13 Nicest Small Towns In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a vibrant mix of rich historical heritage, authentic New England charm, and scenic natural scenery. The state motto, “Live Free or Die,” best captures its role in the American Revolutionary War and previews the exciting adventures awaiting visitors to the Granite State. While cities like Concord draw attention with their cultural offerings, the small towns scattered across the state embody the heart and soul of New Hampshire.
From waterfront hamlets and mountain villages to colonial-era settlements steeped in history, these small towns in New Hampshire expose tourists to a slower pace, stunning landscapes, and a warm sense of community. Whether you are seeking outdoor recreation in Franconia or coastal relaxation in Hampton Beach, each brings unique charm to the table that guarantees a lasting impression.
North Conway
North Conway is a quintessential New England community in the foothills of the White Mountains and a one-stop shop for all things fun recreation. Tourists can ride the Conway Scenic Railroad to get a front-seat view of the scenic beauty surrounding the town, with the 19th-century locomotive dragging through the backcountry past mountains, valleys, and rivers. Almost everybody converges at Echo Lake State Park for recreation. This spectacular hub staddles 15 acres along the shores of Echo Lake and offers activities like picnicking, boating, hiking, fishing, and swimming.
The town houses New England's maiden indoor water park. Families find year-round entertainment at Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park, whose extensive lineup of activities includes a wave pool, water slides, high-speed tubes, and swimming pools.
Littleton
This tiny village in Grafton County is bounded by the Connecticut River to the northwest and the White Mountains to the south, which only begins to spell Littleton's supreme natural beauty. Adventurers curious about the great outdoors can wear comfortable shoes for a hike at Kilburn Crags. The 1.5-mile trail climbs to a 390-foot elevation, from where you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of Littleton and the winding Ammonoosuc River.
The picturesque Riverwalk Covered Bridge is an excellent stop for those who appreciate rustic architecture. Built across the Ammonoosuc River, it is popular among sightseers and nature photographers who are in awe of its scenic surroundings. While in downtown Littleton, take the time to pose next to the iconic Pollyanna Statue, which commemorates an important time in history.
Pittsburg
Secluded, serene, and scenic best describe this charming village in Coos County, a gateway to boundless outdoor adventures. Pittsburg boasts a vast wilderness area with mountains, lakes, and trails. Lake Francis State Park is a go-to for outdoor enthusiasts, set on the pristine shores of a 2,000-acre reservoir. You can find campers, picnickers, fishermen, and canoers going about their business.
Meanwhile, hikers can brace for a demanding trek to the top slopes of Magalloway Mountain. At its 3,300-foot summit, tourists can soak up majestic views of the surroundings. Lastly, remember to check out New England's covered bridge architecture by visiting the Historic Pittsburg-Clarksville Covered Bridge. The structure was installed in 1876 and spans the picturesque Connecticut River.
Wolfeboro
Historical heritage meets outdoor adventure in this small borough of Carroll County. Wolfeboro lies on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and promises fun water-based activities if you are not afraid to get wet. Carry Beach is ideal for families, offering an isolated, tranquil setting with a shallow, sandy beach. If you are keen about dipping in the water, Wentworth State Park is also a perfect escape. This 50-acre recreational hub provides access to the waters of Wentworth Lake for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Meanwhile, war historians will relish touring the Wright Museum of World War II. The fascinating facility harbors a diverse collection of military equipment, tanks, pamphlets, and other artifacts from the Second World War.
Portsmouth
This coastal community charms visitors with its combination of an extensive shoreline, captivating historical lore, and vibrant live performance scene, promising a well-rounded vacation experience. Portsmouth's surreal waterfront scenery compels first-timers to charter a tour with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises to take in the splendid views during a laid-back excursion. Several landmarks throughout the downtown help conserve the town's colorful heritage. At the Moffatt-Ladd House, guests can learn about the legacy of a Revolutionary War general, William Whipple, in his mid-18th-century Georgian home.
Additionally, the Seacoast Repertory Theatre serves as the regional cultural hub. This professional live performance venue boasts a year-round schedule of musicals, plays, films, and other entertaining shows for the public's amusement.
Exeter
Exeter presents a balanced experience for travelers with a vast spectrum of natural, historical, and cultural attractions. If you enjoy nostalgia, you can relive memories from the Revolutionary War days at the American Independence Museum. Housed in a 1721 building, guests can sort through a library of over 3,000 artifacts related to the landmark conflict. You can follow it up with a tour of the Gilman Garrison House. This rustic structure was constructed in the early 1700s and provides a vivid perspective of previous life.
On the other hand, outdoorsy tourists who prefer to spend their time in the open can do so at the Exeter Country Club. This 18-hole golf course challenges players of various skill levels and is surrounded by surreal nature and greenery.
Hanover
Hanover is a vibrant college town along the Connecticut River with a world-class art scene, active college sports culture, and serene outdoor escapades. Opportunities abound for both visual and performance art enthusiasts, with the Hood Museum of Art hosting remarkable exhibitions by regional and nationally acclaimed artists. Also, the Hopkins Center for the Arts is where townsfolk gather to celebrate local talent. This well-designed cultural hub hosts everything from operas and plays to concerts and musicals in an electric setting.
College sports are a big part of Hanover's cultural fabric, and the 3,500-seat Thompson Arena fills to the brim every time the Dartmouth College hockey teams take to the ice. Finally, outdoor lovers can commune with Mother Nature during leisurely walks through Nathan's Garden.
New London
New London is a popular winter destination in Merrimack County, boasting mountainous slopes and rugged natural surroundings. However, the community retains its charm in the other seasons, as guests learn about its rich past at the Ice House Museum. This special museum exhibits a stack of vintage automobiles and other American artifacts documenting the past eras. In addition, budding local performers hone their skills at the New London Barn Playhouse, treating guests to theatrical shows.
Ardent outdoorsmen will fancy an easygoing showdown with peers at the Lake Sunapee Country Club. The 9-hole course presents a fitting challenge to gauge whether your swing is improving.
Jackson
Jackson's pristine natural surroundings are framed by the jagged peaks of the White Mountains and the thick woodlands of the White Mountain National Forest. It is an exciting getaway for outdoor thrill seekers, inviting them to chase waterfalls with a demanding hike through rugged woods to Jackson Falls. This gorgeous multi-tier waterfall features a series of smaller cascades and plunges about 100 feet. The Glen Ellis Falls is another spectacular sight in the White Mountain National Forest, dropping into the Ellis River.
If you plan to explore Jackson by car, stop at the Historic Honeymoon Covered Bridge for a feel of local history. This postcard-worthy landmark dates back to 1876 and is an excellent representation of old-world New England engineering.
Hampton Beach
Between its expansive shoreline, picturesque boardwalk, and unprecedented ocean views, Hampton Beach is one of the most popular small towns in New Hampshire. Most visitors come for the beach experience, with 50 acres of coastal real estate awaiting at Hampton Beach State Park. Sunbathers, swimmers, picnickers, and shore walkers flock along its miles of shoreline to revel in the soothing Atlantic Coast scenery. If you visit with kids, take them to the Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium for rare encounters with lovely marine species and hands-on artifacts.
Hampton Beach is also known for its lively entertainment scene. Those who feel like letting loose can head to Casino Ballroom to watch a fantastic live music performance and dance the night away.
Peterborough
Outdoor lovers feel favored whenever they visit this Hillsborough County village, which lies on the banks of the Contoocook River. Peterborough is surrounded by pastoral wilderness areas that cultivate exciting adventures. Hikers can take advantage of rugged trails traversing Miller State Park to access its 2,200-foot summit for sweeping panoramas of the area. Alternatively, Shieling Forest offers well-marked and maintained hiking and mountain biking trails leading into the heart of the Peterborough backcountry.
Beyond the great outdoors, the town interests tourists in an immersive history and culture lesson at the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center. This remarkable fosters cultural awareness in the community through exhibitions, performances, lectures, workshops, and other events.
Franconia
Franconia is home to some of the most enchanting natural landscapes in New Hampshire, flanked by the undulating wilderness of the White Mountain National Forest and the powdery slopes of Cannon Mountain. Unsurprisingly, it is a sought-after destination for outdoor immersion, with adventurers pushing their limits with a punishing hike along the Artist's Bluff Loop Trailhead. But for a less demanding pursuit, guests can head to Echo Lake Beach for swimming, boating, and paddling activities on the clear spring-fed lake.
However, those who crave a change of scenery can head indoors to explore some history at The Frost Place. This old farmstead preserves the home of Robert Frost, who lived there in the 1910s and is listed on the NRHP.
Meredith
Meredith sits in the middle of the Lakes Region, surrounded by the shimmering waters of Newfound Lake, Squam Lake, and Lake Winnipesaukee. Raw natural beauty bounds this charming village, which vacationers can discover during a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. The tour reveals the stunning landscapes hidden in the backcountry, from forests to lakes.
Art enthusiasts are in for a favorable experience in Meredith. This is thanks to the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, which stages a captivating lineup of plays by emerging artists. The art scene gets even better during the Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. This well-attended event draws top artists and artisans from the surrounding region to celebrate creativity.
Whether you are basking on the peaceful shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith or soaking in the beauty of the White Mountains in North Conway, these small towns in New Hampshire are a gateway to the heart of the state, exposing its authentic New England charm and invigorating natural splendor. Between their fun outdoor activities, quaint downtowns, and New England hospitality, they invite city dwellers to let loose and embrace simple life pleasures in the rural United States.
