New Hampshire

United States of America
New Hampshire showing a sandy beach and a house
Dramatic mountain peaks overlook regions covered with hundreds of lakes in this state of fascinating colonial history and astonishing beauty.

New Hampshire offers an intoxicating combination of charming, old-world towns and breathtaking, adventure-filled landscapes. The “Granite State” has attracted travelers for centuries, initially those mining its rich resources and now people seeking scenic New England escapes. Enjoy a vacation mix of culture, nature, history and hiking.

Discover New Hampshire’s colonial legacy in cities such as Portsmouth, where European settlers landed in 1623. In 1775, the colony was among the first to declare independence from Britain. In the following years New Hampshire thrived as an industrial and manufacturing state.

Wander around Portsmouth’s historic sites. Learn about the town’s mercantile history in the Moffatt-Ladd House. The Strawbery Banke Museum features a collection of 40 period buildings, including an 18th-century tavern.

Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway into the mountains for a relaxing way to view the scenery. This 19th-century train takes you to the summit of Mount Washington, where on a clear day you can see neighboring states of Vermont, New York and Massachusetts and the Atlantic Ocean.

Explore the surrounding region of the White Mountains. Hike and cycle along spectacular trails or come back in winter for skiing on some of the highest peaks in northeastern America.

Kayak through the tranquil Lakes Region in central New Hampshire. Paddle between hundreds of islands on Lake Winnipesaukee or ramble along the shorelines of peaceful Squam Lake. This region also features several picturesque towns such as Wolfeboro and Moultonborough. Visit historic sites such as the Castle in the Clouds and the Clark House Museum Complex.

Fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and drive through the state to appreciate its diverse and dazzling scenery. Visitors flock to New Hampshire in the fall for its famous autumnal foliage, but the state offers delights in every season. Spring promises quieter attractions and clear weather, while summer has bright warm days to spend near beaches and lakes. Visit in winter for snow sports and landscapes covered in a blanket of glistening snow.

Popular cities in New Hampshire

Portsmouth showing a bay or harbour
Portsmouth
Known for Shopping, Ports and Beer
Visit an elegant seaside city at the mouth of the Piscataqua River that excites with its maritime past, historic buildings and scenic walking trails.

Reasons to visit

  • Market Square
  • Prescott Park
  • Portsmouth Athenaeum
Lincoln which includes a small town or village
Lincoln
Known for Mountains, Skiing and Hiking
Whether you’re skiing the slopes of Loon Mountain or swimming in Lonesome Lake, this New Hampshire town is a nature lover’s paradise in any season.

Reasons to visit

  • Loon Mountain Ski Resort
  • Flume Gorge
  • Loon Mountain
North Conway featuring street scenes
North Conway
Known for Mountains, Skiing and Hiking
This resort town is known for its antique shops and nearby ski slopes, mountain scenery and annual fall colors.

Reasons to visit

  • Cranmore Mountain Resort
  • Conway Scenic Railway
  • North Conway Country Club
Manchester which includes a city
Manchester
Known for Dining, Shopping and Family-friendly
A landmark Frank Lloyd Wright home, world-renowned performance centers and a unique industrial history await visitors to New Hampshire’s largest city.

Reasons to visit

  • Saint Joseph Cathedral
Nashua showing flowers and street scenes
Nashua
Known for Dining, Shopping and Sports
Whether you’re here to shop at its famous outlets or explore its historical buildings, New Hampshire’s second-largest city has plenty to see and do.

Reasons to visit

  • Mine Falls Park
Laconia which includes a church or cathedral
Laconia
Known for Lakes, Live music and Skiing
Explore scenic Lake Winnipesaukee, play pinball in a classic arcade and see a vintage mill in this lakeside New Hampshire town.