I grew up just a short drive from New Hampshire, yet every time I cross the state line it feels like stepping into a different world. One day you’re hiking to a waterfall tucked deep in the White Mountains, the next you’re wandering through storybook towns with church steeples and covered bridges. I’ve road-tripped here in every season, but there’s something especially magical about how quickly the landscapes shift—from jagged peaks to sparkling lakes to a sliver of wild Atlantic coast.
If you think New Hampshire is all about fall foliage, you’re missing half the story. Some of the state’s most unforgettable places stay quiet, almost secret, while crowds flock elsewhere. These are the spots I keep going back to, the ones that remind me why New Hampshire is one of New England’s best-kept treasures.
The Coolest Places to Visit in NH at a Glance
Want to dive into the beauty of NH? Here are the most amazing locations at a glance:
- Best Mountain Adventure: White Mountain National Forest
- Top Capital Experience: Concord
- Most Scenic Railway Ride: Mount Washington & The Cog Railway
- Best Hiking Spot: Mount Monadnock
- Top Gorge Exploration: Flume Gorge & Franconia Notch
- Best Coastal Town: Portsmouth
- Top Art & Culture Destination: Manchester
- Best Scenic Drive: Kancamagus Highway
- Top Historic Estate: Castle in the Clouds
- Most Charming Small Town: Keene
- Best Serene Lake Experience: Squam Lake, Holderness
- Top Beach Destination: Hampton Beach
If you’re going to be in the state for an extended amount of time, you might want to go all-in and check out some picturesque cabin rentals in New Hampshire to get a real feel for the wilderness here.
In the end, whether you’re here for two days or ten, you’ll want to take time for some of these amazing places and things to do in New Hampshire.
1. White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest is honestly the crown jewel of New Hampshire’s outdoor scene, and I’ve been exploring these trails for years now. You’re looking at 750,000 acres of pure wilderness magic spread across New Hampshire and Maine, with some of the most epic hiking and camping in New England.
Here’s what makes it worth your time: camping fees run about $25-30 per night at developed campgrounds like Dolly Copp or Russell Pond, and you’ll need a $5 daily parking pass for most trailheads (or grab the $30 annual pass if you’re planning multiple visits). The Appalachian Trail cuts right through here, giving you access to legendary peaks in the Presidential Range and Sandwich Range.
I actually prefer visiting in late September when the crowds thin out but the foliage is still incredible. The developed campgrounds have restrooms and water, but if you’re into backcountry camping, it’s free as long as you stay 200 feet from trails and water. Fair warning though – cell service is pretty much nonexistent once you get deep into the forest.
Pro tip: Don’t expect to find food or gas stations once you’re in the forest proper, so stock up in Lincoln or North Conway first. The moose and black bear sightings are real, so keep your food locked up in your car overnight.
- Read next: Best Airbnbs in the White Mountains
2. Concord
Concord might be New Hampshire’s capital, but don’t expect big city vibes – it’s actually pretty chill and perfect for a day of exploring without the tourist circus you’ll find elsewhere. I’ve brought my kids here multiple times, and there’s genuinely something for everyone.
Start downtown at the New Hampshire State House (free tours, by the way), which is actually worth seeing even if government buildings aren’t usually your thing. The gold dome is pretty impressive, and the tour guides know their stuff. The Capitol Center for the Arts hosts everything from Broadway shows to local performances, with tickets usually running $25-75 depending on what’s playing.
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is hands down the best spot if you’ve got kids – it’s interactive, educational, and they actually make space science fun. Admission is around $12 for adults, $8 for kids. What I love about Concord is that downtown has been totally revitalized over the past few years with new restaurants and shops, but it still feels authentically New Hampshire.
Don’t sleep on the outdoor scene either. There are over 30 hiking trails within the city limits, and Rollins State Park is just a short drive if you want mountain views. The whole area feels like a nice break from the sometimes overwhelming tourist spots elsewhere in the state.
3. Mt. Washington and The Cog Railway
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is touristy as hell, but honestly? It’s totally worth the hype and the price tag. I’ve done this ride probably six times over the years, and it never gets old watching people’s faces when they realize how steep this thing actually is.
Tickets aren’t cheap – we’re talking $91-95 for adults during peak season (those September-October foliage weeks), $75 for kids, and they actually jack it up to $100 during prime foliage time. Book online in advance because they sell out constantly, especially weekends. The three-hour round trip includes about an hour at the 6,288-foot summit, where you’ll find the Sherman Adams Visitor Center with a cafeteria, gift shops, and that famous Mount Washington Observatory.
Here’s the thing – the weather up there is absolutely insane and can change in minutes. I’ve been up there in July wearing shorts at the base and needed a winter jacket at the top. The Cog Railway runs year-round, but the summit facilities close mid-October through early May, so winter trips only go partway up.
The biodiesel trains are surprisingly smooth, and they still run a couple of coal-fired steam engines daily during summer for that authentic old-school experience. Just sit on the left side going up for the best mountain views – trust me on this one.
4. Mount Monadnock
Mount Monadnock is probably the most hiked mountain in the world, and after doing it myself about a dozen times, I can see why. At 3,165 feet, it’s not New Hampshire’s highest peak, but man, the 360-degree views from the top are absolutely insane.
The White Dot Trail and White Arrow Trail are your two main routes to the summit. White Dot is steeper and more direct (about 1.9 miles), while White Arrow is slightly longer but more gradual. Both will kick your butt – don’t let anyone tell you this is an easy hike. Plan on 3-4 hours round trip if you’re in decent shape.
Parking is $5 per vehicle at the state park, and the trails are open year-round, though winter hiking requires microspikes or crampons. What makes Mount Monadnock special is that it’s a monadnock (yeah, that’s where the term comes from) – basically a standalone mountain that rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape.
I always recommend starting early, like 7 AM, especially on weekends. The parking lot fills up fast, and you really don’t want to be hiking down those rocky sections in the dark. The summit can be 20-30 degrees colder than the base, and weather changes fast up there. But honestly, once you’re standing on those granite slabs looking out over five states, all the effort is totally worth it.
5. The Flume Gorge and Franconia Notch
The Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park is one of those spots that looks almost too perfect to be real. This 800-foot natural gorge with 70-80 foot walls is carved right through the base of Mount Liberty, and walking the boardwalk feels like you’re in some kind of fantasy movie.
Admission runs about $18 for adults, $14 for kids, and includes access to the full Flume Gorge walking loop – about 2 miles total with boardwalks and stairs. I’ve done this hike in all four seasons, and each one offers something different. Summer gives you the full waterfall experience, fall brings insane foliage, winter creates these incredible ice formations, and spring has the most dramatic water flow.
The boardwalk keeps you just a foot above the rushing brook, and you can actually feel the mist from the waterfalls. It’s pretty cool, though it can get crazy crowded on summer weekends. Try to hit it early morning or late afternoon for better photos and smaller crowds.
Franconia Notch itself is way more than just The Flume though. You’ve got incredible hiking opportunities, miles of camping at spots like Lafayette Campground, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in New Hampshire. The whole notch was carved by retreating glaciers, and you can really feel that massive geological history when you’re standing there looking up at those towering granite walls.
6. Portsmouth
Portsmouth has this perfect mix of authentic New England history and modern restaurant scene that I absolutely love. Strawbery Banke Museum (yeah, they spell it with one ‘r’) is the main attraction, and it’s actually way cooler than most outdoor history museums.
The museum covers 10 acres with about 30 historic buildings, most on their original sites dating back to the 1600s. Admission is around $20 for adults, and they’re open seasonally from late April through October. What makes it special is the costumed interpreters who actually know their stuff – I’ve had some fascinating conversations with the cooper and the women demonstrating colonial cooking techniques.
I always recommend spending at least 3-4 hours here, and your ticket is actually good for two consecutive days, which is pretty generous. The Penhallow-Cousins House has this cool interactive setup where you can actually sit on the furniture and try on period costumes.
But honestly, Portsmouth itself is just as interesting as the museum. The downtown area is packed with restaurants, breweries, and shops in beautifully preserved colonial buildings. Market Square is the heart of it all, and you can easily spend a whole afternoon just wandering around. Parking can be a pain during peak season, but there are several municipal garages within walking distance of everything.
7. Manchester
Manchester is New Hampshire’s biggest city, and it’s actually got a really solid arts and culture scene that most people don’t know about. The Currier Museum of Art is the crown jewel here – they’ve got works by Monet, Picasso, and Matisse, which is pretty impressive for a mid-sized New England city.
Museum admission runs about $15 for adults, and they’ve got this gorgeous building with both permanent and rotating exhibitions. I was honestly surprised by the quality of their collection when I first visited. They also offer tours of the Zimmerman House, which is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in New Hampshire that’s open to the public.
Downtown Manchester has really come alive in the past decade. The Millyard district, built in old textile mill buildings, is now packed with restaurants, breweries, and event spaces. Strange Brew Tavern and The Crown Tavern are both solid spots for dinner, and there are usually live music venues going on most weekends.
What I like about using Manchester as a base is the location – you’re about an hour from Boston, 45 minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee, and an hour from the White Mountains. It’s got that small city convenience without feeling too urban, and honestly, the restaurant scene rivals some much bigger cities I’ve been to.
8. Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway (locals just call it “The Kanc”) is hands down the most beautiful 34.5 miles you’ll ever drive, especially during peak foliage season. I’ve driven this route probably 50 times over the years, and it never gets old.
Running from Lincoln to Conway through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, this designated National Scenic Byway is pure eye candy. The key stops you can’t miss: Sabbaday Falls (easy paved walk to a gorgeous three-tiered waterfall), Rocky Gorge (perfect for photos), Lower Falls (great swimming holes if you can handle cold water), and the Albany Covered Bridge from the 1850s.
Peak foliage usually hits in the first two weeks of October, and traffic can be absolutely brutal on weekends – we’re talking bumper-to-bumper, stop-and-go for hours. My advice? Go early morning on weekdays if possible, or late afternoon for killer sunset shots from the Pemigewasset Overlook.
Here’s what nobody tells you: there are literally zero gas stations, restaurants, or stores along the entire route, so fuel up in Lincoln or Conway first. Cell service is spotty at best. Parking at the scenic stops requires a $5 daily pass or $30 annual White Mountain Recreation Pass. But honestly, those 2-3 hours you’ll spend driving this road (with stops) will give you some of the most spectacular mountain and foliage views anywhere in America.
- Read next: New England Road Trip Itinerary
9. Castle in the Clouds
Castle in the Clouds is this massive 1914 mansion that’s basically New Hampshire’s Downton Abbey. The Thomas Plant estate covers 5,200 acres in Moultonborough, and the mansion itself is an architectural marvel with 16 rooms and some of the most spectacular views in the Lakes Region.
Tours run about $29 for adults and include the mansion, carriage house, and grounds. What I love about this place is that it’s not just a boring house tour – they’ve got horseback riding, hiking trails, a decent restaurant on site, and trolley rides that follow the same carriage roads the original owner used in the early 1900s.
The views from up here are absolutely stunning – you can see Lake Winnipesaukee, the Ossipee Mountains, and Mount Washington on clear days. I always tell people to budget at least half a day here, especially if you want to do any of the outdoor activities or grab lunch at the Carriage House Cafe.
The property hosts live music events throughout the summer, and honestly, there are worse ways to spend an evening than listening to jazz while looking out over the New Hampshire lakes. It’s definitely touristy, but the kind of touristy that’s actually worth your time and money. Just be aware that the access road is steep and winding, so take your time driving up.
10. Keene
Keene is exactly what you picture when someone says “charming New England small town,” and I mean that in the best possible way. This place has been around since 1753, and walking through downtown feels like stepping back in time – but with good coffee shops and craft breweries.
Central Square is the heart of everything, surrounded by a perfect mix of historic buildings and modern businesses. The Colonial Theatre from 1924 is absolutely gorgeous and hosts everything from touring Broadway shows to local productions. Ticket prices are reasonable too – usually $20-40 depending on the show.
The annual Keene Pumpkin Festival (usually in October) used to hold the world record for most carved jack-o’-lanterns in one place. Even though they don’t go for records anymore, it’s still a pretty epic small-town celebration with thousands of pumpkins lining the streets.
I always recommend spending at least a few hours just wandering downtown Keene. The shops are locally owned, the restaurants are legit good (not just tourist food), and everyone’s genuinely friendly without being fake about it. If you’re into outdoor stuff, Mount Monadnock is only about 20 minutes away, and there are tons of hiking trails right in town. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why people move to small-town New Hampshire and never leave.
11. Squam Lake, Holderness
Squam Lake is where they filmed “On Golden Pond,” and honestly, it’s even more beautiful in person than it was in the movie. This lake has this perfect combination of crystal-clear water, lush forests, and classic New England charm that never gets old.
I’ve been coming here for years, and what I love most is how peaceful it is compared to the circus at Lake Winnipesaukee. You can actually hear the loons calling across the water, especially early morning or at sunset. Holderness is the main town on the lake, and it’s got that authentic small-town vibe without feeling too touristy.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is worth a visit, especially if you’ve got kids. They’ve got live animal exhibits featuring local wildlife, and their trail system gives you great lake views. Admission is around $18 for adults, $13 for kids. The center does excellent work with wildlife rehabilitation, and you can often see bears, bobcats, and eagles up close.
For getting out on the water, there are several boat launch sites, and kayak rentals are available from local outfitters. The water stays pretty cold even in summer (typical New Hampshire mountain lake), but swimming is definitely doable by July and August. I always recommend bringing a picnic and finding one of the quieter coves – it’s about as close to perfect as lakeside relaxation gets. The whole area is only a couple hours from Boston, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
12. Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach is New Hampshire’s classic seaside destination, and while it can get pretty crowded in summer, there’s something undeniably fun about the whole boardwalk scene. The beach itself is wide, sandy, and perfect for spending a day in the sun.
Wednesday night fireworks from June through August are legitimately awesome – they shoot them right off the beach, so grab a spot on the sand with a blanket and some snacks. The Casino Ballroom (it’s not actually a casino, just an old-school concert venue) hosts some surprisingly big-name acts throughout the summer. I’ve seen everyone from classic rock tribute bands to current pop stars here.
Summer events are nonstop: Children’s Week in August with parades and activities, the Master Sand Sculpting Competition in June, Talent Competitions, and the massive Seafood Festival in September ($15 admission, but totally worth it for the food alone). There are over 80 free concerts on the Seashell Stage throughout the summer too.
Parking is definitely a challenge – arrive early or you’ll be walking several blocks from paid lots that run $10-20 per day. The beach gets absolutely packed on summer weekends, but that’s part of the experience. I actually prefer visiting in late September when the crowds thin out but the weather’s still decent. The arcade games, fried dough, and general carnival atmosphere might be cheesy, but honestly, sometimes cheesy is exactly what you need for a good beach day.
Set Out for the Best Places to Visit in New Hampshire
I hope you will find the above-mentioned list of New Hampshire destinations helpful for shortlisting your ideal bucket list for your trip to the region.
There is plenty for you to explore in this gem of a state. From surreal ocean sightings to gorgeous beaches, from phenomenal mountains to outlets of history and culture, everyone can find something to love about New Hampshire.
There are several kinds of fun activities that you can partake in during your trip. Whether you are envisioning hiking with your partner in your dream vacation or want to go kayaking for miles on sublime waters, New Hampshire is where you can do it all.
So stop procrastinating, and start planning your things to do in New Hampshire today!
Check out more of my favorite travel destinations in the blog posts below!
– Top Lake Winnipesaukee House Rentals: Lake Houses + Vacation Rentals
– The Ultimate New England Road Trip Itinerary in 2024
– 37 Unique Airbnbs in New England: Cabins + Treehouse Vacation Rentals
– 24 Best Hikes in New England: Mountain Hikes, Backpacking + More
– 18 Coastal Towns in Maine for the Ultimate Beach Getaway
