When I first planned my trip to New Hampshire, I didn’t know just how much I would fall in love with this small but beautiful state. Nestled in New England, New Hampshire is full of peaceful lakes, scenic mountains, and cozy little towns that feel like something out of a postcard. Whether I was hiking through the White Mountains, relaxing by Lake Winnipesaukee, or strolling the historic streets of Portsmouth, I found something special in every corner.
This guide is all about the best things to do in New Hampshire, based on my personal experience. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, charming small towns, or fun seasonal events, this state has it all. I’ll walk you through some of my favorite places and share tips to help you plan your own trip.
Explore the White Mountains
One of the first places I visited in New Hampshire was the White Mountains, and I was blown away. If you love the outdoors, this area is a must-see. The views are stunning no matter what season you go. I went in the fall, and the colorful leaves made everything look magical.
Driving along the Kancamagus Highway was one of my favorite experiences. It’s a scenic road with plenty of places to stop for photos, short hikes, and peaceful views. I also took a ride up Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. You can either hike it, drive up the Auto Road, or take the famous Cog Railway. The view from the top was unforgettable—even with the crazy wind!
There are tons of hiking trails in the White Mountains for all levels. I picked a few easy ones like Sabbaday Falls and Flume Gorge, which were both beautiful and not too hard. If you like skiing or snowboarding, this area is great in the winter too, with popular spots like Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain.
The White Mountains felt like the heart of New Hampshire to me. It’s the perfect place to relax, explore nature, and take in some of the best views in the state.
Relax at Lake Winnipesaukee
After spending time in the mountains, I headed to Lake Winnipesaukee, and it was the perfect way to slow down and relax. This is the largest lake in New Hampshire, and it’s surrounded by small towns, peaceful beaches, and plenty of fun things to do.
I stayed in a little lakeside cottage near Meredith, and every morning I woke up to calm water and fresh air. It felt like a dream. One of my favorite things to do was just sit on the dock with a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.
During the day, I took a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington. It’s a scenic boat ride that lets you see the lake from a new angle. You can also rent kayaks, go swimming, or just hang out on one of the beaches. Weirs Beach is a popular spot and has an old-school boardwalk, arcades, and ice cream stands. It reminded me of summer vacations from when I was a kid.
If you’re into fishing or boating, this lake is perfect for that too. And at night, the sunsets over the water were some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen.
Lake Winnipesaukee is peaceful, fun, and full of small-town charm. Whether you’re there for a weekend or a full vacation, it’s the kind of place that helps you unwind and enjoy the moment.
Visit Portsmouth – History by the Seacoast
One of the highlights of my trip to New Hampshire was spending time in Portsmouth, a small city full of charm right by the coast. It’s got this perfect mix of history, great food, and ocean views. Walking around the downtown area felt like stepping back in time—but with a modern, fun twist.
I started my visit at Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum that shows what life was like in Portsmouth hundreds of years ago. The old houses and costumed guides made it feel real and personal. I learned a lot just by walking through the historic neighborhood.
The downtown streets are lined with cute shops, cafes, and seafood restaurants. I couldn’t resist trying a fresh lobster roll at a local spot by the harbor—it was delicious! I also wandered along the Prescott Park waterfront, where I sat on a bench and watched the boats go by.
One thing I loved about Portsmouth was how walkable it is. You can explore the entire downtown on foot, and there’s something interesting around every corner. Whether it’s art galleries, old brick buildings, or a little bakery tucked away, you’ll always find something to enjoy.
Experience Fall Foliage
If you ever visit New Hampshire in the fall, you’re in for a real treat. I planned my trip in early October just to see the fall foliage, and honestly, it was even more beautiful than I expected. The trees turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow—like a painting come to life.
One of the best ways to experience this was by driving the Kancamagus Highway. This scenic road winds through the White Mountains and offers some of the best views in the state. I pulled over at several lookouts just to take pictures and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Every turn brought a new, colorful scene that made me stop and say, “Wow.”
I also took a short hike near Sabbaday Falls, and walking through the forest with leaves crunching under my boots felt peaceful and refreshing. There were families taking photos, couples holding hands, and everyone just soaking in the beauty of the season.
Fall in New Hampshire isn’t just about the views—it’s a full experience. Apple picking, pumpkin patches, cider donuts, and cozy sweater weather all made it feel like the perfect autumn getaway.
Skiing and Snow Fun in Winter in New Hampshire
I visited New Hampshire during winter once, and it completely changed how I think about snowy seasons. This state is a real winter wonderland! Whether you love skiing, snowboarding, or just playing in the snow, there’s something for everyone.
The White Mountains are a top spot for skiing, with popular resorts like Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain offering great slopes for beginners and experts alike. I took a few ski lessons at Loon Mountain, and the views from the lifts were amazing. Even if you don’t ski, these resorts have cozy lodges where you can warm up by the fire with a hot chocolate.
Besides skiing, there are plenty of other fun winter activities. I tried snowshoeing on peaceful forest trails and went sledding with friends—it felt like being a kid again. Some areas even offer snowmobiling for a faster-paced adventure.
Tour Covered Bridges and Small Towns
One of the best ways I enjoyed exploring New Hampshire was by visiting its charming small towns and famous covered bridges. These bridges are like stepping back into history—they’re beautiful wooden structures that have stood the test of time, and each one has its own story.
I took a day to drive around and find some of the most picturesque covered bridges, like the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge and the Moore’s Crossing Covered Bridge. Crossing over these bridges felt peaceful, surrounded by forests and rivers that looked like they came straight out of a postcard.
Besides the bridges, the small towns nearby were full of friendly faces, cozy cafes, and local shops. I stopped in towns like Woodstock and Peterborough, where I wandered around the town squares and visited little bookstores and bakeries. It felt like everyone knew each other, and the pace of life was slow and relaxing.
These towns also host seasonal farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and local festivals, so there’s always something interesting happening. If you want to experience the real heart of New Hampshire beyond the big cities and parks, touring these small towns and their covered bridges is a must.
Go Hiking or Camping in State Parks
I love spending time outdoors, and New Hampshire made it easy to enjoy nature with its amazing state parks. Whether you’re into hiking or camping, there are plenty of spots that offer beautiful trails and peaceful campgrounds.
One of my favorite places to hike was Franconia Notch State Park. The trails there take you through forests, past waterfalls, and up to stunning mountain views. I took the hike to Artist’s Bluff, which gave me a great panoramic look at the White Mountains—it was totally worth the effort!
If camping is more your style, New Hampshire has great campgrounds where you can sleep under the stars. I camped near Bear Brook State Park and loved waking up to the sounds of birds and fresh forest air. Many parks have well-maintained sites with easy access to trails and picnic areas, so you can enjoy a full day outside.
Seasonal Festivals and Local Events
One of the coolest things about visiting New Hampshire is how lively it gets with festivals and local events throughout the year. No matter when I visited, there was always something fun happening that let me experience the state’s culture and community up close.
In the fall, I joined the Pumpkin Festival in Keene, where the whole town lights up with thousands of carved pumpkins. It was such a fun, festive atmosphere—perfect for families and friends. The Laconia Motorcycle Week in summer was another highlight, full of live music, food vendors, and bike shows that brought everyone together.
Winter brings unique events like the Ice Festival in Conway, where I saw incredible ice sculptures and even took part in snow games. In spring, local farmers’ markets and craft fairs pop up, offering fresh produce and handmade goods—you can really taste the local flavor.
These festivals made my trip feel special and connected me with the people and traditions of New Hampshire. If you plan your visit around any of these events, you’ll get a real taste of what makes this state so unique.
Family-Friendly Activities in New Hampshire
Traveling with kids? New Hampshire has plenty of fun things for families to do together. On my visit, I found many spots that kept everyone entertained, no matter their age.
If your family loves nature, the Story Land amusement park in Glen offers rides and shows perfect for younger kids. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, and my nephews had a blast running around and meeting their favorite characters.
For older kids and teens, places like the EcoTarium in Concord provide hands-on learning with science exhibits and outdoor trails. I remember how curious everyone was exploring the interactive displays—it made education fun!
Outdoor families will enjoy activities like hiking easy trails, visiting animal farms, or even taking a boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee. There are also plenty of picnic spots and playgrounds scattered around the state parks, so families can relax and play together.
Conclusion
Visiting New Hampshire was an unforgettable experience for me. From exploring the beautiful White Mountains and relaxing by Lake Winnipesaukee to enjoying small-town charm and lively festivals, this state offers something special for every traveler. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, history, or family fun, New Hampshire’s welcoming spirit and stunning nature make it a great place to visit any time of year.
If you’re planning a trip, be sure to pack for the season and take your time exploring the many hidden gems this state has to offer. I hope my tips help you enjoy your own amazing New Hampshire adventure!
