but its an easy day trip from Portsmouth as well).
14. Claremont
This place has always felt to me like one of the best 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.
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.
The small towns scattered throughout the White Mountains felt storybook-charming, with North Conway at the heart of it all. In autumn, the landscape transformed into a vivid canvas of fiery reds, glowing golds, and deep oranges, making every drive feel magical.
What I loved most was how effortless it felt to slip into nature. Towering peaks, winding rivers, and peaceful forest trails made everything slow down in the best way. One of my favorite moments was hiking to Cathedral Ledge, where the sweeping views over the valley completely took my breath away and made me fall in love with the region.
We spent lazy afternoons strolling through North Conway Village, ducking into cozy cafés and local shops, and warming up with coffee after crisp morning walks. Nearby, scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway became experiences of their own—windows down, music low, just soaking in the views.
Evenings were especially memorable: hearty dinners, candlelit tables, and nights wrapped in blankets under skies full of stars.
We also loved riding the Conway Scenic Railroad, which gave us the chance to slow down completely—sitting side by side, watching forests and rivers drift past, and feeling fully present in the moment.
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.
I think that North Conway is one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire. Why? It's unique, affordable and you'll have plenty to do while there!
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.
