Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in the White Mountains? Head to Plymouth! Enjoy vibrant college-town energy, explore scenic rivers and trails, and dive into local arts and culture. Whether you’re hiking forested paths, catching a show at a historic theater, or strolling charming Main Street, Plymouth offers a relaxed, outdoorsy New England getaway.
Plymouth, NH Highlights:
- Polar Caves Park: Wander through natural granite caves, glacial boulder fields, and lush forests at this family-friendly outdoor attraction.
- The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center: Catch concerts, movies, and live performances in a beautifully restored 1920s theater.
- Pemi River Walk: Stroll along the Pemigewasset River on peaceful trails that weave through downtown and nature areas.
- Plymouth State University: Explore a lively campus with public art displays, galleries, and cultural events throughout the year.
- Quincy Bog Natural Area: Hike easy trails through wetlands and forests while spotting local wildlife at this scenic conservation area.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Plymouth is during the spring through fall (May–October). Enjoy vibrant farmers markets, hiking, kayaking, and spectacular fall foliage. Winter also offers easy access to nearby ski resorts and cozy indoor events like concerts and winter festivals.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Plymouth is located along Interstate 93, about 2 hours north of Boston and 1 hour north of Concord, NH.
- By Plane: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is the nearest major airport, about a 1.5-hour drive south.
- By Bus: Concord Coach Lines offers service from Boston and other New Hampshire cities to Plymouth’s transportation center.
Where to Stay
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Plymouth – Modern, convenient hotel with free breakfast and a location close to town and hiking areas.
- The Common Man Inn & Spa – Cozy, rustic-chic inn offering a full-service spa, on-site dining, and a welcoming New England ambiance.
- Red Carpet Inn & Suites Plymouth – Budget-friendly option with easy access to I-93 and local attractions.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Catch a Show or Movie at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center
© sarymsakov.com/stock.adobe.com
The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center is a vintage movie house from the 1920s in Plymouth, New Hampshire. The former Plymouth Theatre on Main Street in downtown Plymouth became again the heart of the Plymouth's arts and entertainment life. After years of neglect, the defunct and dilapidated Plymouth Theater was taken over by Alex Ray, the founder of The Common Man. He purchased the building and started extensive renovation, ultimately bringing back the theater to its former glory. Today, the old Plymouth Theater is again offering the latest and the best of entertainment to the town’s theatre-loving folks. There is something for everyone, from blues, folk and rock music, films and art exhibits, to community theater children’s programs. The Monkey also offers a full food and beverage menu from The Common Man family of restaurants.
39 Main St, Plymouth, NH 03264, Phone: 603-536-2551
⮕ If You Love Winter Thrills, Hit the Slopes at Tenney Mountain Ski Resort
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Tenney Mountain Ski Resort is a popular ski area on Tenney Mountain near Plymouth, New Hampshire. The resort reopened its doors in 2018 after being closed since 2010. The first ski trails were developed in 1959, and until 1964 there was only one lift. In 1964, the new Stadeli double chair was added, making Tenney Mountain the largest ski area in the region. Named the "Hornet Double," the new lift started operating in 1965, serving five new trails. After changing owners a few times, the resort stayed closed until 2010 when it was bought by Iroquois Capital, together with additional 425 acres of land nearby. Today Tenney Mountain has 45 trails over 110 acres served by a triple chair, a double chair and a Poma lift. The resort’s ski area has a maximum elevation of 2,149 feet, a base elevation of 749 feet and a vertical drop of 1,400 feet.
151 Tenney Mountain Rd, Plymouth, NH 03264
⮕ Gear Up for Outdoor Fun with Effortless Adventure
© Effortless Adventure
Effortless Adventure is a Plymouth, New Hampshire's All-Inclusive Rental Camping Gear Outfitter. They provide everything needed for a safe, fun camping trip in the White Mountains. Their experienced team also provides up-to-date information on hiking trails, open campgrounds, activities and more. Whether you have your own gear or not, have or do not have experience, they are there for you. Since they opened in 2019, Effortless Adventure became popular with first time campers, people who do not or cannot keep their own gear because of small apartment and those coming from far away. Today, they not only rent camping gear, but also offer several guided, self-guided and custom adventures.
231 Main St, Plymouth, NH 03264, Phone: 603-726-1702
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Soar the Skies with Powered Parachute Instructions
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Powered Parachute Instruction, located on Plymouth, New Hampshire’s Plymouth Municipal Airport, is a flight school offering the best in Powered Parachute flight training. The instructions are provided by their FAA-Certified flight instructor Bill Wallace. The flight school’s number one concern is their student’s safety. A powered parachute is considered the safest form of aviation. It combines the “pendulum effect”, low-tech design and slow flight speed offering significant safety advantage over conventional plane. The sport is popular with beginner pilots, experienced airline pilots and adventure-junkies world over. At Powered Parachute Instruction, student get to learn the thrill of flying with their Discovery Flight. In this introductory flight, the flight instructor introduces students to the systems that make it simple to fly a powered parachute. PPI also offers “adventure” flights.
111 Quincy Rd, Plymouth, NH 03264, Phone: 603-494-1607
⮕ Savor Classic Bites and Brews at Biederman’s Pub and Deli
© Biederman's Pub and Deli
Biederman's Pub and Deli Is a lively, friendly pub and grocery store in Plymouth, New Hampshire that opened in 1973 under the name The Cellar Pub. They started with two draft beers and seven kinds of sandwiches, plus Tony’s Frozen Pizza. “The Pub” became a favorite watering hole for the neighborhood and college students. It was the favorite spot to watch their favorite team on the 19-inch TV, play foosball or listen to the songs from the jukebox. After changing the owners and surviving the devastating fire, Biederman’s Pub and Deli reopened with the same spirit and even the same moose head on the wall. They offer a large selection of beers on tap, nice wine selection and gourmet sandwiches.
83 Main St, Plymouth, NH 03264, Phone: 603-536-3354
⮕ Relax and Recharge at The Common Man Inn & Spa
© The Common Man Inn & Spa
The Common Man Inn & Spa is an upscale, rustic inn located in a former wood mill in Plymouth, New Hampshire, less than a mile from Plymouth State University. The inn has 38 cozy rooms individually decorated in the Adirondack style. All have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms and suites also have stone fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. The large loft rooms have minibars. There is a private cabin with a full kitchen, dining room and living room with fireplace. The guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast. They can relax by the fireplace in the Foster’s Boiler Room Lounge, watch their favorite team on the large-screen projection TV in the bar, or have a meal in the sunken wine room. The Inn also has a spa with treatment rooms, a hot tub, a fitness center, sauna and an indoor heated pool.
231 Main St, Plymouth, NH 03264, Phone: 603-536-2200
⮕ Discover Mountain Heritage at the Museum of the White Mountains
© Museum of the White Mountains
The Museum of the White Mountains was established in 2011 by former Plymouth State University President, Sara Jayne Steen. Since its inception, the museum has been dedicated to promoting and preserving that illustrious history, environmental heritage, and culture of the White Mountains region through a number of collections, visiting exhibits, as well as archival and digital resources. All of these archives are made available to the public for their research, educational purposes, or simply to satisfy a curiosity of the mind. At the museum, visitors can see featured highlights like the Dan Noel Collection of White Mountain related photographs, or the Karl Drerup Collection, which features paintings by Plymouth State Teachers College’s very first art professor.
34 Highland Street, Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264, Phone: 603-535-3210
Where to Eat
- The Common Man Restaurant – Iconic New Hampshire dining with hearty New England fare like pot roast, seafood, and maple desserts.
- Six Burner Bistro – Cozy, upscale restaurant offering seasonal dishes crafted from local farms and fresh ingredients.
- Biederman’s Pub and Deli – Popular casual spot serving oversized deli sandwiches, craft beers, and relaxed college-town vibes.
If you are interested in local events:
- Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival (August) – Celebrate bluegrass music with concerts, camping, and family fun nearby.
- Plymouth Art Walks (Summer) – Stroll through local galleries, shops, and public art displays during lively downtown evenings.
- Plymouth Winterfest (January) – Winter carnival featuring ice carving, family activities, and seasonal treats downtown.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Plymouth, New Hampshire:
- Rumney Rocks (15–20 min) – World-renowned rock climbing destination with hiking trails and scenic views.
- Newfound Lake (20–25 min) – Swim, boat, and picnic at one of New Hampshire’s cleanest and most beautiful lakes.
- Squam Lake (25–30 min) – Take a boat tour, hike Rattlesnake Mountain, or visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
- Livermore Falls (10–15 min) – Explore swimming holes and scenic river views popular with locals in summer.
- Holderness, NH (25 min) – Quaint town with lake activities, historic inns, and easy access to White Mountains hiking trails.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Plymouth located?
- What attractions are there in Plymouth?
- The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, a renovated 1920s venue, is one of the town's key attractions.
- Tenney Mountain Ski Resort offers 45 trails over 110 acres, served by a triple chair, a double chair, and a Poma lift.
- What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Plymouth?
- Effortless Adventure is an all-inclusive rental camping gear outfitter that also offers guided, self-guided, and custom adventures.
- Powered Parachute Instruction offers flight training for those interested in powered parachute flying.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Top Activities |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming mountain landscapes. |
The Common Man Inn & Spa – A cozy and rustic inn with a spa. |
Explore the Polar Caves Park – Discover glacial caves and scenic trails. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures. |
Red Carpet Inn & Suites – A budget-friendly and comfortable option. |
Kayak on Squam Lake – Enjoy beautiful waters and wildlife spotting. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage. |
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Plymouth – A modern and convenient stay. |
Drive the Kancamagus Highway – Experience some of the best fall foliage in New England. |
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and great for winter sports. |
Glynn House Inn – A charming and romantic bed & breakfast. |
Ski at Tenney Mountain – Enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding. |
Map:
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