New Hampshire Attractions Guide

White Mountains

The White Mountain National Forest is the crown of New Hampshire — rugged peaks, covered bridges, and the famous foliage corridors of the Kancamagus.

• Kancamagus Highway — The 34.5-mile scenic byway between Lincoln and Conway, one of America's most celebrated fall-foliage drives.
• Franconia Notch State Park — Home to the Flume Gorge, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and Echo Lake, all strung along I-93 through a dramatic mountain pass.
• Cannon Mountain — Skiing in winter and a summit tram with panoramic views in summer; the trailhead for several classic White Mountain hikes.
• Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves — A boardwalk-and-cave adventure through a boulder-strewn gorge in Kinsman Notch.
• Clark's Bears — A family-friendly roadside attraction in Lincoln with trained bears, a steam train ride, and Americana charm.

Mount Washington

At 6,288 feet, the highest peak in the northeastern US, famous for having "the world's worst weather" — and two classic ways to the summit.

• Mount Washington Cog Railway — The world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, running from Marshfield Station to the summit since 1869.
• Mount Washington Auto Road — The 7.6-mile toll road to the summit, drivable on your own or via guided tour; the views from the top span five states on clear days.
• Mount Washington Observatory — The summit weather station's museum, where you can learn about the record 231-mph wind gust measured here in 1934.
• Pinkham Notch Visitor Center — The hiker's gateway at the base of the mountain, with trailheads, exhibits, and ranger advice.

Portsmouth

One of America's oldest ports, with brick-lined streets, colonial architecture, and a harbor-side downtown that's pure New England.

• Strawbery Banke Museum — A 10-acre outdoor history museum of restored 17th- to 19th-century houses in the city's oldest neighborhood, with costumed interpreters.
• Market Street — Downtown Portsmouth's main drag: boutiques, bookstores, and seafood restaurants in historic brick buildings.
• Prescott Park — Waterfront gardens along the Piscataqua River, with free summer concerts and the Prescott Park Arts Festival.
• USS Albacore — A retired research submarine you can tour, parked in nearby Albacore Park.

Lake Winnipesaukee

New Hampshire's largest lake, ringed by small resort towns and summer camps — the classic Lakes Region vacation spot.

• M/S Mount Washington cruise — The historic 230-foot cruise ship sailing the lake from Weirs Beach, with scenic and dinner cruises.
• Weirs Beach — The lively lakeside hub with an arcade boardwalk, beach, and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
• Castle in the Clouds — A mountaintop mansion in Moultonborough with waterfalls, trails, and lake views from the Ossipee Mountains.
• Wolfeboro — The self-proclaimed "Oldest Summer Resort in America," a charming waterfront town on the lake's eastern shore.

Hanover

An Ivy League college town on the Connecticut River, all elm-shaded streets and cultural riches far beyond its size.

• Dartmouth College campus — Founded in 1769, with the iconic Baker Tower, the Green, and historic brick halls you can stroll freely.
• Hood Museum of Art — Dartmouth's free art museum, with strong collections of Native American, African, and American art.
• Hopkins Center for the Arts — Concerts, theater, and film at the college's performing-arts hub, open to the public.
• Connecticut River trails — Riverside paths for walking and biking along the Vermont–New Hampshire border.

Practical Tips

• Best season: Late September to mid-October for foliage (the Kancamagus peaks around early October); winter for White Mountain skiing; summer for the lakes and seacoast.
• Getting around: A car is essential — the White Mountains, the lakes, and Portsmouth are spread across the state with no practical transit between them.
• Book foliage and ski weekends early: North Conway and Lincoln lodging sells out in peak weeks.
• Check summit weather: Mount Washington's weather can be dangerous even in summer — check the Observatory's forecast before hiking or driving up.
• Combine with neighbors: Portsmouth pairs easily with southern Maine, and the White Mountains with Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

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