New Hampshire, often referred to as the “Granite State,” is a beautiful and historically significant state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The beautiful White Mountains are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, rock climbing, and winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are popular activities. The state also has a rich colonial history as it was one of the original 13 colonies. Visitors can explore the history in places like Portsmouth, where historic homes and sites have been preserved. In this travel guide, you will find all of the best things to do and see in New Hampshire as well as a sample travel itinerary to help you plan your adventure.
When to Go
The best time to visit New Hampshire depends on your interests and what you want to experience. If you want to witness the famous fall foliage, the best time to visit is between late September and early November. During this time, the leaves on the trees transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, attracting visitors from all over the country. Visitors can witness the fall foliage on scenic drives or hike in the White Mountains. New Hampshire is a winter wonderland if you’re a winter sports enthusiast. From December through March, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities in the White Mountains and other regions. Christmas in New Hampshire is charming, with festive decorations and holiday events.
Spring (i.e. April to June) in New Hampshire is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, as the weather starts to warm up. The snow begins to melt, and the landscapes come to life. Spring flowers and gardens begin to bloom, making it a lovely time for nature enthusiasts. Summer (i.e. June to August) is also a popular time to visit New Hampshire. The Lakes Region of New Hampshire, with destinations like Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Sunapee, is a popular summer destination. You can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and other water activities. Summer is also ideal for camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures in the White Mountains and other scenic areas.
What to Eat
Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder is a creamy soup made with tender clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon, typically seasoned with black pepper and served with oyster crackers. It’s a comforting and iconic New England dish. Find it at places like The Old Salt, The Beach Plum, and Surf Restaurant.
Maple Syrup
New Hampshire is known for its high-quality maple syrup. You can enjoy it on pancakes, waffles, or as a sweet topping for various desserts. Be sure to try local, pure maple syrup when visiting. Find it at places like Ben’s Sugar Shack, Fadden’s Sugar House, and Fuller’s Sugarhouse.
Apple Cider Donut
As a state known for its orchards and farms, Apple cider donuts are unsurprisingly one of the most popular foods in New Hampshire. These donuts are made with a sweet apple cider batter that is deep-fried and then rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Find apple cider donuts all over the state including places like Apple Crest Farm Orchards, DeMeritt Hill Farm, and Carter Hill Orchard.
Boiled Dinner
A hearty and classic New England dish, boiled dinner consists of boiled corned beef or ham with root vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, and turnips. All the ingredients are cooked together in a big pot to create a warm and comforting meal. It’s often served with a side of mustard. Find it at places like Holy Grail Restaurant and Pub and Kathleen’s Irish Pub.
What to See and Do
Mount Washington
Located in the White Mountains and part of the Presidential Range, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States. It is renowned for its extreme weather conditions, stunning panoramic views, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The mountain offers a range of hiking trails, with the Tuckerman Ravine Trail being one of the most popular routes to the summit. Hiking to the summit can be a challenging but rewarding experience. An easier way to reach the summit is by driving the scenic Mount Washington Auto Road. The narrow and curvy road climbs 4,600 feet in about seven miles. Drivers can download an app with a fascinating narrated tour and receive a bumper sticker that reads, “This Car Climbed Mount Washington.” Once at the top, check out Extreme Mount Washington, an interactive museum dedicated to weather and science.
Another way to reach the summit of Mount Washington is by taking the Mount Washington Cog Railway, a historic railway that has been taking passengers to the summit since the 19th century. A small museum at the base station has interesting exhibits about the cog rail. The full trip takes three hours including an hour at the summit.
Skiing at Bretton Woods
Bretton Woods is a popular resort area in the White Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty and a range of outdoor and recreational activities. The Bretton Woods Ski Area is one of the largest and most renowned ski resorts in New Hampshire. It offers a variety of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, as well as excellent snow conditions. The resort also provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and winter bike riding. You can find more information here.
Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park is a scenic state park known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the stunning Crawford Notch, a mountain pass through the White Mountains. The Visitor Center provides information about the park’s trails, wildlife, and history. It’s a great place to start your visit and get trail maps and advice. The park offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. Popular hikes include the Arethusa Falls Trail, Mount Willard Trail, Mount Jackson Trail, and the Frankenstein Cliff Trail.
The scenic drive through Crawford Notch provides breathtaking views of the mountains and waterfalls with a chance to spot wildlife such as moose, deer, and various bird species. The park has plenty of picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy their meals in a natural setting. Crawford Notch is especially popular in the fall when the foliage is at its peak, and the White Mountains are ablaze with vibrant autumn colors. This is an ideal time for leaf-peeping and photography. In the winter, the park is known for its cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, offering serene and snowy landscapes. You can find more information about Crawford Notch State Park here.
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is known for its dramatic and picturesque landscapes, including rugged mountain terrain, dense forests, and the remarkable Franconia Notch, a mountain pass carved by glaciers. The park is flanked by towering peaks, including Cannon Mountain and the Franconia Range. It is a popular spot for hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities. The Visitor Center provides information about the park’s trails, attractions, and wildlife. It’s a great place to start your visit and get trail maps and advice. The park offers a variety of hiking trails including the Flume Gorge Trail, Lonesome Lake Trail, Artist Bluff Trail, and Mount Pemigewasset Trail. The popular Flume Gorge Trail features a boardwalk trail that allows visitors to explore a narrow chasm, waterfalls, and towering granite walls. Visitors must obtain reservations to access the Flume Gorge Trail.
Another highlight of the park is Echo Lake, a picturesque mountain lake within the park, offering opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the beach area. The water is crystal clear, and it’s a popular spot to cool off in the summer. Franconia Notch is especially popular in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. You can find more information about Franconia Notch State Park here.
Kancamagus Highway
Often referred to simply as the “Kanc,” Kancamagus Highway is a scenic byway that offers spectacular views of the White Mountains, pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. The highway stretches for approximately 34.5 miles, connecting the towns of Conway and Lincoln. The highway is especially famous for its vibrant fall foliage, making it a prime destination for leaf-peepers during the autumn months. There are numerous pull-off areas for travelers to stop and take in the views, as well as access to various hiking trails, including Sabbaday Falls, Hancock Trail, U.N.H. Trail, and Champney Falls Trail. Several swimming areas, such as Lower Falls and the Covered Bridge, are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. There are also picnic spots where visitors can enjoy meals in a beautiful natural setting.
Castle in the Clouds
Castle in the Clouds is a historic mansion and popular tourist attraction offering a glimpse into the Gilded Age’s grandeur. The estate was built in 1913 by Thomas Gustave Plant, a wealthy shoe manufacturer. Plant designed the mansion to resemble a European castle and named it “Lucknow” after a town in India. The mansion features 16 rooms, including a grand hall, a library, and a dining room. It also boasts numerous balconies and terraces that provide stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. The estate also features beautifully landscaped gardens, including a formal garden, rock gardens, and scenic walking paths. The estate typically operates seasonally, with tours and events running from late spring to early autumn. Be sure to check the official website for current opening dates and hours.
M/S Mount Washington
The M/S Mount Washington is a historic passenger ship that operates on Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire. First launched in 1940, it is a popular tourist attraction that provides passengers with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The M/S Mount Washington offers a variety of cruise options to suit different interests. These cruises include sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, Sunday brunch cruises, and special event cruises. The ship’s schedule typically runs from late spring through early fall, with different cruise options available during different times of the day and week. The ship departs from several ports around Lake Winnipesaukee, including Weirs Beach, Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Meredith, and Wolfeboro. Passengers can choose their preferred departure point depending on their location and desired cruise itinerary. You can find more information here.
Mount Major
Mount Major is a prominent mountain located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It is a popular hiking destination and offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Ossipee Mountains, and the surrounding landscape. The most commonly used trail to reach the summit is the Mount Major via Brook and Main Loop Trail, which begins at the Mount Major trailhead near the parking area. The primary draw of Mount Major is the breathtaking panoramic view from its summit. The view is particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season when the surrounding trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. In addition to hiking, it is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. During the summer months, it’s a great spot for picnicking and taking in the views.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
The Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park is dedicated to preserving the legacy and works of the renowned American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The park is unique because it focuses on the art and life of a single artist and is the only National Park Service site dedicated to a sculptor. The park features a visitor center where visitors can learn about Saint-Gaudens’ life, works, and artistic process through exhibits, films, and educational programs. The center is a good starting point for exploring the park. The park is home to numerous outdoor sculptures created by Saint-Gaudens. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and grounds to view these works in a serene setting.
One of the highlights of the park is the Augustus Saint-Gaudens Studio, where the artist created many of his works. The studio has been preserved to appear much as it did during Saint-Gaudens’ time. Visitors can explore the space and gain insight into his artistic process. The site also features a network of hiking trails, including a popular one that leads to a hilltop, providing beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. You can find more information about the park here.
Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
This historic covered bridge spans the Connecticut River, connecting the towns of Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont. It is the longest-covered bridge in the United States. The bridge was constructed in 1866 and eventually added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The bridge is accessible by vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and it is a key transportation link between the two towns. The picturesque setting and historical significance make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
State House
The New Hampshire State House is the state capitol building of New Hampshire located in Concord, the capital city of the state. It is the oldest state capitol in the United States where the legislature meets in its original chambers. The building features a prominent gold leaf-covered dome, which is one of the distinguishing features of the state capitol. The dome’s design is reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The building is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to explore its historic interior and grounds. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the history of the building and the legislative process. You can find more information about the State House here.
Strawberry Banke Museum
Strawberry Banke Museum is a living history museum located in Portsmouth. It is one of the oldest outdoor history museums in the United States and offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the history, culture, and architecture of the Puddle Dock neighborhood, an area that once represented the heart of Portsmouth. The museum features numerous historic buildings, each representing different time periods. It also features costumed interpreters that bring the past to life, providing insight into the daily lives of the people who lived in the area over the centuries. You can find more information about the museum here.
Odiorne Point State Park
This coastal state park is situated on the seacoast of the Atlantic Ocean and offers a wide range of recreational activities, natural beauty, and educational opportunities. The park features a diverse natural landscape, including rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, salt marshes, and woodlands. There are several miles of scenic trails within the park, including paths that lead to the shore, offering opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation. The rocky shoreline at Odiorne Point provides excellent tide pool exploration opportunities. Visitors can find marine life in these tide pools during low tide. The park has a sandy beach along the oceanfront, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. The Seacoast Science Center, located within the park, is a major educational resource. It offers a range of interactive exhibits and programs related to marine life, conservation, and local ecology. You can find more information here.
Fuller Gardens
Fuller Gardens is a public botanical garden and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, garden lovers, and tourists seeking a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment. It boasts a diverse collection of formal English-style gardens, including rose gardens, perennial borders, a Japanese garden, a hosta garden, and other thematic gardens. The property also features a beautiful Colonial Revival-style mansion, the Fuller-Brown House, which serves as an elegant backdrop to the gardens. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history, design, and horticultural aspects of the gardens. You can find more information here.
Currier Museum of Art
The Currier Museum of Art is renowned for its diverse and extensive collection of American and European art, spanning various time periods and styles. Notable artists in the collection include works by Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe, and Wyeth, among others. The museum also features the Zimmerman House, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is a masterpiece of Wright’s Usonian architecture and offers guided tours for visitors interested in exploring both architecture and design. You can find more information about the museum here.
New Hampshire Travel Itinerary
Are you ready to start planning your New Hampshire adventure? Start by downloading our easy-to-customize New Hampshire Travel Itinerary. Easily make changes to the document to make it fit your schedule interests.