Things to do & places to visit in New Hampshire, United States

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.

New Hampshire #43 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.50 based on 61.3k traveler reviews, of 1.256 attractions. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, April 25, 2024, 5:17.

Top things to do (41)

Top destinations in New Hampshire 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Santa's Village (1.240 reviews)
- A Great Family Spot!
Amusement & Theme Parks

Santa’s Village is a terrific place to spend a busy and fun family day. The grounds are spotless and the staff is friendly and helpful to all. There are plenty of rides, shows and activities like the alphabet hunt are fun. Kids can collect letters on punch cards by stopping a elf statues around the park and then turn their cards in fora “diploma” from the elf university at the end of the day. The rides and activities are geared to a good mix of ages. We had kids from 5 to 10 in our group, and there was more than enough for everyone to enjoy. Food is always a killer at these types of parks, but from our experience it was pretty good and affordable. We had pizza and drinks for our group of ten. The pizza was made to order and the cost was about $75 - pretty fair. They were also celebrating Halloween, and several locations around the park had small treats for the kids. And finally there’s the man himself, Santa Claus. He was terrific with the kids and they all had a good visit without feeling rushed. Pictures are available. This is a must-visit when on a trip to the White Mountains. See more..
5.0 Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation (1.238 reviews)
- AWESOME!!
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Private Tours

What a fabulous time!! We did the winter ziplining tour with a group of 10 people. We had 4 guides and they were all fantastic!! The military vehicle that brings you to the top of the mountain is so much fun. Be sure to buckle your seatbelt or you WILL end up in your neighbor’s lap !! The tour lasted close to 2 hours and included 6 ziplines I believe. Highly recommend as long as you’re not afraid of heights or speed! See more..
5.0 Northern Extremes Snowmobiling - Tours (965 reviews)
- Awesome Day Snowmobiling in Bear Notch
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ski & Snow Tours • Private Tours

Such a great company outing. Most of us had ridden in the Bear Notch area before, so we booked a 1/2 day rental. Our paperwork was done online in advance, it was super simple, and made checking in easy as could be. Katie and Bob in the office were so nice. They helped us get everything ready to go, made sure we all had the gear we needed, and went over the current trail conditions. You do still need to arrive early to get all your gear together, get fitted for helmets, go over maps, and check out each sled. The sleds were all Ski-doo and Polaris, they were all newer with electric start, heated handlebars, and in perfect working order. The two days before had been warm with freezing temps overnight and we were worried the trials would be icy, rutted, and beat up, but the grooming in Bear Notch is second to none. The trails were in great shape and everything was clearly marked. We had so much fun. Ready to book again! See more..
5.0 Franconia Notch State Park (662 reviews)
- An Active Day in Franconia Notch
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks

Named one of the 12 best state parks in America. See more..
5.0 Glen Ellis Falls (359 reviews)
- Highly recommend
Waterfalls

We went 30 minutes out of our way to view the falls and it was definitely worth it. Short hike along the rushing water to the top of the falls. You then descend to the bottom of the falls by way of a 120 step well designed rock staircase with a railing. At the bottom you are right by the falls. Beautiful setting! See more..
5.0 Seven Birches Winery (355 reviews)
- Wonderful Wine Tasting at Seven Birches Winery!
Thursday: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

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! See more..
5.0 Wright Museum of WWII (327 reviews)
- Wright Museum of WWII
Temporarily closed - Closed until May 1, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

This Museum's purpose is to educate, entertain and inspire visitors with the story of WWII-era Americans often called "the greatest generation". The Wright Museum is open seasonally from May 1st to October 31st. See more..
5.0 Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel (322 reviews)
- Great fall fun!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

We went for a lovely cart run last week while on a road trip from Vermont to Maine (fun tip, this is a perfect stop right in the middle if you're on a road trip). When you arrive you'll get plenty of time to meet and greet the dogs (and yes, they'll let you know which ones not to approach - this is mostly for the dog's safety, none of them are aggressive, just bouncy :). If you're a dog person, you'll be in heaven going from happy dog to happy dog, giving out hugs and pats. If you're on one of the cart tours, please understand that these are dependent on temperature, again for the dog's safety. These pups can heat up fast. Everyone is very upfront about this and we knew going in our trip could be shortened or end up as a meet and greet. We were lucky that it stayed on the cooler side, but my advice if you're worried is to try and take the first trip in the morning and of course keep an eye on the temps. Having said that, the meet and greet would have been fantastic in and of itself. Casey was our guide and gave us lots of good info and history regarding the dogs and the kennel. He is clearly very in tune with his animals and made sure they were okay every step of the way, even going so far as to help a dog with a stiff leg stretch a bit. These are working dogs, but you can tell from the get go that they love to run. You'll also get to harness the team then hop in the cart for quite the ride. It's a little bumpy (hence the warning about any injuries or recent surgeries) but nothing too crazy. I didn't go with any kids, but I'd imagine they would have a blast! We also met with Cale who was in training to lead future tours. He was excellent as well. All around a great morning of fun! See more..
5.0 Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site (316 reviews)
- Homage to famous artist
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

Once the home of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this beautiful home and garden is now open to the public for free concerts and picnics. See more..
4.5 Kancamagus Highway (3.551 reviews)
- Just DO it!
Spent More than 3 hours Scenic Drives

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. See more..
4.5 Flume Gorge (1.737 reviews)
- Expensive to get in but still worth the hike
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Walking Areas • Geologic Formations • Waterfalls

This 800-foot-long gorge with towering granite walls is at the base of Mount Liberty. You can explore the gorge on a short two-mile hike—it has a lot of uphill sections and stairs, so wear a good pair of shoes. While you're there, check out the Flume Covered Bridge (across the scenic Pemigewasset River) and Table Rock (an open granite rock face), too. Visit during fall for beautiful orange hues, or during summer and early spring for stronger water flows. The narrow gorge can get busy, so get there early in the day for fewer crowds. Reservations are required—book online in advance to secure your slot. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Diana's Baths (1.571 reviews)
- Crowded, but beautiful
Waterfalls

We hiked at Diana's Baths on a Tuesday morning. It's got a beautiful series of waterfalls, and it is near North Conway, and that leads to crowds. It's certainly not a quiet nature experience! It is very popular with families with small children, and dog owners. The trail is well maintained and is pretty easy hiking up to where the falls begin. The National Forest fee for parking is $4 per car, and that gets you into any other WMNF lot the rest of the day--we found that quite reasonable. But parking can also be crowded. As we were leaving, the lot was completely full, and someone was waiting behind us to take our spot. I suggest going early! See more..
4.5 Hampton Beach State Park (1.380 reviews)
- Winter Beach Day!!
Beaches

As a family we love the beach. This beach we personally like coming to in the off season in the late spring and early fall or on an unseasonably warm February day, as we did for this trip. There aren’t as many people around and you can really enjoy your time without a lot of people around. In the summer it can get pretty crowded and although we enjoy it in the summer as well. We prefer the quiet of the off season! See more..
4.5 Story Land (1.281 reviews)
- A great day making memories with our granddaughter
Temporarily closed - Closed until May 26, 2023 Amusement & Theme Parks

Story Land – where fantasy lives! Story Land is a safe and natural setting where children and their imaginations can run free. We provide a great value to our guests every day, with all-inclusive rides, shows & attractions, reasonably-priced admission ticket, FREE parking, and FREE pet kennels. Featuring birthday parties and character dinners, Story Land is a celebration for the young at heart. This world of fantasy is punctuated by the kaleidoscope of flowers and emerald fields of New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains. Timeless characters like Humpty Dumpty, the Old Woman in the Shoe, the Three Little Pigs, and Peter Rabbit came to life here in 1954. See more..
4.5 Strawbery Banke Museum (1.144 reviews)
- Definitely Worth A Visit
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Experience New England life in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Strawbery Banke Museum is a 10-acre campus dedicated to bringing history to life, from Indigenous history to the present day, in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Tour historic houses on original sites, meet engaging costumed roleplayers, watch traditional crafts demonstrations, and explore historical gardens and landscapes. The museum is a place for children, adults, multi-generational families, and groups to gather and explore. The museum welcomes 110,000 visitors, members, schoolchildren, and volunteers who love New Hampshire history for daily programs, exhibits, skating, and signature special events throughout the year. See more..
4.5 Clark's Bears (1.129 reviews)
- Great place to spend the day
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

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! See more..
4.5 Cathedral Ledge (1.027 reviews)
- Beautiful hike from echo lake
Lookouts • Geologic Formations

A rock cliff that is popular with climbers. See more..
4.5 Canobie Lake Park (1.024 reviews)
- Overall amazing
Thursday: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks

Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire has over 85 Rides, Games, Live Entertainment and Attractions, including our wild roller coaster, UNTAMED! See more..
4.5 The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park (1.007 reviews)
- Easy Hike/beautiful place
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Geologic Formations

This 20-foot-wide natural granite abyss is probably one of the largest "potholes" you've ever seen. See more..
4.5 Cranmore Mountain Resort (801 reviews)
- Good quick rides for ages 7 and up
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Biking Trails • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Summertime at Cranmore provides guests of all ages with a full selection of action and play. With rides in the Mountain Adventure Park, Scenic Chairlift Rides to the Summit Meister Hut, and our Downhill Mountain Bike Park with lift access, there are so many ways to spend the day. Cranmore Mountain, a four season resort located in the heart of North Conway Village in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, has been entertaining families with fun and festive activities for over 85 years. With skiing and riding on 57 trails and glades in the winter, as well as ten lanes of tubing, a Mountain Coaster, Giant Swing and Soaring Eagle Zipline, there is something for everyone in the family! See more..
4.5 Market Square (748 reviews)
- Enjoy it while it lasts.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

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. See more..
4.5 Prescott Park (706 reviews)
- Historic and spectacular.
Parks • Gardens

I don't know how anyone can be lackadaisical about this park. It's right on the waterfront and has fantastic views. There's an enclosed formal garden with brick walks, fountains, and beautiful trees as well as a nearby large public garden. There are several monuments and a few historic buildings. There's plenty of seating and shade, cool breezes, beautiful landscaping. It's an arts venue in the summer months with live music performances and plays. You can walk to it from downtown. You can board the gundalow from it for an afternoon or sunset harbor sail. It's beautiful any time of year, even in winter. See more..
4.5 Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves (705 reviews)
- Worth a couple of hours for Fun!
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is an adventure that combines the beauty and mysteries of nature with the excitement of discovery! A ¾ mile boardwalk is your path through the gorge. Your journey can be as easy or as ambitious as you choose: you may remain on the boardwalk, or accept the challenge of exploring the boulder caves. Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing are recommended and no strollers are allowed in the gorge. The journey begins with a short walk descending approximately 300 feet along the entrance trail. The first stop from the trail is a viewing platform with great views of the gorge. From there, you enter the gorge and meet your first cave, The Sun Altar. See more..
4.5 Castle in the Clouds (635 reviews)
- Good value
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings

Castle in the Clouds offers tours of the historic 1914 mansion, on-site dining at The Carriage House Restaurant, community programs and events, rental space for weddings and private events, horseback riding at the nearby Riding in the Clouds, and access to 28 miles of walking or hiking trails with waterfalls. See more..
4.5 Currier Museum of Art (635 reviews)
- Fine museum experience and the Frank Lloyd Wright house tour was great!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Art Museums

Small museum but interesting art collection. Great for a couple of hours of fine art viewing. But what is truly exceptional is the tour of two Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Manchester NH. The Zimmerman House is truly special. And the Kalal House is at the very least a fascinating example of a modular design specifically developed for middle class FLW clients. Having these two houses connected to the museum makes it truly worth the trip. Must have reservations to go on the house tour as they only take up to 10 people at a time. See more..
4.5 USS Albacore Museum (616 reviews)
- You won't regret visiting this!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The USS Albacore is a research submarine, designed by the U.S. Navy to test experimental features used in modern submarines. The Navy tested top-secret features that led to the high-speed silent operation used on modern U.S. submarines. Today, Albacore has been preserved and is opened to the public Every visitor can go inside and explore this remarkable submarine. You will be able to look through the periscope, explore the control room, engineering spaces, and bunkrooms, and hear crew members tell of things that happened when they were at sea. Tours through Albacore are self-guided. As you walk through the ship, a series of audio stations highlight Albacore's unique features. Recordings by former crew members tell about daily life and some hair-raising incidents aboard the sub. The Visitor Center is your starting point for the tour. The Gift Shop offers souvenirs of your visit. The Memorial Garden preserves the memory of those who have served on Albacore and other U.S. submarines. See more..
4.5 Pemi Valley Moose Tours (574 reviews)
- Exactly what we wanted for viewing moose/wildlife
Nature & Wildlife Tours

This was a fantastic moose tour. 1st off, they are legally authorized to use spot lights. There was no texting while driving and they are extremely professional in the driving and hunting of moose. They care greatly for their customers and showed caution not only for passengers, but also passing vehicles. We saw 6 moose on the tour. The price was affordable and cheaper than other tours we looked into. Both men were nice, knowledgeable and quite funny. They told history of places we passed as well and some hilarious jokes! The were very accommodating for children. The gave out prizes and made us all comfortable. They also make bathroom stops along the way. I highly recommend Pemi. In fact, we are bringing our 5 kids next time! We can't wait!! See more..
4.5 Merrimack Premium Oulets (532 reviews)
- Few Shoppers and Empty Stores BUT...
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Factory Outlets • Shopping Malls

...the sales staff at all the stores were happy to see anyone! This was our 2nd visit to Merrimack Premium Outlets and it was done after a disappointing visit to Kittery, Maine...Maine was not the let down, it was all about Covid, that has forced reaclosures of some outlet stores, which has created a "ghost town" feel and gloom for the area, even in the midst of Autumn and turning colors. After an hour driving through Kittery's strip mall outlets, we decided to drive the 1 1/2 to New Hampshire's Merrimack. While the Merrimack Outlets are experiencing the same drop off in business and tourism, as the shipper, your "energy" is different in a self contained complex,. My wife and I were glad to have made "the trek" as we found some good purchases for upcoming birthdays and the holidays...New Hampshire has no sales tax on clothing purchases. Our only problem, needing a new piece of luggage, fortunately, there were more than enough options right there at Merrimack! See more..
4.5 The M/S Mount Washington (530 reviews)
- Relaxing lake tour
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Boat Tours

We spend a relaxing few hours aboard this ship after boarding in Weirs Beach. It was a wonderful way to explore Lake Winnipesaukee and learn the history of the area. The lake is huge (largest in New Hampshire) with islands in it that people live on. We had a couple of mimosas that were pretty good. The crew did a great job of announcing what we were seeing as we sailed along the lake. It does get pretty chilly as you tour the lake so bring a jacket to fully enjoy the gorgeous views both along the coast line of the lake and the islands in the lake. There is plenty of seating both inside and outside the ship. See more..
4.5 Whale's Tale Waterpark (498 reviews)
- Fantastic
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Water Parks

Staff was incredibly polite, courteous, and helpful. The park was impeccable and well kept, lifeguards appeared tentative and alert and professional. When we arrived at 10:20 am on 8/19 we were a bit shocked to see the long line for bag check/park check in but we only waited in line about 15 minutes as staff was able to quickly but thoroughly check bags. The park is small and navigable enough to easily ride every attraction more than once but spread out sufficiently to not feel crowded. This was my family’s first visit but it won’t be our last. We had a blast! See more..