70 Great Things to Do in New Hampshire

New Hampshire > State > Things to Do and See > 70 Great Things to Do in New Hampshire

From mountains to seacoast to its delightful small cities, New Hampshire has a multitude of wonderful things to do, all years. Interesting places to explore like America’s Stonehenge or the shops and theaters and Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth are among many of the attractions that bring loyal visitors to the Granite State year after year, in all seasons.

A popular form of accommodations is resorts – some in the mountains, some on the seacoast – because they typically welcome families and offer a wide assortment of entertainments and access to the tools (rented kayaks, canoes, snowshoes, for instance) for outdoor adventure.

Ice Castles

24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054

There’s magic in the air at this castle made entirely of ice

The photos you will take from deep inside Ice Castles in North Woodstock will be almost as amazing as the attraction itself. Made of solid ice, the walls 10 feet thick, the castles have enchanted visitors with their intricate designs, featuring towers that look like they are right out of “Lord of the Rings,” tunnels, caves, sculptures, fountains – and slides! Thousands of icicles are harvested and planted every day to keep the castles beautiful. And the effect is heightened at night, when LED lights frozen into the ice turn different colors, synchronized to music. You don’t have to be a fan of “Frozen” to find the whole experience magical. Remember to dress warmly, but in case that's not enough there's an on-site concession stand serving up hot chocolate and apple cider! Tickets are guaranteed to sell out each weekend - be sure to buy yours in advance on our website!

Whitewater Rafting - Mt. Washington Valley Chamber - North Conway, NH

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

Inspired Adventure in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Here in the mountains summer brings perfect weather for outdoor recreation and whether you prefer a tame mountain adventure or a thrilling experience you will find the right fit here. Not an adventurer? Not a problem. Take a stroll through a quintessential village, admire the local history like our famous train station, covered bridges or the highest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington. Shop tax-free at hundreds of name brand outlets, boutique and specialty stores, explore eclectic menus at a diverse selection of restaurants, discover local flavor at a brewery, or chocolatier, or relax at a spa, and delight in live music and award-winning theater. Enjoy it all from first class lodging that is convenient to everything!

Canobie Lake Park

85 North Policy Street Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-3560

Great expectations are met at this historic family fun park

With a century’s old history and an exciting approach to fun, Canobie Lake Park offers one of New England’s best family values. 85 thrill rides, family rides, water rides, and kids rides, plus indoor-outdoor games and an arcade await just 30 miles north of Boston. There’s live entertainment on two stages and the Dance Hall Theater, special events and attractions, and a dedicated Kiddieland area. More than 20 great places to eat will keep you well fed and there’s tax free shopping for souvenirs, everyday items and keepsakes. You’ll find discounts for school or company outings and summer lodging packages that include 2 tickets to the Park plus options for additional tickets at a discounted rate. Parking is always free. Canobie Lake Park was ranked as one of the 2018 top ten amusement parks in the U.S. by Time’s Money Magazine.

Sweet Sunset - Lakes Region Association - New Hampshire

Lakes Region Tourism Association

61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH, 03276 Phone: 603-286-8008 Toll-Free: 800-605-2537

Lots to love, lots to do, when winter hits the lakes region

Summer’s not the only season to celebrate the glories of central New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. When the temperatures drop and the snow falls, the Lakes Region is alive with skiers, snowboarders, ice-skaters, snow-tubers and skimobilers, visiting the nearby slopes; taking guided tours out onto the frozen lakes to catch a few fish; winter-hiking parts of the Northern Rail Trail; or enjoying sleigh rides across frozen fields. But you don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy winter here. Arrange for a spa day, take advantage of tax-free shopping in the region’s outlets and boutiques, explore a covered bridge, visit a winery or brewery; or just hunker down before the fire at one of many scenic inns.

Connect. Explore. Relax. Discover the wonders of camping in New Hampshire! Click here to get your NH camping guide.

43rd Annual New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival - Sept. 20-22, 2019 at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH. Discover Scotland - No Passport Required! Click for Tickets and Info

The White Mountains of New Hampshire - Making Memories Every Day!

Morningside Flight Park

357 Morningside Lane Charlestown, NH, 03603 Phone: 603-542-4416

Find aerial adventure at Morningside Flight Park

Seeking adventure? Morningside Flight Park is the place. Learn hang gliding, paragliding or powered paragliding at the country's most complete flight park. We've been teaching students of all ages and skill levels for over 40 years. In addition to lessons we offer tandem flights, zip-line canopy tours, kayaking and outdoor laser tag. We're located in Charlestown, NH, an easy drive from Boston, Hartford, Portland, Burlington, Montreal and New York. Come for the day or stay all weekend at our expansive campground surrounded by old-growth forest. Pitch your own tent or enjoy more comfort in a platform tent or our hilltop cabin. Morningside's campground is complete with fire pits, swimming ponds, playing fields, picnic areas, kitchen, bathhouse and breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH, 03589 Phone: 603-278-5404 Toll-Free: 800-922-8825

Climb to the clouds on New Hampshire's Cog Railway

Step aboard the Cog Railway and get ready to climb to the Northeast's highest summit, New Hampshire's Mount Washington. The three-hour trip is always an adventure. The train travels the steepest railroad tracks in North America, passing through several climate zones before reaching the top. There, on a clear day, you'll see New England spread out before you. On other days you may be above the clouds, as if you're walking about in a fairyland. There's history on the train, too. Construction of the railway was a 19th-century engineering marvel. And you won't find engines like ours anywhere else east of the Rockies. Learn all about it at our Base Station museum, where you'll also find a restaurant and gift shop. Trains run late April through November.

Lopstick Lodge

45 Stewart Young Road Pittsburg, NH, 03592 Phone: 603-538-6659 Toll-Free: 800-538-6659

Activities almost endless in this Great North Woods lodge resort

Great things to do in the Great North Woods? Of course! At Lopstick, you can enjoy them from the comfort of your cozy cabin or cottage. Ride the wilds on your ATV (there are 1,000 miles of trails over all types of terrain) or snowmobile (over groomed trails). Or take advantage of the lakes, river and secluded ponds to fish for brown, rainbow and brook trout, salmon or bass. Bring your kayak, canoe or motorboat or rent one at Lopstick. Hike up a mountain and gaze out over majestic forests (don’t forget to bring a picnic – you might want to eat by a waterfall). From hunting and ice fishing to hikes into quaint villages, this area has it all. Launch Video

Summer Dog Sled Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft Jefferson New Hampshire

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

32 Valley Road Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-545-4533

The seasons change the fun remains

Enjoy rolling dog sleds and exciting raft trips on Class II to Class 4 rapids. Muddy Paw sled tours allow you to meet the sled dogs, help the musher harness and hitch the team, enjoy the dog sled ride, and reward the sled dogs for a job well done. You’ll soak in the views and have plenty of photo opportunities. Raft NH is a family-friendly, rafting outfitter offering whitewater trips for ages 6 and up with or without experience. Trips from mild to wild offer an unforgettable adventure for everyone. The “Paws & Paddles” package combines daytime whitewater rafting and evening rolling dog sledding for a great day outdoors.

Santa's Village

528 Presidential Highway Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-586-4445

Pure Joy. Family Style. Every Summer & Christmastime, too.

Enjoy the only New England park named one of the Top 25 Amusement Parks in the USA by TripAdvisor 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH. It’s home to Santa and his reindeer, and dozens of amusement rides and shows and other attractions for families with young children. It’s the joy and excitement of Christmas morning, and every bit as memorable for the entire family. One low admission price covers an entire day of memory-making. For over 60 years and three generations, from our family to yours – oh, what fun it is! Seasons: Open Memorial Day weekend to Christmas.

Chuckster's Family Fun Park

Three Great Locations Chichester, Hooksett and Alton Bay, NH Phone: 603-798-3555

Golf, zoom around a go-kart track or fly through the air!

You might not really hit a hole-in-one on the giant mini-golf courses at Chuckster’s three New Hampshire locations. But you’ll feel like you did after spending time at these fun-filled activity parks. In Hooksett, tackle the 18-hole Fire Tower or Cave courses then let the winner buy cones at the ice cream barn. In Alton Bay, along with the golf course there's paddleboards & Kayaks available for rent so you can enjoy the lake nearby. In Chichester, if golf isn’t your thing, no worries: There’s a go-kart speedway, the TimberTrek Aerial Adventure Park where you can climb 50 feet up a tree. Feeling competitive? How about Shoot Four, a basketball version of “Connect Four,” or Shoot-N-Shower (guess what happens to the loser). Or play volleyball/basketball on trampolines or jump and flip up to 18 feet on Jumpster cables. Your little ones, 2 to 8, will love the kid’s bumper boats.

Waterville Valley Resort

33 Village Road Waterville Valley, NH, 03215 Phone: 603-468-2553 Toll-Free: 800-468-2553

Full slate of activities means boredom is banned

Whether you are seeking an adventure or just a relaxing experience, the resort at Waterville Valley has the perfect activity for you. For daring guests, there’s rock-climbing, mountain biking (down 4,000-foot mountains), skiing and snowshoeing. For those who want something a little less adrenalin-inducing, there are 100 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, a scenic chairlift up Snow’s Mountain, a Splash Pad for kids (while adults enjoy poolside cabana service), award-winning clay tennis courts, disc and regular golf courses, a year round indoor ice arena and a skateboard and inline skating park. Enjoy the water via a pedal boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Many activities are included in the price of your room with the Freedom Pass. Enjoy family time with trivia contests, bingo and live music.

Fun World

200 Daniel Webster Highway Nashua, NH, 03060 Phone: 603-888-1940

A Day of Play for the Whole Family

Time to PLAY! Fun World resembles a castle outside, but inside it’s a gigantic play space with tons of games and activities for kids from tots to the teens. More than 250 video and redemption games range in style from classic arcade favorites up to newer multiple-player games. Your kids are sure to end up happily tired after rumbling about in the three-story play space with lots of climbing structures and really long slides. Whew! Elsewhere, the Himalaya, roller coaster, and elegant Italian-built carousel will keep them fascinated and engaged. Games for older kids include Aliens, Terminator, Fast & Furious, Transformers, Ghost Squad, old-school air hockey tables and pinball games, and dance and sports games. The staff members are helpful; the cost is very reasonable.

Bike Race - Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, NH

Mt. Washington Auto Road

Route 16, Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

So much to explore on the Highest Peak in the Northeast

Due to its remarkable location, weather and history, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is unlike any other driving experience in the Eastern United States. A trip on Mt. Washington Auto Road is a one-of-a-kind experience offering ever-changing weather extremes, panoramic views and the opportunity to pass through four distinct climate zones as you climb to the highest peak in the Northeast. The constantly-changing weather adds to the allure and mystique of the famous peak, often allowing visitors to experience high winds and dramatic cloud formations. No matter the weather, the entire family will love all there is to do on the legendary Auto Road.

America's Stonehenge

105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-8300

Explore America's Oldest Known Structure

In fourteen hundred and ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But was he really the first European to reach North America? At America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire, some say there's evidence others got here first, perhaps by a thousand years. The pine woods here are full of stone megaliths like those built throughout Great Britain by Druid priests. Were they the first arrivals? Or maybe some other group with knowledge of astronomy and stone construction? Wander our woodland trails with your family, and let your kids see for themselves. We're near the New Hampshire seacoast, which makes America's Stonehenge a great destination for days when clouds keep you off the beach. We're got a picnic area, a museum, and a herd of friendly alpacas to greet you.

New Hampshire Campground Owners Association

Enjoy endless activities from New Hampshire’s campgrounds

Get away from the everyday with a visit to a New Hampshire campground. Stay in a tent, RV, cabin, cottage, lodge – even a yurt! – and enjoy activities from horseshoes and fishing to snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Hike, bike or take a cog railroad up a pine-scented mountain or kayak a pristine pond, river or lake. From your camping site in the woods, near the ocean or in a meadow, check out the Granite State’s historic sites, quintessential New England towns and acres upon acres of natural splendor. Visit our website for a handbook with all the details for individual parks, from whether they are pet-friendly to which ones have cottage rentals, pools, fireplaces, tennis courts, live music – or cable TV.

Loon Mountain Resort

60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-6281 Toll-Free: 800-229-5666

New England’s most accessible mountain resort destination

Pick a season and bring the family to Loon Mountain Resort – just 3 miles from I-93. In summer and fall, ride New Hampshire’s longest gondola skyride to the summit for breathtaking views of the White Mountains and great food at the Summit Café. Explore glacial caves and climb the observation tower. At the Adventure Center, swing through the Aerial Forest, soar across the Pemigewasset River on the zipline, beat the clock the LogJam Maze, or climb a 30-foot-tall spider web. Bunyan’s Bouncin’ Backyard has a bounce house. In winter, big mountain skiing and snowboarding features 2,100 feet of vertical with three peaks of terrain for all abilities – including an award-winning progression of terrain parks and New Hampshire’s only Superpipe. There’s also snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing.Photo Credit: Hinkley Photo

White Mountains Attractions

Visitor’s Center at Exit 32 Off I-93 North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8720 Toll-Free: 800-346-3687

Everything for a memorable vacation is here to enjoy!

Families, friends and the intrepid loner will love the White Mountains, a majestic and activity-filled area of northern New Hampshire. Pleasures and fun abound year-round in cozy hotels and resorts, great food, snowy mountain trails and pristine lakes. The best skiing, hiking and biking make any vacation memorable and so will amusement & water parks and nature walks. Explore the forests & caves along the mountainside and strap yourself in for zip lines and canopy tours. The vistas from aerial tramways, valley & mountain railroads and the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road will take you to the top of the world. And for shopping enthusiasts there's quaint family-run shops, traditional country & general stores, and modern discount outlets.

Seven Birches Winery

River Walk at Loon - 22 South Mountain Drive Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-7550

Wine-lovers, experienced and novice, will love this winery’s tours, atmosphere

Seven Birches Winery is the perfect activity for wine-lovers, whether you’re a novice or just beginning your love affair with wine. Located inside the lovely Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, the winery offers intimate meet-the-winemakers tours of its production facility, where you can see how local fruits and European grape varietals are handcrafted into very special wines. Or, just opt for a tasting off the wine menu. Knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you with a choice or order up a flight for true sampling. In the nearby Lincoln Village Shops, the winery’s Atrium Wine Bar offers tastings in a rustic atmosphere as well as easy access to the region’s finest shops and restaurants.

Bear Rock Adventures

545 Beach Road Pittsburg, NH, 03592 Phone: Toll-Free: 866-663-9777

Pick your own ATV adventure in the Great North Woods with Bear Rock Adventures

Embrace your inner trailblazer with New Hampshire’s premium Polaris outfitter, Bear Rock Adventures. As “Your Guide to the Wilds,” Bear Rock Adventures offers fully-equipped top-of-the-line ATVs and side-by-sides (2, 4 and 6-seat options) with electric start, reverse, 4-wheel drive, automatic transmissions and power steering. Get ready to experience over 1,000 miles of Ride the Wilds interconnected trails throughout Northern New Hampshire where you are free to explore the Great North Woods on half, full, or multi-day excursions. Pick your own adventure with customized itineraries, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Bear Rock Adventures is open now through September 30, 2018.

Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery

135 Main Street North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3951 Toll-Free: 800-321-3985

Beers and Brewery Tour - Why Not?

Find out how Woodstock Inn Brewery evolved from a small seven-barrel brewery to a 30-barrel, state-of-the-art solar fed facility (#PoweredByNH), distributing our year round, seasonal and limited edition beers all across New England. Each tour finishes with a chance to try five selected samples, and you go home with a pint glass, plus you might even discover what we mean when we say “Now Made With 100% More New Hampshire!” Try any of our brews at one of four on-site pubs or bring some home from the gift shop! Tours can be booked online at WoodstockInnNH.com

Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251 Toll-Free: 800-232-5251

All aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire's White Mountains

At Conway Scenic Railroad, you’ll enjoy old-fashioned train rides, all departing from a beautiful 1874 Victorian Station in North Conway Village. Whether you choose a Valley route to Conway or Bartlett, or the legendary Crawford Notch excursion, you'll experience the fun of rail travel in the comfort of open or enclosed, restored passenger cars. Coach, First Class and elegant Dining Car seating are available on all routes. Trains run rain or shine, and round-trip excursions are from 1 to 5½ hours. Schedules vary, so be sure to call 1-800-232-5251 for details, or visit our website by clicking above. Valley Trains run April 15 through December 31. The Notch Train operates June 13 through October 28. This is a journey back in time the whole family will enjoy!

Mill Falls at the Lake

312 Daniel Webster Highway Meredith, NH, 03253 Phone: 877-574-5935

Lakes region activities in a vibrant New Hampshire community

Discover great food, culture and the many pleasures of the Lake’s Region at this unique lodging on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Four distinct Inns, each with views of the lake and surrounding mountains, offer smoke free rooms, coffee makers, refrigerators and Wi-Fi. Relax in indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, on sandy beach areas and there are docks for your boat. The Mills Falls Marketplace features 11 unique shops and 8 eateries serving tasty regional cuisine from morning til night. Savor the world class Cascade Day Spa and stop in at the EKAL Lake Activity Center for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and chartered boat cruises. Be sure to walk Meredith’s vibrant Main Street Community adjacent to Mill Falls.

ELC Outdoor Adventure Outpost

983 Upton Road Errol, NH, 03579 Phone: 603-215-0002

Outdoor center has enough adventures to keep you and yours active all day

If you love adventures (and who doesn’t), you can take your pick from the offerings ELC Outdoors. Beginners to pros can experience the thrill of rafting down rapids on the Androscoggin, Megalloway, Rapid and Kennebec rivers. Or rent a canoe or kayak and paddle down the Northern Forest Canoe Trail or through the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (you might even see a moose). Want something a little ... higher in altitude? Check out the center’s two ziplines or the new 10-obstacle ropes course, suspended 12 to 40 feet above the ground. (Yes, that’s the White Mountains in the distance.) Knowledgeable and experienced guides are there to help you all the way, whether your chosen adventure is mild ... or wild.

Canterbury Shaker Village

288 Shaker Road Canterbury, NH, 03224 Phone: 603-783-9511

The simple life made extraordinary by the Shakers

The Shaker religious sect is considered by many historians to be the most successful communitarian society in American history. Throughout the 1800s some 300 members of the Shaker sect lived at the Canterbury Shaker Village site in Canterbury, NH growing their own food and supporting the community through their crafts and trades. Come see how the community thrived. Step inside 25 restored original Shaker buildings. Discover Shaker artifacts and photographs amidst 700 beautiful acres of forest, fields, gardens and mill ponds. The site offers workshops on woodworking, letterpress printing, broom making and more. Enjoy a simple lunch at the Horse Barn Cafe and shop for products made by local artisans at the Museum Store.

Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train

3 Crossing at Riverplace North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3500

A unique White Mountain culinary attraction

Plan a memorable event aboard the family owned and operated Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train. Rolling along the western slopes of the White Mountains, you’ll experience one of the region’s premier destinations majestic scenery and beautifully restored railcars, while sharing in a distinctive culinary experience. You’ll travel at a leisurely pace down and along the Pemigewasset River, through the woods, and return on the same track. Enjoy great service and plated fare highlighting quality seasonal and farm fresh ingredients from an inspired menu that offers an exceptional dining experience for you and your guests. Depart on your two-hour, 20 mile round trip in a convivial ambiance with classic cocktail offerings or one of the fine domestic or international wine selections.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

Mountain View Road Whitefield, NH, 03598 Phone: 888-260-4929

An historic resort offers endless White Mountain activities.

Offering great thing to do since 1865, the magnificent Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa features elegant and relaxed lodging and an award-winning Spa, state of the art Health and Wellness Center, a yoga studio, indoor pool, and a large dry sauna and hot tub. There are all day kid’s activity programs and even a kids’ camp called the Camp Yellow Llama. Dine all day at any of four restaurants with a 6000 bottle slate-lined wine cellar to peruse. Slip away for a romantic getaway or bring the whole family and enjoy four-season fun on the property including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor heated pools, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and more. Located nearby are fishing, boating, hiking and Santa’s Village. Fall foliage tours await, too.

Pickering Farm Quilt Shop celebrates country primitive

Penny quilts? Yes, you quilting people know what that means, and, if you don’t they are a fun way to begin quilting and making unique gifts for yourself and friends. Pickering Farm Quilt Shop at 19 Fitzwilliam Road in Richmond is in an 18th century restored barn. You will find 3000 bolts of 100 percent cotton, notions and supplies of all kinds, and hundreds of antique reproduction fabrics from 1780 to the 1930s. Also: wool for penny rugs, books and patterns, and a fabulous gift line. Fun and inspiring! Open year round Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 603-239-7550

The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company of Portsmouth

Bustling Harbor

The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company offers a boat tour of Portsmouth harbor that takes visitors deep into the heart of a working waterfront of tugboats, tankers, forts, and lighthouses. This fascinating tour takes visitors past the oldest naval yard in the country, five forts, two lighthouses, and the Olde Port waterfront. Another tour offered by the company takes visitors seven miles offshore to visit the historic and romantic Star Island, once the home of a grand hotel of the 19th century. "Walkabout" or "Stopover" cruises to Star Island offer a one-to-four-hour stopover, with time to stroll past ancient hotel buildings and a historic garden. Steamship company boats docked at 315 Market Street. 800-441-4620

Tarbin Gardens Are a Restful Retreat

Tarbin Gardens, at 321 Salisbury Road in West Franklin started as one family’s passion to carve English-style gardens from the woodlands, and ultimately evolved into a public attraction open to people who love flowering plants. Come to enjoy the Flowering trees, shrubs and perennials; observe bird, butterflies, and other fauna; take photos, draw, and learn. There is always something new in the five acres. Authentic English cream tea is served from June through September in the Rose Garden Patio. The gardens are open May through September, daily except Tuesdays. Allow at least one hour to explore the gardens. You are welcome to bring a picnic. 603-934-3518.

Come Watch the Loons

It’s hard to exaggerate the fascination inspired by loons and their mournful cries in the early morning and at dusk. To learn about these beautiful birds and to spend time in their habitat, visit the Loon Center at 183 Lees Mill Road in Moultonborough, which offers displays, video, The Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, and plenty of delightful walks along nature trails in a 200-acre sanctuary on Lake Winnipesaukee. Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from July 1 to Columbus Day and reduced hours during the rest of the year. Phone: 603-476-LOON (5666).

It’s an Island; It’s a Playground

We love strolling the streets of Portsmouth but, let’s face it, sidewalks get hot in summer. Solution: Escape to Peirce Island, a 27-acre island in the Piscataqua River, an easy hop across a bridge from the south side of the city (the island is part of and managed by the city). The island has a glorious public pool, 100 yards longs, 33 yards wide, and 14 inches down to 6 feet in depth. The public is welcome, from end of June through August. Walking trails take you to five waterfront overlooks, of Naval Shipyard, the south end of Portsmouth, and the three Piscataqua bridges. There are public boat launches and a playground. It’s like a summer day in the country next to a great small city.

Byway, Not the Highway, By the Lakes

So, what’s so great about traveling by car? To take in great sweeps of Lakes region scenery, get in your vehicle and tap into the Lakes region scenic driving tours. Several self-guided driving and walking tours are described by the people who know the area best -- the Lakes region tourism association. Scenic drives take you along Lake Winnipesaukee and around the general region, presenting grand views, lakeside villages and fun places to eat and shop. Take you time and explore the very vacation-y lakeside towns of Alton, Gilford, Weirs Beach, Meredith, Holderness, Center Harbor and Moultonborough. Plan ahead and take an afternoon or even to cruise the lake on the M/S Mount Washington out of the town of Weirs Beach. [ photo: NH Dept.of Resources and Economic Development ]

great bay national wildlife refuge newington nh

Meet Our Fabulous Wetlands

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge at 4 Arboretum Drive in Newingtonis a beautiful estuary and woodlands protected by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The refuge is open every day to the public for hiking, bird watching, photography, and other outdoor activities. Visitors will find two trails, parking lot, restroom, and an interpretive kiosk. Interpretive programs are regularly offered at the refuge. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing on these same trails are popular activities during the winter. Learn more here: Brochure.

Fruit Wines, Apple Brandy, and Vodka to Taste Year-Round

Flag Hill Vineyard and Winery at 297 North River Road in Lee has ground in 20 years from a family-operated vineyard to an established winery in this picturesque seacoast region. The winery produces more than 15 varieties of red and white wines. Flag Hill produces distilled spirits such as General John Stark Vodka and Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy. A tasting room and gift store, offering events, tours, sales, is in a post-and-beam building that once served as a barn. Open year round, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. except for major holidays. 603-659-2949.

Beach Life with Glitter at Weirs

Weirs Beach (“Where Lake Winnipesaukee Begins!”) in Laconia offers a wide, sandy beach and lots of summery beach activities for people who aren’t looking for too much serenity. The attached park is landscaped with picnic areas and play areas as well as a jetty for watching an endless parade of boats A real wooden boardwalk jumps with fun: arcades, boat cruises, railroad rides, waterslides, miniature golf, go-carts, balloon flights, a drive-in movie theater, fireworks, live music, and special events. A family favorite for generations.

The Light of Portsmouth

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle guards Portsmouth Harbor and the mouth of the Piscataqua River. Views from the top, out toward the sea, up the river, and across the towns of Portsmouth, and Kittery, Maine, are some of the most glorious inn all New England. Tours of the lighthouse are offered Sundays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, 1 to 5 p.m.. No reservations are needed. There are 44 stairs to the watch room and a 7-rung ladder to the lantern room. Feel the thrill of New England seafaring tradition as you rise. Lighthouse boat cruises are offered periodically during the summer and fall.

Boating Fun on Squam

Squam Lake, northwest of Lake Winnipesaukee, is a crystal-blue wonderland. Experience Squam on 859 US Route 3 in Holderness offers private boating excursions tailored to the tastes of the company. Boaters may choose to zoom or putter along, anchor in quiet coves, jump off infamous Jumping Rock, tour historic Church Island or sites where “On Golden Pond” was filmed. Phone: 603-968-3990

The Old Country Store; Old History Stage

You can buy treats and trinkets of all kinds at the Old Country Store on Whittier Hwy. in Moultonborough. And if you have all your senses tuned up, you might feel the stories of long ago in this place, built in 1781 on land given to Jonathan Moulton for his service during the Revolutionary War. The place also has served as a library and a post office and has hosted town meetings. Today, go there for candles, toys, shoes, local products, kitchenware, and penny candy, with a pickle barrel, maple syrup, and a good dose of John Deere merchandise. Kids will love it. 603-476-5750

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness NH

Explore Squam by Pontoon Boat

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center hosts these fun and informative cruises of this pristine lake of northern New Hampshire. Learn about the natural history of the lake, its plants and animals, and the people who have lived in this region for more than 5,000 years. See scenes from the movie “On Golden Pond.” Watch for loons, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Cruises are an hour and a half in duration, on canopied pontoon boats, leaving from the dock on Route 3 at the bridge, next to Walter's Basin Restaurant in Holderness. Binoculars are available for free. Reservations are recommended. Fees are $21-$25. Daily, May 17 to October 13. 603-968-7194.

Train Ride in the Foliage

A fun and memorable event that just oozes autumn in New England is a trip on the fall foliage excursion trains of New Hampshire. Hobo Railroad and the Hobo Harvest Time Express departs from Lincoln and travels along the scenic Kancamagus Highway. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad departs from Weirs Beach and offers one- and two-hour foliage excursions along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.Another option is the Meredith Foliage Dinner Trains, departing from Meredith, serving turkey dinner while you travel along the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee. A longer trip is the four-hour foliage train from Meredith and into the White Mountains, offering several station stops. See website for detailed schedules and reservations. 603-745-2135.

Stop to Shop

The Seacoast region has wonderful shopping for beautiful and unusual items. The Fox Run Mall in Newington is a place to start for national names, followed by a trip to Boardwalk Strip at Hampton Beach. The cream of the shopping experience has to be Portsmouth's Market Street, crammed with art, toys, home decorations, clothing, hardware, jewelry, flowers, and more. Voted one of New England's Best Shopping Streets by Travel and Leisure Magazine.

Disc Golf Is Fun in a Group

Cheaper, easier and more family oriented the golf; Disc Golf is the outdoor game of the future, available today. The Woods at Beauty Hill Disc Golf at 557 Beauty Hill Road in Barnstead offers a wide array of playing fields with hay fields, woodlots, and tree-lined lanes. With five different courses based on skill level, it is guaranteed fun for all ages. Disc golf is similar to golf except it uses a Frisbee-like disc and raised baskets. Open to the public all day, seven days a week. Hours: Public can play anytime. Phone: 603-724-4027.

Koi, Roses, Perennials Decorate this Botanical Garden

Once owned by Alvan T. Fuller, Fuller Gardens at 10 Willow Avenue in North Hampton is a shoreline gem filled with blooming life and vibrant sights and scents. The best part of Fuller’s now-public botanical garden is the variety; stroll down lines of formal English perennials, through a Japanese garden with a Koi pond, blushing rosebushes and more. Check out the garden gift shop’s book and souvenir collection before you leave. Creatively sculpted hedges protect the garden’s cozy atmosphere as guests discover exotic plant species and beautifully landscaped design. Open mid-May through October, daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 603-964-5414

Biking Alongside Winnipesaukee History

The Winnipesaukee River Trail is just right for people interested in taking a walk or bike ride on a scenic historic trail -- yet with the feel of wilderness -- close to the downtowns of Franklin and Northfield. This five -mile trail connects Tilton, Northfield and Franklin along the Winnipesaukee River and passes the historic Sulphite upside-down covered bridge. Walkers on the trail can view mill ruins and remaining portions of dams that tell the history of the five mills that operated on this river in the mid-19th century. Access points: Central Street in Franklin (under the railroad trestle); Cross Mill Road in Northfield; Old Surrette Battery property off from Park Street in Northfield (across the street from the library); 142 East Main Street off Route 3 in Tilton; Route 140 at Railroad right-of-way just past McDonalds. Email: innirivertrail@gmail.com. Trail brochure and map.

The Stonehenge Is a Spooky Exploration

America’s Stonehenge, at 105 Haverhill Road in Salem, is a large wooded property filled with mazes of man-made chambers, walls, and ceremonial meeting places, probably more than 4,000 years old. Like Stonehenge in England, America's Stonehenge was built by ancient people well versed in astronomy and stone construction. It has been determined that the site is an accurate astronomical calendar. For the rest of us, America’s Stonehedge is a fun place to explore and marvel, even in the winter. Snowshoeing trails wind through 105 acres of woodlands filled with wildlife. The property is open for snowshoeing daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and snow shoes are available for rent. 603-893-8300.

Chocolates in Monadnock

Vacation is time for indulgence, and New Hampshire has a chocolate and martini road trip that can guide you through some fabulous flavors of both of these intoxicants. In the Mondanock region, a good place to start is the town of Walpole, home to L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop and Café at 47 Main Street in Walpole. The cafe offers an extensive variety of pastries and drinks in a serene environment. It's also the location of Burdick’s chocolate and pastry production facility (603-756-2882). Also in Walpole, stop at Bellows House Bakery for one of its famous Whoopie Pies and other prize-winning baked goods (800-358-6302).

Beautiful Lakes; Beautiful Shopping

The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is a place of great natural beauty year-round. For people who want to or need to shop , the interior sights are grand, also. Visitors find excellent (and sales-tax-free) shopping at places like Tanger Outlets in Tilton, with 50 designer outlet stores, and, at the other end of the spectrum, antique shops in almost every town. A vast quilting store is Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor, with its adjacent knitting supply store, Patternworks. Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith, right at hand, has 14 shops (including a candy store, clothing stores, and a bookstore) in a historic mill. The Kellerhaus in Weirs Beach, is one of the few candy makers still making ribbon candy and candy canes onsite. Drop in to taste the homemade ice cream and make-your-own sundae.

waterfalls of New Hampshires with VisitNewEngland.com

Walk to a Waterfall

Many waterfalls in the White Mountains have parking near trailheads and accessible paths. Some allow swimming and picnicking.
Sabbaday Falls, Conway: There are three drops in the falls and lovely pools. Handicapped accessible path.
Glen Ellis Falls, Pinkham Notch: The deep green pool of water below is off limits to swimmers. Read signs that describe the geology.
Arethusa Falls, Bretton Woods: This plunge seems to fall from the sky. Powerful in spring; a trickle in summer.
Flume Cascade, Crawford Notch: Small plunges end up in the Saco River.
Jackson Falls, Jackson: Popular swimming holes on a summer day. Easily accessible.
Diana's Baths, Conway: Perfect for a little moonlit skinny dip! You need to hike about a half mile in.

Cottage in the Forest

The sweet little cottage at Pickity Place on Nutting Hill Road in the town of Mason has stood for more than 200 years (historic note: Pickity is the setting for Little Golden Books’s 1948 version of “Little Red Riding Hood”). These days, the cottage is a place to enjoy peaceful gardens, a greenhouse shop, and elegant gourmet luncheons accented with herbs and edible flowers. Open daily, year-round. 603-878-1151.

Drive and Nibble; Drive and Sip

There’s no reason to be craving fine chocolate, cheese, or wine on a visit to the Granite State. The state’s tourism and farming people have creating a marvelously helpful and also beautiful brochure -- available as a pdf -- of New Hampshire’s Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Trails . A simple and useful map heading the brochure is followed up by detailed listings of wineries, vineyards, cheese makers and chocolatiers. Drive and taste, drive and nibble, year-round. Fall brings bright foliage but all the seasons have great visuals from the car.

New Hampshire Wildlife Viewing and Birding Trails guide

Follow the Beasts of New Hampshire

It can be hard to see wildlife – like moose, raptors and other birds – because they know how to hide in their habitat better than you know how to find them. Good news: New Hampshire publishes an excellent New Hampshire Wildlife Viewing and Birding Trails guide that takes you to magnificent public-access properties where you can see and photograph animals at home. The guide ranges from remote places near in the Great North Woods near the Canadian border to easily accessible state parks in every part of the Granite State. The guide includes a great map and many viewing tips. Fine activity for families and kids.

Four Centuries of Daily Life

Strawbery Banke Museum on Hancock Street in Portsmouth is a community composed of restored and furnished houses, exhibits, historic landscapes and gardens, and costumed role players. Together, these elements bring to life the daily activities of New England people from European settlement in the 17th century to the mid-20th century. In addition to ongoing exhibits, lots of special events take place during warm weather. Phone: 603-433-1100.

History Along a River Trail

New Hampshire Heritage Trail is a 230-mile walking trail across New Hampshire from Massachusetts to Canada. Plymouth’s portion of the Heritage Trail, a 5.6-mile loop with 16 points of interest, begins at the Railroad Depot, constructed in 1909 for the Boston and Maine Railroad. Other highlights are a cottage where Robert Frost lived while teaching at Plymouth Normal School and Silver Cultural Arts Center, once a stop on the underground railroad. Park at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center on Green Street. The trail begins north of the Senior Center, past the District Courthouse. Follow the brown Heritage Trail directional signs. 603- 536-1001.

Harman’s Cheese and Country Store, in Sugar Hill

Good Cheese in the Mountains

We may want cheese all year long, but we need cheese in winter. Harman’s Cheese and Country Store, at 1400 Route 117 in Sugar Hill, has been arming its customers against hunger since 1955, serving a snappy, well-aged cheddar that is good for the soul. Visit the store in the sweet mountain community of Sugar Hill – near beautiful Franconia -- and browse for other delights and necessities: moose humor and mementos, crackers, jams, local crafts, totes and t-shirts. 603-823-8000.

Lay Your Hands on NH’s Military History

New Hampshire’s military history dates to the 1600s; one in every ten citizens has served in our nation’s military. The concept led to the creation of the Veterans Heritage Learning Center on the grounds of the NH State Veterans Cemetery at 110 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Boscawen. The center will house exhibits of NH heroes, a multi-media Foot Locker theater with hands-on exhibits and military items from various wars and services, a Journey of the NH Soldier time line, and an interactive Hallowed Grounds touch table. Through the 20 Points of History constructed in 2000, and updated in 2015, along with the Memorial Walkway, visitors gain knowledge of New Hampshire veterans who have served our country. Open weekdays, concurrently with the cemetery.

Hanover Region Is Full of Interesting Things to See and Do

Hanover is home to Dartmouth College and it has a fun business district of good, casual dining and cool shopping for books, clothing, and art. If you love fine furnishings, Simon Pearce in Hanover designs elegant glassware, handcrafted by artisans. The old and respected League of New Hampshire Craftsmen has a retail gallery in Hanover. Saint Gaudens National Historical Site in Cornish will school you in the work of one of America’s greatest sculptors. Theater is live at the 800-seat, historic Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon. Regional artists display work at Gilded Edge, a gallery in Lebanon. The Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield welcomes you to explore a society of people living a unique and low-tech way of life for hundreds of years.

Behind the Scenes of High-Volume Beer Making

Whether or not you are a beer aficionado, a visit to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery at 221 Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack is a fun and interesting behind-the-scenes exploration into the brewing industry at it best. Free tours of the brewery include a visit to the Clydesdale Hamlet, home to the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. At the Brew Hall, guests discover how the world's greatest beers are carefully crafted using the highest quality ingredients and packaged in a state-of-the-art facility. If you are 21 years of age or older, sample our products in the Hospitality Room. Choose from a variety of brews including our seasonal brands and new products. Phone: 603-595-1202.

Hannah’s Here to Help With Creative Shopping

Hannah Grimes Marketplace on Main Street in Keene is a education center and incubator for New Hampshire products, crafts, and artwork. For visitors, the Marketplace is a great place to browse for local foods, including maple syrup, children’s books, and luxuries from fancy shampoos to original art. Think about your gift shopping for the next several months, and go explore what Hannah has to offer. 603-352-6862.

Beer and Mead Tour in Derry and Londonderry

Unique Beer & Mead Tastings Just Off the Highway

The towns of Derry and Londonderry off I-93 in southern New Hampshire are home to no fewer than four craft breweries and an internationally recognized meadery. Travelers driving between the state’s beautiful lakes region and White Mountains can take a short hop off the highway for a tour or tasting at these small places of large expertise. Rack cards describing the Beer and Mead Tour at nearby welcome centers give locations and more details.

Small Engineering Gems

This region of New Hampshire is wealthy with covered bridges. We have a tender spot for the puckishly named Blow Me Down Bridge in Cornish. The most famous of the region’s bridges is the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States. Shutterbugs: try the interesting viewing challenges on both the New Hampshire and Vermont ends of the bridge.

Stretch Out on the Sand

For a day trip to the beach or for overnight camping, local people recommend Ellacoya State Park at 280 Scenic Drive in Gilford on Lake Winnipesaukee. The long sandy beach, with views of the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains, is just right for family swimming and picnicking. There is a bathhouse, a souvenir store, and a small boat launch. The campgrounds offer RV hookups and showers.

History, Horticulture, and Hiking in One

The Fells at the John Hay National Wildlife Refuge was the summer retreat for Secretary of State John M. Hay, archaeologist Clarence Hay, and nature writer John Hay. The 164-acre estate at 456 Route 103A in Newbury includes historic houses that are open for tours during the summer and hiking trails along Lake Sunapee that are open year-round. The big draw for visitors is the magnificent gardens: a 100-foot perennial border, a formal rose terrace, a Japanese water lily pool, and a walled secret garden. Phone: 603-763-4789.

Currier Fills an Afternoon With Interesting and Varied Art

The Currier Museum of Art at 150 Ash Street in Manchester is an art museum and dynamic member of the community, hosting classes, events, and ways to welcome people into fine art. The museum has a permanent collection of European and American artists, decorative arts, photographs and sculpture by Wyeth, Monet, Picasso, and Georgia O’Keefe. The building itself was unique, interesting architecture and easy to navigate. There’s a café for refreshment for browsers. From April through December, the museum offers tours of the nearby Zimmerman House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Many changing exhibits run throughout the year. 603-669-6144.

Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hanover NH

Plenty to Entertain You at the Hop

Whether you attend Dartmouth College, send a child there, or just find yourself in Hanover with a yen to enjoy some performance art, you should know about the Hopkins Center for the Arts at 2 East Wheelock Street. This elegant building, designed by the architect of Lincoln Center and the United Nations Building in New York, is the cultural hub of the Dartmouth campus and the entire Upper Valley region. Each year the Hop hosts 100 or more live performances in music, theater and dance, along with film screenings and other events. The Hop brings in lots of great acts of all genres and has good comfort food. Also at the Hop are jewelry studio, woodshop, pottery studio, and library. If you just want some quiet while people-watching, relax at the Top of the Hop. 603-646-2422

Craggy Beauty, 90 Feet Tall

The Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park off Daniel Webster Highway near Lincoln in the White Mountains National Forest is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The towering granite walls on each side of the gorge rise to a spectacular height of about 90 feet. Footpaths and bridges allow walkers to move among towering moss-covered granite walls, past cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial boulders and much more.

Come See the Birth Place of Pig’s Ear Brown

Warm up your visit to the White Mountains with a pop-in visit to the Woodstock Inn Brewery at 135 Main Street in Woodstock. Brews with names like Red Rack, Pig's Ear, and Loon Golden Ale are produced through a traditional seven-barrel system using premium hops and English grains. The prize-winning brews are on display during a free tour of the brewery every day at noon. Woodstock Inn Brewery has won several national awards for its ales; Pig's Ear Brown that has won the National Beer Tasting Championships two years in a row. Come by and get acquainted. Phone: 800-321-3985.

Artists of Needle and Loom, Take Note

Dorr Mill Store at 22 Hale Street in Guild, is a national center for wool and has had manufactured an extensive line of 100 percent wool for the time-honored crafts of traditional rug hooking, braiding and quilting. Dorr produces white and natural wools for those who wish to dye their own colors, thousands of yards of woolen textures and solids, and a full line of accessories and the latest patterns from noted designers. Fiber artists find Dorr’s wide selection of fabric designs, textures, wools, and blends irresistible. Open year-round. 800-846-3677.

A Haven for Weavers and Knitters

This place is a gold mine for weaves and knitters. Harrisville Designs on Main Street in Harrisville is a family-owned and -operated business founded in 1971 to preserve and re-establish the economic vitality of the historic 18th century textile village of Harrisville. Woolen yarn has been spun in the water-powered, mill town of Harrisville since 1794. This village in the Monadnock Highlands is the only industrial community of the early 19th century that still survives in America in its original form. 603-827-3996.

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Lakes

Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

Seacoast

White Mountains