Are you looking for best places to Visit in New Hampshire and things to do this year? Here are some of the top spots to visit in New Hampshire that will undoubtedly entice you to return for more.
New Hampshire has the shortest coastline in the United States, at only 18 miles, of any state that borders the coast.
However, the short coast does not limit the amount of fun you may have exploring the greatest things to do and best places to visit in New Hampshire!
New Hampshire embodies a wealth of majesty and beauty in itself, from gorgeous beaches to the highest peak in the entire Northeast region. All that remains is for you to discover and enjoy the natural beauty of this location.
I’ve developed a list of destinations that I believe should be on your bucket list. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see all of these places and have a fantastic trip to New Hampshire.
Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
Best Places to Visit in New Hampshire: 10 of the Best Options
New Hampshire was one of the original 13 colonies, and as such, it has a long history. This, along with its beautiful scenery (particularly in the fall! ), draws a large number of visitors to the Granite State each year.
If you’re going to be in the state for an extended period of time, you might want to go all-in and look into some lovely New Hampshire cabin rentals to get a true sense of the wilderness here.
Finally, whether you’re in New Hampshire for two days or ten, you’ll want to make time for some of these incredible places and things to do.
1. White Mountain National Forest
When it comes to the top best places to visit in New Hampshire, White Mountain National Forest is hard to beat. The White Mountains are one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the state. People also enjoy renting Airbnbs in the White Mountains to get a true sense of being in nature.
This park’s gorgeous setting is simply one of its many amazing features. There will be other breathtakingly gorgeous mountain ranges to see, including the Presidential Range and the Sandwich Range. The park’s dense forest topography and breathtaking summits create the ideal ambiance for an ideal vacation location.
There will almost certainly be moose, black bears, and bald eagles among the animals you may encounter. Some enjoyable activities in White Mountain National Forest include:
- Camping for the night. Tourists choose to stay overnight and enjoy the tranquil, natural beauty of the woodland.
- The Appalachian Trail is ideal for a pleasant hiking adventure, as you can manoeuvre your way through the mountains and forests, soaking in the breathtaking landscape that nature has put out in front of you. There are various other pathways to explore as well.
- It is best to visit the park in the fall. The greens of the woodland is subsequently transformed into a miraculous variety of colors- yellow, red, and orange.
Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
2. Concord
Concord, the state capital, is one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire. Every year, hundreds of tourists visit the city. There is lots to do in Concord, especially if you want to visit educational institutions and attractions. It’s ideal for a family holiday.
- You can start your exploration of Concord from downtown, which has just been revitalized.
- Take a magnificent tour of the stately New Hampshire State House as your starting point.
- If you enjoy learning about the art of a particular city or region, Concord is an excellent choice. You can become acquainted with the city’s excitingly increasing art and culture scene by visiting sites such as the Capitol Center for the Arts.
- If you want to learn something new while having fun, or if you have children with you, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is also worth a visit.
- If you enjoy hiking, there are up to 30 different hiking trails to choose from. Kayaking is another activity that can be enjoyed.
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Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
3. Mt. Washington and The Cog Railway
On a clear day, the majestic Mount Washington top can be seen from as far away as four states.
Mount Washington has long been a popular New Hampshire attraction. There are various methods to reach the summit. However, the Cog Railway is the most convenient route to go to the highest point in the northern Appalachians, which is almost 6,000 feet.
The Cog Railway, which was erected in 1869, is highly unusual and has been bringing visitors up to Mount Washington’s highest level since then. Those who remember the age of coal-fired steam engines, or who have seen them in old movies, are likely to feel nostalgic while riding this train.
The Sherman Adams Visitors Center is also well worth a visit. It consists of a small museum and a cafeteria. The Mount Washington Observatory is also located nearby. This observatory is essentially a research facility that examines and evaluates weather extremes.
The reason for establishing this observatory here is that abrupt and drastic weather shifts are prevalent on the mountain. For example, the wind speed measured here in 1934 set a new world record of 234 mph, the fastest recorded wind speed outside of a tornado.
Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
4. Mount Monadnock
Mount Monadnock is another breathtaking location that many travellers consider to be one of the top locations and best places to visit in New Hampshire. The breathtaking view from the lonely mountain summit is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It is unquestionably one of the best summits in the entire New England region.
Mount Monadnock is located in southern New Hampshire and has the highest elevation in Cheshire County (3,165 feet). Given how remote and isolated the mountain peak is from other ranges, the sight is breathtaking. All of the other summits pale in comparison to Mount Monadnock’s commanding majesty. It is indeed a sight to behold, and you should not pass up the opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree perspective of the entire area.
Many people trek up to the summit, choosing any of the various trails that lead all the way to the top. The lengths and levels of difficulty of the trails vary. White Arrow Trail and White Dot Trail are two of the most popular of these paths.
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Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
5. The Flume Gorge and Franconia Notch
Despite the fact that the state of New Hampshire has multiple parks filled with ethereal, natural beauty, there are a few elements that distinguish Franconia Notch State Park.
The Flume Gorge is the most remarkable of these. Mount Liberty’s base is formed by an 800-foot-long fracture in the granite. The Flume Gorge’s walls are 70 to 80 feet high and extend all the way up and above the brook that runs through it. One can walk along the boardwalk with the water only a foot below.
Franconia is one of the most prominent notch in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. A notch is a pass formed by retreating glaciers through a mountain range. At Franconia Notch, there are miles and miles of enthralling hiking opportunities, as well as lots of camping space.
While you’re in the neighbourhood, Echo Lake State Park is another fantastic outdoor spot and best places to visit in New Hampshire where you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beach and rent some boats.
Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
6. Portsmouth
Strawbery Banke was the name of what became the first settlement in New Hampshire in 1623. This location is today known as Portsmouth, and it is a thriving tourist destination. This fantastic tourist attraction will not bore anyone looking for things to do in New Hampshire.
Strawbery Banke Museum is spread across 10 acres and consists of four-century-old homes that were once part of the ancient port area. Few residences have been renovated, and furniture has been placed in them to depict living at various eras in time.
The remaining houses have been conserved and kept in order to demonstrate the methods and practises of construction and restoration to people who are interested.
Through demonstrations offered by costumed interpreters, the Museum depicts how activities such as cooking, crafts, and so on were carried out during that time period. You may observe and understand how authentic boats are built since you will actually see boats being built.
The Period Gardens are another wonderful spot to visit in Portsmouth. The public house, which was built in 1770, and a fully equipped market from the World War II era are well worth seeing. These excellent sightseeing features, together with the regular musical and historical performances, are what keep tourists coming back to Portsmouth.
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Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
7. Manchester
Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire and is widely regarded as one of the greatest places to visit in the state. What stands out about Manchester is how colourful and alive it is, particularly in terms of arts, entertainment, sports, and culture.
Boston, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the White Mountains National Forest are all within easy driving distance of the city. You can utilise Manchester as a suitable starting point for your adventure to discover New Hampshire’s visual wonders. The Currier Museum of Art is well worth a visit, thanks to its fantastic collection of paintings by great artists like as Monet, Picasso, and Matisse.
Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
8. Castle in the Clouds
The Castle in the Clouds is a traditional 1918 manor near Moultonborough. It has a large land area of 5,200 acres.
Thomas Gustave Plant commissioned the home. He was a shoe mogul who made his fortune in the industry. After retiring at the age of 51, he commissioned Castle in the Clouds. This architectural marvel is one of the most popular tourist sites and best places to visit in New Hampshire.
When you visit the manor house, you can do the following:
- Spectacular views of Moultonborough
- Horse-riding
- The beautiful restaurant on the manor grounds
- Live music events
- The thrilling trolley ride that follows the same paths that the founders took in the 1900s
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Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
9. Keene
Keene embodies the old-world charm that only tiny communities can provide. If you wish to have a more relaxed holiday, Keene, founded in 1753, is an excellent alternative in New Hampshire.
The lovely city is ideal for walking around. So put on your explorer’s hat and take a trip down the street. The buildings, restaurants, stores, and the busy Central Square all have a distinct blend of old and modern norms.
There are various sites to see, such as the spectacular Colonial Theatre, which draws both visitors and locals. The theatre hosts a variety of music, film, and cultural activities.
Another popular event is the yearly Keene Pumpkin Festival. If you enjoy the beautiful outdoors, Keene is also a terrific area to visit. Keene has plenty of natural beauty to keep you interested and intrigued.
If you’re looking for a more quaint side of New England, Keene is likely to be one of the top best places to visit in New Hampshire for you.
Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
10. Squam Lake, Holderness
Holderness, located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, is home to the magnificent Squam Lake. Even if this is your first trip to New Hampshire, you’ve definitely seen this lake on the big screen. As gorgeous as the lake was in the film On Golden Pond, it is even more breathtaking in person.
Given its proximity to Boston, the lake is easily accessible.
Squam Lake encapsulates what is characterised as a traditional New England sightseeing experience. You will be able to hear the loons calling as you paddle across the water. This tranquilly and calm distinguishes Squam Lake from other gorgeous bodies of water in New Hampshire.
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Best Places to visit in New Hampshire
