5 New Hampshire Towns With The Best Views In The State
Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains shape much of life in New Hampshire. That influence shows up most clearly in towns like Meredith and Portsmouth, which sit close to the water, where harbors, riverbanks, and mountain views are part of the setting rather than an afterthought. As a result, the landscape is visible from downtown streets and neighborhood sidewalks, not just from scenic overlooks. Among them, five towns stand out for combining those views with established centers, local businesses, and year-round amenities.
Meredith
The town of Meredith sits on the northwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, and with the lake’s size and the foliage surrounding its shoreline, it can be one of the most picturesque backdrops in all of New England. Everything about Meredith reflects its waterfront location, with the main street leading pedestrians down to the lake. The 44,000-acre lake is dotted with over 258 islands, adding depth and dimension as it stretches into the distance.
Tourism is a major part of Meredith's economy, as thousands visit the town in the warmer months for lake recreation. Small businesses and eateries thrive during these busy seasons along the village’s walking district. Shops like the long-standing Innisfree Bookshop are part of the cluster of art galleries and gift shops, all within a few steps of a lake vantage point. The Lakehouse Grille is in Church Landing and serves traditional American fare, with tables and windows overlooking the water. The restaurant is known for its lobster roll and house-made bread.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth offers a different kind of waterfront, overlooking the Piscataqua River, which has long shaped the city’s growth. The harbor here is not only an attractive view and backdrop for exploring historic Portsmouth, but it also houses the historic Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, just outside the town in Kittery, Maine.
After pausing to take in views of the Piscataqua River, visitors often stop at the Portsmouth Historical Society to begin a guided walking tour of the colonial-era districts. Similarly, it’s possible to get an in-depth dive into the naval influence on the town by checking out the USS Albacore at Albacore Park. This 1953 submarine is a rare Cold War-era vessel preserved as part of the city’s naval history.
North Conway
Where Portsmouth and Meredith are defined by waterfront views, North Conway is positioned to help visitors appreciate the Mount Washington Valley. From several vantage points in this small town, guests can see steep faces like the Cathedral Ledge and the White Horse Ledge, not to mention the towering peaks of Mount Washington and the White Mountains in the distance. Each season brings a different view of the landscape, from fall foliage to snow-capped mountaintops in winter and early spring.
North Conway maintains a strong connection to its natural surroundings, reflected in attractions like Whitaker Woods. This space is a network of maintained trails that cut through a large forest just north of town. Even the shops reflect the town’s outdoor focus, such as Settlers Green Outlet Village, which features apparel retailers like Columbia and Timberland and includes more than 50 stores and eateries.
Peterborough
Peterborough has several natural attractions that offer visitors expansive views in multiple directions. Early life in Peterborough was built around its waterways, and downtown sits near the confluence of the Contoocook River and Nubanusit Brook. Looking southwest above the rooftops, visitors can see Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in North America.
For all its impeccable scenery and natural wonders, Peterborough is also a historic community with many stories to tell, some dating back even before America was a nation. Much of the exploration of the region’s heritage and cultural exhibitions from around the world can be found on Main Street at the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center. Hungry travelers tend to find their way back to the water in Peterborough, stopping at the popular Waterhouse Restaurant for hearty American cuisine right on the Nubanusit River.
Wolfeboro
With the size of Lake Winnipesaukee, it’s not surprising that several communities, including Wolfeboro, line its shoreline, taking in views across the water. This town sits on the eastern shore, giving a wealth of water recreation for tourists spending days here in the warmer seasons. The town has claimed to be the oldest summer resort in America, established in the 1760s, when the Royal Governor John Wentworth set up a retreat along the lake. To add to the grandeur, from certain vantage points, visitors can also see the Ossipee Mountains in the distance.
One of the best spots to truly take in the lake’s size and splendor is from Cate Park. Not only are there many spots for picnicking and relaxing along the waterfront, but there is also the Cate Park Bandstand, a centerpiece of the green space that hosts concerts and community events during the warmer months. To see some of the same history that has led to the self-proclaimed title of America’s oldest summer resort, visitors can also tour the preserved structures cared for by the Wolfeboro Historical Society, including the Clark House Museum Complex, for a closer look at colonial life through artifacts and exhibits.
New Hampshire Towns Framed by Lakes and Mountains
Whether you are looking out at the White Mountains or Mount Monadnock, or taking in the rolling rivers of the Contoocook or Piscataqua, or looking out over the 44,000 acres of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire has gorgeous views to be found. The small towns that offer these vantage points are among the most quintessential New England communities, rife with history and delicious food, like the Waterhouse Restaurant in Peterborough or The Lakehouse Grille in Meredith. When exploring the Granite State, the views remain a defining part of the experience.
