12 Best Things to Do in Laconia, New Hampshire

By VacationIdea Staff on May 10, 2022 - Updated

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Founded in 1893, Laconia, New Hampshire started out as a manufacturing city that used the water power provided by mills during the nineteenth century, but has since transformed into a vacation town. Situated between Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam Lake, the city of Laconia offers a variety of things to do in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to entertain people of all ages. Visitors can spend a day visiting historic monuments, boating on lakes, soaking up the sunshine on beaches, exploring the shops and entertainment on the boardwalk, dining on delicious food, and more.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Weirs Beach

The most well known and popular beach in New Hampshire's Lake Region, Weirs Beach is located on Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia. It's not just a sandy beach, however, but also a focal point for recreation and other activities. It's so the main feature of the Endicott Rock Park, which contains restrooms, a playground, and picnic tables. Next to Weirs Beach is the more than 1,300-foot long boardwalk with amazing views of the Ossipee Mountains and the lake. The water close to the boardwalk is shallow for a good distance, making it good for children and easier to play water games.

Endicott Rock State Historic Site, Laconia, NH, Phone: 603-271-3556

2.Belknap Mill, Laconia, New Hampshire

Constructed back in 1823, the historic Belknap Mill is the country's only remaining building representing the Industrial Revolution's first stage. One of the first mills in the United States to change from weaving to knitting during the Civil War era, It stands today in Laconia, New Hampshire as the nation's oldest unaltered brick textile mill, operating now as a cultural arts center, community-based museum, and event venue. Visitors can explore the industrial history permanent exhibit and the art gallery through both guided or self-guided tours. The Belknap Mill also hosts special events, festivals, lectures, workshops, and programs year-round.

25 Beacon St E, Laconia, NH 03246, Phone: 603-524-8813

3.Laconia Motorcycle Week, Laconia, New Hampshire

The Laconia Motorcycle Week, typically held every year in June, is known as "America's Original Riding Rally" and often called the "Oldest National Motorcycle Rally." Its roots date back to when a Gypsy Tour gathered for several days in 1916 at Weirs Beach along the shores of the scenic Lake Winnipesaukee. The event has now seen more than ninety years of lakes and mountains, build-offs and bike shows, hill-climbing and racing, and sweepers and twisties. Events during the Laconia Motorcycle Week include the motorcycle hill climb competition, shows, and races. The motorcycle event is a place to go for Class-A riding.

Laconia, NH, Phone: 603-366-2000

4.Endicott Rock State Historic Site

The Endicott Rock State Historic Site is a state park on Lake Winnipesaukee and is perhaps the oldest public monument in the New England region of the United States. On August 1st of 1652, the name of the Governor of Massachusetts Bay, John Endicott was inscribed on the rock, as well as the initials of Commissioners Simon Willard and Edward Johnson and Surveyors Jonathan Ince and John Sherman. In the past, the Endicott Rock marked what was assumed to be the Merrimack River’s headwaters and now serves as evidence of “one of the earliest incursions of Europeans” in the area.

17 Endicott St, Laconia, NH 03246, Phone: 603-271-3556

5.Tavern 27, Laconia, New Hampshire

Tavern 27 in Laconia, New Hampshire is an Americana tapas restaurant and piano bar that was founded out of a desire to serve guests fresh food cooked with love and made from scratch using organic and local ingredients whenever possible, and free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. The menu at Tavern 27 is one that’s creative, yet still familiar, inspired by the flavors of the owner’s native home of Louisiana, as well as a love for “clean real food.” Set on twenty acres, Tavern 27 also shares space with a golf course, fruit trees, wild grape vines, and an organic garden.

2075 Parade Rd, Laconia, NH 03246, Phone: 603-528-3057

6.T-BONES Great American Eatery, Laconia, NH

The T-BONES Great American Eatery first opened in the Laconia community in 1984 and continues serving made-from-scratch American fare today in a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere. When this local eatery says they’re food is “homemade,” they mean it, as all of the recipes used at the T-BONES Great American Eatery are developed in their own kitchens. All of the soups, salads, dressings, sauces, desserts, and more are made in-house, all the way to hand-peeling potatoes for the restaurant’s signature Yukon Gold Potato Chips and the creamy mashed potatoes. The menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, burgers, classic entrees, and steak dinners.

1182 Union Ave, Laconia, NH 03246, Phone: 603-528-7800

7.Union Diner, Laconia, New Hampshire

The Union Diner started out as the Worcester Dining Car #831 in 1951, only one of twenty dining cars of its kind ever made. Originally known as Manus’ Diner, it moved a number of times before finding a home in Laconia, New Hampshire on Union Avenue and was renamed in June of 2009. The dining room today features vintage music memorabilia from the 1960’s and 1970’s, as well as a relaxing, hometown feel and an atmosphere that invites friends and family to gather for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu at the Union Diner includes diner favorites and reinvented new dishes.

1331 Union Ave, Laconia, NH 03246, Phone: 603-524-6744

8.Lake Winnipesaukee

Known as the largest lake in New Hampshire, the spring-fed Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It's easy to understand why with its pristine waters, beautiful, wooded shoreline, and majestic backdrop featuring several mountain ranges including the White Mountains. Massive at 72 square miles, the lake is home to 244 islands which include unique villages waiting to be explored. At Weirs Beach, visitors will find arcades, boardwalks, and a public beach amongst other activities. Meredith, another popular community, is a restored mill village which holds a number of antique art galleries. All the communities around the lake have various activities throughout the year, making each visit unique. Aside from village hopping, a number of water sports may be enjoyed on the lake along with fishing and other water activities.

Lake Winnipesaukee, Laconia, New Hampshire 03246, Phone: 603-286-8008

9.New England Porch Rockers

Find your perfect rocking chair at this craft business that's a community favorite. Many laughs and memories are shared with loved ones on your front porch, and New England Porch Rockers seeks to provide every home with a quintessential rocker worthy of your home and the company it welcomes. Inspired by memories from her grandmother’s farm in New Hampshire, owner Jeanne How Compton has passionately created beautiful New England rocking chairs for customers around the world for over two decades. A number of designs are available featuring beautiful, locally sourced woods like maple, ash, and birch, and new designs are also continuously added to their inventory.

48 Little Falls Bridge Road, Rochester, New Hampshire 03867, Phone: 603-393-6451

10.Winnipesaukee Pier

Located on the picturesque Winnipesaukee Lake, the Winnipesaukee Pier is home to a number of unique shops and activities for visitors to see. Originally built in 1924 to host live events and music, the pier is one of the most iconic and historical sites on the lake. Through the years, visitors have favored its boardwalk for its magnificent views and many small shops such as an arcade, pizza parlor, ski school, and many others. The Pier also offers rentals for boats, paddleboards, and kayaks. The pier is quite festive, covered in different themes throughout the year, so visitors will always find something new going on every time they visit.

263 Lakeside Avenue, Laconia, New Hampshire 03246, Phone: 603-366-5188

11.Daytona Fun Park

Located on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, Daytona Fun Park is one of the popular sites to visit on Weirs Beach. The park is favored year after year by families visiting the Lakes Region thanks to the numerous available activities. For those looking for some excitement, check out the park’s go-karts, bumper boats, and outdoor high ropes adventure course. For those looking for something more relaxing, the park also features an 18-hole miniature golf course surrounded by beautiful scenery. Visitors can also make use of the batting cages or play any of the many arcade games available. Families are welcome at Daytona Fun Park for any occasion, whether it be a simple family outing or a party celebration.

104 Endicott Street East, Laconia, New Hampshire 03246, Phone: 603-366-5461

12.Funspot

Holding the record as the largest arcade in the world, Funspot is the place for endless family fun. Enjoy over 600 games in the massive arcade along with other activities such as kiddie rides, indoor miniature golf, cash bingo, and a bowling center filled with 20 lanes of ten pin and candlepin. Adults can join in on the arcade fun as well, reminiscing games from their childhood with over 300 classic arcade games available. There are several dining options at Funspot. Grab a bite at The Braggin’ Dragon Restaurant where you’ll find pizzas, bagels, and loads of other dishes, or hang out at the D.A. Long Tavern where they serve craft beers and premium pizzas while you enjoy a game of pool.

579 Endicott Street North, Laconia, New Hampshire 03246, Phone: 603-366-4377

13.Bolduc Park Golf and XC Ski Park

This popular golf and ski park makes the most of every season. In the winter, visitors may go cross country skiing in the many snow slopes or go snowshoeing and explore the surrounding untouched terrain. In other seasons, golfers enjoy the best playing conditions thanks to the park’s meticulously maintained Par 3 golf course. The course is accessible to all ages and skill levels, but is especially suitable for beginners looking to build their short game. Equipment rentals are available for visitors including clubs, discs, pull carts, and power carts. There’s also a Pro Shop with golf merchandise available for purchase. The Bolduc Park Golf and XC Ski Park is open daily.

282 Gilford Avenue, Laconia, New Hampshire 03246, Phone: 603-524-1370