New Hampshire, one of the original 13 states of the US, has its capital in the city of Concord. In 1961, the first US citizen to visit space, Alan Shepard, took off from New Hampshire. The state is also famous for its production of a lot of delicious maple syrup.
Due to the presence of many granite formations and quarries, New Hampshire is often called the Granite State. If you’re up for an adventure, you can climb Mount Washington, which stands at 6,288 feet, by hopping on an old cog railway.
18. Mount Washington Cog Railway
The old cog railway was groundbreaking as the world’s first mountain-climbing railway and still ranks as the second steepest incline traveled by such a railway. But first, let’s understand what a cog railway is.
Cog railways differ from regular trains because they have special wheels and tracks that grip tightly, allowing them to ascend steeper slopes than conventional trains, which might slip back down.
Your journey aboard the cog railway starts at Marshfield Base Station and takes you to the summit of Mount Washington. Sometimes, the railway still operates using coal-fired steam engines that have been in service for over a century. The round trip typically lasts three hours, including time at the summit to enjoy the breathtaking views.
17. Diana’s Baths
Diana’s Baths, located just outside of Intervale, offers a short and easy walking trail spanning 1.3 miles suitable for all ages and fitness levels. While generally considered easy, be cautious of slippery paths during winter with ice and frost.
The best time to explore is from spring to autumn, especially on sunny days perfect for capturing photos of the surrounding nature and wildlife. If you have a spare afternoon and want to spend some time outdoors, this is an excellent destination. Consider extending your visit with a picnic for a relaxed experience.
16. Flume Gorge
The Flume Gorge is located below Mount Liberty and has tall granite walls that can be as high as 90 feet. The walls are sometimes only 12 feet apart. Most people explore the gorge on foot using the Flume trail, which is a short two-mile loop taking about an hour and a half to complete.
Along the trail, you can see the gorge’s beautiful plants, such as old trees growing on the walls, green moss covering the hard granite, and colorful flowers in the spring. Make sure to wear good shoes because there are many stairs, and bring snacks for the trip.
Additionally, don’t forget to visit the Flume Bridge, constructed in 1886 over the Pemigewasset River, and see the 45-foot Avalanche Falls before you leave.
15. Portsmouth Downtown Historic District
To fully enjoy the Portsmouth Downtown Historic District, it is recommended to dedicate an entire day as there is a lot to see. This area is filled with buildings and landmarks that have significant historical value and can be traced back to the 17th century.
If possible, it would be ideal to stay close by and take a leisurely stroll through the district. There are numerous noteworthy locations within the district, including five National Historic Landmarks and over 1200 buildings of historical importance. Additionally, make sure to visit Bow Street, which has a fascinating history of its own.
The district’s story began when the first settlers arrived in 1630, and it quickly grew into a prominent seaport, resulting in the presence of many colonial-era architectural structures. If walking is not your preferred mode of transportation, you could opt for a guided bike tour of the district instead.
14. Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach is a beautiful coastal area in Hampton city that separates it from the sea. It’s a perfect destination for a weekend getaway where you can enjoy the exciting nightlife of the city and have leisurely days on the beach.
You can bring your favorite book and sunscreen, and bask in the sun or read while lying on the beach’s lovely golden sand. You can also take a refreshing swim in the sea before returning to your relaxation. Although secluded beaches in remote locations may sound appealing, there are advantages to visiting a city beach.
One of them is the convenience of having a row of bars and restaurants just a few steps away, where you can enjoy cold beers and indulge in fresh seafood.
13. Currier Museum of Art, Manchester
In 1929, an art museum opened in Manchester after years of planning. The museum was established in the former residence of Moody Currier and Hannah Slade, who sadly died before seeing their idea come to life.
Over the years, the museum has grown and now houses over 15,000 permanent exhibits, showcasing various art forms like photography and architecture. Additionally, the museum offers art classes, providing an opportunity for visitors to try their hand at painting if they’ve ever had an interest.
12. Story Land
Wouldn’t it be amazing to experience a fairy tale in real life? Well, you actually can! Story Land in New Hampshire is the perfect destination for families with young children looking for a fun day out.
Here, kids can actually step into famous scenes from their beloved books and even meet characters like Cinderella! This enchanting place is not only filled with thrilling rides that will provide hours of entertainment for the kids, but also hosts captivating and interactive shows.
And don’t worry about bringing your own food, because there are many food stalls conveniently located throughout Story Land, as well as a restaurant that serves delicious and quick meals.
11. Ice Castles, Lincoln
The Ice Castles in Lincoln are amazing ice sculptures that are made every winter. They may not resemble castles, but they offer many fun activities to enjoy. It’s important to dress warmly with hats and gloves because it’s really cold inside the icy walls.
One popular activity at the Ice Castles is snow tubing, where you slide down a snowy hill using a big donut-shaped inflatable. While it may be risky, it’s a lot of fun! Kids will also enjoy crawling through the narrow ice tunnels and sliding down the ice slides, although they might end up with a cold butt.
For a unique experience, you can take a sleigh ride around the icy castles, even though it won’t be pulled by Rudolf.
10. Cathedral Ledge
Cathedral Ledge is a well-liked spot where people can enjoy a stunning view of the White Mountains and the beautiful Saco River Valley. It’s not only tourists who find this place picture-worthy, but couples also come here to capture their wedding moments.
If you prefer to be active, you can take a pleasant walk up the Cathedral Ledge Trail instead of parking right next to the viewpoint. The trail is not very lengthy or challenging. If you find yourself visiting New Hampshire frequently, it’s worth returning in different seasons. The colorful changes create such a transformative effect that it feels like an entirely new location each time.
9. Clark’s Bears, Lincoln
Ever dreamed of getting close to a bear without the uncertainty of being in the woods with just a candy bar? Look no further than Clark’s Bears! These bears are trained and accustomed to people, so interacting with them is completely safe.
Don’t miss the bear shows during your visit; it’s amazing what tricks these black bears can learn. Besides the bears, there’s delicious ice cream to savor and a bouldering wall for the kids to have fun on. Afterward, enjoy the park rides or give Segway riding a try for an unforgettable family day out.
8. Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
North Woodstock is located less than a ten-minute drive away from the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. A one-mile-long wooden boardwalk trail guides visitors through the gorge, offering stunning views of the Lost River.
After exploring the gorge, visitors can head to the Forest Adventure Trail, where children can have fun playing in the treehouse and on the suspension bridge. The trail also provides various viewpoints to admire the expansive surrounding forest. It’s important not to miss the opportunity to explore the hidden caves during your visit. This is an amazing adventure suitable for all ages and a perfect day trip for families, friends, or couples.
7. Bretton Woods Mountain Resort
The Bretton Woods Mountain Resort is a ski and snowboard resort located near the White Mountain National Forest. It offers a combination of breathtaking views from high up in the White Mountains and exhilarating sports activities.
The resort boasts a total of 63 trails and 35 glades, catering to all skill levels and providing plenty of options to explore. To take on more challenging slopes, the top of Mount Rosebrook or West Mountain offer thrilling starting points that lead down to the small resort village at the bottom.
If you plan to stay at the resort for a few days, you have the option to book accommodations in hotels or lodges. It would be hard to beat the experience of spending a weekend skiing in the White Mountains. Of course, it’s recommended to visit during the colder months of the year when skiing conditions are optimal.
6. Exeter
The small city in New Hampshire is charming and attractive. You can leisurely explore the beautiful neighborhoods by walking through the city center or relax at one of the local cafés with a book and a cup of coffee. Don’t forget to visit the areas around the Squamscott River, where you can enjoy scenic views and find parks to take a break.
Exeter also offers a variety of walking trails, such as the one in Henderson-Swasey Town Forest. If you’re interested in history, make sure to visit the American Independence Museum, where you can see displays of furniture and clothing from that time period.
5. Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is more than just a lake. It is surrounded by beautiful forests and charming towns by the lakeside. This place offers tranquility and is perfect for those who seek peace and quiet. You can rent one of the lovely lakeside houses for a holiday.
Don’t forget to visit Weirs Beach during your trip, where you can enjoy arcades and breathtaking views in one place. After exploring the lake and admiring the stunning Victorian-style houses, you can hike up into the mountains and enjoy the lake from a higher perspective.
There are plenty of activities you can do at Lake Winnipesaukee, including boat cruises, paddling, fishing, hiking through the woods, and much more!.
4. Strawbery Banke Museum
The Strawbery Banke Museum is a historic neighborhood in Portsmouth that used to be called Puddle Dock. It has been turned into a large museum where visitors can go back in time and see what Portsmouth was like many years ago.
In addition to the lovely old buildings, there are also pretty gardens, exhibits of traditional crafts, and actors dressed in old-fashioned clothes who make the place feel alive. It’s best to go to the museum on a nice, sunny day in the spring when the flowers are blooming. However, no matter when you go, there will be lots to see and you will learn a lot.
3. Mount Monadnock
Mount Monadnock is a tall mountain that is surrounded by Monadnock State Park. People who love nature and wildlife visit the park all year to explore the rocky trails and woodlands. The park is close to the towns of Jaffrey and Dublin.
It can be very busy, especially in the warmer months, so it’s a good idea to reserve your parking spot beforehand to avoid disappointment. Keep in mind that there are three different parking areas: Old Toll Road, Gilson Pond, and Monadnock Headquarters. Each parking area is the starting point for a different set of hiking trails.
The longest trail is the 3.5-mile Birchtoft Trail, which takes about six hours round trip. There are faster trails to reach the top of the mountain, such as the Old Halfway House Trail and White Dot Trail, which take about four hours round trip. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and bring a packed lunch!.
2. Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is a scenic road that stretches for 34.5 miles along Route 112, connecting Conway to Lincoln (or vice versa). During the Autumn season, the highway is especially beautiful as the trees along the road are adorned with orange and red leaves.
Keep in mind that there are no restaurants or hotels along the way, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to pass through the White Mountain National Forest, which offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains, Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge.
Don’t forget to visit the Albany Covered Bridge, and if you have some spare time, make a stop at Sabbaday Falls. There’s an easy hike leading to a scenic set of waterfalls less than a mile away.
If you wish to take your time and fully explore the Kancamagus Highway and the surrounding areas, you have the option of bringing your tent and staying overnight at a camping ground.
1. Isles of Shoals
Just a few miles away from mainland New Hampshire and Maine, there are a cluster of islands called the Isles of Shoals. In total, there are nine islands, with four of them falling under New Hampshire’s jurisdiction.
These islands were initially discovered by John Smith in 1614 and were originally known as “Smyth’s Islands.” However, they were later renamed and have now become a popular destination for tourists visiting New Hampshire. The best way to explore these islands is by taking a boat tour, which also offers opportunities for whale watching.
Don’t forget to try some delicious local lobster while you’re there. If you wish to extend your stay, there are accommodation options available, such as the Oceanic Hotel on Star Island.
