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Discover the natural beauty and historical richness around every bend in this New Hampshire travel guide as you explore the best places to visit in the mesmerizing Granite State. From breathtaking landscapes to fascinating history, let’s dive into everything you need about New Hampshire in our full travel guide.
Page Contents
- Best Things to Do in New Hampshire
- 1. Tours of Zimmerman and Kalil Houses
- 2. Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
- 3. Polar Caves Park
- 4. White Mountains Visitor Center
- 5. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
- 6. America’s Stonehenge
- 7. Monson Center
- 8. The Pierce Manse
- 9. Franconia Notch State Park
- 10. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
- 11. Odiorne Point State Park
- 12. Strawbery Banke Museum
- Where to Stay in New Hampshire
- How to Get Around in New Hampshire
- Travel Tips for Visiting New Hampshire
- Explore the White Mountains
- Enjoy Local Cuisine and Breweries
- Discover the Seacoast Region
- Attend Local Festivals and Events
- Embrace the Outdoors in Every Season
Best Things to Do in New Hampshire
1. Tours of Zimmerman and Kalil Houses
Located in Manchester, the Zimmerman and Kalil Houses are architectural masterpieces designed by the brilliant Frank Lloyd Wright. The guided tours take you through the intricacies of these unique designs, offering a glimpse into the visionary mind of one of America’s greatest architects. Get ready to be inspired and enjoy this visit to the breathtaking world of Frank Lloyd Wright.
2. Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Experience the beauty and adventure of Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in North Woodstock. This natural wonder showcases underground river caves, vibrant boulders, lakes and stunning waterfalls. The stunning scenery and thrilling exploration make this a must-visit destination for your New Hampshire travel guide.
See Related: Best Weekend Getaways in the USA
3. Polar Caves Park
Nestled in Rumney, New Hampshire, Polar Caves Park is a geological wonder that offers a unique experience to visitors. Explore stunning glacial caves, enjoy the picturesque rock formations, and witness the majestic wildlife that calls this park home. This family-friendly destination is perfect for nature lovers.
4. White Mountains Visitor Center
Located in North Woodstock, the White Mountains Visitor Center is your gateway to exploring the gorgeous White Mountain National Forest. This informative center provides maps, brochures, and helpful guides to discover the best hiking trails and scenic vistas in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Don’t forget to ask about local events and points of interest!
5. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
In Cornish, the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park showcases the life and work of America’s foremost sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The park features stunning sculpture gardens, lush grounds, and picturesque views. The knowledgeable tour guides will enhance your visit with a fascinating insight into this amazing artist’s life and journey.
See Related: Best National Parks in the USA to Visit
6. America’s Stonehenge
Salem, New Hampshire, is home to an intriguing historical place museum – America’s Stonehenge. This ancient site displays mysterious stone structures reminiscent of the famous English Stonehenge. Explore the winding paths and marvel at the ingenuity of this prehistoric monument.
7. Monson Center
The Monson Center in Hollis is a historical landmark that once served as the center of a bustling colonial town. Discover the history of this preserved 18th-century village, where you’ll find captivating stories of the past and the vital role it played in shaping the region.
8. The Pierce Manse
In Concord, visit The Pierce Manse, the once humble abode of the 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce. This historical place museum provides an insightful tour that delves into the life and legacy of one of America’s lesser-known presidents.
9. Franconia Notch State Park
Discover the captivating beauty of Franconia Notch State Park in the heart of the White Mountains. This state park is home to the famous Flume Gorge, a natural wonder with mesmerizing waterfalls and serene forest trails. Your New Hampshire travel guide wouldn’t be complete without this awe-inspiring destination.
See Related: Best National Parks to Visit in November
10. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Visit the historic Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle to experience breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding area. Tour guides share the fascinating history of this iconic landmark as you ascend its winding staircase.
11. Odiorne Point State Park
In Rye, make sure to roam around the stunning coastal landscape of Odiorne Point State Park. This diverse park offers sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and tranquil salt marshes. The picturesque setting is perfect for a leisurely coastal stroll or a picnic with family and friends.
12. Strawbery Banke Museum
Experience Portsmouth’s rich history at the Strawbery Banke Museum. Explore the charming streets lined with meticulously preserved historic buildings, each telling a unique story of this beloved seaport. Knowledgeable tour guides bring the past to life, making this a must-visit destination for history buffs.
After experiencing these gems, continue exploring hidden treasures throughout New Hampshire, from the majestic White Mountains to the beautiful coastal setting of the Seacoast region. As your journey unfolds, immerse yourself in the state’s history and breathtaking landscapes, creating cherished memories.
See Related: Best Museums in the US to Visit
Where to Stay in New Hampshire
As you plan your unforgettable journey to visit New Hampshire, you’ll need a cozy and welcoming place to rest your weary head at the end of each day. Luckily, this charming state offers a compelling mix of accommodations, from historic inns to exquisite boutique hotels. In our New Hampshire travel guide, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to stay:
- The Wentworth Inn, Jackson
- Chesterfield Inn, West Chesterfield
- Ale House Inn, Portsmouth
- The Hotel Portsmouth, Portsmouth
- The Bernerhof Inn, Glen
- Adair Country Inn, Bethlehem
- The Glynn House Inn, Ashland
- The White Mountain Hotel & Resort, North Conway
- Sugar Hill Inn, Sugar Hill
- Bedford Village Inn, Bedford
How to Get Around in New Hampshire
Navigating the picturesque landscapes of New Hampshire can be an adventure, but having the freedom to explore at your own pace is essential for curating a personalized experience. Renting a car enables you to create your itinerary, stopping at quaint towns and scenic vistas as you please. With a variety of rental car options available, you can find the perfect vehicle for your journey at RentalCars.com.
Travel Tips for Visiting New Hampshire
Visiting New Hampshire immerses you in a world of natural beauty, profound historical landmarks, and captivating local traditions. As you embark on your venture, consider investing in travel insurance for added peace of mind. VisitorsCoverage.com offers reliable insurance plans tailored to your needs.
Explore the White Mountains
There’s no denying the magnetic allure of the White Mountains when you visit New Hampshire. This natural wonder is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering picturesque hiking trails, mesmerizing waterfalls, and breathtaking views. You can also ride the scenic Mount Washington Cog Railway for an unparalleled vantage point of this awe-inspiring landscape.
Enjoy Local Cuisine and Breweries
Visiting New Hampshire would not be complete without indulging in the local gastronomic delights. From the intoxicating aroma of fresh maple syrup to the hearty taste of New England clam chowder, your palate is in for a treat. Don’t forget to venture off the beaten path and sample locally-crafted beers from one of the countless microbreweries.
Discover the Seacoast Region
The Seacoast region of New Hampshire invites visitors to a memorable coastal retreat. Wander through the historic streets of Portsmouth, explore charming lighthouses, or relax on a sandy beach while soaking up the sun. The coastal charm in this part of the state is undeniable and worth carving out time for in your New Hampshire travel guide plans.
Attend Local Festivals and Events
Each time of year in New Hampshire brings distinct celebrations and attractions that reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye out for local events, such as the Keene Pumpkin Festival, the New Hampshire Highland Games, or the Laconia Motorcycle Week, which all add more depth to your vacation experience.
See Related: Best Music Festivals to Attend This Summer
Embrace the Outdoors in Every Season
One of the greatest attributes of New Hampshire is the sheer variety of outdoor activities available throughout the year. From skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, kayaking, and leaf-peeping in autumn, the state offers ample adventure opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Embrace your adventurous spirit and fully immerse yourself in New Hampshire’s great outdoors.
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Kyle Kroeger is the Founder and Owner of ViaTravelers.com. He is a full-time traveler and entrepreneur. Kyle started ViaTravelers.com to help travelers experience a fully immersive cultural experience as he did initially living in Italy. He’s a converted finance nerd and Excel jockey turned world wanderer (and may try to get lost on purpose). After visiting 12 countries and 13 national parks in a year, he was devoted to creating and telling stories like he’d heard.
Plus, after spending more time on airplanes and packing, he’s learned some incredible travel hacks over time as he earned over 1 million Chase Ultimate Rewards points in under a year, helping him maximize experiences as much as possible to discover the true meaning of travel.
He loves listening to local stories from around the world and sharing his experiences traveling the globe. He loves travel so much that he moved from his hometown of Minneapolis to Amsterdam with his small family to travel Europe full-time.