7 Prettiest Main Streetscapes In New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, some main streets grew from narrow mountain passes where travelers had to slow down and stop. Others formed along rivers that powered early mills, or around colleges that anchored year-round life in otherwise rural landscapes. Jackson and North Conway sit where the White Mountains funnel movement through valleys. Exeter and Walpole grew up along working rivers that once drove local industry. Hanover and Peterborough took shape around institutions that kept their centers active long after mills declined. Littleton’s downtown followed commerce along the Ammonoosuc River at the edge of the mountains.
What these towns share is not decoration, but purpose. Their main streets remain readable records of how people moved, worked, studied, and gathered in different corners of New Hampshire, with surrounding forests, rivers, and mountain terrain still shaping daily life today.
Jackson
Jackson makes for one of the prettiest streetscapes because it is immersed in nature. The town is located close to the Black Mountain Ski Area. If you are in the area on vacation, the ski area features 45 trails for skiing, and during the summer, the paths are perfect for horseback and pony rides. Returning to Jackson itself, Main Street forms a loop around a nature area that includes the Ellis River and the Historic Ellis River Covered Bridge, with the Black Mountains serving as a perfect backdrop for photos. The bridge is a popular spot for photos, as its nickname suggests: the Honeymoon Bridge. While you are out taking photos, stop in at the Wildcat Inn and Tavern. This cozy country tavern has operated for 80 years and boasts rustic charm and live music to entertain guests.
Walpole
Walpole's Main Street stands out with its red brick buildings and white wood homes surrounded by trees. As you walk these lovely streets, you can find The Restaurant at Burdick's. Guests will find a lovely, decorated interior with chandeliers and handsome wooden tables from which to enjoy French Cuisine. Just a block off Main, you can find The Green. This stretch of green parkland features a bandstand steps from the handsome steeple of River Valley Church, offering some of the loveliest views in town. And each summer, The Green hosts the Concerts on the Green Summer Series, which features live music each week from June to August.
Exeter
It is hard to beat the views you can find in Exeter, where Water Street runs parallel to the Squamscott River. Views of the water are easily enjoyed from Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park, where steps lead down to the water, and guests can enjoy a slow day from any of the park benches. Not far away, your day on the water continues at Vino e Vivo. The menu features dishes from seared salmon to simple charcuterie boards, and the outdoor seating puts you right along the water.
Just across the street, you can learn more about New Hampshire's revolutionary history at the American Independence Museum, which showcases Revolutionary-era artifacts in a house that has stood since 1721. The house's incredible history makes it a photo opportunity in itself!
Littleton
Littleton is a perfect place to enjoy picturesque views. In Littleton, Main Street runs right along the Ammonoosuc River. Guests to the area will find perfect photo opportunities at the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, which sits a few minutes off Main. This bridge leads across to the other side of town. Before you go, you might want to stop in at Schilling Beer Co. This brewery sits right alongside the river and boasts a handsome red facade and an adjacent water wheel, making for an interesting photo opportunity. Directly on Main, you can also stop to take a picture at the Pollyanna of Littleton statue, which sits right outside the Littleton Library. Set against the quaint buildings that line Main Street, this is yet another lovely streetscape in New Hampshire.
North Conway
The town of North Conway is popularly known as the starting point for trips to nearby Mt. Washington. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, making the views along White Mountain Highway among the prettiest in the state. As you make your way down the highway, you can find Conway Scenic Railroad. This 19th-century train station features rides through the surrounding Mount Washington Valley and delivers unparalleled views of the countryside.
Back on Main, one of the more interesting spots in town is the Bavarian Chocolate Haus. The building echoes Bavarian architecture and makes for a pretty spot along the highway. Art lovers can head just north of the Chocolate Haus to find the White Mountain Museum and Gallery. Elegant oil paintings await, but the museum also hosts events focused on notable partners and their works.
Peterborough
More riverside beauty awaits in Peterborough. Main Street crosses the Contoocook River, and visitors to the area can enjoy views of the water just off Main at Depot Park. The park hosts events such as summer concerts and festivals. Depending on when you arrive, you may be able to enjoy an Art Walk through the park or jam out during the Summertime Concert Series. Back on Main, the handsome Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center is reopening in February 2026, with an emphasis on local and global culture. Built in what was once the historic Baptist Church, completed in 1841, the Mariposa is one of the town's landmark photo spots. While you are in the area, you can head a few steps down the street to Blue Fern Gallery, an artist collective and museum featuring sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and other media by local artists.
Hanover
Few places have a more incredibly beautiful main street than Hanover. Wheelock Street runs alongside Dartmouth College and the notable Dartmouth Green. Visitors can enjoy the iconic tower overlooking the college while spending time on the green. Just across the street, the Pine offers sophisticated dining in the Hanover Inn. Its impressive interior is matched by its elegant New American cuisine. And not far east along Wheelock, you can find The People's Art Display. Converted from a 150-square-foot college dorm room, this gallery features themed exhibits and immersive art galleries with an emphasis on creating unique interior visual spaces.
Pretty Days In New Hampshire
There is something for everyone in New Hampshire. Many small towns in the state are built alongside rivers like the Ellis River or the Squamscott River, and their main streets feature plenty of lovely spots along the water. Other destinations, like Hanover, boast unique sights, such as the Dartmouth College tower. If you are in search of some of the prettiest main streets in the state, then visit one of these seven towns.
