So you're planning a New Hampshire getaway? Smart move. I've lived here for twelve years and still find new adventures every season. The tricky part is sorting through all the options to find what's truly worth your time. Forget those generic "top 10" lists - we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty details that actually help you plan. From hidden waterfalls to that perfect lobster roll spot, here's everything you need to know about the best New Hampshire things to do.
Outdoor Adventures That'll Blow Your Mind
Look, if you don't get outside here, you're missing the point. The White Mountains alone cover nearly a quarter of the state, and that's just the beginning.
Hiking That's Actually Worth the Sweat
Franconia Ridge gets all the Instagram love, but honestly? It's overcrowded. For better views with half the crowd, try Mount Willard. The trailhead is right off Route 302 in Crawford Notch State Park. 3.2 miles round trip, takes about 2 hours at a moderate pace. The payoff? A panoramic view of the entire notch. No permit needed, just show up. Bring $5 cash for the honor system parking.
| Trail | Location | Distance | Difficulty | Parking Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Willard | Crawford Notch State Park (Route 302) | 3.2 miles | Moderate | $5 cash |
| Arethusa Falls | Hart's Location near Bartlett | 3 miles | Moderate | Free |
| Welch-Dickey Loop | Waterville Valley | 4.4 miles | Challenging | $5 cash |
Waterfall chasers - make time for Sabbaday Falls. Easy 0.6 mile paved walk off the Kancamagus Highway. Free entry, open dawn to dusk. The turquoise plunge pools look photoshopped but are 100% real.
Insider Tip: Download the "New Hampshire Trail Finder" app before you go. Cell service disappears fast in the mountains. Shows real-time trail conditions and parking availability.
Winter Magic Beyond Skiing
Bretton Woods gets the ski crowds, but my favorite winter activity is ice castles at Woodstock Inn. They build these massive frozen structures every January-February. Tickets sell out weeks ahead - book online ($25-$35). Opens at 3pm, but go after dark when they light it up.
Fat tire biking is surprisingly awesome here. Great Glen Trails in Gorham rents bikes ($25/hour) with groomed trails through snowy forests. Way cheaper than skiing and no lift lines.
Family Fun That Won't Make You Groan
Travelling with kids? Been there. These spots actually entertain both kids and adults without breaking the bank.
Canobie Lake Park: More Than Just Rides
New England's underrated gem. 85 acres in Salem, NH. Open May-October. $50 online tickets beat $65 at gate. Pro tip: Arrive at opening (11am) and head straight to Untamed rollercoaster - lines triple by noon.
- Must-dos: Boston Tea Party flume ride (you will get soaked), Castaway Island water complex (free with admission)
- Skip: Caterpillar ride - 10 minute wait for 30 seconds of boredom
- Food: Skip the generic burgers. The lobster roll stand near the carousel uses real Maine lobster ($18 but worth it)
Living History That Doesn't Suck
Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth. Sounds boring? Trust me, it's not. Costumed interpreters actually demonstrate skills - watch blacksmiths make nails or bakers pull bread from 18th century ovens.
Hours: 10am-5pm daily (May-Oct), $25 adults, kids under 5 free. Budget 3 hours. Parking? Nightmare. Use the paid garage at 1 Harbour Place ($2/hour).
Q: What are some good New Hampshire things to do with toddlers?
A: Hands down, the Children's Museum of NH in Dover. Two floors of interactive exhibits ($12/person). The "Dino Detective" dig pit is toddler heaven. Open Tue-Sat 9-5. Clean bathrooms with changing tables - crucial detail!
Foodie Experiences Worth the Calories
Lobster rolls get all the hype, but New Hampshire's food scene has way more depth.
Local Favorites You Won't Find on Yelp
| Spot | What to Order | Price Range | Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Plum | Lobster Roll (hot buttered, not mayo!) | $24 | 11am-8pm | Multiple locations |
| Polly's Pancake Parlor | Gingerbread pancakes with maple cream | $14 | 7am-2pm | Sugar Hill |
| Maine Meat | Venison sausage sandwich | $13 | 10am-6pm (closed Tue) | Kittery Outlets |
Polly's is worth the drive to Sugar Hill. Yes, you'll wait 45 minutes on weekends. No, they don't take reservations. Get there before 8am or expect chaos.
Brewery Hopping Without the Hangover
New Hampshire's brewery scene exploded recently. Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton has European-style beers in a converted mill building. Try the Alexandr 10° Czech lager ($7/pint). Open Wed-Sun noon-8pm. Live music Saturdays.
Skip the overhyped spots near Portsmouth. Instead, head to Garrison City Beerworks in Dover. Dankosaurus IPA ($6) lives up to its name. Small tasting room but they let you bring food from next door's Crisp's Chicken (best fried chicken sandwich in NH).
Secrets of Seasonal Travel
Visiting at the wrong time can ruin your trip. Here's the real scoop month-by-month:
Fall Foliage Without the Crowds
Everyone floods the Kancamagus Highway in October. Ditch the traffic with these alternatives:
- Route 153 from Eaton to Madison: Golden maples reflected in Chocorua Lake. Zero tour buses.
- Androscoggin River Byway: Follows the river from Errol to Gorham. Moose sightings common at dawn.
- Peak prediction: Check WMUR's foliage tracker weekly starting Sept 15. North peaks first week Oct, south mid-Oct.
Summer's Hidden Water Worlds
Hampton Beach is overrated and packed. For better swimming:
- Pawtuckaway State Park ($5 entry): Huge boulder fields to jump off into deep water
- Diana's Baths: Cascading waterfalls near North Conway. Free before 8am, $5 after
- Secret spot: Sawyer Rock swimming hole in Tamworth. GPS: 43.859767, -71.263217. Shallow entry for kids
Practical Stuff That Actually Matters
Tourist brochures won't tell you this gritty reality.
Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind
Renting a car? Essential. But:
- Tolls on I-95 and Everett Turnpike add up fast. Get E-ZPass at service plazas
- Parking in Portsmouth costs $2.50/hour. Download the Park Portsmouth app to refill remotely
- Uber/Lyft scarce in mountains. Conway has taxis but book ahead: (603) 356-2222
Where to Stay That Doesn't Suck
| Accommodation | Best For | Price Range | Perk | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omni Mount Washington | Splurge stays | $350-$600/night | Historic grandeur | Dated bathrooms |
| Adventure Suites | Families | $200-$300/night | Themed rooms (treehouse!) | Noisy hallways |
| Kancamagus Swift River Inn | Budget travelers | $110-$150/night | Private river access | Thin walls |
Q: What are cheap New Hampshire things to do?
A: Drive the Kancamagus Highway ($5 scenic pass covers all stops). Free ranger programs at White Mountain National Forest. Portsmouth Farmers Market (Saturdays 8am-1pm June-Oct) with live music and samples.
Cultural Gems Beyond the Obvious
Art and history buffs, these spots deliver substance without the crowds.
Underrated Museums Worth Your Time
The Currier Museum in Manchester gets all the press, but the League of NH Craftsmen gallery in Concord showcases incredible local artistry. Bought a hand-blown glass vase there last fall ($85). Open Tue-Sat 10-4. Free parking behind building.
Aviation geeks? The Aviation Museum in Londonderry has restored WWII planes you can actually touch. $10 admission. Volunteer pilots give tours - ask for retired Captain Don. Open Thur-Sun 10-4.
Ghost Tours That Don't Cheesefest
Portsmouth's "Dead of Night" tour actually spooked me - and I'm a skeptic. Local historian leads it through dark alleys. $25/person, Fridays/Saturdays at 8pm. Book online. They don't do fake jump scares - just legit creepy history with documented accounts.
Skip the commercialized ones in Salem, MA. This feels authentic.
Final Pro Tips Before You Go
After dozens of visitors, here's what people always wish they knew:
- Weather whiplash: Mountains create microclimates. Pack layers even in summer. Saw 40°F temperature drop driving Pinkham Notch once
- Liquor laws: State-run liquor stores only (closed Sundays). Beer/wine in supermarkets till 11pm
- Bug warfare: Black flies in May/June eat DEET for breakfast. Get Picaridin lotion at Walmart
- Discounts: Grab the "Visit NH" coupon book at rest stops. BOGO deals for attractions
Q: What unique New Hampshire things to do exist beyond typical tourism?
A: Attend a town meeting (March). Tour a maple sugar shack during February/March sap run. Find "mystery stones" at America's Stonehenge. Go talc mining near Ossipee.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls or lobster rolls, the best New Hampshire things to do connect you with the state's rugged soul. Plan less, wander more. That gravel road might lead to your favorite memory. And hey - if Mount Washington's clouded over? The Cog Railway still makes an epic story. Just pack that rain jacket.
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