Location: North Conway
Top Things to do in North Conway
The 10 Best Things to do in North Conway, New Hampshire (NH)
North Conway, part of New Hampshire's scenic Mount Washington Valley, has been dubbed the offspring of a quintessential New England village and a Gap outlet. Historic buildings, quaint antique shops, bookstores and bakeries coexist peacefully with big name outlet stores like J. Jill, Nike and Dansk. For seasoned shoppers, it represents the best of worlds, part old-country charm, part new-world bargains. Plagued for years by busy routes and traffic jams, the new North-South road has made it somewhat easier to get around and enjoy all the area has to offer. In addition to shopping, visitors will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing and rock climbing in the majestic White Mountains. In fact, North Conway is home to the renowned International Mountain Climbing School, which attracts climbers from around the world. Accommodations range from cozy inns and historic bed and breakfasts, to full-service resorts, ensuring a comfortable haven for all tastes and budgets.
Restaurants in North Conway
1. Baldface Range
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
A challenging 20-mile hiking area.
2. Our Lady of the Mountains Parish
3. New England Ski Museum Eastern Slope Branch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
The New Eastern Slope Branch of the New England Ski Museum is located in the former North Conway Community Center that was created by Harvey Dow Gibson, a giant in the history of skiing.
Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, United States
On a trip to North Conway, I made it a point to visit the North Conway branch of the New England Ski Museum. It’d been on my List of Places to Go for quite awhile. Admission was free; however, there was a donation box at the front desk. Although small, this branch of the Franconia Notch-based museum had very good exhibits. I thought that there was a well-balanced mix of photographs, ski clothing, ski gear, rescue equipment, and videos. One video was about a man who was a climber and an expert skier. He’d climbed to the top of a high, steep, ragged mountain with a lot of exposed, jagged rock. On the way down, he fell and lost his backpack. He watched it go over a precipice and tumble down the mountain hundreds and hundreds of feet. I was thinking that he’d never see that again. But, incredibly, he later managed to retrieve it. I was amazed that someone else was with him to film it all. The videographer must also have been a skilled climber and skier. I particularly liked the display of the red two-person gondola from the mid-1950’s used at Wildcat Mountain. It was compact by today’s standards. I also liked the display of skis from over the years. I didn’t see anything like my metal-edged Fiberglas Salomons from about 30 years ago. The four-seater chair lift used as a couch for video viewing left an impression on me. In my years of skiing, I never rode one of those. The bunny hills I skied used old-fashioned tow ropes, T-Bars, and J-Bars as lift equipment. The gift shop was small but had a number of interesting items. I enjoyed my visit to the New England Ski Museum. I rate it at 5.0. I recommend a visit to anyone with an interest in skiing. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
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. White Horse Ledge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
An 800-foot cliff for climbing that is located in the White Mountains.
Reviewed By josephbU5018VU - Conway, United States
You must do it. Incredible views looking over the White Mtns and across the valley to the Town of Conway, NH There is an auto road choice over climbing the back side of the trail to the top of the White Horse Ledge During the Summer rock climbers come up the ledge right in front of you as you are viewing from the top. Highly recommend this climb for a family. It is well worth the effort.
6. Main Street Art!
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Cooperative artists gallery featuring rotating exhibits of 2 and 3 dimensional art, jewelry and fine crafts.
7. Cathedral Ledge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,003 reviews
A rock cliff that is popular with climbers.
Reviewed By kafiagirl - Woonsocket, United States
After viewing the ledge from Echo lake we took the short drive up to the ledge. It was a beautiful clear day - views were beautiful, mountains in the distance, Echo lake from the top, rock climbers making their way up.
8. Settlers Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 436 reviews
Located in tax-free North Conway, New Hampshire, a year-round New England tourist destination, Settlers Green features a solid mix of 60-plus national retailers including J. Crew Factory, New Balance Factory, American Eagle Outfitters and Brooks Brothers Factory. Save 30-60% every day! More shopping at Settlers Crossing, located 1/4-mile south of the Settlers Green. Stores include Clarks Bostonian, Eastern Mountain Sports and L. L. Bean Outlet. New Hampshire is a tax-free sales state and North Conway is within a few hours drive of all five New England states as well as the Canadian province of Quebec.
Reviewed By NBGROWN - Fredericton, Canada
We have visited Conway many times on family vacations. Settlers Green is always an important part of the trip. Great bargains always - kids love to get outfitted for back to school and tax free! Don’t hesitate to plan a trip to Conway and be treated to a great shopping experience! ????????
9. Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,079 reviews
This private, non-profit science and educational center is a working observatory designed to measure the unique and often extreme weather conditions on Mount Washington. Through guided tours and exhibits, visitors learn more about the science of meteorology.
Reviewed By debbrapilgrim - Cleveland, United States
We drove to the observatory via the auto road. A CD is provided for both the ascent and descent which imparts information about Mount Washington, the building of the road, the structures at the top and features of the area. The road is narrow with several pull out opportunities. The views along the way and at the top of the mountain are gorgeous. Along with the observatory, there is a post office, gift shop, small cafe and museum which provides displays about the topography of the area and the research completed and ongoing at the observatory. The first structure ever built remains chained to the top the Mountain. The Tip Top House, the original hotel, is available for touring and is quite interesting when compared to today’s accommodation. The surrounding areas can be viewed from inside the glass observatory or the outdoor observation deck. It was quite windy and a little cool when we visited the first week of October. The fall foliage was just beginning and it was so beautiful. Ample photo opportunities are available.
10. Cranmore Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 787 reviews
Cranmore Mountain, a four season resort located in the heart of North Conway Village in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, has been entertaining families with fun and festive activities for over 77 years. With skiing and riding on 57 trails and glades in the winter, as well as ten lanes of tubing, a Mountain Coaster, Giant Swing and Soaring Eagle Zipline, there is something for everyone in the family! In the fall, visitors can face their fears at the Ghoullog, Cranmore's own haunted house, or visit the rides in the darkness at the Haunted Playground. Summertime at Cranmore provides guests of all ages with a full selection of action and play. With rides in the Mountain Adventure Park, to a treetop Aerial Adventure Park, there are so many ways to spend the day.
Reviewed By The_cocochanel - Boston, United States
Snow tubing for the first time and the experience was awesome!!! I cannot wait to go again with the family!
TAGS
