Top Things to do in New Hampshire
Top Hotels in New Hampshire
- 1. The Glen House
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
- 3. White Mountain Hotel and Resort
- 4. Comfort Inn & Suites
- 5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manchester
- 6. Ashworth by the Sea
- 7. Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Tilton
- 9. Port Inn And Suites Portsmouth, Ascend Hotel Collection
- 10. Top Notch Inn
8 Scenic Drives in New Hampshire That You Shouldn't Miss
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.
Restaurants in New Hampshire
1. Franconia Notch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
The narrow passageway between the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges.
Reviewed By rayt-flaxin - Quincy, United States
If you find yourself in North New Hampshire and area looking for an easily accessible area to be able to enjoy and view first hand one of the most historically and geographically significant areas in the state, then i highly recommend you visit Franconia Notch. Between the Old Man on the mountain, the logging industry, the hiking and tourism, Cannon ski area, etc. There is a ton to see and do. Also, there are lots of viewing spots and picnic areas to pull off into.
2. White Mountain Trail
3. Pemigewasset Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By mainemountainbear - Texas Gulf Coast, United States
This scenic overlook was in the White Mountains National Forest, on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (NH 112), a short drive from Lincoln. Designated parking required proof of having paid a day use fee. Engaging displays interpreted local history and ecology; I only wished they’d been in better condition. Clean rest facilities were onsite. For mountain scenery, with views to the west and the south, there may be no better stop on the Byway.
4. Kancamagus Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,459 reviews
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.
Reviewed By harpazhadar - Haifa, Israel
We had only 4 hours to experience this amazing road so had to focus on few specific spots. Made some research online beforehand and decided on these 4 stops which did not disappoint! Started from the North Conway eastern entrance we stopped at the Saco Ranger Station and paid 5$ for a parking daily pass. (You have to pay only if you plan on stopping and parking on the way). There were also self service - pay your fee on site stations but you had to have the exact amount in cash to use them. Our Top stops were: 1. Albany Covered Bridge 2. Lower Falls Scenic Area 3. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area 4. Sabbaday Falls We were traveling on the beginning of the Foliage season and the colors and ambiance were perfect! Not much to eat on the way so it is best to make some sandwiches and stock on some snacks and water before entering. On the other side near Lincoln we had a terrific dinner at Black Mt. Burger Co – highly recommended!!!
5. Hancock Overlook
6. The Frost Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
The Frost Place is a nonprofit educational center for poetry and the arts based at Robert Frost’s old homestead, which is owned by the town of Franconia, New Hampshire. Besides serving as a sanctuary for lovers of poetry and books, it is also a museum. Unlike typical modern museums, you won’t find at The Frost Place fancy multi-media displays or cafés, but if you come seeking a glimpse and a sense of the kind of place where a young poet could concentrate, and where his four children could range through the woods and orchards and discover the world, The Frost Place can still offer such pleasures. The view from the porch which inspired Frost is stunning and open to the public year round.
Reviewed By onthlesstraveledroad - San Diego, United States
I've visited Frost's other New Hampshire and Vermont homes but this one touched me the most. It was moving to be in his writing room, see the view that inspired him, and stroll the farm path that has his poems posted. Plus, the guide's talk was quite informative. It's striking how isolated and independent his family had to be through the brutal New Hampshire winters.
7. The Rocks Estate and Christmas Tree Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Beautiful estate of meadows, woods and barns.
Reviewed By camperJan52 - Lisbon, United States
Today we had the pleasure of visiting The Rocks Estate. Even though the weather was not the best, it didn’t deter us from having a terrific hike through the woods on one of the trails offered. The presidential range can be viewed on a few of the trails. The colors were beautiful! The estate is full of history and you are able to visit several buildings that have signs explaining it’s historical significance. There is also a Christmas tree farm where you can tag the perfect tree. All in all, it’s a great place to visit.
8. Mt. Washington Auto Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,850 reviews
Drive yourself or take a guided tour on the historic eight-mile scenic road to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Operations are always weather permitting. Be sure to visit our website for the current "Road Status." First opened in 1861, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is America's oldest man-made attraction.
Reviewed By theblades
If you have good weather (as we did) then the views are nothing short of spectacular! We did the drive up option for the last "Sunrise" trek of the season. Our first time there we had no idea what to expect. As said in other reviews, driving up is NOT for the faint of heart! We started going up at 5 AM so it was still dark. There were moments when we were literally 6-8 inches from the edge of the mountain and there are NO GUARDRAILS so all I can say was we took our time. The only complaint I have was with some of the other drivers on the road going up. Either they had done this multiple times and knew what to expect or they were just whacked out because they would tailgate and have their hi-beams glaring right into your eyes. I had to pull over onto one of the small overlooks that dot the way up in order for one guy in a pickup that had an obvious death wish to go past me. I was going at the prescribed 20-25 miles an hour mind-you. I can't fault the attraction for lame brains so that is why I still give 5 stars. It's definitely worth the experience of driving up at least once in your lifetime and then they offer the cog ride up or you can go with the local guided tour that takes a van up. As they say, "Just do it!" :)
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