Top 5 Things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth, New Hampshire Things to do A couple of weeks ago we took a weekend trip from Boston to Portsmouth,…
2024 New Hampshire Visitors Guide
New Hampshire offers spectacular views and a wide range of activities and adventures. This state supplies year-round appeal with its wide variety of attractions. Whatever your leisure choice, New Hampshire has it all—hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and skiing to name but a few. Manchester, the state’s largest city, boasts a healthy arts community as well as several educational institutions for visitors to explore. South New Hampshire and the Atlantic Coast have majestic beaches, including the well-known Hampton Beach area. For great mountain biking and skiing visit the White Mountains and Northern New Hampshire. The famous Mount Washington offers impressive views, many ski resorts, and the Mount Washington COG Railway, a unique way to ascend the slope. The New Hampshire Lakes region is one of the best locations for boating, fishing, and lake tours, including Lake Winnipesaukee.
South New Hampshire Visitors Guide
South New Hampshire is known for its great beaches and preserved historic houses. Take a tour of one of these magnificent homes and discover a piece of New Hampshire’s history. Portsmouth has a picturesque coastline that supplies a wide range of activities, including whale watching and boat tours. Many local companies offer fishing trips, one of the main pastimes along the coast. Enjoy the plentiful accommodations on the waterfront, many offering spectacular ocean views. Also located in this region is the state’s capital, Concord, a small city with numerous historical sites and museums focusing on New Hampshire history. Manchester has a wealth of interesting galleries and a vibrant performing arts scene bolstered by the historic 870-seat Palace Theatre. Monadnock State Park, just northwest of Jaffrey, features Mt. Monadnock, a favorite for hikers and one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the world. President John F. Kennedy gave his first official campaign speech in Nashua, an event that has been commemorated with a bronze sculpture.
Manchester, NH Visitors Guide
Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire. In the 19th century, the city was a major cotton producer, and the Amoskeag Mills (circa 1838) was instrumental in bringing Manchester to prosperity. Although the mills closed in the 1930s, they are still impressive, sprawling one-and-a-half miles along the Merrimack River. The former mill buildings have been renovated and now house businesses, shops, restaurants, art studios, and museums. The Currier Gallery of Art boasts a vast collection of glassware, furniture, and paintings. Manchester is also a scholarly locale with three post-secondary institutions in the area: the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Technical College, and Southern New Hampshire University. The 10,000-seat Verizon Wireless Arena hosts an array of big-name entertainers throughout the year. For a nostalgic performance atmosphere, visit the historic Palace Theatre, home to stand-up comedy, plays, musicals, and special events.
Portsmouth, NH Visitors Guide
Portsmouth was settled in 1623, making it the third oldest city in the United States. Although it is one of New Hampshire’s most prominent cities, Portsmouth retains a country-town atmosphere with cobblestone streets and waterfront parks. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, the Portsmouth area boasts over a dozen beaches, including Wallis Sands State Beach, North Hampton State Beach, and Jenness State Beach. The city has many cultural and educational attractions as well, such as Strawberry Banke, a fascinating living history museum featuring historic homes, gardens, and interpreters in period costumes. For a day of family fun, visit the Children’s Museum of Portsmouth, home to engaging arts and science exhibits and a number of educational programs. Be sure to visit the Portsmouth Brewery, which offers a selection of ales, appetizers, and pub food, and is renowned as one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Nashua Visitors Guide
Known as the Gateway City, Nashua borders the state of Massachusetts and is just one hour from Boston. Once a bustling fur trading post, Nashua is now a trendy center that offers historical, recreational, and shopping adventures. Landmarks are plentiful in Nashua, and the John F. Kennedy Bronze Sculpture attracts many, as it is located where the former President gave his first official campaign speech in 1960. Visitors also enjoy attending a game at Holman Stadium, the home of the Nashua Pride, a minor league baseball club. Not only are the games a popular pastime, but the stadium itself was the home of the United States’ first integrated baseball team in 1946. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Silver Lake State Park, which offers swimming, picnicking, and boating excitement. Visitors are eager to take advantage of New Hampshire’s tax-free shopping and flock to Nashua’s many boutiques and the massive Pheasant Lane Mall.
White Mountains Visitors Guide
The White Mountains region is a haven for outdoor activities and winter sports. Be sure to visit the famous Mount Washington, part of the Appalachian Trail and home to the Bretton Woods Ski Resort. Several other ski hills are located in the White Mountains, and with so many convenient accommodations in the area, skiing and snowboarding vacations are made easy. When the snow melts in the spring and summer, the mountains provide exceptional hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The city of Glen plays host to water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and boat tours. The White Mountains boast major family attractions as well, allowing visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty in fun and exciting ways. Cannon Aerial Tramway, Conway Scenic Railroad, Wildcat Mountain Gondola, and Hobo Railroad are great avenues for touring the countryside, while Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves and Polar Caves Park offer up-close encounters with the area’s natural features.
New Hampshire Lakes Visitors Guide
Appropriately dubbed the New Hampshire Lakes region, this area of the state is home to Lake Winnipesaukee, the sixth-largest natural lake in the United States. Stretching 26 mi (42 km) in length, this lake also contains over 250 habitable islands, making it a prime vacation destination. Several towns are found on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, including Meredith, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, and Wolfeboro, each offering New England charm, unique accommodations, and trendy restaurants. Visitors to the area enjoy taking the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, which offers one- and two-hour scenic excursions along the lakeshore between Meredith and Weirs Beach. The Belknap Mill in the city of Laconia is a popular attraction, as it is the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the United States. The Lakes region also boasts several annual events, including the Sandwich Fair, which takes place in Center Sandwich in October, and the summer-long Great Waters Music Festival in Wolfeboro.