New Hampshire Region
US state known for White Mountains and lakes
The White Mountains, Mount Washington and scenic drives attract hikers and autumn visitors; lakes, skiing and small-town New England inns define summer and winter outdoor seasons.
New Hampshire at a Glance#
New Hampshire is a small, independent-minded New England state of granite peaks, covered bridges and blazing fall color, crowned by the White Mountains.
Known for: the White Mountains, blazing fall foliage, and no sales tax
Don’t miss: the White Mountains and Mount Washington, historic Portsmouth, and Lake Winnipesaukee
When to go: fall for foliage, winter for skiing
About New Hampshire#
New Hampshire is a compact, rugged New England state of rocky coastlines, rolling lowlands and the high, forested peaks of the White Mountains. Its character mixes small-town New England charm with outdoor-first communities clustered around lakes, rivers and mountain trails.
The state’s signature places include the state capital Concord, the historic seaport of Portsmouth, the resort village of North Conway at the eastern edge of the White Mountains, and the lakeside towns of Meredith and Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee. The summit of Mount Washington crowns the White Mountains and is a magnet for visitors drawn to its dramatic weather and panoramic views.
Outdoor activities define a visit here: miles of hiking trails and scenic drives through the White Mountains, boating and swimming on Lake Winnipesaukee and other lakes, world-class alpine and cross-country skiing in winter, and river paddling and fishing across the state.
Food and drink lean on New England traditions - seafood on the coast, maple syrup and farm-to-table fare inland, and a growing craft-beer and craft-cider scene; summer farmers’ markets and roadside stands brim with local produce, blueberries and artisanal cheeses.
Why Visit New Hampshire#
Visit New Hampshire for classic New England scenery and four-season outdoor adventure - from the high alpine panoramas of Mount Washington and the White Mountains to sandy summer beaches at Hampton Beach and cozy small towns like Portsmouth and North Conway - all within easy drives of each other.
Best Things to Do in New Hampshire#
New Hampshire Bucket List#
Mount Washington - Ride or hike to the summit for dramatic views and to experience its famously wild weather.
Portsmouth Historic District - Stroll preserved streets, waterfront wharves and lively restaurants in one of New England’s oldest seaports.
Hampton Beach - Enjoy the classic boardwalk atmosphere, summer concerts and sandy Atlantic shoreline.
White Mountain National Forest - Explore an extensive trail network, iconic peaks and scenic byways including the Kancamagus.
Kancamagus Scenic Byway - Drive this famous route for fall foliage, trailheads, waterfalls and easy picnic pullouts.
Lake Winnipesaukee - Boat, swim or stay lakeside at one of New Hampshire’s largest and most popular summer playgrounds.
Cannon Mountain - Ski in winter or take the aerial tram for panoramic mountain views in summer.
Concord State House - Visit New Hampshire’s historic capitol to see the working government building and nearby museums.
Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee - Relax in one of America’s oldest summer resort towns with charming shops and waterfront dining.
Farmers’ markets and maple farms - Taste seasonal produce and pure New England maple syrup at roadside stands and sugarhouses.
Top Cities in New Hampshire#
Best Time to Visit New Hampshire#
New Hampshire has a full four-season climate: the southern lowlands and seacoast are milder, while the White Mountains are colder and snowier at higher elevations.
March - May
0-15°C / 32-59°F
Cool and increasingly green - ideal for early hikes, scenic drives and spotting spring blooms as trails dry out.
June - August
18-28°C / 64-82°F
Warm and pleasant - perfect for lake boating, beaches, cycling and long mountain days in the White Mountains.
September - November
5-15°C / 41-59°F
Crisp, clear weather with spectacular fall foliage - great for scenic road trips, leaf-peeping hikes and harvest festivals.
December - February
-12 to 2°C / 10 to 36°F
Cold with abundant snow in the mountains - prime season for downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and cozy fireside stays.
Getting Around New Hampshire#
Most visitors get around New Hampshire by car - road travel is the most convenient way to reach lakes, mountain trailheads and small towns.
Major Highways
Major routes include Interstate 93, the principal north - south corridor connecting the Boston area with Manchester, Concord and the White Mountains; Interstate 95 running along the seacoast connecting Portsmouth with Maine and the Boston metro; Interstate 89 linking the Upper Valley (Lebanon/Hanover) and Concord area with Vermont; and shorter connectors like I-293 around Manchester.