New Hampshire Travel Guide
New Hampshire packs a lot into its small size, including rugged mountains, breathtaking valleys, and a scenic coastline. Outdoor lovers flock here for year-round experiences, from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter. For those seeking their next outdoor adventure, New Hampshire deserves a spot on your bucket list.
White Mountains
From the top things to do to some great hikes, here are our articles about the White Mountains region of New Hampshire.
Best Things To Do in Franconia Notch State Park
Within New Hampshire’s White Mountains National Forest lies Franconia Notch State Park. This park sits on one end of the popular Kancamagus Highway and it is near some of New Hampshire’s tallest peaks, making it a prime destination to explore. With forested ridges to climb, gorges to wander, lakes to play in, and signs for […]
Franconia Ridge Loop | Trail Guide, Hiking Stats & Photos
The Franconia Ridge Loop is one of the most beautiful, yet challenging, hikes in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Hikers will traverse the National Forest’s second highest range of peaks and reach the summit of three mountains. A long stretch of the hike is above the treeline, offering beautiful views over the park’s expanse of forested […]
Top 10 Stops Along the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is one of New Hampshire’s most scenic drives, as it travels past rolling mountains, lush pine forests, and cascading waterfalls. Along the way are opportunities to complete several short hikes, in addition to quick overlooks to gaze over gorgeous mountain views. This drive is the perfect way to experience the beauty of […]
New England Road Trip
Embark on an exciting New England road trip, exploring Cape Cod’s beaches, Maine’s coastal beauty, and the vast White Mountains of New Hampshire. This fast-paced itinerary is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a mix of sightseeing, town hopping, and hiking.
12 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
Top Experiences in New Hampshire
Kancamagus Highway. The Kancamagus Highway is one of New Hampshire’s most scenic drives, as it travels past rolling mountains, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. Along the way are overlooks with views of the gorgeous mountain scenery, as well as opportunities to explore further along hiking trails.
Franconia Notch State Park. This state park lies within the White Mountain National Forest. With forested ridges to climb, gorges to wander, lakes to play in, and wildlife viewing, this is a park perfect for outdoor lovers, family road trippers, and weekend campers.
Mount Washington. Mount Washington is the highest mountain in the northeastern U.S. and is known for its erratic weather. This prominent mountain stands tall above the surrounding peaks. You can hike to the top, ride the scenic cogwheel train to the summit, or drive the Auto Road to the top and earn the “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves. The short trail through Lost River Gorge is ripped straight out of a fairytale. Walk past waterfalls as you wind through this tree-lined gorge. It’s a one-mile boardwalk trail suitable for all ages. There are even tiny caves along the trail you can choose to squeeze through if you’re looking for an extra adventure.
Conway Scenic Railroad. The Conway Scenic Railroad offers a more relaxed way to enjoy the beauty of White Mountain National Forest. Rail excursions of various durations are offered, and some are even themed. The railway is especially scenic in the fall, when the trees in Mount Washington Valley are lit with fall colors.
Lake Winnipesaukee. Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s largest lake and is a popular summer vacation destination. While here, relax by the water and enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking.
Hampton Beach State Park. Another summer vacation spot in New Hampshire, this state park is a great choice for travelers looking to get their beach fix.
Portsmouth. This scenic port city on New Hampshire’s seacoast charms visitors with its historic homes, cobblestone streets, and lively waterfront. Stroll through Prescott Park, sail along the Piscataqua River, and dine on fresh seafood near the harbor.
Go Skiing. New Hampshire is home to 32 ski resorts, each with their own unique charm. Some of the top ski resorts include Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, and Wildcat Mountain.
Best Time to Visit New Hampshire
The best time to visit New Hampshire is in the fall, from September through October. Not only will you have pleasant temperatures for hiking and other outdoor activities, but the landscape will be lit up with vibrant fall colors. The multi-colored glow of New Hampshire’s forests makes scenic drives even more impressive.
The summer months, June through August, are another great time to visit. You will have the warmest temperatures of the year, with highs around 80°F (27°C), and plenty of sunny days. This is the best time for water-based activities, and it is another good season for hiking.
New Hampshire features plenty of great skiing in the winter months. Peak ski season in New Hampshire is January through early March.
Places to Visit Near New Hampshire
14 Epic Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Called the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” Acadia National Park protects a portion of the rocky coastline of Maine. Hiking its thrilling trails, going for scenic drives, visiting its remote islands, and watching the sunset from the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast all make the best things to do in Acadia National […]
Best Things to Do in Camden, Maine
Camden is the perfect place for those seeking the charm of a quintessential New England coastal town. It’s an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Maine’s Penobscot Bay. Surrounding the small town, you will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and harbor cruises. After a day of adventure, […]
Boston Bucket List: 30 Best Things To Do in Boston
Boston is famous for a lot of things: the Boston Red Sox, the Freedom Trail, Harvard and MIT, and the famous Boston Tea Party, the event that kicked off the American Revolutionary War. We spent almost one full week touring Boston and the nearby towns and we were amazed by how much there is to […]
Plymouth, Lexington & Concord: A Day Trip from Boston
There is a lot to see and do in Boston, but if you can pull yourself away for a day, there are several nearby towns that are perfect for a day trip. Plymouth, just a short drive from Boston, is where the pilgrims first made landfall in Massachusetts, establishing one of the oldest settlements in […]
2 Days on Cape Cod: Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown & Falmouth
There are an overwhelming number of activities, towns, and beaches to visit on Cape Cod. Planning a trip here is difficult, especially when you only have a short amount of time but want to see everything. Here is how we spent two days on Cape Cod with tips to help you have the best experience. […]
14 Things to Do in the Finger Lakes: Waterfalls, Wine Tastings & Hiking
The Finger Lakes region of New York is a haven for those who love wine, the outdoors, and anyone in need of a scenic escape. With its long glacial lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and charming historic towns, the area makes for a great weekend getaway or a relaxed, extended stay. In this article, we’re sharing 14 […]
USA Travel Ideas
Here are a few more articles about things to see and do in and around New Hampshire.
Our 15 Favorite US National Parks: A Few May Surprise You
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 63 national parks. These national treasures are filled with scenic drives, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this guide, we cover 15 of the best national parks in the USA and what […]
Best USA Road Trips: 18 Ideas for Your Next Big Adventure
One of the best ways to explore the USA is on a good old-fashioned road trip. Cruise along Route 66, road trip through the Florida Keys, explore the American Southwest, or even drive from coast to coast. In this guide, we share 18 of the best USA road trips…18 great ideas for your next big […]
US National Parks List: All 63 Parks, Map & Free Printable Checklist
There are 63 national parks in the United States, and we’ve visited 56 of them, from the remote wilderness of Denali to the coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. We’re a family of avid hikers who have spent over a decade exploring these parks, from multi-day backcountry trips to scenic drives with kids in tow. […]
US National Parks
The Ultimate Guide to the 63 US National Parks
The US National Parks make an excellent travel destination, whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway. In our guide to the national parks, get detailed trip planning information, advice on which parks to visit by season, and itineraries to help simplify your travel planning process.