New Hampshire is one of the most scenic travel destinations in New England, known for its rugged mountains, covered bridges, autumn foliage, lake towns, historic seacoast, waterfalls, ski resorts, small villages and classic road trips. Although it is a compact state, New Hampshire offers a rich mix of outdoor adventure, coastal charm, mountain scenery and historic attractions.
From the dramatic peaks of the White Mountains to the harbour streets of Portsmouth, the lake scenery around Lake Winnipesaukee, the summit of Mount Washington, the family attractions of North Conway and the quiet beauty of the Great North Woods, New Hampshire is ideal for nature lovers, families, couples, hikers, skiers and road-trip travellers.
Why Visit New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is perfect for travellers who enjoy mountains, lakes, forests and charming small towns. The state is especially famous for autumn foliage, scenic drives, covered bridges and outdoor recreation in every season.
In summer, visitors can hike, swim, kayak, take scenic train rides and explore lake towns. In autumn, the White Mountains and Kancamagus Highway become one of the best foliage destinations in the United States. In winter, New Hampshire is popular for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cosy mountain escapes. Spring brings waterfalls, quieter trails and fresh green scenery.
Best Places to Visit in New Hampshire
White Mountains
The White Mountains are New Hampshire’s most famous natural region and one of the best outdoor destinations in New England. This mountain area is known for hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic drives, ski resorts, covered bridges, forests, mountain passes and dramatic viewpoints.
Visitors can explore Franconia Notch, Mount Washington, Crawford Notch, North Conway, Lincoln, Woodstock, Pinkham Notch and the Kancamagus Highway. The region is especially beautiful in autumn, but it is worth visiting year-round.
Best for: hiking, scenic drives, waterfalls, skiing, fall foliage, photography and outdoor adventure.
Mount Washington
Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern United States and one of New Hampshire’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can reach the summit by hiking, driving the Mount Washington Auto Road in season, or taking the Mount Washington Cog Railway when operating.
The summit is known for extreme weather, sweeping views and a true alpine feel. Even in summer, conditions can be cold and windy, so visitors should bring layers and check weather conditions before going.
Best for: mountain views, scenic drives, train rides, hiking, photography and iconic New Hampshire experiences.
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is one of the most spectacular places in New Hampshire. Located in the heart of the White Mountains, it follows a dramatic mountain pass between the Kinsman and Franconia ranges. Official New Hampshire State Parks information describes the notch as a spectacular mountain pass with a parkway extending from Flume Gorge to Echo Lake. 2
Popular stops include Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, Artists Bluff, the Basin, Lafayette Place Campground and scenic viewpoints along Franconia Notch Parkway. It is one of the best places in the state for a classic mountain day trip.
Best for: families, hiking, scenic drives, waterfalls, lake views, autumn colour and first-time visitors.
Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge is one of the signature attractions in Franconia Notch State Park. It features a narrow natural gorge, boardwalks, waterfalls, covered bridges and forest scenery.
The walk through the gorge is especially memorable because of the close-up rock walls and rushing water. It is a popular attraction, so arriving early during peak summer and autumn periods is a good idea.
Best for: families, photography, short walks, waterfalls, geology and White Mountains sightseeing.
North Conway
North Conway is one of the best mountain towns in New Hampshire. It is known for outlet shopping, restaurants, scenic railways, covered bridges, ski areas, family attractions and easy access to the White Mountain National Forest.
Visitors can ride the Conway Scenic Railroad, explore nearby waterfalls, drive the Kancamagus Highway, shop in the village, visit Cathedral Ledge and enjoy mountain views from several nearby lookouts.
Best for: families, shopping, scenic train rides, mountain views, skiing and White Mountains road trips.
Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in New England. It runs through the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway, passing forests, rivers, mountain views, picnic areas, trailheads and scenic overlooks.
The drive is especially famous during fall foliage season, when the surrounding forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. Popular stops include Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge, Lower Falls, Albany Covered Bridge and several mountain overlooks.
Best for: scenic drives, fall foliage, photography, waterfalls, hiking stops and road trips.
Lincoln and Woodstock
Lincoln and North Woodstock are popular base towns for exploring the western White Mountains. They are close to Franconia Notch, the Kancamagus Highway, Loon Mountain, Flume Gorge and several family attractions.
Visitors can stay in lodges, cabins or hotels, enjoy local restaurants, take mountain adventures at Loon, visit waterfalls and use the area as a practical base for hiking or skiing.
Best for: White Mountains access, families, skiing, hiking, scenic drives and weekend escapes.
Loon Mountain
Loon Mountain is one of New Hampshire’s best-known ski and mountain resort areas. In winter, it is popular for skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, visitors can enjoy gondola rides, mountain views, hiking, ziplining and outdoor activities.
It is close to Lincoln, making it easy to combine with Franconia Notch and the Kancamagus Highway.
Best for: skiing, family adventures, mountain views, summer activities and White Mountains holidays.
Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park is another beautiful mountain pass in the White Mountains. It is known for waterfalls, hiking trails, cliffs, scenic roads and historic mountain scenery.
Popular nearby attractions include Arethusa Falls, Willey House, Mount Willard and dramatic roadside views. The Mount Willard hike is one of the best moderate hikes for broad views over the notch.
Best for: hiking, waterfalls, scenic drives, photography and mountain views.
Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s largest and most famous lake. It is the centre of the Lakes Region and a favourite summer destination for boating, swimming, fishing, lake cruises, waterfront dining and family holidays.
Popular towns around the lake include Meredith, Wolfeboro, Laconia, Weirs Beach, Alton Bay and Moultonborough. Visitors can take a cruise, rent a boat, relax by the water, explore lakeside shops and enjoy classic New England lake scenery.
Best for: lake holidays, boating, families, summer trips, fishing, waterfront dining and relaxed escapes.
Meredith
Meredith is one of the prettiest towns on Lake Winnipesaukee. It has a walkable waterfront, restaurants, shops, lake views and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy lakeside dining, browse local stores, take a boat cruise and use Meredith as a base for exploring the wider Lakes Region.
Best for: couples, lake views, dining, shopping, boating and Lakes Region stays.
Wolfeboro
Wolfeboro is a charming Lake Winnipesaukee town often described as one of the oldest summer resort communities in the United States. It offers lakefront walks, shops, museums, restaurants and a quieter feel than some of the busier lake areas.
It is a good choice for travellers who want a classic lakeside village atmosphere.
Best for: small-town charm, lake views, museums, couples and relaxed summer stays.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is New Hampshire’s most attractive seacoast city. It is known for historic streets, harbour views, restaurants, shops, galleries, live entertainment and nearby beaches. Official Portsmouth tourism highlights dining, theatre, music, sailing, whale watching, walking tours, historic sites and year-round exploring. 3
Visitors can walk through Market Square, explore Strawbery Banke Museum, visit Prescott Park, take a harbour cruise, enjoy seafood and browse independent shops. Portsmouth is compact, walkable and ideal for a romantic weekend or coastal city break.
Best for: food, history, harbour views, couples, shopping, seafood and coastal weekends.
Strawbery Banke Museum
Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth is one of New Hampshire’s best history attractions. It preserves historic buildings and tells stories of the people who lived and worked in the area across several centuries.
The museum is especially good for visitors who enjoy living history, architecture, gardens and local heritage.
Best for: history, families, architecture, gardens and Portsmouth sightseeing.
Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach is New Hampshire’s best-known beach destination. It has a wide sandy beach, boardwalk-style attractions, restaurants, live entertainment, summer events and a lively seaside atmosphere.
It is best for travellers who want a classic beach holiday with food, amusements and easy facilities rather than a quiet coastal escape.
Best for: families, beach days, summer fun, nightlife, casual food and seaside entertainment.
Rye and the New Hampshire Seacoast
Rye offers a quieter coastal experience than Hampton Beach. It has rocky shoreline, state beaches, seafood spots, ocean views and access to scenic drives along New Hampshire’s short but beautiful coastline.
Nearby places such as Odiorne Point State Park and Wallis Sands State Beach are good options for coastal walks, picnics and sea views.
Best for: coastal walks, beaches, seafood, photography and quieter seacoast trips.
Odiorne Point State Park
Odiorne Point State Park is one of the best places on the New Hampshire seacoast for nature, history and ocean views. It offers shoreline trails, picnic areas, coastal scenery and the Seacoast Science Center.
The park is a good family-friendly stop near Portsmouth and Rye.
Best for: families, coastal walks, tide pools, science exhibits and ocean views.
Concord
Concord is New Hampshire’s capital and a pleasant stop for history, museums, dining and state government landmarks. It has a compact downtown, local shops, restaurants and the New Hampshire State House.
Visitors can walk through downtown, tour historic areas, visit museums and use Concord as a base for central New Hampshire trips.
Best for: state history, food, museums, shopping and central New Hampshire road trips.
Manchester
Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city and a useful travel hub. It has museums, restaurants, historic mill buildings, riverfront areas and access to southern New Hampshire attractions.
Top places include the Currier Museum of Art, the Millyard Museum and local dining districts. Manchester is also a practical arrival point because of its airport and central location.
Best for: museums, food, city stays, airport access and southern New Hampshire travel.
Hanover
Hanover is a beautiful college town on the Connecticut River, home to Dartmouth College. It has a leafy campus, bookshops, cafes, museums, trails and a refined small-town atmosphere.
Visitors can walk around Dartmouth’s campus, explore local shops, visit the Hood Museum of Art and enjoy nearby outdoor areas. Hanover is especially appealing for travellers who enjoy university towns and quiet cultural stops.
Best for: college-town charm, museums, cafes, books, river scenery and cultural travel.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish preserves the home and studio of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The National Park Service describes it as a place where art, history and nature come together, with gardens, bronze sculptures and links to the Cornish Colony of artists. 4
It is one of the most peaceful and distinctive national park sites in New Hampshire, ideal for visitors who enjoy art, gardens, historic homes and quiet landscapes.
Best for: art lovers, history, gardens, quiet walks, photography and cultural road trips.
Keene
Keene is a charming town in southwestern New Hampshire, known for its wide Main Street, local shops, cafes, college-town feel and access to the Monadnock Region.
It is a good base for exploring Mount Monadnock, covered bridges, small villages and scenic backroads.
Best for: small-town charm, cafes, shopping, college-town atmosphere and Monadnock Region trips.
Mount Monadnock
Mount Monadnock is one of New Hampshire’s most popular hiking destinations. It stands in the southwest of the state and offers broad views from its rocky summit.
The hike is rewarding but can be steep and exposed near the top, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes, bring water and check conditions before starting.
Best for: hiking, summit views, photography, outdoor fitness and day trips from southern New Hampshire.
Monadnock Region
The Monadnock Region is a peaceful area of southwestern New Hampshire known for small towns, covered bridges, farms, hiking, lakes and scenic country roads.
Good stops include Keene, Peterborough, Jaffrey, Harrisville and several historic villages. It is ideal for travellers who want a quieter alternative to the busy White Mountains.
Best for: covered bridges, small towns, hiking, scenic drives, autumn colour and quiet weekends.
Peterborough
Peterborough is one of New Hampshire’s most charming small towns. It has galleries, shops, cafes, historic buildings, river views and easy access to Mount Monadnock and the surrounding countryside.
The town is ideal for a relaxed weekend, especially for visitors who enjoy arts, independent shops and a peaceful village atmosphere.
Best for: couples, arts, shopping, small-town charm, scenic drives and quiet escapes.
Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region
The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region combines college-town culture, lake scenery, covered bridges, small villages and mountain views. It includes Hanover, New London, Sunapee, Cornish and nearby towns.
Visitors can explore Dartmouth College, relax around Lake Sunapee, visit Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park and enjoy scenic drives through western New Hampshire.
Best for: lake stays, college towns, art, history, covered bridges and relaxed road trips.
Lake Sunapee
Lake Sunapee is a beautiful lake destination in western New Hampshire. It is popular for boating, swimming, fishing, lake cruises, waterfront dining and summer stays.
Nearby Mount Sunapee Resort offers skiing in winter and outdoor recreation in warmer months, making the region appealing year-round.
Best for: lake holidays, boating, families, skiing, summer escapes and quiet weekends.
Great North Woods
The Great North Woods is New Hampshire’s northern wilderness region, known for lakes, forests, moose habitat, rivers, remote roads and outdoor recreation. It offers a quieter and more rugged experience than the White Mountains.
Visitors can explore Pittsburg, the Connecticut Lakes, Dixville Notch, ATV trails, snowmobile routes, fishing areas and wildlife viewing spots.
Best for: moose watching, fishing, snowmobiling, remote drives, wildlife and quiet outdoor travel.
Pittsburg and the Connecticut Lakes
Pittsburg is one of the northernmost towns in New Hampshire and a gateway to the Connecticut Lakes region. It is popular for fishing, boating, snowmobiling, ATV riding, wildlife viewing and cabin stays.
This is a good destination for travellers who want remote scenery, fewer crowds and a true northern New England wilderness feel.
Best for: cabins, fishing, wildlife, snowmobiling, remote lakes and peaceful escapes.
Dixville Notch
Dixville Notch is a dramatic mountain pass in northern New Hampshire, known for rugged scenery, waterfalls, hiking and remote views. It is less crowded than Franconia Notch but still offers impressive mountain atmosphere.
The region is especially appealing for scenic drives and quiet outdoor stops in the far north of the state.
Best for: scenic drives, photography, hiking, waterfalls and remote mountain scenery.
Squam Lake
Squam Lake is one of New Hampshire’s most peaceful lake destinations. It is quieter and less developed than Lake Winnipesaukee, with forested shores, islands, wildlife and a calm natural feel.
Visitors can take nature cruises, kayak, fish, stay in nearby Holderness or explore the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
Best for: peaceful lake scenery, kayaking, wildlife, couples, families and quiet retreats.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a family-friendly attraction near Holderness that focuses on New Hampshire wildlife, ecology and outdoor learning.
It pairs well with a Squam Lake visit and is especially good for families travelling with children.
Best for: families, wildlife, nature learning, lake trips and rainy-day alternatives.
Covered Bridges of New Hampshire
New Hampshire is known for its covered bridges, many of which sit in scenic village, river or mountain settings. They are especially beautiful in autumn and make excellent stops on a road trip.
Notable covered bridges can be found around the White Mountains, Monadnock Region, Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region and rural western New Hampshire. Popular examples include Albany Covered Bridge, Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge, Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge and several smaller village bridges.
Best for: photography, scenic drives, history, autumn trips and classic New England charm.
Best State Parks in New Hampshire
- Franconia Notch State Park: Best for Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, hiking and iconic White Mountains scenery.
- Mount Washington State Park: Best for summit views, alpine scenery and a classic New Hampshire experience.
- Crawford Notch State Park: Best for waterfalls, hiking and dramatic mountain-pass scenery.
- Odiorne Point State Park: Best for seacoast trails, ocean views and family-friendly nature.
- Monadnock State Park: Best for hiking Mount Monadnock and enjoying summit views.
- Bear Brook State Park: Best for camping, hiking, biking and outdoor recreation near Concord and Manchester.
- Mount Sunapee State Park: Best for lake access, mountain recreation and skiing nearby.
- Echo Lake State Park: Best for swimming, Cathedral Ledge views and North Conway-area sightseeing.
Best Places in New Hampshire for Families
- North Conway: Scenic railways, shopping, family attractions, mountain views and White Mountains access.
- Franconia Notch: Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain and easy scenic stops.
- Lake Winnipesaukee: Boating, swimming, cruises, lake towns and summer holiday fun.
- Hampton Beach: Sand, entertainment, casual food and classic beach activities.
- Portsmouth: Historic sites, harbour cruises, museums, shops and seafood.
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Wildlife, nature learning and family-friendly trails.
- Story Land area: Family attractions near Glen and North Conway.
- Mount Washington Cog Railway: A memorable mountain train experience when operating.
Best Small Towns to Visit in New Hampshire
- North Conway: Mountain views, shops, railways and White Mountains access.
- Meredith: Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront, dining and relaxed lake-town charm.
- Wolfeboro: Classic lake village atmosphere and quiet summer stays.
- Peterborough: Arts, cafes, small-town charm and Monadnock Region scenery.
- Hanover: Dartmouth College, museums, cafes and Connecticut River scenery.
- Littleton: White Mountains access, riverfront walks, shops and a pleasant main street.
- Sugar Hill: Mountain views, rural beauty and classic northern New Hampshire atmosphere.
- Jackson: Covered bridges, inns, mountain scenery and romantic White Mountains stays.
Best Outdoor Adventures in New Hampshire
- Drive the Kancamagus Highway: Enjoy one of New England’s most famous scenic roads.
- Hike in the White Mountains: Choose trails around Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, Pinkham Notch or Mount Washington.
- Visit Flume Gorge: Walk through a dramatic natural gorge with waterfalls and boardwalks.
- Climb Mount Monadnock: Take on one of the state’s classic summit hikes.
- Explore Lake Winnipesaukee: Boat, swim, fish or take a scenic cruise.
- Ski in winter: Try resorts around North Conway, Lincoln, Bretton Woods, Sunapee and the White Mountains.
- Go waterfall hunting: Visit Sabbaday Falls, Arethusa Falls, Diana’s Baths and other scenic falls.
- Watch for moose in the north: Explore the Great North Woods and remote roads carefully and respectfully.
Best Scenic Drives in New Hampshire
- Kancamagus Highway: Best for fall foliage, mountain views, waterfalls and White Mountain scenery.
- Franconia Notch Parkway: Best for dramatic peaks, Flume Gorge, Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain.
- Mount Washington Auto Road: Best for a summit drive and dramatic mountain views when open.
- White Mountains Trail: A classic loop through North Conway, Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch and the Lakes Region.
- Lake Winnipesaukee loop: Best for lake towns, waterfront views and relaxed summer driving.
- New Hampshire Seacoast drive: Best for Portsmouth, Rye, Hampton Beach and ocean views.
- Great North Woods drive: Best for remote scenery, forests, lakes, wildlife and quiet roads.
- Monadnock Region backroads: Best for covered bridges, small towns, farms and autumn colour.
Best Places in New Hampshire for History and Culture
- Portsmouth: Historic harbour streets, Strawbery Banke Museum, waterfront history and seacoast culture.
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park: Art, gardens, sculpture and Cornish Colony history.
- Concord: State history, government buildings, museums and local dining.
- Hanover: Dartmouth College, museums, bookshops and university-town culture.
- Manchester: Mill history, museums, art and southern New Hampshire culture.
- Covered bridge routes: Historic bridges, village scenery and classic New England architecture.
- Canterbury Shaker Village: Shaker history, architecture and rural heritage.
- Littleton and Bethlehem: Small-town mountain culture, galleries, shops and historic main streets.
Best Time to Visit New Hampshire
New Hampshire can be visited year-round, but each season offers a different experience.
- Spring: Good for waterfalls, quieter towns, fresh greenery and lower-crowd road trips.
- Summer: Best for lake holidays, hiking, beach trips, mountain attractions, scenic railways and family travel.
- Autumn: Best for fall foliage, scenic drives, photography, covered bridges and cosy town stays.
- Winter: Best for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter scenery and mountain lodges.
For a first visit, summer and autumn are the easiest seasons. Summer is best for lakes and outdoor activities, while autumn is the most scenic season for foliage drives through the White Mountains and rural villages.
Suggested 7-Day New Hampshire Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Portsmouth and the Seacoast
Start in Portsmouth. Explore Market Square, Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park and the waterfront. Enjoy seafood and a harbour walk in the evening.
Day 2: Hampton Beach, Rye and Concord
Spend the morning along the coast at Rye, Odiorne Point or Hampton Beach, then drive inland to Concord for state history, local shops and dinner.
Day 3: Lake Winnipesaukee
Travel to the Lakes Region. Visit Meredith, Wolfeboro or Weirs Beach, take a lake cruise, enjoy waterfront dining and relax by the water.
Day 4: North Conway
Drive north to North Conway. Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad, shop in the village, visit Cathedral Ledge or Echo Lake and enjoy mountain-town dining.
Day 5: Kancamagus Highway
Drive the Kancamagus Highway from Conway toward Lincoln. Stop at waterfalls, river viewpoints, covered bridges and scenic overlooks. Stay in Lincoln, Woodstock or nearby.
Day 6: Franconia Notch State Park
Spend the day in Franconia Notch. Visit Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, the Basin, Cannon Mountain or Artists Bluff, depending on your interests and fitness level.
Day 7: Mount Washington or Crawford Notch
Finish with Mount Washington, the Cog Railway, Pinkham Notch or Crawford Notch State Park. Choose based on weather, season and how much hiking or sightseeing you want.
Longer 10-Day New Hampshire Itinerary
- Days 1 to 2: Portsmouth, Rye, Hampton Beach and the New Hampshire Seacoast.
- Day 3: Concord, Manchester or Canterbury Shaker Village.
- Day 4: Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith, Wolfeboro and Squam Lake.
- Days 5 to 6: North Conway, Jackson, Cathedral Ledge and White Mountains attractions.
- Day 7: Kancamagus Highway, waterfalls and Lincoln.
- Day 8: Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain.
- Day 9: Mount Washington, Crawford Notch or Bretton Woods.
- Day 10: Hanover, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, Lake Sunapee or the Monadnock Region.
Travel Tips for Visiting New Hampshire
- Rent a car: New Hampshire is best explored by road, especially for the White Mountains, lakes, covered bridges and small towns.
- Book autumn stays early: Fall foliage season is extremely popular, especially in the White Mountains.
- Check mountain weather: Weather can change quickly around Mount Washington and high-elevation trails.
- Pack layers: Mountain and coastal temperatures can differ significantly, even on the same day.
- Wear proper shoes: Trails, gorge walks, waterfalls and rocky viewpoints require sturdy footwear.
- Plan around traffic: Scenic drives such as the Kancamagus Highway can be busy during peak foliage weekends.
- Respect water safety: Rivers, waterfalls and mountain streams can be slippery and fast-moving.
- Try local food: Look for maple syrup, cider doughnuts, seafood, lobster rolls, farm stands, craft beer and classic New England breakfasts.
- Check attraction seasons: Scenic railways, gondolas, summit roads and some family attractions operate seasonally.
- Slow down: New Hampshire is best enjoyed through scenic stops, small towns, covered bridges and quiet mountain views.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a compact state with an impressive variety of travel experiences. It offers rugged mountains, peaceful lakes, historic seacoast towns, covered bridges, ski resorts, waterfalls, scenic drives and some of New England’s best autumn foliage.
For a first visit, consider Portsmouth, Lake Winnipesaukee, North Conway, the Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch, Mount Washington and Crawford Notch. Travellers with more time should add Hanover, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, Lake Sunapee, Mount Monadnock, the Great North Woods, Squam Lake and the Monadnock Region.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, romantic mountain escape, autumn foliage road trip, ski weekend or summer lake stay, New Hampshire offers classic New England beauty in every season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New Hampshire
What is the prettiest place in New Hampshire?
Some of the prettiest places in New Hampshire include Franconia Notch, Mount Washington, the Kancamagus Highway, Lake Winnipesaukee, Crawford Notch, North Conway, Portsmouth, Squam Lake and the Great North Woods.
What is New Hampshire best known for?
New Hampshire is best known for the White Mountains, fall foliage, Mount Washington, Lake Winnipesaukee, covered bridges, Portsmouth, ski resorts, scenic drives, maple syrup and classic New England small towns.
Is New Hampshire good for a family holiday?
Yes, New Hampshire is excellent for families. Families can visit North Conway, Franconia Notch, Flume Gorge, Lake Winnipesaukee, Hampton Beach, Portsmouth, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and White Mountains family attractions.
How many days do you need to visit New Hampshire?
You can enjoy one region of New Hampshire in 2 to 3 days, such as Portsmouth, the Lakes Region or the White Mountains. For a broader road trip covering the seacoast, lakes and mountains, 7 days is ideal.
What is the best time of year to visit New Hampshire?
Summer is best for lakes, hiking, beaches and family attractions. Autumn is best for foliage, scenic drives and photography. Winter is best for skiing and cosy mountain stays, while spring is good for waterfalls and quieter travel.
Is New Hampshire good for a road trip?
Yes, New Hampshire is excellent for a road trip. Popular routes include the Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch Parkway, the White Mountains Trail, the Lake Winnipesaukee loop, the New Hampshire Seacoast drive and Monadnock Region backroads.
Where should first-time visitors go in New Hampshire?
First-time visitors should consider Portsmouth, Lake Winnipesaukee, North Conway, the Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch State Park, Mount Washington, Crawford Notch and the White Mountains.
Does New Hampshire have good hiking?
Yes, New Hampshire has excellent hiking, especially in the White Mountains, Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, Mount Monadnock, Mount Washington, Pinkham Notch and the Great North Woods.
What are the best small towns in New Hampshire?
Some of the best small towns in New Hampshire include North Conway, Meredith, Wolfeboro, Peterborough, Hanover, Littleton, Sugar Hill, Jackson and Portsmouth.
What should I pack for a New Hampshire trip?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a rain jacket, sun protection, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle. For mountain trips, bring warmer layers and sturdy footwear. For lake or beach trips, bring swimwear, towels and casual summer clothing.