Looking for lakeside fun, scenic drives, and mountain views? I’ve found Laconia, New Hampshire to be one of those spots that just checks all the boxes.

Most people I talk to know about Lake Winnipesaukee. But what you may not know is that Laconia offers cozy lakefront charm, mountain views, and small-town vibes. It’s a perfect base for boating, leaf-peeping, and summer festivals.

Tucked between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, should be on your radar this year! Whether you’re escaping in summer or chasing foliage in fall, I think you’ll love it here as much as I do.

Best Things to Do in Laconia, NH

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Swim, Sunbathe, and Stroll the Boardwalk at Weirs Beach

Weirs Beach felt like summer sealed in amber—sun on my shoulders, the scent of fried dough, and laughter riding the breeze from the boardwalk. The lake sparkled like it had something to say. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of place where memories show up in flip-flops and never fully leave."

My highlight? Walking the wooden boardwalk with an ice cream cone from Kellerhaus and watching the sun dip behind the hills. I had a scoop of maple walnut in a waffle cone, and between the lake breeze, arcade lights, and old-school charm, it felt like summer in its purest form.

Plan your visit:

  • Address: Lakeside Ave, Laconia, NH 03246
  • Vibe: Nostalgic, lively, lakeside
  • Highlights: Public beach, boardwalk, arcades, boat tours
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer months for peak boardwalk energy
  • Don’t Miss: A soft-serve cone while watching the boats come in
  • Cost: Free public access; paid parking nearby
  • Hours: Beach open daily, dawn to dusk

Belknap Mill

Step Into History at the Belknap Mill, America's Oldest Textile Mill

Inside the Belknap Mill, time moved at a slower thread count. Brick walls held stories of looms and labor, and the river outside whispered about industry and reinvention. I remember thinking, "We built with grit once—and beauty somehow came with it."

My highlight? Touring the historic brick mill and then grabbing a cappuccino from Wayfarer Coffee Roasters nearby. The exhibits brought the region’s industrial past to life, and sipping coffee with the sound of the river out back made it feel like past and present blending in the best way.

Plan your visit:

  • Address: 25 Beacon St E, Laconia, NH 03246
  • Vibe: Historic, educational, understated
  • Highlights: Industrial history exhibits, local art shows, riverfront park
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for quiet touring
  • Don’t Miss: The working water wheel and exhibit on mill women
  • Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
  • Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–5pm; Sat 10am–2pm

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Feel the Thunder at the Legendary Laconia Motorcycle Week

The engines came in waves—roaring, humming, purring—until the whole town vibrated with chrome and adrenaline. But beneath the noise was a kind of reverence, a tradition built on road and rebellion. I remember thinking, "This isn’t just a rally—it’s a pilgrimage."

My highlight? Watching the bikes roll through downtown, then sitting on the patio at Local Eatery with a burger and a local beer. The rumble of engines, classic rock in the air, and all the chrome made it feel like a big, gritty, joyful celebration of road culture right on the edge of the lake.

Plan your visit:

  • Location: Laconia, NH (main events centered at Weirs Beach)
  • Vibe: Loud, legendary, electric
  • Highlights: Bike shows, scenic rides, live music, vendor tents
  • Best Time to Visit: Annually in June
  • Don’t Miss: Riding the Kancamagus Highway or watching hill climbs
  • Cost: Free to attend; merch, food, and shows priced individually
  • Hours: Daily events, early morning to late night

VisitNH - New Hampshire

Visit the Stone That Marked Colonial Boundaries at Endicott Rock

I stood in front of the weathered stone and read names etched centuries ago, worn soft by wind and time. It felt less like a monument and more like a pause button from the colonial past. I remember thinking, "They left a line in stone, and here I am, reading it 400 years later."

My highlight? Standing beside the engraved rock from 1652 and thinking about how far back this place stretches. Afterward, I grabbed a lemonade from a stand near the pier and sat on a bench watching boats glide across the lake. Quiet, historic, and beautifully unhurried.

Plan your visit:

  • Address: Endicott Rock State Historic Site, 1 Endicott St N, Laconia, NH 03246
  • Vibe: Quiet, historic, reflective
  • Highlights: 1652 boundary marker, stone monument, lake views
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or golden hour
  • Don’t Miss: Reading the original etched names and town borders
  • Cost: Free
  • Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk

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Cruise or Kayak the Sparkling Waters of Lake Winnipesaukee

The lake stretched impossibly wide, speckled with islands and sun flares that danced across the surface. It felt both wild and welcoming, like the kind of place you could return to for decades and still discover something new. I remember thinking, "This is New England’s heart, poured into a basin of water and light."

My highlight? The afternoon lake cruise aboard the Mount Washington, where I sipped a cold drink and watched small towns drift by. With the mountains in the distance and the wind in my hair, it felt like New Hampshire’s version of a classic summer escape—laid-back, scenic, and timeless.

Plan your visit:

  • Location: Surrounding Weirs Beach, Laconia, and more
  • Vibe: Expansive, calming, classic
  • Highlights: Boating, fishing, swimming, scenic cruises
  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
  • Don’t Miss: A ride on the M/S Mount Washington or renting a kayak
  • Cost: Lake access is free; cruises ~$25–$40
  • Hours: Access daily; cruise schedules vary

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Don't Miss the Winnipesaukee Pier

The pier buzzed with energy—arcades flashing, fried dough sizzling, and boats clinking gently against their docks. It was nostalgia with a heartbeat. I remember thinking, "Places like this don’t change much—and maybe that’s why we love them."

What I Loved Most: Sitting on the edge of the pier at dusk with music floating behind me and lake air in my lungs.

My highlight? Grabbing a lobster roll at Anthony’s Pier Restaurant and watching kids line up for bumper boats below. The roll was buttery, packed with meat, and came with a view of the lake that just couldn’t be beat. It was fun, nostalgic, and pure lakeside energy.

Plan your visit:

  • Address: 263 Lakeside Ave, Laconia, NH 03246
  • Vibe: Lively, retro, lakefront
  • Highlights: Arcade, food stands, souvenir shops, boat access
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunset for the view and atmosphere
  • Don’t Miss: A bag of kettle corn and some time people-watching
  • Cost: Free to walk; activities and food vary
  • Hours: Daily, 9am–10pm (seasonal)

If you are spending the night...

  • Lake Opechee Inn & Spa – I stayed here once and loved the cozy rooms and lakeside views. The spa and dining made it feel like a mini retreat.
  • The Margate on Winnipesaukee – This is your go-to for private beach vibes. I’ve relaxed here with a book and coffee by the water—total serenity.
  • TownePlace Suites by Marriott – If you’re planning a longer stay or traveling with family, I think you’ll appreciate the comfort and space here. It’s clean, modern, and easy to settle into.

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