10 Must-Visit Small Towns in New Hampshire

The picturesque town of Exeter is historic and very used to accommodating visitors. The city centre is a favourite of visitors to explore antique stores, a classic bookshop, art displays, and a famous chocolate shop. Exeter is well-established with stately brick buildings and centuries-old historic sites, and it even held the title of state capital during the Revolutionary War. The nearby beach makes a summer trip to Exeter all the more enjoyable. If you’re into golfing, then you will be pleased to check out the numerous public golf courses nearby.

Sugar Hill is an exquisite small town nestled in a mountain foothill overlooking White Mountain National Forest that is known for country sights and being a romantic getaway. For decades, Sugar Hill has been a resort town with popular ski slopes and winter attractions in the nearby White Mountains and Green Mountains. Throughout the town, you'll see historic markers and plaques, as well as pictures that depict the fascinating history of Sugar Hill that spans over a century. The local museum is another fun and educational way to learn about the Sugar Hill region.

Hancock is a small town in New Hampshire that’s abounding with nature and wildlife. The history of Hancock is equally fascinating, and many buildings date back to the late 1700s, each providing a unique insight into Colonial America. The Hancock Historical Society provides a wealth of information and artefacts to learn about one of the oldest towns in New Hampshire. To best appreciate the conservation efforts for preserving nearby nature and wildlife, you can stop by the popular Harris Centre for Conservation Education to get a first-hand look at the hiking trails and recreational activities to safely enjoy in the area.

If you come to Franconia, get ready to strap on your skis or hiking boots to experience the outdoor adventures that await you here. Franconia is surrounded by mountainous beauty and forests intermixed with deciduous and coniferous trees, so you can see why visitors plan their holiday around outdoor destinations. Franconia Notch State Park is a great place for outdoor recreation and to witness the scenic river that passes through the mountain valley. Similarly, you may want to check out White Mountain National Forest. When the snow starts falling, you know it’s time to head up to hit the slopes on Cannon Mountain.

The coastal city of Portsmouth is a beacon of history and gives you plenty to do on your next trip here. You don’t need to be a history enthusiast to appreciate the Strawbery Banke Museum, where you can see Colonial-era crafts being made right in front of you. Likewise, the USS Albacore, a former research submarine, can be toured in Portsmouth. Of course, Portsmouth is located on the seafront, which means you have a wide range of water recreation to enjoy. Some of the favourites are whale-watching and romantic sunset cruises.

Littleton is a thriving small town in the foothills of the White Mountains that has a lovely city centre and immaculate views of the surrounding mountains. A lively stream runs alongside city centre Littleton, and you can visit historic buildings that to this day take advantage of the hydropower. Littleton can boast of being named one of the best towns in the USA, and the festivities each autumn are a big reason why. The nearby Moore Reservoir is an excellent place for kayaking and other types of water recreation.

Gorham is a lovely small town in its own right, but the surrounding natural beauty and state parks make a visit here all the more worthwhile. Located in the White Mountains, Gorham sits on the edge of the Appalachian Trail and is less than a day’s trip from Mount Washington and Mount Adams. One of the most delightful destinations near Gorham is the AMC Pinkham Notch visitor centre, where you can hike through the state park and see cascading waterfalls, summit a mountain, or, if you come during the winter, ski and snowboard.

North Conway is peacefully nestled in the midst of 700,000 acres of protect national forest and is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts to visit any time of year. The recreational activities around North Conway include canoeing, camping, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, golfing, fishing, and participating in a scenic tour. Additionally, shopping is especially popular because New Hampshire doesn’t implement a sales tax, so you get better deals. Families can head to the Conway Scenic Railway to learn about the history of the region, see the importance of the railway, and snap a few scenic photos along the way.

Meredith is located on the northwest side of Lake Winnipesaukee and is the perfect holiday destination on warm summer days. You could kick back and relax in the sun on one of Meredith’s sandy beaches, or you can rent a boat for a day on the water. Lake Winnipesaukee is the highlight of Meredith, but there’s more to do here than just beach and lake recreation. You could take in the Meredith sculpture walk, which features dozens of sculptures throughout the city centre, to explore the unique creations on a self-guided tour. If you love theatre, then you can check out the Winnipesaukee Playhouse located in Meredith.

Lincoln, New Hampshire, is an authentic small town that’s known for the nearby gorge and streams dotted with rocky waterfalls. Of course, many holidaymakers love coming in winter to ski down Loon Mountain, and the mountain is known as being especially family-friendly. One of the most unusual and fascinating places to visit in Lincoln is "The Basin," which is a deep granite reservoir at the base of one of the many waterfalls. In summer months, this is the perfect viewpoint to grab scenic pictures of New Hampshire’s natural beauty.