New Hampshire is a place where you can get lost in outdoor adventures, history, and cultural finds.
There’s something about the way mountain peaks and waterfalls sit alongside coastal towns and small museums: you just want to see it all.
Be it hiking trails, ski runs, old ruins, or the kind of lakes that make you want to stay forever, this state has you covered. Seriously, it’s tough to pick favorites here.
The landscape is all over the place, in the best way. You might be driving through blazing fall colors one minute and stumbling on castle ruins or an amazing mountain view the next.
From the seacoast to the White Mountains, every part of the state has its own vibe.
Here are 12 of the best things to do and places to see in New Hampshire:
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Keep in mind: Our articles may contain errors, despite our best efforts. So, do thorough research before deciding on a travel destination.
Things to See & Do in New Hampshire: The Best Ideas
12. Downtown Portsmouth
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Downtown Portsmouth hugs the water and packs a punch with its history-meets-modern feel. It’s the kind of place where you can just wander for hours and not get bored.
Market Square is the heart of it all. The brick buildings and leafy sidewalks make it feel cozy and lively at the same time.
The food scene? Pretty fantastic. You’ll find fresh seafood and local favorites that have earned some serious buzz.
If shopping’s your thing, there are boutiques, art galleries, and bookshops everywhere. It’s not your average mall experience, that’s for sure.
Strawbery Banke Museum is right downtown and worth a look. It’s a living history spot with buildings from way back: think 400 years of stories under one roof.
There are other historic sites too, like the Warner House. Take a walking tour if you’re into maritime tales and old architecture.
Local breweries like Redhook (rebranded as Cisco Brewers) pour some solid craft beers. And if you need dessert, Annabelle’s ice cream is a must after dinner.
With the waterfront so close, you get those harbor views almost everywhere you go. Boat tours leave from downtown if you want to see the city from a different angle.
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11. Skiing at Loon Mountain Resort
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Loon Mountain Resort is right in Lincoln, tucked into the White Mountains. There are 61 trails and over 2,000 feet of vertical, so it’s no joke for skiers or boarders.
You’ll find runs for every skill level, and if you want something tricky, check out the tree skiing areas. There’s a bit of everything.
Loon has terrain parks, a superpipe, and a halfpipe, which is pretty cool if you’re into freestyle. The snow conditions are usually on point.
New to skiing? The Snowsports School is there for lessons, and the vibe is welcoming, whether you’re a total beginner or a pro.
It’s easy to get to from most New England cities, so you don’t have to trek forever. Loon is also part of some multi-resort pass systems, so your pass might get you onto other mountains, too.
And if you need a break from skiing, try snowshoeing or tubing. There’s more than one way to enjoy winter up here.
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10. Fall Foliage Leaf-Peeping Drives
(Fall colors in New Hampshire, USA – Photo by Div Pithadia)
New Hampshire’s fall foliage drives are some of the best in New England. It’s usually a bit less crowded than the big-name spots, which is a win.
Take the scenic routes through White Mountain National Forest: Route 3 to Bretton Woods is a favorite for mountain views and a burst of color. That drive is short but stunning.
The Multi-Notch scenic drive is a longer stretch if you’re up for more. You’ll be surrounded by reds, oranges, and yellows the whole way.
Hancock Overlook Drive is another solid option for leaf peeping. Both drives have plenty of places to pull over and snap photos.
Keep an eye out for covered bridges and tiny towns along the way. If you’re lucky, you might even see a moose wandering through the trees.
There are seven main scenic foliage routes in the state, each showing off a different side of New Hampshire’s fall magic.
For the best colors, aim for late September to mid-October. Mountains usually turn first, then the valleys catch up.
Combine a few drives if you’ve got time: it makes for a pretty epic road trip!
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9. Currier Museum of Art in Manchester
The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester is a bit of a surprise: world-class art in a spot you might not expect. You’ll see works by Picasso, Monet, Matisse, and Georgia O’Keeffe, just for starters.
The collection covers European and American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. There are pieces by John Singer Sargent and Andrew Wyeth, too.
They’ve got Old Master paintings from as far back as the 14th century. It’s a nice mix of classic and modern.
One unique thing: the Currier is the only museum with two Frank Lloyd Wright houses. You can tour the Zimmerman House, which is kind of a big deal for architecture fans.
Those house tours are guided, and it’s the only way you’ll get inside. It’s worth booking ahead if you’re interested.
The museum was founded by Moody Currier, a former governor, with the idea of benefiting humanity. They still run community programs and events for all ages.
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8. Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins
(Madame Sherri Forest, New Hampshire, USA by Shannon McGee, CC BY-SA 2.0)
These stone ruins in Chesterfield are in the woods and have a story that’s as wild as they look. Madame Antoinette Sherri, a costume designer from the 1920s, built a summer castle here.
What’s left now is mostly a dramatic stone staircase with arches. The rest burned down in 1962, so it’s got that mysterious, slightly spooky vibe.
The ruins are just a short walk from the parking area. You can wander around the arches and old foundations; it feels like something out of a fairy tale.
Madame Sherri was famous for throwing wild parties for New York theater folks. The forest setting just adds to the weird, magical atmosphere.
The land is now Madame Sherri Forest, and there are extra hiking trails if you want to see more. It’s on Gulf Road in West Chesterfield, not far from Brattleboro, Vermont.
If you’re into oddball history and pretty scenery, this place is a quick, memorable stop.
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7. Walk the Isles of Shoals off the Coast
The Isles of Shoals are only six miles from the New Hampshire coast, but they feel a world away. There are nine little islands out there, each with ocean views and stories to tell.
You can catch a ferry to Star Island from Portsmouth or Rye Harbor in the summer. The ride takes about half an hour and usually runs twice a day.
Star Island has the old Oceanic Hotel and a conference center. Walking the rocky paths and gardens with the Atlantic all around is pretty unforgettable.
Four islands belong to New Hampshire, the rest to Maine. Most people only get to Star Island by ferry: it’s the easiest one to visit.
The islands have a long history of adventure and fishing. You can see stone foundations and learn about the communities that used to live here.
Bring sturdy shoes as the paths are rocky and uneven, but not too tough. Just watch your step.
Plan your trip for late spring to early fall when the ferries run regularly. Bad weather can cancel trips, so check ahead.
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6. Hidden Waterfalls in the White Mountains
The White Mountains are full of waterfalls, many just a short hike away. Some are almost hidden, so it feels like finding a secret spot.
Pinkham Notch is a good place to start: there are trails leading to some really pretty falls. Each season changes the look, with spring bringing big flows and fall adding bright leaves.
Most of the waterfall hikes are easy enough for families. No need for fancy gear or expert skills.
Some waterfalls are right by the road, others take a half-hour walk through the woods. It’s easy to see a few in one day if you plan your route.
Definitely bring a camera. The mix of rocks, water, and forest makes for some great shots.
Try to go on a weekday if you can. It’s quieter and you get the place (almost) to yourself.
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5. Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is the biggest lake in New Hampshire and a go-to spot for chilling out. It’s huge: 72 square miles and has about 260 islands.
Sandy beaches ring the lake, and the water is calm enough for swimming or just floating around. It’s the kind of place where time slows down.
There are eight towns on the lake, each with its own feel and views. You can pick your favorite or hop between them.
Rent a boat and cruise around, or try fishing if that’s your thing. Sometimes, just sitting by the water is all you need.
Lakeside restaurants make it easy to grab a meal with a view. There are casual spots and some fancier options, depending on your mood.
The White Mountains in the background make the scenery even better. Summer is the busiest, but if you go early or on weekdays, it’s much more peaceful.
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4. America’s Stonehenge in Salem
America’s Stonehenge in Salem is one of those places that leaves you scratching your head. It’s a hillside full of ancient stone chambers and walls, some over 4,000 years old.
No one really knows who built it or why. The place is full of man-made caves and odd rock formations, all with a mysterious air.
You can wander the maze of stone chambers and walls. Whoever built it knew their astronomy and stonework, kind of like the original Stonehenge in England.
Start at the visitor center for a quick intro video. There’s also a gift shop if you want a souvenir.
The Pattee family moved here in 1802 and used the chambers as root cellars. They were among the first to realize this place was something special.
Admission is $18, which gets you access to what’s probably America’s oldest man-made site. They do candlelit tours sometimes, which sounds pretty cool if you’re into that vibe.
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3. Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth
Strawbery Banke Museum, which we also saw above, is like stepping into a time machine. It’s ten acres of American history, right in Portsmouth.
There are over 30 historic buildings here, from the 1600s through the 1900s. Each one has a different story about the people who lived and worked there.
The museum sits where New Hampshire’s first European settlement began. You can walk through old homes, shops, and gardens, and really feel the past.
It’s open from late April to late October. You can wander at your own pace through the Puddle Dock neighborhood. It’s at 14 Hancock Street, easy to find.
You’ll get stories that span from Indigenous times to today. Being right by the water adds to the atmosphere: it’s not just history, it’s a whole place.
Give yourself a few hours to see everything. They also run special events and programs if you want something extra.
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2. Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch
Flume Gorge is one of the big must-sees in New Hampshire. It’s a dramatic granite chasm in Franconia Notch State Park.
The gorge is 800 feet long and up to 90 feet high. Walking through it, with the granite walls towering above, is something you won’t forget.
There’s a 2-mile self-guided trail that takes about an hour and a half at a relaxed pace. Most of the way is on wooden walkways and boardwalks, so it’s pretty accessible.
You’ll hear waterfalls echoing off the rocks as you go. The whole place is a photographer’s dream, with mossy granite and rushing water.
Different seasons bring different looks: fall colors, spring snowmelt, you name it. It’s worth seeing more than once if you can.
Set aside at least two hours for your visit, to give yourself time to park, walk the trail, and check out the visitor center.
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1. Hiking Mount Washington Summit
Mount Washington rises to 6,288 feet, making it the tallest peak in the Northeast. It’s located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where the summit delivers some truly jaw-dropping views.
There are a handful of trails that’ll get you to the top. Each one has its own quirks: some are steeper, others wind through thick forest or over exposed rocks.
This mountain has a bit of a reputation for wild, unpredictable weather. Even seasoned hikers find it tough, but that’s part of the draw, isn’t it?
You’ll want to prep well before heading out. Bring warm layers, something waterproof, and plenty of snacks and water. Don’t skimp on the gear.
The weather can flip on a dime up there, no matter the season. Always check the latest forecast, and don’t be afraid to turn back if things go sideways.
If you’re lucky and catch a clear day, the summit views stretch for miles: across New Hampshire and even into neighboring states. It’s the kind of scenery that makes the climb worth every step.
Most folks start early and plan for a full day on the mountain. Depending on your trail and pace, expect to be hiking for 6 to 8 hours, give or take.
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