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Suppose you want to get to know a town, head for its main street. Here, in the beating heart of these inviting New Hampshire communities, you’ll find unique local businesses, historical sights, cultural attractions, quaint eateries, and more. Walking the streets of these delightful downtowns is like stepping back in time to a slower pace of life. Linger over lunch, browse the local antique shops or art galleries, or simply take a wander through the historic district’s charming architecture. These bustling main streets are full of classic New England charm.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a lively seaport, first founded in the 1600s and steeped in New England maritime history. Historic Market Square is considered the heart of downtown. Here, you can pick up a walking tour from the kiosk. Tours leave twice a week at 1 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. From the square, you can head north up Market Street, Portsmouth’s main drag. This busy thoroughfare winds past the harbor, where you can get your tickets for a narrated tour of the coastal waterways with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises.

If you’re in the mood for shopping, stop by the Portsmouth Soap Company, founded by a local nurse with a passion for organic, handmade skincare. Browse their range of seacoast-inspired soaps, gift baskets, or bath products for a sweet-scented souvenir. You’ll find more unusual and quirky gifts at Scallops on Market Street, a family-owned mineral and shell emporium that specializes in rare shells, minerals, fossils, and jewelry.

Dover

Dover is one of the largest towns in New Hampshire’s seacoast region, but don’t be fooled — this popular destination has kept its small-town charms. The Cocheco River cuts through downtown, which comprises Main Street, Central Avenue, and Washington Street. On the latter, by the river, you’ll find the Children’s Museum, a must if you’re visiting with little ones. Offering interactive exhibits, seasonal programs, and age-appropriate workshops, this educational center will keep the kids busy all afternoon. Across the street from the museum is another kids’ favorite, Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candies & Creamery. This is not your average candy store. Lickee’s & Chewy’s is a medieval-themed chocolate factory, ice-cream parlor, and dessert cafe housed inside a 200-year-old former mill.

Older kids and history fans of all ages will enjoy the Woodman Museum on Central Avenue, an early 20th-century style natural science, history, and art museum founded in 1916. If you’re visiting Dover in the summer, stroll back up Main and cross the Washington Street bridge to visit Henry Law Park, a beautiful green space by the river and home to the Cochecho Arts Festival, a free, summer-long arts and music event.

Exeter

Just inland from New Hampshire’s coast, the quaint village of Exeter is a hidden gem many tourists miss. This riverside hamlet on the banks of the Squamscott River has a thriving downtown strip along Water Street, where you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Start at the northwest end at the Exeter Farmer’s Market, which runs every Thursday from May through October. Across the street is the American Independence Museum, housed in the historic 1721 Ladd-Gilman House. Nearby is the Folsom Tavern, built in 1775. Tours of both properties are available from May to November.

After shopping and exploring, stroll down Water Street to another historic landmark, the Gilman Garrison House, built in 1709 to protect the Gilman family from raids by the Pennacook. Through the decades, the house has been a garrison, a Georgian home, and a tavern before it was acquired by Historic New England in 1966. Finish your tour of Exeter’s busy downtown with a stop at the Sea Dog Brewing Company to sip a craft beer while you enjoy scenic views over the river.

Newmarket

Another river town, Newmarket, is a laidback community on the banks of the Lamprey River. Main Street follows the river, offering plenty of beautiful views and picnic spots. Check out the Macallen Dam, getting the best views of the spillway from the pedestrian bridge. Schoppmeyer Park is another favorite in good weather, offering a seasonal dock from which you can launch a kayak or fish. For more pretty views, stroll down Main Street to the historic Community Church. Built in 1828, the church’s striking steeple and clock have been a town landmark for nearly 200 years.

If the weather’s not cooperating, Crackskulls Coffee & Books on Main is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon. Seasonal lattes, a wide selection of gently used books, and a cozy atmosphere make this quaint cafe a hit with locals and tourists alike.

Peterborough

Settled in 1749, Peterborough is a beautiful historic town in the Monadnock region. Depot Square Park is the heart of downtown and the home of many concerts and festivals in the summer. It’s also a picturesque place for a stroll, situated where the Nubanusit Brook meets the Contoocook River. Nearby, you’ll find dozens of local businesses, including the Toadstool Bookshop, a great place to browse the shelves for a bestseller, and Bowerbird & Friends, a cute antiques shop with a fascinating selection of 18th-20th century antiques and furnishings along with modern gifts and collectibles.

Also near Main Street is the Monadnock Center for History & Culture, which features rotating exhibits as well as permanent installations on early American furniture, a typical family kitchen from 1785, and 18th-century archives. Down the street from the museum is the Peterborough Town House, which hosts concerts throughout the year. Visit in October to see the town’s Viva Bach event, a celebration of the music of J.S Bach featuring local and visiting professional musicians and choruses.

Littleton

Nestled in the stunning peaks of the White Mountains, Littleton is the hometown of Pollyanna author Eleanor H. Porter. Say hi to her fictional creation on Main Street with a visit to the Pollyanna bronze sculpture. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Littleton Area Historical Society in the basement of the historic Opera House. Learn about the history of Littleton and the surrounding area through its extensive collection of well-preserved artifacts and memorabilia through the centuries.

While downtown, stop into the Thayers Inn, another historic landmark that opened in 1850 and has hosted Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin Pierce, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush. Main Street leads into the scenic river district, where Harmony Park is located. Explore the park’s walking trails, making sure to stop at its classic New England-covered bridge, which provides a walkway over the Ammonoosuc River.

North Conway

North Conway is a pretty year-round destination in the Mount Washington Valley. While there are many recreational activities in the mountains, there’s still plenty to explore in town. Start with a wander in Schouler Park, a beautiful green space off White Mountain Highway in the heart of downtown. Across from the park, you’ll find a quaint Victorian-style railway station, the home of the Conway Scenic Railroad. Hop aboard for a tour of the area’s most stunning scenery, seen from the antique carriages as they meander through the valley.

Head south on White Mountain Highway to pick up a souvenir at the North Conway Village, a shopping village of local boutiques. Nearby is the Bavarian Chocolate Haus, a must-stop for visitors with a sweet tooth. This old-fashioned chocolate shop prides itself on making all its candies by hand.

Explore New Hampshire’s Lively and Scenic Downtowns

New Hampshire welcomes over 14 million visitors annually, and it’s easy to see why. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the towering White Mountains, by picturesque lakes, or on the stunning seacoast, the granite state’s entrancing small towns offer the perfect weekend break, day trip, or family vacation. Whether you’re planning a trip to see the fall foliage at its best, strapping on your skis for winter, or looking for a spring/summer festival, don’t overlook New Hampshire. These storybook streets might look sleepy, but there’s lots to discover in the heart of New England.