New Hampshire holidays

With its fiercely independent spirit and four seasons of welcoming outdoor terrain, this northern New England getaway has a lot to offer active travellers. Spend your holiday in New Hampshire crisscrossing the White Mountains on a bike, waterskiing Lake Winnipesaukee or snowboarding the state’s many powdered peaks. If that sounds a bit exhausting, New Hampshire is also blessed with some of the best autumn foliage drives in the US.

Top destinations in New Hampshire

Dover

This riverside New Hampshire gem has a storied history dating back to 1623. Tour Dover’s historic mills, feast on regional produce and explore nearby nature trails and beaches.

Manchester

New Hampshire’s largest city, Manchester, combines a rich industrial past with a lively modern culture and plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

Portsmouth

A small city with massive appeal, Portsmouth paints a pretty picture of northern New England. Dive into Georgian architecture, harbourside sunsets and a history that stretches back 400 years.

New Hampshire: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Manchester - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT)

High season

June – October

Low season

January – March

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New Hampshire holiday highlights

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Fall foliage

Leaf peeping is one of the most beloved things to do in New Hampshire. The state’s mountains and lakes are at their most glorious when autumn leaves blanket the scenery in gold and scarlet. Take in the sights along the Kancamagus Highway or the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railway. Autumn foliage trackers help predict when colours will peak.

Mill towns

Many of New Hampshire’s 19th-century wooden and brick mills still stand as a testament to the state’s past as a manufacturing powerhouse. Some have found new life as trendy lofts, artist collectives and even spas. For a taste of living history, check out the preserved 19th-century mill and general store in Harrisville.

Winter sports

With some of the highest annual snowfall in the US, New Hampshire shines as a destination for winter sports. Try alpine skiing or snowboarding at one of the state’s nearly 30 ski resorts, like the popular Bretton Woods, which offers over 56 kilometres of trails. And snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed in all state parks.

Things to do in New Hampshire

Manchester

Top attractions

A steep ride up a cog railway or a strenuous hike gets you to the summit of Mount Washington for breathtaking views across multiple states. In autumn, the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountain National Forest is one of the best foliage drives in the country. Franconia Notch State Park is a vast oasis with a stunning lake for swimming and waterfall-lined hiking trails.

Beaches

New Hampshire lays claim to the US’ shortest coastline at only 29 kilometres long. But from rocky Odiorne Point in the north to Seabrook Dunes in the south, the beaches in New Hampshire pack tons of swimming, picnicking and fishing into that small stretch. The wide, white sands and lively boardwalk of Hampton Beach are perfect for families.

Nature

New Hampshire’s geography is remarkably varied, ranging from the gentle beaches and tide pools along the Seacoast to the rugged alpine tundra of the White Mountains. Hike hut-to-hut along the Appalachian Trail. Or summit Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast. Backpacking not your style? Take the Cog Railway or drive the Mount Washington Auto Road.

Cuisine

Rural New Hampshire has an abundance of fresh produce but a short growing season. Preserves and baked goods are the stars here. Keep an eye out for farm stands offering homemade treats. Many New Hampshirites have French-Canadian roots. At restaurants in New Hampshire, you’ll find seafood and other Yankee classics, plus Quebecois favourites like poutine and meat pie.

Culture and museums

Don’t miss the living history museums in New Hampshire. Canterbury Shaker Village and Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth both keep the state’s colonial and early American past alive with traditional crafts and costumed re-enactors. Along with its European and American art, the Currier Museum’s collection includes two houses designed by star architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Nightlife

Home to swanky speakeasies and dive bars, downtown Manchester offers some of the liveliest nightlife in New Hampshire. The watering holes in cities like Nashua and Concord lean old school — think lots of dimly lit little taverns and pubs. Microbreweries do big business in every corner of the state, even in tiny towns like Littleton, which is well known for its craft beer scene.

Find the best time to visit New Hampshire

Weather in New Hampshire through the year

March – May: As mild, sunny days set in, the wildflowers bloom, and the maple sap flows. Just be prepared for muddy trails in early spring as the snow melts.

June – August: Summer is hot and humid, even into the evenings, making the lakes and beaches the places to be. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, so summer showers are not unheard of.

September – November: Crisp, cool days — and the leaf peeping that comes with them — make autumn the best time to visit New Hampshire.

December – February: Most areas get several inches of snow in winter and stay cold enough to call for your warmest winter coat. Temps can drop as low as −15°C.

Events in New Hampshire

Laconia Motorcycle Week (June): For over a century, motorcyclists have been rolling into the lake town of Laconia for one of the most popular events in New Hampshire. But you don’t have to be a serious enthusiast for the custom rides and jaw-dropping stunt shows to get your motor running.

Hopkinton State Fair (August to September): Line up for dizzying rides, fried foods and peeks at baby animals at this Labor Day fair. Stick around to watch the famous evening Demolition Derby — if you sit close to the action, prepare to get muddy.

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival (September): Sample all the seafood you can handle at this three-day coastal festival. Then cheer on the pros at the lobster roll–eating competition.

Know before you go

Budget

Cheap holidays in New Hampshire are very possible. Many visitors appreciate the state’s lack of sales tax, although restaurants, hotels and rental cars are still taxed. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost less than 20 US dollars ($), and you can get a domestic beer and a cappuccino for around $5 each.

Health and safety

If you’re here to hike, stay on marked trails, wear insect repellent and carry plenty of water. Because hunting is common in New Hampshire, it’s a good idea to wear an article of bright orange clothing when exploring the outdoors so that you’re easily spotted. In winter, be cautious around frozen lakes and rivers — never assume the ice is safe to walk on.

Free things to do

Most major parks charge a small admission fee, but the Madison Boulder Natural Area and Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge are free. It costs nothing except a tank of petrol to take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway. For a bit of culture, try the Andres Institute of Art sculpture park in Brookline or explore the painted murals all around the town of Keene.

Family friendly

Every day is Christmas at Santa’s Village theme park, where the rides and slides channel the North Pole. Families can book zip line tours at multiple New Hampshire forests. And the huge Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is as educational as it is serene. You’ll find a live animal exhibit trail that includes black bears and pumas, plus regular cruises on the lake.

Getting around New Hampshire

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Public transport

Buses: There are a dozen different bus lines to choose from that travel to and around New Hampshire. Peter Pan, Concord Coach Lines and Greyhound are some of the largest providers.

Trains: Amtrak is the main train line in New Hampshire, connecting it to other parts of the Northeast and travelling as far as Washington, D.C. Scenic rides aboard historic trains are a great way to see the state, especially in autumn.

Boats: Seasonal ferries offer rides from Portsmouth to the picturesque Isles of Shoals, about 10 kilometres off the coast.

Domestic flights

New Hampshire’s largest airport is Manchester–Boston Regional. But you’ll likely find more flight options in and out of Logan Airport in Boston, just south of the New Hampshire border. Portsmouth also operates an international airport, but it only offers a limited number of flights.

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Driving and car hire

New Hampshire has two major north-south freeways — the I-93 in the interior and I-95 along the coast. Smaller highways service more remote areas. Driving is a safe and efficient way to see the state, but take special care during winter. Snow tyres or chains are often recommended, especially when driving in the mountains.

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FAQs about New Hampshire holidays

For close proximity to prime skiing, book a stay in North Conway or Carroll. To laze by the water, try a town near Lake Winnipesaukee like Wolfeboro or the oceanfront town of Hampton Beach. Portsmouth has loads of historic charm, while Manchester delivers a good mix of urban amenities and outdoorsy day trip options.
You could explore any of New Hampshire’s picturesque regions, like the Seacoast or the area around Lake Winnipesaukee, in two or three days. To experience the full breadth of the state’s natural beauty, consider staying for a week or more.
There’s plenty to do here no matter when you visit, but the best time to go to New Hampshire might just be autumn. Enjoy seasonal attractions like harvest festivals while surrounded by stunning autumnal foliage. Leaves begin to change colour in September and usually peak in mid-October. Evenings can be cool in the mountains, but the crisp air is perfect for outdoor activities.
Most trails and sites are well used, but it’s always important to take safety precautions. The rugged terrain and changeable weather of the White Mountains can take even experienced visitors by surprise. Be especially careful to obey posted signs and wear high-visibility clothing during hunting season.
Most people in New Hampshire speak English. You may notice a tendency to drop ‘r’s from some words and add them to the end of others. But don’t call it a Boston accent. There’s a long-held rivalry in these parts about accents that you don’t want to get in the middle of.
The US dollar ($) is the currency in New Hampshire and is easily withdrawn at ATMs throughout the state. Most businesses accept major credit cards, though some smaller businesses may only accept cash. A 20% tip is customary at restaurants.
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