8 Most Breathtaking Towns In New Hampshire
New Hampshire may be small, but its dynamic beauty is unmatched. From the salty air of the Seacoast Region to the majesty of the White Mountains, it has some of the most breathtaking towns in New England. Think riding along a historic railroad along the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee, or picnicking at the base of a waterfall, or catching a show at a summer theater in New London. Whether you’re planning a fall foliage tour, summer beach vacation, or ski trip, these lovely places have something for every season.
Littleton
When you seek the solitude of the White Mountains, Littleton is the perfect weekend destination. Located in northern New Hampshire, not too far from the Vermont border, it’s an idyllic escape where white church steeples pierce the skyline, and there are charming riverside cafes (like The Inkwell Coffee House) along the Ammonoosuc River. Just north of Main Street, with its lovely storefronts and coffee shops, is Parker Mountain Trails, which winds through shaded woods and gently rolling hills.
For more scenic views, Franconia Notch State Park is a short drive south down I-93. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the area, with countless trails winding through dense woods, waterfalls, and mountain summits. It’s where you’ll discover Flume Gorge, a stunning canyon carved by glaciers, where the air is cooler and smells mossy and earthy. For higher views, Cannon Mountain (also located within Franconia Notch State Park) offers expansive views of the White Mountains.
Exeter
In eastern New Hampshire, near the state's Atlantic coastline, is Exeter, one of the state's oldest towns. Founded in 1638, every corner of the town harkens back to colonial days with tree-lined streets and colonial-era architecture. Along the serene banks of the Squamscott River, you’ll find charming storefronts like Water Street Marketplace and D Squared Java. It’s also where you’ll find the American Independence Museum in an old 1700s tavern displaying rare Revolutionary War artifacts and other exhibits.
North of central Exeter is Henderson-Swasey Town Forest, a favorite hiking and mountain biking spot among the locals. The trails are well maintained, shaded by white pines and sugar maples, and have fantastic views of the Squamscott River. What’s great about Exeter is it’s close to just about everything. With New Hampshire beaches to the east, and the White Mountains to the North, it’s centrally located between the mountains and the beaches!
Meredith
In the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is the picturesque community of Meredith. Nestled on the western banks of Lake Winnipesaukee, it’s a quiet waterside hamlet with undeniable New England vibes. One of the best (and most relaxing) ways to enjoy the stunning scenery in Meredith is to hop aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. The historical train takes passengers along the western banks of Lake Winnipesaukee, and it is especially lovely in the fall!
If you want to spend the day hanging out on the lake, one of the best beaches in Meredith is Waukewan Beach. It has wonderful sandy shores, gently rolling hills in the distance, and clear waters for swimming, canoes, or paddleboarding. After spending a day at the beach, be sure to end the day at the Surfside Burger Bar for tasty burgers and live music. Spending time in Meredith feels like a beachy, New England-style vacation miles from the Atlantic Ocean shores.
Lincoln
In the heart of the White Mountains is the secluded community of Lincoln, where there’s always a mountain to climb in the summer, or to ski down in the winter. The best way to view the White Mountains is via the Granite State Scenic Railway. This section of the historic railway starts in Lincoln and takes you on an hour-long ride that winds through the White Mountains and along the Pemigewasset River. And before you set out to explore Lincoln on foot, stop by the White Mountains Visitor Center to learn more about the area.
On the east side of Lincoln is Loon Mountain Resort, an excellent destination year-round. Its hills and slopes are great for hiking, mountain biking, and ziplining in summer. In the winter, it transforms into one of the top ski resorts in the state, with ski slopes, terrain parks, and tubing. When visiting in the winter, you must check out Ice Castles, a family-friendly winter wonderland where you can tour ice sculptures, including a real ice castle!
Jackson
When you think of Jackson, think covered bridges, classic New England architecture, and cozy country general stores (like the J-Town Deli and Country Store). The small strip of stores and diners is more like quick stops to refuel and recharge before exploring the breathtaking attractions surrounding Jackson. Most notably, Jackson Falls is the perfect place to catch your breath, set up a picnic, and listen to the water rush over the rocks.
North of central Jackson are Wildcat Mountain Trails, which offer some of the most amazing views of the White Mountains. The Wildcat Ridge Trail is the most popular, but also the most challenging. It’s an 8-mile hike to the summit, but the long hike is worth seeing the views of Mount Washington at the very top! After a long day of hiking, nothing tastes better than a brew at the Shannon Door Pub and Restaurant.
New London
New London is in central New Hampshire, sandwiched between Pleasant Lake and Mount Kearsarge. When you want to escape the noise and crowds and get lost in nature, New London is one of your best options in New Hampshire. Downtown New London may be small, but it has plenty to keep things interesting. The New London Barn Playhouse is a quaint downtown theater featuring summer productions in a small-town setting. After a show, one of the best restaurants in New London is Tucker's, a rustic eatery with a great outdoor patio and even better food.
The real adventure in New London lies just outside its city limits. If you want to kick back for a beach day, Elkins Beach is one of the best beaches on Lake Pleasant. Its crystal clear waters, sandy shores, and wide open skies make it a great place to unwind. If you’re up for more adventure, the trails at Mount Kearsarge State Forest prove a bit of a challenge. The trails may be difficult and heart-pounding, but you can’t beat the views from the top!
Plymouth
The lovely community of Plymouth is in central New Hampshire, in the foothills of the White Mountains. Home to Plymouth State University, the area has a vibrant, artsy vibe that starkly contrasts its classic New England architecture. You can’t throw a stone in Plymouth without hitting a quirky, charming restaurant, like the local favorite Biederman's Deli or the Lucky Dog Tavern and Grill (to name a few).
There are so many local parks and hiking trails that showcase the beauty of Plymouth that it’s hard to narrow them down. Rattlesnake Mountain stands out as a regional favorite, despite its questionable name. What’s appealing about Rattlesnake Mountain is that the hike is relatively short and easy, but the views are incredible. It only takes less than two miles to reach the top, and the summit offers fantastic views of the Baker River Valley. For a slower-paced retreat, Livermore Falls State Forest provides swimming, hiking, and even the ruins of an old bridge!
Wolfeboro
Welcome to Wolfeboro, America’s Oldest Summer Resort! Nestled along the eastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro blends history, recreation, and beautiful scenery in one perfect package. You’ll find a little of everything downtown, from the Wright Museum of World War II to darling seafood restaurants like Morrisseys' Porch and Pub (seriously, you must try their lobster roll!) Downtown Wolfeboro is a colorful blend of beach vibes with iconic New England style.
Just outside of central Wolfeboro, the scenery is spectacular. Albee Beach is one of the more popular public beaches that blends sandy shores with shaded hiking trails. If you’re looking to lace up your hiking boots to experience the beauty of Wolfeboro on foot, Mount Major is a must-see while in the area. It’s a few miles south of central Wolfeboro and provides sweeping panoramic views where the land stretches as far as the eye can see. The Mount Major Trail is about a 4-mile hike round trip to access the summit, but the journey is well worth the destination!
These tucked-away New Hampshire retreats are stunning in their unique ways. From Wolfeboro's resort town vibes to Littleton's shaded mountain streets, they’re some of New Hampshire's best-kept secrets. They’re spectacular in the autumn when the leaves start to change, but equally fantastic in the spring, summer, and winter. With breathtaking views, charming downtown squares that feel like home, and plenty of tasty dining options (that are sometimes worth the trip alone!), New Hampshire is full of pleasant surprises. No matter which town you pick, you’ll find a little slice of heaven in New Hampshire.
