Are you planning to visit New Hampshire and seeking more entertaining things to make your trip memorable? In the following section of the article, our New Hampshire Fly travel team lists the most adventurous activities for all types of travelers.
It has something for every taste and adventure level, from exploring the great outdoors to discovering cultural curiosities no matter who you travel with and how old you are. This New England state is known for its quaint small towns, cultural gems, natural beauty, abundant local flavor, epic mountain peaks, and abundant outdoor recreation.
Things to Do in NH
This state may be small, but it has a lot of charm and adventure for residents and visitors. There are endless options for making memories, whether you want to explore history, dive into nature, or experience local culture. Nature lovers can traverse 1,200 miles of hiking trails, conquer 4,000-foot summits, or kayak the expansive Lake Winnipesaukee.
Family fun abounds – ride the steam-powered Cog Railway up the Northeast’s highest peak, explore a fairy tale theme park, or tube down snow-covered slopes. Beyond natural splendor, NH also serves a rich Northeast’s colonial history and innovative tradition.
Visitors can immerse in past eras while touring Portsmouth’s heritage houses or the preserved Shaker Village buildings. Local maple products infuse sweet and savory regional dishes while seafood shines.
Quirky attractions await, from America’s first mountain-climbing cog railroad to candlepin bowling alleys and pickle-flavored fudge shops. Whether you crave epic adventure or small-town America, the Granite State guarantees exceptional memories, making it one of the best places for weekends and longer vacations.
Take a Ride on a Lake Winnipesaukee Mailboat
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest Granite State lake. For over 100 years, the small Mailboat has delivered letters, packages, and passengers to isolated waterfront homes where roads don’t reach.
Riding on the oldest floating post office in the United States is considered one of the most unusual things to do in New Hampshire. The Weirs Beach dock serves as a home base for the vessels, which depart three times a day on mail delivery routes.
Riders can opt for day trips or full weekly rides, taking in scenic views and learning Lake Winni’s history from the mailboat crew. It is a seasonal ride, and it lasts from late June through early September. The per-person price to ride on M/V Sophie C is $40.
See Moose in the Wild on Gorham Moose Tours
Moose sightings occur year-round in NH, but your best bet is through an expert guide. Gorham Moose Tours conducts small van excursions into the lush forests and bogs surrounding the White Mountains. With knowledge of moose behavior and favored hangouts, the experienced guides boast a 90% sighting success rate.
Tours last 2 to 4 hours and often yield bonus wildlife like eagles, bears, and deer. In NH, there are three moose tour operating companies, but Gorham Moose Tours is the best due to its services and high success rate in watching these majestic wild animals. The tour’s price is $35 and operates from June through September.
Visit the Shaker Village
The Shaker Village in Canterbury showcases over 200 years of innovative Shaker culture and traditions. Here, you can tour the beautifully preserved buildings, meet clerics dressed in period garb, and browse handcrafted items made through communal craftsmanship. This National Historic Landmark is America’s most extensive collection of original Shaker architecture.
Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway
Mount Washington is the tallest northeast United States mountain and is only the highest peak in NH. Along with climbing the hill and driving to the peak, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is among the best New Hampshire activities. It is the world’s first mountain-climbing railway and the second-steepest railway on Earth.
Since 1869, the Cog has carried adventurers up the highest peak in a unique style. The railway climbs over 3700 feet up a steep mountainside, powered by steam- and biodiesel-powered locomotives.
The thrilling 3-hour roundtrip passes breathtaking scenery, mountain plants, and clean surrounding Presidential Range views. Conductors share tales of the railway’s history and mountain geology along the journey. It would help if you prepared for dramatic temperature drops and intense winds at the 6,288-foot summit.
The tour price for biodiesel trips starts from $74, and for the steam train tour is $89. However, you need to book your trip in advance.
Visit Madame Sherri Forest
Nestled within Chesterfield, the Madame Sherri Forest trails wind through fanciful stone castle ruins and mossy cliffs. Self-proclaimed “Brilliant Writer, Outstanding Costume Designer, and Producer of Stage Plays,” Antoinette Sherri built the crenelated tower in the 1930s to entertain guests with lavish parties.
After her death, the whimsical structure fell to ruins, now transporting hikers into a secret stone fairyland glowing green with moss and legends. The French-inspired stone house is a fantastic spot if you are looking for a spooky shoot.
Explore Downtown Keene
Compared to the North Conway or Portsmouth, Keene is not very popular but has many unique attractions. It is a great weekend destination for New Englanders. Keene’s vast Main Street district serves as the vibrant core of Southwest New Hampshire and frames a quintessential New England community.
Visitors can admire Federal-style brick architecture and colorful storefronts hosting indie boutiques, cafes, bookstores, and galleries. The town also claims fame as the most lighted community for the holidays, with thousands of twinkly bulbs and elaborate displays. Lindy’s Diner is a highly recommended breakfast place. Elm City Brewing and Modestman Brewing are great options to enjoy beer.
Get Close to Nature
New Hampshire’s state motto, “Live Free or Die,” could just as easily be “Live Outside.” The White Mountain National Forest covers nearly 800,000 acres of the state, providing endless opportunities for outdoor fun.
Drive the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is 34.5 miles long and is between Lincoln and Conway. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway ranks as one of New Hampshire’s top fall drives. Locals called it Kanc because it is difficult to pronounce.
The route winds through White Mountain National Forest, following the Swift River, passing cascading waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, and endless autumn leaves. Colorful foliage peaks in early October, but gorgeous scenery shines all year round. Plentiful overlooks and hiking trails let you stretch your legs and take in the views of this unspoiled landscape.
Soak Up the Sun at Hampton Beach
Over 18 miles, Hampton Beach is New Hampshire’s largest oceanfront playground. Families flock to the vast sandy shores dotted with beach umbrellas in summer. There’s ample parking, and amenities like restrooms and snack bars keep crowds happy.
Carnival games, live music, and seafood eateries line the lively Hampton Beach boardwalk well into fall. But spring and winter have quieter charms, too, with peaceful walks along dramatic rocky coastlines.
Hike to Artist’s Bluff
Artist’s Bluff is the best place in New Hampshire if you love hiking but lack experience. Many hikers use it as a hiking gateway in the White Mountains. Just minutes from quaint Franconia village, Artist’s Bluff trail rewards a steep one-mile climb with jaw-dropping panoramas.
The viewpoint overlooks the distinctive Franconia Notch valley framed by the towering Cannon Cliffs and Mount Lafayette. The scenic loop passes through densely wooded terrain and across granite ledge outcroppings. Wildlife sightings may include falcons sailing over the breathtaking valley, inspiring artists for centuries.
Explore the Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge is one of the best places for all visitors who love plants, natural wonders, and geology. Discover gorgeous waterfalls and revel in the power of glaciers at Franconia Notch’s Flume Gorge. An accessible boardwalk loops through the natural 800-foot-long gorge, with moss-covered walls towering 70 feet overhead.
The raging echo of Avalanche Falls and the giant precariously perched boulder called the Flume to highlight this family-friendly adventure. No experience is needed to up the thrill factor on guided rock climbing and rappelling expeditions to the gorge face.
The per-person entry pass price to the Flume Gorge is $18 if you reserve your place online, but you pay $21 if you buy a ticket from the counter.
Attend a Powwow
Native American traditions thrive across New Hampshire, celebrated at annual Powwows open to the public. Dance circles feature colorful regalia shaking to drums and chants honoring heritage.
Vendors sell handmade crafts and traditional frybread while community members host workshops on beading, hoop dancing, and native culinary trends. Two of the largest Powwows occur at Mount Sunapee Resort in June and Danforth Bay Camping Resort in August.
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park
Step into early 20th-century grandeur at this National Park Service site, which once inspired famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Manicured lawns and wildflower meadows surround a graceful Greek Revival home where he entertained celebrities and politicians.
Nearby forests and ponds provide a peaceful backdrop as you wander the trails past over 100 breathtaking works from Saint-Gaudens and his artist colony.
Ski and Snowboard the Slopes
New Hampshire transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for shredding powder when the snow falls. Family-friendly Bretton Woods offers gentle trails plus a world-class racing program.
Loon Mountain’s winter playground spans over 60 trails and four terrain parks against beautiful mountain vistas. For experts, Wildcat Mountain boasts the highest lift-serviced summit in the East, delivering over 200 inches of annual snowfall.
Après ski choices are also plentiful, with local pubs, restaurants, and plenty of hot toddies by roaring fires. It is considered the Granite State’s best snowboarding and skiing destination.
Try a Pancake Flight at Polly’s Pancake Parlor
Since the 1930s, Polly’s Pancake Parlor has perfected the fluffy hotcake with made-from-scratch goodness. Their signature pancake flight lets you sample cornmeal, buckwheat, and gluten-free varieties.
New Hampshire maple syrup is always plentiful on the tables and infused into creative options like maple walnut and maple cream cheese bacon. Other options are also available on the menu, like lunch sandwiches, waffles, omelets, quiches, and Eggs Benedict.
With six quaint locations scattered across the White Mountains, there’s sure to be a lumberjack breakfast close to your favorite outdoor adventures. It is a popular lunch destination, but if you want to avoid the crowds, you should visit on a weekday.
Bring the Kids to Story Land
Story Land offers young visitors a fairy tale experience with charming rides, shows, play areas, and loveable mascots. This child-sized theme park packs big thrills into pint-sized roller coasters like the Roar-O-Saurus wooden coaster.
Friendly classics like Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach or the Antique German Carousel keep preschoolers entertained. A manageable amusement park offers many opportunities to meet storybook characters all day during parades, breakfasts, and specialty events. It’s magical fun for toddlers through elementary schoolers. The per-day ticket price depends on the day, but the tickets start at $39.99.
Snowmobiling Adventure
Dreaming of snowmobiling? Zip through snow-covered forests and frosted mountain trails on an expertly guided snowmobile tour. The Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT, offers private access to a 35,000-acre playground perfect for newbies learning the ropes and advanced riders conquering double black diamond hills.
Northeast Snowmobile and ATV Jamboree to ride with other enthusiasts on carefully groomed corridor trails with multiple warming huts fully stocked with food and beverages along the way.
Spend a Day in Downtown Portsmouth
Historic downtown Portsmouth transports visitors back through four centuries of New England heritage and culture. The lively waterfront bustles with funky shops, cozy cafes, and boutique inns framed by brick buildings and classic churches.
We recommend Zagat-rated restaurants specializing in seafood and regional cuisine. Art galleries and museums also dot the landscape, such as the classic collection of the Payson Gallery housed in a 1799 mansion.
Take a Scenic Railroad Ride
Several classic scenic railroads let you soak New Hampshire’s nostalgic charm from vintage train cars. The Conway Scenic Railroad’s Notch Train journey departs North Conway village for a 5.5-hour excursion through the dramatic Crawford Notch mountain pass made famous by the legendary railroad builder Benjamin Fay. The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train winding past Lake Winnipesaukee is recommended for a four-course meal in restored 1930s dining cars.
Visit the Currier Museum of Art
This famous art museum anchors downtown Manchester with regional, national, and European collections showcasing top artists across styles and eras. The Currier Museum appeals to a broad audience with approachable exhibits like their “Art For Every Home” displays, suggesting affordable prints and posters.
Special shows highlight New Hampshire talents like the impressionist era Dublin Pond artists or contemporary creators like sculptor Steven Porter. Their interactive Art Lab also invites hands-on creativity for visitors of all ages.
Stay in a Cozy Bed and Breakfast
For hospitality with hometown charm, hundreds of New Hampshire B&Bs stand ready to welcome you. The Glynn House Inn in downtown Ashland offers sophisticated rooms with antiques, delicious breakfasts, and wine receptions.
Harrisville Inn treats guests to four-course farm-to-table dining inside a restored 1790s farmhouse. Or wake up to mountain views at the warm and rustic Bread and Breakfast tucked along the Kancamagus Highway.
Visit New Hampshire Breweries
New Hampshire’s 80+ craft breweries pour everything from classic IPAs to unique experiments. At Woodstock Inn Brewery, sip creations like Pig’s Ear Brown Ale alongside wood-fired flatbreads.
During a Smuttynose Brewery tour, fearless adventurers can try squid-ink black lager or the jalapeño cream ale with a house-made spicy rim. For small-batch loving, head to Kelsen Brewing’s graffiti-filled taproom focusing on barrel-aged sours and hazies. And don’t miss the award-winning Kate the Great Russian Imperial Stout from Portsmouth Brewery.
Pay Tribute to the Old Man of the Mountain
New Hampshire’s iconic natural wonder, the Great Stone Face or the Old Man of the Mountain, sadly crumbled apart in 2003 after holding court over Franconia Notch for millennia.
Today, however, the Old Man legend endures at the memorial site, viewing plaques that recreate his distinct visage. Further tributes can be discovered across the road at the impressive 35-foot Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Figurative Sculpture built into the cliffside.
Sit at the Counter at an Old-Fashioned Diner
Indulge in a nostalgic atmosphere and hearty comfort food inside one of New Hampshire’s classic diners. At Four Aces in Chichester, cozy red leather booths and vintage Coca-Cola signs transport you back in time while you dig into monster pancake breakfasts.
In Lincoln, the friendly Woodstock Station serves freshly baked pies alongside their pile-it-high sandwiches and blue plate specials. And shiny silver trailers turned eateries like Chuck Wagon Diner in Derry dole out delicious homestyle meals from every glittery surface.
Climb Mount Monadnock
Mount Monadnock is one of New England’s most frequently climbed peaks, rising solitary over the southern landscape. Four distinct hiking trails steer visitors to the 3,165-foot summit for unbeatable views across five states.
Energetic climbers scramble over rocky ledges on the White Dot and White Cross trails. Meandering paths like the White Arrow Trail appeal to families and new hikers wishing for a gentler route with waterfalls. Relax in the grassy fields at the top and chat with fellow adventurers worldwide.
Tour the Black Heritage Trail in Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s Black Heritage Trail celebrates the often-overlooked stories of early African American citizens who overcame prejudice to contribute significantly to the community. This self-guided walk connects historic homes, shops, schools, and churches around the compact downtown.
Notable sites include the 1758 Moffatt-Ladd House, where enslaved chef Prince Whipple served George Washington, and the 1824 Whipple House, where the abolitionists lived. Vibrant murals and interpretive panels reveal this neighborhood’s successes toward achieving Civil Rights.
Go For Camping
Pitch a tent within mountain forests or lakeside sites at New Hampshire’s scenic campgrounds. In White Mountain National Forest, Hancock Campground’s secluded spots nestle amongst pristine woodlands with access to the Pemigewasset Wilderness trails.
Beach lovers camp oceanside at Hampton Beach State Park, awakening to the sound of crashing waves. Or spring for comforts like cabin rentals at Souhegan Valley Campground, with amenities ranging from mini-golf to pool complexes.
Marvel at the Ice Castles
Ice artisans create a magical frozen world every winter at three New Hampshire locations in North Woodstock, Lincoln, and Windham. The experience changes seasonally but usually consists of interactive sculpture galleries, light displays, ice-carved tunnels, fountains, and frozen thrones.
Background music, animation, and cascading waterfalls controlled by computer systems bring this crystalline kingdom alive after dark. Visitors wander through this winter wonderland, marveling at the skill and beauty conjured entirely from ice.
Hunt for Antique Treasures
Scattered across every Main Street and back road, New Hampshire brims with possibilities to uncover rare antique valuables. Family-run North Conway Inns & Antiques by the River overflows with nearly 20 dealer stalls to explore in a historic Victorian.
You could spend hours perusing two floors spanning over 20,000 square feet at the massive Yankee Warehouse Antiques. Or have experts do the treasure hunting for you via appraisals, liquidations, and estate sales through Past & Present Antiques and Auction Gallery. Happy hunting!
Hike to Waterfalls
Cascading waterfalls accent nearly every hiking trail across New Hampshire, but some flows stand above the rest. Artists Bluff trail’s Bald Mountain Brook plunges over granite cliffs with valley views.
Glen Ellis Falls delights along a short walk in Pinkham Notch with a stunning 100-foot torrent. Or witness water powering an operational sawmill at Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest’s natural 60-foot cascade. Remember proper waterfall etiquette – avoid climbing slippery rocks and always respect designated viewing platforms.
Try Mead at Sap House Meadery
Indulge your sweet tooth with unique meads at this quaint family-owned meadery and farm. Sap House crafts these honey-based libations onsite, infusing wildflower honey sourced from their own hives with fruits, spices, and even chocolate.
Favorites like the dry orange-ginger mead and blueberry variety pair beautifully with cheese boards on the rustic tasting room patio. You can also tour the honey extraction house and wander flower-filled fields, meeting the hardworking honey bees!
Shop at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen
This nonprofit organization represents over 800 master craftspeople working with traditional mediums like fiber, glass, metal, and wood. Their flagship Concord and North Conway retail galleries showcase thousands of unique functional and decorative pieces.
Beyond the exquisite craftworks, shoppers enjoy creative demonstrations and studio tours across nine signature workshops statewide. It’s the perfect place to bring home quality NH-made souvenirs.
Visit Funspot:
Immerse yourself in nostalgia overload at Funspot, which is certified by Guinness World Records as the biggest arcade on the planet. The family-owned lakeside complex houses over 500 classic and modern video games, pinball machines, and redemption games.
Test your skills against world records on giant Jenga, air hockey, and skee ball. Grab a snack at the old-school diner counter before taking on the 92-foot Ferris wheel or nostalgic kiddie rides outside. Its arcade action spans across 20,000 square feet of pure family fun.
Tube Down the River — or a Snowy Hill
Whizzing down snow-covered slopes in an oversized rubber donut or floating lazily down a river on the same inflatable tube somehow transforms into an unforgettable adrenaline adventure.
At McIntyre Ski Area, grab an old tractor tube for $10 and test their four groomed lanes, ranging from mild and meandering to twisty thriller. Several liveries offer summertime tubing trips, too – relax with Loon Mountain River Tubing as you soak up mountain scenery drifting along class I and II rapids for groups of all ages and sizes.
Meet Your Political Idols
New Hampshire grabs international attention every four years for hosting the first presidential primary election. But the political history spans so much more profound at spots like The Drafting Room restaurant occupying the Revolutionary War site The Matthew Thornton House.
Many founding fathers, presidents, and candidates have given speeches inside its Colonial-era exposed beam walls painted with inspiring quotes. Political junkies can even sit right on the stool where Presidents Clinton and Reagan sat while noshing in the White Mountain State.
Visit the Hood Museum of Art
This Dartmouth College museum showcases diverse creative expression spanning six millennia. Highlights include Native American works, masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance, West African sculpture, and experimental contemporary installations.
The light-filled gallery spaces host special exhibits like Picasso prints, Samurai armor, and New England folk portraits. Multi-generational programs invite families and emerging artists to engage with different mediums through hands-on artmaking and insightful tours.
Hike the Appalachian Trail
New Hampshire contains 161 miles of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, sufficient for thru-hikers to drink in the state’s thick forests and craggy alpine peaks. For day hikers, easy access trails like Welch and Dickey Mountains deliver spectacular high-elevation scenery just over four miles round trip.
Or backpack a small section like the 10.2 miles from Gentian Pond to Mount Success, touching remote waterfalls and fire tower views. Spring and fall are vivid foliage, but hardy trekkers will appreciate the trail’s stark winter beauty.
Explore Downtown Littleton:
This North Country hub offers block after block of community connection on its brick-lined Main Street. Boutiques like Shakespeare & Company booksellers rub shoulders with outfitters like Shillings Brewing Craft Beer + Outdoor Gear.
Grab a maple creme ice cream before catching an independent film at the family-owned Jax Jr Cinema. On summer Saturdays, visit the bustling farmers’ market showcasing lush produce, artisan goods, and live local music.
Enjoy Tax-Free Shopping
With no sales tax, NH turns shopping into a sport all its own. Head to Settlers Green Outlet Village in North Conway, where top brands from Polo Ralph Lauren to Coach offer steep discounts year-round.
At the Tuscan Kitchen’s retail store, fill bags with specialty Italian imports like olive oils, pasta, and artisan ceramics. Many storewide sales exclude high-end brands but often wrap apparel, accessories, and home decor at tax-free prices into any budget.
