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
What to do and see in New Hampshire, United States: The Best Free Things to do
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. Zealand Falls Trail
2. Tuckerman's Ravine
3. Glen Ellis Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By TNKaz
When we visited in October, 64 ft high Glen Ellis Falls was quite impressive with a great amount of water flow. The Falls are reached by just a very short walk (0.3-mile) from the parking lot. There is a pit toilet available near the parking area. You start the walk by going through a tunnel which goes under NH Route 16. Over 100 stone steps will lead you down to the base of the falls for the best viewing of the entire falls. When we visited, these stone steps were still wet from a rain the night before, so we had to use extra caution. The round trip walk took us 20 minutes. The location and description of the walk to this Falls was listed in the book, “AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountain's” which we purchased prior to our trip. The book mentions that this is a very popular walk, so we are glad that we visited early in the morning. At that time of day it was not crowded at all. We were told by the White Mountains Visitor Center to display our Senior National Park Pass so that it could be seen through our car window. Otherwise, in the parking lots, there is usually a box for a fee for day use of White Mountains National Forest areas.
4. Mount Pemigewasset
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 778tracyv - Springfield, United States
Great moderate-difficulty hike with an awesome view at the top. The trail was easy to follow but has a decent elevation change. Wear hiking boots. Pack a lunch and eat at the top while enjoying the views. Park in the upper lot at the Gorge exit and follow the bike path/trail under the highway.
5. 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!!!
6. 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.
7. New Hampshire State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
NH's State House - with the oldest continuously used legislative chambers! Opened in June 1819! Home of the General Court of NH!
Reviewed By filmg
Full of nooks and crannies, this very old building exudes Yankee thrift and durability. Set amid the town, and not walled off from the flow of life, the capitol building screams New Hampshire. Live free or die!
8. Sabbaday Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
This hiking area is perfect for beginners to enjoy marvels of nature.
Reviewed By 724miac - Nahant, United States
I come here when visiting the area as often as possible (over the past 40 years) and love to take visitors here. It's an easy hike, a well-maintained trail, and a beautiful waterfall. I never tire of taking pictures here. It is uphill of course and much of the path is gravel.
9. Crawford Notch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
This geological formation is located between North Conway and Franconia, New Hampshire.
Reviewed By JNFII - Stamford, United States
Crawford Notch is worth driving through and exploring. The views and vistas are spectacular. The main road through the Notch is rt 302, which is pretty well maintained all year long. There are many opportunities for hiking, swimming, bouldering, and checking out waterfalls.
10. The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 990 reviews
This 20-foot-wide natural granite abyss is probably one of the largest "potholes" you've ever seen.
Reviewed By 979jessicao - Bretton Woods, United States
Dos and dont’s - DO expect a beautiful, serene, calm trail that is well marked, and an overall easy walk. Paved in some parts. Great for kids, families, and those that love beautiful water, waterholes and picturesque views. DONT expect a difficult hike or climb up the side of a mountain. DO expect plenty of ‘gram moments. The scenery is gorgeous and plenty of picnic and chill out spots. We spent a couple hours meandering there and it was wonderful!
