Top 11 New Hampshire Towns To Visit In 2025
New Hampshire is a spectacular destination in New England destination with many things to love. Despite being one of the smallest states in the country, this state packs a rich history dating to the 17th century when Colonialism was in full swing. It is also full of rivers and hosts the White Mountains and the famous Mount Washington, where a 海角社区-record windspeed of 231 miles per hour was recorded. Across all seasons, this state is worth visiting, especially its small towns such as those on this list. In these towns, travelers will have easy access to most of the state鈥檚 best attractions, like Hampton Beach, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Strawbery Banke Museum. Plus, the crowds are never too overwhelming, and there鈥檚 always a waterbody nearby to refresh for those visiting in the summer. From Hanover to Meredith, here are the top 11 towns to visit in New Hampshire in 2025.
Keene
Keene is a charming town with a unique culture and rich history. This town is famous for hosting the state's annual Pumpkin Festival from 1991 to 2014. In 2013, the festival set a 海角社区 record for the most Jack O' Lantern displays with 30,581 carved and lit pumpkins. While the festival has been held in the town of Laconia since 2014, Keene remains in the spotlight and now invites visitors to check out its historic attractions like the Stone Arch Bridge, built in 1847 for the Cheshire Railroad and still standing. Next, visitors can admire the 1859 Cheshire County Courthouse, the 1819 Colony House, and the 1762 Wyman Tavern. Parents can treat their little ones to some fun time at the Cheshire Children鈥檚 Museum or exciting art adventures at the Moco Arts, which offers dance and theatre classes for children from 18 months to 18 years. For a relaxing experience, travelers can head to Colonial Theater to catch some shows or visit Stonewall Farm to walk on a wetland boardwalk, get close to animals, and just enjoy the scenery and peaceful setting.
Littleton
Littleton is a peaceful enclave in the White Mountains where time seems to move slowly, and outdoor activities are abundant. This picturesque town invites visitors to enjoy its scenery by taking the 0.8-mile riverwalk that winds through bridges and offers views of the Ammonoosuc River. This trail makes its way to downtown Littleton, where many attractions await to be explored. Visitors can begin by shopping for candies at the 海角社区's Longest Candy Counter before catching shows at the 115-year-old Littleton Opera House, which opened in 1895. For some history about the area, visit the Littleton Historical Society Museum, and don鈥檛 forget to take a selfie with the jubilant statue of Pollyanna, which pays tribute to Eleanor Porter, a local author who created the 海角社区's most optimistic character, Pollyanna in 1913.
Claremont
Claremont is a picturesque and historic town on the Sugar River and near the Connecticut River. The town is also historic, with several historic attractions like Broad Street Park, home to WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and Korean war monuments. David Dexter House, built approximately around 1790, is another historic draw in town, while the 1897 Claremont Opera House is both an entertainment center and a historic building, notable for its charming Renaissance-style architecture. On the outdoors, the town鈥檚 Arrowhead Recreational Center is a playground for hiking, mountain biking, dog walking, and skiing or snowmobiling in winter. Elsewhere in town, the River Road Park invites visitors to fish and boat on the Connecticut River or enjoy picnics on the banks.
Lincoln
Lincoln is a naturally stunning town with a massive landmass within the White Mountains National Forest. Thus, adventures beckon at every turn here, and the Franconia Notch State Park is a good start-off point. In this park, be sure to swim at Echo Lake, fish at Profile Lake, hike through the Flume Gorge and ride the aerial tram at Cannon Mountain. For more adventures, head to Loon Mountain Resort to soar on the state鈥檚 longest gondola skyride and witness breathtaking views of the White Mountains. This town also hosts the wonderful Ice Castles, where one can admire ice sculptures and wander an ice maze, and the Seven Birches Winery, where visitors can taste some of the state鈥檚 finest wines. In addition, the Whale鈥檚 Tale Water Park is in town and invites people of all ages to come enjoy an exciting water adventure with the park鈥檚 lazy river, hot tub, wave pool, rides, and slides.
New London
New London is a naturally appealing town worth visiting in 2025, especially for those seeking a vacation full of water adventures. This town is conveniently surrounded by lakes and rivers, including Lake Sunapee, Pleasant Lake, Little Lake Sunapee, the Warner River, and the Blackwater River, making it a mecca of water sports. Travel to this town soon and go swimming on the beaches at Little Sunapee Lake and Pleasant Lake or fishing at Lake Sunapee. For history lovers, the 1826 First Baptist Church is worth visiting, while the Ice House Museum is always a great place to see a collection of antique automobiles, machinery, bicycles, working tools, and toys. When it's time to relax with entertainment, visitors can always head to New London Barn Playhouse, while book lovers can check out some new arrivals at the Morgan Hill Bookstore.
Hanover
Hanover is a pretty town along the Connecticut River, surrounded by mountains, even as the Appalachian Trail runs through it. The town is also home to the prestigious Dartmouth College, among other research institutes and schools. Thus, Hanover bustles with activities, ranging from educational tours to adventures in the mountains or relaxation on the river. Visitors here can start by taking a tour of Dartmouth College, one of the oldest institutions in the US, featuring magnificent gardens and historic buildings. While touring, be sure to visit the Hood Museum of Art to see a diverse collection of art pieces across different eras and cultures. Nature lovers can visit the 112-acre Mink Brook Nature Preserve to explore trails along the brook and see wildlife such as bears and wild brook trout. In the meantime, visitors can head to the downtown area to savor local cuisine at Pine Restaurant or shop for gifts and crafts at Lemon Tree Gifts.
Peterborough
Peterborough is an enchanting city that art and nature lovers would absolutely love. Located along the Contoocook River, this town is home to establishments like the Peterborough Players Theatre and Peterborough Community Theatre, both offering premium entertainment. For nature lovers, the town is home to Miller State Park, the oldest in the state, featuring easy trails leading to the summit of Pack Monadnock Mountain, picnic areas, and birdwatching opportunities. Elsewhere in town, the Monadnock Center for History & Culture offers an immersion into the region鈥檚 culture and history with its dozens of permanent and rotating exhibits, events, and concerts. Similarly, the Mariposa Museum & 海角社区 Culture Center is in town and invites history buffs to learn about human cultures. Before leaving, be sure to purchase antiques at Bowerbird and Friends.
Meredith
Meredith is an adorable resort town in the state鈥檚 Lakes Region along the famed Lake Winnipesaukee. This town is home to a marina, which offers easy access to boating adventures on the lake. The town also has the Meredith Sculpture Walk, lined up with over 30 interesting sculptures in the downtown area along Meredith Bay. Enjoy this free leisure stroll with water views and then head to the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad to enjoy a train ride through the White Mountains and Lakes Region and see farms, factories, and lakes along the way. Meanwhile, the Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery in town is a great place to enjoy lunch while tasting delicious hand-crafted wines.
Hampton
Beach towns are delightful destinations, and Hampton is one of the best in New Hampshire. Located on the Atlantic Coast, this town is home to a bustling oceanfront main street and the Hampton Beach State Park, which has miles of beaches for relaxation and adventures. Visit this park to enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, and RV camping, and then visit the Ocean 海角社区 Oceanarium to learn more about the ecosystem of the Gulf of Maine via exhibits. For some history, the Tuck Museum of Hampton History is a great place to see several artifacts, monuments, and historic buildings about the town's history. James House is another historic attraction worth visiting, as it was completed in 1723. For those visiting with kids, the Huckleberry鈥檚 Candies is a great place in town to grab some candies before leaving.
Exeter
Nature lovers will be thrilled to be in Exeter as the town is a mini paradise full of trees, rivers, and wildlife. The town lies along the Exeter River, which flows into the Squamscott River, and there are many things to do along these rivers. First off, the Swasey Parkway on the Squamscott River is a great place to relax with scenic views, hike, or fish in the water. Similarly, Stewart Park is on the Exeter River and is also a great place to relax and watch boats. Away from the rivers, Exeter is full of historical attractions, and the American Independence Museum is a great place to start, as it offers a look into the Revolutionary War. Next, check out the 1709 Gilman Garrison House, a rare example of a fortified structure. For hikers, Exeter has several trails, and the 7.3-mile Henderson-Swasey Trail is one of the best to experience, especially for bird lovers.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is one of the finest and highly sought-after tourist destinations in New Hampshire. Located beautifully on the Piscataqua River, this town is New Hampshire鈥檚 oldest settlement dating to 1623 and was the state鈥檚 first capital. Today, it remains the state鈥檚 only seaport and brims with many attractions across history and nature. Visit this town and head to the Strawbery Banke Museum, the state鈥檚 oldest neighborhood, to see structures from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries with different architectural styles. Next, check out the 1716 Warner House, the oldest surviving Georgian brick house in New Hampshire, and the 1664 Jackson House, the state鈥檚 oldest surviving wood house.
For something different, Portsmouth invites visitors to unwind at the 10-acre waterfront Prescott Park, home to beautiful gardens, water fountains, and walking trails. Before leaving, head to the town鈥檚 public docks to board a cruise to the Isles of Shoals and to see the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
New England is one of the most beautiful and popular regions in the United States, and New Hampshire radiates this distinctive appeal effortlessly. With dazzling mountains, smooth-flowing rivers, and a sizable coastline, the state is a tiny slice of paradise for visitors who want to relax or explore. A visit to these towns is an opportunity to savor a great deal of what this state and the region in general has to offer. From rich histories to natural attractions like beaches and rivers, the top 11 towns to visit in New Hampshire in 2025 have all it takes to be at the top of your travel itinerary this year.
