7 Coolest New Hampshire Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025

Let’s face it: 4.5 million vacationers can’t be wrong. That’s how many people visited New Hampshire in 2023, contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy and providing a clear indication of just how cool a place it is to visit. The Granite State’s appeal is undeniable, and those planning to visit in the summer of 2025 won’t be disappointed. From rugged coastlines to stunning mountain scenery, the state’s heritage-rich small towns are set against some of New England’s most attractive backdrops. Add to this a chock-full schedule of fantastic events and festivals, and these seven destinations make a great shortlist from which to start planning a cool New Hampshire escape in 2025.

Portsmouth

Located midway between Boston, MA, and Portland, ME, Portsmouth is a cool town for a wander. The town’s South End area is particularly fun to walk, especially the Strawbery Banke Museum. This excellent living history museum is home to a collection of restored 17th to 20th-century homes, as well as fun programming aimed at kids. A few blocks to the north, Prescott Park overlooks the Piscataqua River with its attractive lawns and gardens, as well as open-air theater events all summer long.

Portsmouth’s entertainment calendar packs in some crowd-pleasers, too. June’s popular Market Square Day Festival turns the downtown into a car-free street fair, making it the perfect time to visit. Another must-do is the Prescott Park Arts Festival, celebrating its 49th summer season of concerts and Shakespeare starting late June. Cool overnight stays can be had at The Hotel Portsmouth, an 1881 Queen Anne-style mansion with elegant rooms; and the Ale House Inn, a classy boutique hotel set in an 1880s warehouse beside the docks.

Hanover

Famous as the home of Dartmouth College, the pretty town of Hanover in central New Hampshire makes for a great summer vacation spot. Highlights include the college’s Hood Museum of Art with its Monet masterworks and visiting exhibits. Also on campus, Dartmouth Green is a must-stroll and is, in fact, crossed by the Appalachian Trail, a 50-mile stretch of which is maintained by Dartmouth College.

Several community events make a warm-weather visit even more appealing. The town’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration celebrates its 29th anniversary in 2025 with a parade that winds up on Dartmouth Green for lawn games, pony rides, apple-pie-eating contests, and fireworks. Traveling with kids? Weekly Picnic in the Park family shows bring puppets and magic shows to Sustainability Park throughout July and August.

As for accommodations, consider a stay near the Green at the Hanover Inn Dartmouth, a recently renovated boutique property dating back to 1780. Another worthy contender is the modern Six South St. Hotel, which is also a short walk from Downtown Hanover.

North Conway

Located near the border with Maine, North Conway boasts many cool things to do for summer vacationers. One of the coolest is the Conway Scenic Railroad, a heritage train along a scenic route through White Mountain National Park to the town of Lincoln. Along the way you’ll see Crawford Notch, cross 108-year-old trestles, and pause at the 2,000-foot Mount Willard Cut so you can grab some great pics. Nearby Cranmore Mountain Resort features a fun adventure park with a thrilling mountain coaster, zip lines, and a giant swing.

Summer 2025 events worth participating in include the Arts Jubilee, a series of five outdoor concerts featuring symphonic pops and classic-rock tributes. For something really quirky and cool, the three-day Mud Bowl championships make a return to Hog Coliseum in early September with teams getting messy while raising money for charity. Afterwards, freshen up at the Eastern Slope Inn resort, a 1937 landmark that’s only a short walk from downtown and the scenic railway (it even has its own nature trail).

Meredith

Less than a two-hour drive north of Boston, Meredith sits on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee and features one of the most attractive lakeside settings in New England. Spend a little vacay time wandering the downtown and the waterfront with its boardwalk leading to Hesky Park. Lined with sculpture installations and benches, it’s a great place to stop and just watch the world go by from eateries such as the Town Docks Restaurant. Better still, hop aboard the M/S Mount Washington for a fun cruise from the town docks across Lake Winnipesaukee.

As for accommodations, the Mill Falls Resort Collection consists of four classy inns close to downtown Meredith and the waterfront: Church Landing, Bay Point, Chase House, and the newly rebranded Palmer Inn. All are connected via charming flower-lined walkways and have access to the EKAL Activity Center, which rents kayaks and paddleboards.

Wolfeboro

Established in 1768 and reputedly “America’s Oldest Summer Resort,” Wolfeboro’s reputation as a must-visit summer vacation destination is well-deserved. Topping the list of fun things to do in Wolfeboro are events like The Great Waters Music Festival, returning for the summer of 2025 with a series of concerts held at the historic Brewster Academy. Brewster’s lakeside lawn also hosts the On the Green Arts & Crafts Festival featuring around 120 juried artisans.

For history buffs and museumgoers, highlights are the Wright Museum of World War II and the New Hampshire Boat Museum’s antique mahogany runabouts. Cool accommodation options include the boutique-style Wolfeboro Inn, set in an old farmhouse built in 1812 with its own beach and pier; and Pickering House Inn, a romantic setting that’s well-known for its dining.

Littleton

Littleton's quaint downtown area features an impressive 352-foot long timber-frame covered bridge that crosses the Ammonoosuc River. Nearby attractions include Chutters, holder of the world’s longest candy counter, and brew pubs like the Schilling Beer Co. The Ammonoosuc River Rail Trail awaits you on the south side of the bridge, so you can do a great loop walk by heading back to town along a pedestrian and bikes-only bridge a little to the west of the parking lot.

Although a little later in the summer season, the Littleton Art Show in September features juried fine art as well as crafts in the downtown core. If visiting, make a summer getaway of it at the Thayers Inn Hotel, an original White Mountain railroad hostelry with wrap-around verandas that dates back to 1850 (it’s located near the covered bridge). Alternatively, drive five minutes south to the Adair Country Inn & Restaurant, an early 19th-century Georgian estate boasting sumptuous tasting menus and lovely perennial gardens.

Lincoln

Located at the western end of the nearly 35-mile-long Kancamagus Scenic Byway that connects to the town of Conway, Lincoln has everything summer travelers need for a cool vacation. Highlights include Franconia Notch State Park’s Flume Gorge, a spectacular 800-foot-long gorge at the base of Mount Liberty that’s famous for its narrow lichen and moss-covered cliff walls. Just a 15-minute drive north, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway whisks sightseers up to the 4,080-foot summit in under 10 minutes for spectacular views over the Presidential Range.

Summer fun in Lincoln includes June’s New England Brewfest, a celebration of craft beer with VIP seminars and lumberjack-themed tasting sessions, followed by the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival in September. And you don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy the pipe bands, highland games, and whisky tasting. As for where to stay, the RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain is a great option and features condo-style suites perfect for a week-long summer stay.

The Final Word

Given New Hampshire’s tourism slogan of “Live Free,” you know it’s going to be a fun place to visit. Whether your idea of a holiday is spending time at the beach or mountain hikes and bike rides, these seven towns offer big experiences with plenty of stunning scenery. Factor in highly rated places to stay plus busy event calendars, and these “coolest” towns are ideal for an unforgettable New Hampshire summer vacation in 2025.