Overview

New Hampshire is a compact yet diverse state filled with charming towns, majestic mountains, and a rugged coastline. Known as the Granite State, it offers a blend of outdoor adventure, colonial history, and quintessential New England charm. Whether you’re hiking the White Mountains, exploring covered bridges, or leaf-peeping in fall, New Hampshire is a year-round gem.

  • Capital: Concord
  • Largest Cities: Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Dover, Rochester
  • Population: ~1.4 million (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) / EDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Humid continental — cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers

Top Destinations in New Hampshire

White Mountains

Home to Mount Washington and dozens of peaks, trails, and scenic drives for hikers, skiers, and leaf-peepers.

Portsmouth

A charming seaport town with colonial architecture, waterfront dining, and boutique shopping.

Lake Winnipesaukee

A beautiful and expansive lake surrounded by towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro, ideal for boating and relaxing.

Hanover

A picturesque Ivy League town and home of Dartmouth College, filled with culture and natural beauty.

Franconia Notch State Park

A stunning mountain pass offering hikes to waterfalls, flume gorges, and dramatic views.

Must-See Attractions

  • Mount Washington – The highest peak in the Northeast with an auto road, railway, and extreme weather
  • Kancamagus Highway – A scenic byway famous for fall foliage
  • Flume Gorge – A dramatic natural gorge with boardwalks and waterfalls
  • Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth) – A living history museum
  • Cathedral Ledge (North Conway) – A cliffside viewpoint popular with climbers and photographers

Things to Do

  • Hike or ski the White Mountains, including the Appalachian Trail
  • Take a lake cruise or paddle on Lake Winnipesaukee
  • Explore quaint towns and country roads filled with farm stands and covered bridges
  • Visit during fall for legendary leaf-peeping and autumn festivals
  • Relax at cozy inns and mountain resorts

Getting There & Around

Major Airports

  • Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT), Portsmouth International (PSM), Boston Logan (BOS – nearby)

Transport

  • Rental cars are the best way to explore small towns and scenic areas
  • Amtrak’s Downeaster stops in Dover, Durham, and Exeter
  • Scenic byways like the Kancamagus Highway are ideal for road trips

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Apr–May): Melting snow, blooming flowers, and quiet trails
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Boating, hiking, and beach season
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): World-famous foliage and festivals
  • Winter (Nov–Mar): Skiing, snowmobiling, and cozy mountain getaways

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Classic New England fare with a rustic, seasonal twist
  • Specialties: Maple syrup, apple cider donuts, clam chowder, lobster rolls, venison
  • Drinks: Local craft beer, hard cider, maple liqueur
  • Events & Festivals:
  • Pumpkin Festival (Laconia)
  • NH Highland Games (Lincoln)
  • Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
  • Sandwich Fair (Fall agricultural fair)
  • White Mountains Boogie N’ Blues Festival

Souvenirs from New Hampshire

  • Pure maple syrup or maple candy
  • Locally made candles, soaps, or woodcraft
  • Hiking gear or souvenirs from the White Mountains
  • Dartmouth or New Hampshire-themed apparel
  • Books by local authors or nature guides

Fun Facts

  • Mount Washington holds the record for highest wind speed ever recorded on land (231 mph)
  • New Hampshire has no sales tax or income tax on wages
  • The state motto is “Live Free or Die”
  • It was the first state to declare independence from Britain in 1776
  • The Old Man of the Mountain, a natural rock formation, was a beloved state symbol until it collapsed in 2003

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day White Mountains Adventure

  • Day 1: North Conway – shops, Cathedral Ledge, and scenic train ride
  • Day 2: Mount Washington – drive or ride the Cog Railway
  • Day 3: Franconia Notch – Flume Gorge and Echo Lake

5-Day Lakes & Coast Tour

  • Day 1: Portsmouth – explore historic downtown and harbor
  • Day 2: Drive inland to Lake Winnipesaukee – beach and boat time
  • Day 3: Meredith and Wolfeboro – lakeside dining and shopping
  • Day 4: White Mountains – hike or scenic drive
  • Day 5: Return via Kancamagus Highway for epic foliage views

Cities

  • Manchester