What to do and see in New Hampshire, United States: The Best Things to do

September 14, 2021 Christa Meece

If you are looking for diversity, you will certainly find it in New Hampshire. From lakes to beaches, waterfalls to woods and mountains to sea coast, the state has huge potential for outdoor vacations, including downhill or cross-country skiing in winter. With no less than seventy-five state parks that offer natural areas, hiking trails, beaches and historic sites, New Hampshire caters for a variety of tastes. Crawford Notch State Park in Harts Location has picturesque waterfalls, wonderful mountain views and opportunities for viewing wildlife. You can go hiking and fishing there as well as pay a visit to the historic Willey House. Monadnock State Park, unlike some other state parks, is open all year round for hiking. Want to go swimming? You will find five state park beaches along the coast of New Hampshire, such as Wallis Sands with its view of the rocky Isles of Shoals. On North Hampton State Beach and Jenness Beach you can have a picnic as well as a swim. When you've finally had your fill of fresh air, head for the Museum of New Hampshire History in Concord with exhibits focusing on heritage and traditions; children should enjoy them just as much as adults.
Restaurants in New Hampshire

1. White Mountain National Forest

Kancamagus Highway Supervisors Office, NH 03246-2741 +1 603-536-6100 http://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 236 reviews

White Mountain National Forest

Great outdoors activities all year long.

Reviewed By WaitForIttttt - Hazlet, United States

My husband and I visited White Mountain National Forest this week for some pandemic-safe hiking because we heard it was forecasted to be peak foliage. We were so glad we did because the scenery was breathtaking, featuring all the gorgeous colors of autumn. There were tons of beautiful overlooks to stop at and a diverse selection of trails. We decided to hike the Champney Falls Trail and it was a lovely trail that followed the brook through the leaves to the waterfall. This Forest is definitely a must-see in Autumn!

2. Seven Birches Winery

22 South Mountain Drive RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH 03251-4302 +1 603-745-7550 [email protected] http://www.sevenbirches.com
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 247 reviews

Seven Birches Winery

Handcrafting classic European grapes and locally sourced fruits into wines of distinction, Seven Birches offers wine tasting daily and "Meet the Winemaker" tours weekly. The fruit may be from around the world, but the wine in our bottles embraces the spirit of NH. Live Free!

Reviewed By T2871TVbobr

Highly recommend the Meet the Winemaker tour. I am not a huge wine lover so just a tasting would not interest me. Really enjoyed learning about the wine making process. Nathan made sure everyone had fin and was very accommodating in answering questions.

3. Kancamagus Highway

Route 112, North Conway, Conway, NH https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/scenicdrivinginfo
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,459 reviews

Kancamagus Highway

Highway 112 runs from Center Conway to North Woodstock, just south of Franconia Notch. Passing through the White Mountain National Forest, it is considered one of the most scenic highways in the U.S. and offers a number of interesting stopping off points.

Reviewed By harpazhadar - Haifa, Israel

We had only 4 hours to experience this amazing road so had to focus on few specific spots. Made some research online beforehand and decided on these 4 stops which did not disappoint! Started from the North Conway eastern entrance we stopped at the Saco Ranger Station and paid 5$ for a parking daily pass. (You have to pay only if you plan on stopping and parking on the way). There were also self service - pay your fee on site stations but you had to have the exact amount in cash to use them. Our Top stops were: 1. Albany Covered Bridge 2. Lower Falls Scenic Area 3. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area 4. Sabbaday Falls We were traveling on the beginning of the Foliage season and the colors and ambiance were perfect! Not much to eat on the way so it is best to make some sandwiches and stock on some snacks and water before entering. On the other side near Lincoln we had a terrific dinner at Black Mt. Burger Co – highly recommended!!!

4. Mount Washington

Sargent's Purchase, NH 03846 +1 603-356-2137 http://www.mountwashington.org
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 241 reviews

Mount Washington

Part of the White Mountains, this is the highest peak in the Northeast.

Reviewed By 53ANNW - North Olmsted, United States

Historical cog train ride to summit. Drastic weather change from base to summit. Dress appropriately - sturdy shoes, hat, gloves, and jacket. Majestic views on a clear day.

5. Strawbery Banke Museum

14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, NH 03801-4669 +1 603-433-1102 [email protected] http://www.strawberybanke.org
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,103 reviews

Strawbery Banke Museum

Museum houses open in December only for Candlelight Stroll: Saturdays Dec 12 and 19, 5-9 pm and Sundays, December 13 and 20, 4-8 pm. Guided Holiday House Tours offered Dec 26-31, 10 am to 2 pm with last tour starting at 2 pm. Labrie Family Skate outdoor ice rink at the museum is open daily 9 am to 9 pm (except for occasional private rentals).

Reviewed By aneczypor - Seattle, United States

This historic park is fabulous. From the first video to all the various houses, it is non stop entertaining and beautiful. The structures range from very old homes, to stores and churches transporting you back to another world and time. The buildings are often staffed by volunteers dressed in vintage clothing who act out the person who lived or worked there. The gardens are beautiful and the garden tour is worth taking if you are a Gardner. Do not go to Portsmouth and miss this magical place.

6. Currier Museum of Art

150 Ash St, Manchester, NH 03104-4380 +1 603-669-6144 [email protected] http://www.currier.org/
Excellent
68%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 612 reviews

Currier Museum of Art

Reviewed By lindasF4866JP - Branford, United States

Our visit to the Currier Museum of Art was much too brief, and I can’t wait to go back. It is a beautiful gem in Manchester, with a wonderful permanent collection, fascinating temporary exhibits, and access to a great tour of the Zimmerman house by Frank Lloyd Wright (reservations highly recommended, separate fee for the tour). There is also an excellent café for light meals, a great gift shop, nicer than many museum shops I have visited, and free parking in the museum lot. Don’t miss this fantastic spot while visiting Manchester!

7. Market Square

Portsmouth, NH
Excellent
64%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 728 reviews

Market Square

The heart of downtown, where several walking tours begin, Market Square is a center of activity with art galleries, bookstores, antique shops, ethnic restaurants and many original 17th-century buildings.

Reviewed By ajayrrs

This is a great place to visit for a quick bite, or take as long as you want with a cup of coffee or drink. The ambiance is great and the location is fantastic.

8. Whale's Tale Waterpark

481 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH 03251 +1 603-745-8810 [email protected] http://www.whalestalewaterpark.net/
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 367 reviews

Whale's Tale Waterpark

9. Clark's Bears

110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251 +1 603-745-8913 [email protected] http://www.clarksbears.com
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,092 reviews

Clark's Bears

Seasonal business. A FUN FAMILY FAVORITE! Clark's Trading Post is celebrating over 90 years of entertainment. Don't miss the 30 minute bear show, starring our trained North American Black Bears! Ride the White Mt. Central RR train ride through the covered bridge and into Wolfman's Territory. Be amazed by our Chinese Acrobatic Troupe (summer only). Ride a Segway, test your skills on the Climbing Tower, cool off on the Blaster Boats or Anaconda Escape Water Ride, and experience Merlin's Mystical Mansion. Visit our five museum buildings on the Victorian Main Street. Your admission ticket includes all rides, bear show, and circus. Get a bite to eat at the Whistle Stop Snack Bar, Pullman's Lunch or make your own sundae at the Peppermint Saloon. Browse through the Candle Shop, Print Shop and our Main Gift Shop. We have the largest gift shop in the White Mountains containing the finest selection of souvenirs and gifts. We can BEARLY wait to see you at Clark's!

Reviewed By johnwA4004TH - Warwick, United States

My wife and I have visited Clark's multiple times over the past 10 years with our grandchildren and children. It is a must adventure if you are in the Lincoln, NH area for a few days. The admission fee and food costs are very reasonable for what they offer. At Clark's you can be entertained by a bear show, Chinese acrobats and various other things like riding a Segway, panning for precious rocks, a museum, water slide, shops, Merlin's house and other must see and do sites. You absolutely have to go on the White Mt. Central RR and experience the thrill of riding on a train and seeing Wolfman get agitated having visitors invade his territory. A day at Clark's is a wonderful time for everyone in the family you will have a great time. It is perfect family fun

10. Ice Castles

13 Rocky Tp Road, Lincoln, NH 03251 +1 866-435-2850 [email protected] http://icecastles.com/lincoln
Excellent
47%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 515 reviews

Ice Castles

Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairytales to life. The frozen attraction is located in six cities across North America. Ice Castles is built entirely by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, and fountains.

Reviewed By Bostonmom22 - Huntersville, United States

We went to see the ice castles and they were pretty amazing. We went the extra mile and enjoyed a horse drawn sleigh ride through the woods. It was really cool to see the size of this ice castle and the work that goes into it. We had a great night walking through.

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