10 Things to Do in New Hampshire in the Summer

Summer’s coming! Woohoo! We love the winter sports and activities that New Hampshire has to offer, but as the days get longer and the temperatures climb, there’s a whole lot more fun to be had.

Whether you want to stroll around quaint towns, laze on beaches, hike imposing peaks, or dunk yourself in waterfalls, New Hampshire’s got it all.

If you are planning your next vacation, or if you, like us, are from New Hampshire and looking for some inspiration for a staycay, here are some of our favorite things to do in New Hampshire in the summer! 

1. Go Boating on Lake Winnipesaukee

With numerous boat rental agencies dotted around the lake, you can easily rent a boat and go for a fun day out with family and friends. 

You’ll need a boating license that’s approved by the NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators), but you can easily get it online on the spot, or prior to your vacation. If not, chartering a boat with a captain that will take you anywhere you want is also possible with most operators.

2. Hike the White Mountains

You can’t visit New Hampshire without getting awestruck by the snowy, majestic peaks of the White Mountains. With countless hiking trails crisscrossing the nearly 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest, you’ll find something to suit your comfort level. 

Be warned, throngs of hikers flock to the Whites each year, so you’ll likely have to face crowds and traffic, especially around the popular trails. 

3. Go Waterfall Hopping

New Hampshire is famed for its gorgeous waterfalls set amidst stunning scenery. Most waterfalls can be accessed by foot on a network of trails of varying difficulties. Make a bucket list of waterfalls and visit as many of them as you want! 

One of the most popular waterfall hikes is the Falling Waters Trail, a gentle 2.8-mile out-and-back hike that can be part of a much longer hike like the Franconia Ridge Trail. 

4. Visit the Quaint Town of Portsmouth

This charming seaside town is one of the oldest in the US. With a rich history, scenic views, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene, you can spend endless hours strolling the pretty streets of Market Square, or enjoying the delicious seafood fare it is known for. 

History buffs can also explore the Strawberry Banke Museum which showcases the evolution of the neighborhood over the last 350 years. 

5. Visit Castle in the Clouds

With stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Castle in the Clouds is a historic, painstakingly-preserved estate that is one of New Hampshire’s icons. Built in 1914 by Thomas Plant, the mansion today is a quirky blend of traditional arts and crafts, furnishings, and architecture. 

If you’re up for it, you can also hike the extensive trail network around the castle and go looking for waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

6. Go For a Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee

Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, friends, or a significant other, a sunset cruise is always a good time. Many boat operators like Tiki Hut Boats and Mount Washington Cruises offer a range of packages like a two-hour charter or themed-night cruises.

These cruises are popular with bachelor and bachelorette parties as well as party folks looking to have a good time, but you can also find more mellow cruises with a more relaxing vibe. 

7. Go On a Brewery or Cidery Tour 

New Hampshire has a thriving, vibrant craft beer and cider scene, making it popular with the aficionados looking to sample locally-brewed beverages. 

From small-batch breweries to craft distilleries, you’ll find somewhere fun to enjoy some quality food and awesome brews. For example, Schilling Beer in Littleton is known for their European-inspired selection and Portsmouth Brewery is famed for its England-style IPAs and stouts.

If ciders are more your thing, you can head to the Rhythm Cidery in Lincoln or North Country Hard Cider in Dover.  

8. Relax on Weirs Beach

Located on the southern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Weirs Beach in Laconia is a popular destination. This family-friendly destination is home to a bustling boardwalk, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, but expect crowds! 

You can stroll along the boardwalk, check out souvenir shops, and ice cream and dessert stands, or take the kids to Funspot, the world’s largest arcade. In the summer, Weirs Beach also has fireworks displays, bike week events, and plenty of live music. 

9. Kancamagus Highway

If you are up to spending a few hours in the car, the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway is an incredibly pretty drive that will take you through to numerous mountaintop viewpoints, waterfalls, and hiking trailheads.

You can stop whenever you want for a picnic or visit one of the many restaurants that line the highway. You can also swim in the many natural pools along the way like those in Swift River, or stop at waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls and go for a little hike. 

Every corner you turn opens up a picture-perfect view right out of a postcard, so bring the camera! 

10. Visit Squam Lake

If the throngs of people around Lake Winnipesaukee aren’t your thing, you can head northwest to Squam Lake, a much quieter lake with a more relaxing vibe. You can kayak, canoe, boat, or dip in its waters without being surrounded by a multitude of people. 

The prolific wildlife found around its shores is a favorite with birdwatchers and nature photographers while intermediate hikers can meander up Rattlesnake Mountain to enjoy the stunning, panoramic views of the lake. 

Final Thoughts

There ya go, plenty to do in New Hampshire when summer comes around. These activities are high on the popularity scale, so be prepared for the crowds.

If you want some peace and quiet, we also have some hidden spots that we’ve discovered over the years, but that’s a story for another day. 

Drop us a note at Gidana Getaways and let us help you plan your vacation. We look forward to welcoming you to our beloved Granite State and wish you a wonderful day.