The Granite State is home to a sizable number of outdoor pursuits and activities, popular destinations for fun, venues for exhibits, and significant locations. Despite being a small state, visitors will find plenty of things to do in New Hampshire that includes activities and attractions of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire provides many opportunities for outdoor reproduction, from its 18 miles of shoreline to its midway-located Lakes Region to the approaching New Hampshire’s White Mountains up north.
Additionally, there are enjoyable carnivals, iconic locations, and thought-provoking historical sites to explore while visiting the Granite State. Here are a few ‘New Hampshire attractions.
Top 15 Things to Do in New Hampshire
1. Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
The Lost River Gorge is the best place to visit in New Hampshire since it offers an enjoyable outdoor experience and a cool natural attraction. The Gorge Trail is a 1-mile boardwalk circle trail that is open annually.
It has over 1,000 stairs, so be careful to dress appropriately for the weather and wear strong footwear. As a bonus to the scenic trails. There are beautiful places to halt along the route and take in Lost River and its gorge-side cascading waterfalls.
Most of the cave crawls may be avoided, which is appreciated by recent visitors to this White Mountains site.
Less than 6 miles separate Lost River Gorge from Main Street in North Woodstock, where The Wilderness Inn Bed & Breakfast hosts overnight visitors in a craftsman-style 1912 house.
So, if you are around the Lost River, consider the above fun activities and dope visits as your things to do in New Hampshire as a holiday spot.
2. Mount Washington Cog Railway
Take the Mount Washington Cog Railway up to the top of New England’s tallest mountain. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is situated in the White Mountains, which is near Bretton Woods.
You may reach the 6,288-foot Mount Washington top in less than an hour by riding one of the specially made biodiesel train rides across three climatic zones and a series of steep inclines.
You can select to ride a vintage steam locomotive at specific times of the year when you purchase your tickets online.
Depending on the weather and the train excursion chosen, the schedule and cost may change. In the summer, the Cog Railway offers numerous daily trips to the summit, with a visitor center and rooftop viewing deck.
The grand and opulent Omni Mount Washington Resort, with a variety of dining options, is located close to Bretton Woods in the White Mountains and is home to the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
Hiking trails will raise the fun. New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Auto Road, formerly known as the Mount Washington Carriage Road, is a 7.6-mile toll road. The Washington auto road is worth the penny.
This lake is the largest lake in the state and one of the most well-liked summer vacation destinations in New Hampshire for outdoor adventures.
Families swarm to Lake Winnipesaukee to go boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing on the glistening water that is encircled by dense forests and towering mountains. Family-friendly activities abound in the resort communities that surround Lake Winnipesaukee, such as vintage arcades, go-kart tracks, and mini-golf.
There are various places to stay in the area, including vacation homes, lakefront cottages, low-cost motels, and tiny inns.
3. North Conway
North Conway, located in the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire, is a fantastic holiday destination for anyone who enjoys breathtaking trains. North Conway evenly features covered bridges.
North Conway could be an ideal location for outdoor activities. If you’re traveling with children, the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort can be a fantastic option because your overnight stay includes access to the on-site indoor Kahuna Laguna Water Park.
The covered bridges provide scenic views. Within a few kilometers, it is also known as North Conway Village.
4. Hampton Beach State Park
In the summer, Hampton Beach State Park is crowded with visitors, especially on hot, sunny weekends. Visiting this place would be among the best things to do in New Hampshire during the summer.
It costs nothing to stroll along the expansive sandy beach or to have a daylong picnic under an umbrella at Hampton Beach state park. Parking is fee-based, so recent visitors advise making reservations in advance at the New Hampshire State Park website.
If you don’t, you’ll likely have to look for a metered space on a first-come, first-served basis around the city.
The storied Hampton Beach Casino, which opened its doors in 1899, is located directly across from the beach. This state park is brimming with family-friendly arcade games, little amusement rides, food, and souvenir shops.
The only full-service hotel in the neighborhood and one with an oceanfront location is the Ashworth by the Sea.
Did you know?
Privately owned tourist destination and archaeological site, America’s Stonehenge. Harvey Fite created America’s Stonehenge.
5. Lincoln
A fantastic starting point for exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire is Lincoln. The small town is home to Loon Mountain Resort, which offers a zip line, gondola rides, bicycling, hiking in the summer, skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing in the winter.
Other nearby hot-weather activities include Flume Gorge, Hobo Railroad, Clark’s Bears, and Whale’s Tale Water Park.
If you’re planning a romantic holiday to the White Mountains, think about reserving one of the five rooms at the Red Sleigh Inn, a charming bed and breakfast housed in a 1902 colonial-style house.
Previous guests have exclaimed how many free snacks and beverages are always available in the common area as well as how satisfying the two-course breakfast is. So what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage and experience the white mountains vibes.
6. McAuliffe-Shephard Discovery Center
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord celebrates two New Hampshire citizens: Sharon Christa McCauliffe, a teacher who was on board the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986, which tragically exploded shortly after takeoff, and Alan Shepard, the first American to journey into space in 1961.
Through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and planetarium shows, visitors to this family-friendly attraction may learn about space exploration and space science.
If you’re searching for something unique and historic, consider The Centennial Hotel, which is housed in a 19th-century mansion in the capital of New Hampshire.
7. Prescott Park
Visitors visiting Prescott Park in Portsmouth, a seaside city, gush over the gorgeous flowers and attractive plants. As well as the fantastic job the gardeners do with the landscaping of the gardens during the summer in Prescott Park.
There are seats for rest and thought, and the 10-acre waterfront park is a beautiful location to stroll and take in the sights and scents of the tranquil setting. Prescott Park offers free entrance.
Also, the park hosts performances of theatre, concerts, and movies during the summer. The Ale House Inn, housed in a converted brewery warehouse from 1880, is conveniently close to the park.
8. Canobie Lake Park
Since it opened in 1902, Canobie Lake Park has delighted visitors with its botanical gardens, swings, canoes, and penny arcade. Today, Canobie Lake Park is a family-friendly amusement park with thrilling rides, a water park, a variety of midway games, and eateries serving classic New England dishes like lobster rolls and fried dough.
At this theme park, alongside the New England dishes, thrill coasters include the Psychodrome, a spinning, strobe-lit space, and Untamed, a roller coaster that plunges riders 97 degrees beyond vertical.
Salem, in the state’s southern region, is home to Canobie Lake Park. The theme park is available from Memorial Day Weekend through Halloween. For precise days and times of operation, consult the website calendar.
The closest motel is the straightforward, inexpensive Red Roof Inn Salem, which has received excellent reviews from previous guests for its accessible location next to I-93.
9. Russell-Colbath History Site
The Russell-Colbath Historic Site is located in Albany, New Hampshire, which is situated between the White Mountains towns of Lincoln and Conway along the Kancamagus Highway.
A modest house on the land, built-in in 1832 by the Russell family, serves as an illustration of what early settlers to the area would have lived like. From July to September, guided tours are offered.
Recent visitors laud the on-site guide, who can explain part of the history of the house and the preserved household objects on show. Until Columbus Day, the Russell-Colbath Historic Site is accessible.
The Kancamagus Swift River Inn, which is located outside of Conway along the Kancamagus Highway, has 10 peaceful and charming rooms and offers a daily continental breakfast.
Did you know?
This Harbor Trail connects more than 70 of the city’s historical sites and attractions.
10. White Mountain National Forest
You might picture Mount Washington when you hear the phrase “the White Mountains”… nonetheless, there is a tonne more! Nearly a fifth of the state of New Hampshire is covered by the White Mountain National Forest.
The White Mountains, which span 87 miles through central and northern New Hampshire and into a tiny area of western Maine, are home to state parks, unforgettable little villages, picturesque parkways, mountain ranges, waterfalls, hiking trails, and more.
Around this, you’ll get so many things to do in New Hampshire. On the way to the Natural Science center, you’ll spot native animals, including river otters, bobcats, black bears, and mountain lions. Mountain lions especially like to rest quietly in their dens in the mornings.
10.1. Franconia Notch State Park
Situated in the White Mountain National Forest is Franconia Notch, State Park.
A magnificent parkway runs through Franconia Notch State Park, which stretches from Echo Lake in the north to Flume Gorge in the south. You can say that the Franconia Notch State Park has a super geographical location.
The Old Man of the Mountain, which is also known to be the “Great Stone Face,” was immortalized by Daniel Webster and Nathaniel Hawthorne and was located in Franconia Notch.
While you’re here, visit the New England Ski Museum, ride the thrilling aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain, and stop at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center to explore the legendary Flume Gorge .
10.1.1. Flume Gorge
The magnificent canyon known as “the Flume,” which is part of Franconia Notch State Park, has a 2-mile circular trail that leads past towering granite walls, Flume Brook, which rushes nearby. Even a traditional New England-covered bridge.
You should wear supportive shoes to properly navigate the boardwalk trail at this White Mountains site because it does have a lot of steps.
In New Hampshire, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway offers not only a means of transportation. The exciting Cannon mountain aerial tramway and Flume Gorge extend for around 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.
You’ll be rewarded for taking this excursion with incredible views of New York, Maine, Vermont, and even Canada.
11. Storyland
This is most likely one of the most enjoyable sites in New Hampshire to spend the day for young children or nostalgic adults.
A large Humpty Dumpty and Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach, both of which make for excellent photo moments, are still among Storyland’s original few attractions that celebrate children’s nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
Children enjoy going to petting zoos with animals from well-known stories like “Billy Goats Gruff” and “Three Little Pigs.” Swan Boats can be operated by older kids on a calm pond.
The Bamboo Chutes flume ride and the Roar-O-Saurus wooden roller coaster are two other thrilling attractions.
The nearby Nordic Village Resort in Jackson has received excellent ratings from previous guests for its roomy lodging options, including regular king rooms, one-bedroom condominiums, and two- and three-bedroom townhouses.
12. Hood Museum of Art
The Hood Museum of Art is situated on the Dartmouth College campus in Hanover. It houses various artwork and artifacts, including contemporary indigenous Australian art and a sizable photography archive.
More than 65,000 works of art are housed in the museum’s collection, yet only a small number are ever shown to the general public. A 30- to 60-minute tour through the exhibitions is worthwhile with free entrance, according to recent museum fans.
The beautiful Hanover Inn, the only continuously running hotel in the state, is right near the Hopkins Center for the Arts and the Hood Museum.
13. Saint Gaudens National Historical Park
Saint Gaudens National Historical Park is dedicated to Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon is one of the nearby cheap hotels in the Connecticut River Valley, which is to the north.
Visitors to the Saint Gaudens National Historical Park can explore the grounds where his sculptures are on display, tour his home, and go inside his studio.
Recent visitors to Saint Gaudens National Historical Park advise seeing the visitor center’s Saint-Gaudens introduction movie if it’s accessible.
Travelers should be aware that some places are only open during certain seasons. If you want to get some exercise while visiting Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, the 100-acre property also has forested hiking paths that can be up to two miles long.
Near the Vermont border, in the center of New Hampshire, is the town of Cornish.
14. Santa’s Village
Christmas-themed amusement park in Santa’s Village has a packed celebration of the jolly old man himself as well as all the wonderful winter holiday elements, such as sleighs, sweets, elves, and reindeer.
The Reindeer Carousel, Christmas Ferris Wheel, “Santa’s Express Train,” and Yule Log Flume are among the rides at this amusement park in Jefferson that are suitable for families.
A summertime water park with slides, splash pads, and water jets is also available around Santa’s Village. The cleanliness and maintenance of Santa’s Village are noted by frequent visitors.
Santa’s Village typically has limited weekend hours in the late spring and from Labor Day through Christmas. The Coos Motor Inn in Lancaster is one affordable alternative for neighboring overnight stays. One of the best places for thrill seekers.
15. Castle in the Clouds
Within the Castle in the Clouds, you may take a tour of a historic 16-room estate on a mountainside that was constructed in 1913 and includes some early contemporary conveniences like a central vacuum system. Visitors can spend the day trekking more than 28 miles of beautiful trails.
It is free to use the trails of the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and summer walks. On-site amenities include a gift shop, cafe, and restaurant with outdoor dining and stunning views of the mountain areas and lake.
Given that Castle in the Clouds is situated in a rural area of the Lakes Region, there aren’t many hotels nearby the Castle in the Clouds.
Final Verdict
New Hampshire artists have good skills in craftmanship, which led to Hampshire-made antique furniture.
There are so many other places to go & have fun in new Hampshire that feature Portsmouth harbor trail, whale’s tale water park, outdoor history museum, amusement park, animal park, mount liberty, McAuliffe Shepard discovery center, Saco river valley, horseback riding, playing outdoor laser tag, seacoast science center, seven birches winery, historic houses, city’s historical sites, outdoor recreation, Odiorne point state park, new Hampshire’s lakes region, national historic landmark, outdoor pool and more.
The above-mentioned things to do in New Hampshire could be fascinating for thrill seekers.
Also, read Interesting Fact About Statue of Liberty.
FAQs
1. What is most famous in New Hampshire?
Granite production, its historical significance as a hub of the American Revolution, breathtaking natural scenery, and a thriving arts and cultural sector are just a few of New Hampshire’s notable attributes.
2. What kind of food is popular in New Hampshire?
Lobsters, crabs, and clams are among the delicacies that may be found along the 18-mile shoreline.
3. Which language is spoken by people in New Hampshire?
People in New Hampshire speak English, so if you are planning a visit, carry a dictionary or a translator app if you are not familiar with the language.
Last Updated on June 11, 2023 by somya909
