Reviewed on Nov 26, 2021
Reviewed on Nov 7, 2021
Reviewed on May 14, 2022
Reviewed on Aug 8, 2021
New Hampshire more than makes up for its relatively small size by packing in more than its fair share of gorgeous landscape and year-round beauty. With the White Mountains, the lakes region, and the Atlantic coastline, there are lots of opportunities for a family vacation in the great outdoors here. Sandwiched between Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts, New Hampshire has the benefit of great transport links, as well as some pretty cool neighbors!
New England is just perfect for outdoor activities all year round, although it’s probably best known for the blaze of color during New Hampshire’s fall foliage season. Coming here on a family vacation is easy, with so many things to do that kids will love like kayaking, fishing, and taking the cog railway up Mount Washington. New Hampshire locals are super friendly, and did we mention they have some of the best apple pie in the US?
Franconia Notch state park is one of the many stunning parks in the White Mountains and has great outdoor activities to get stuck into. Take the family on a ride up Cannon Mountain via the aerial tramway and see spectacular views. The Flume Gorge is another amazing attraction in Franconia Notch, where a walkway leads you through the impressive granite gorge.
Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s biggest lake and it’s a perfect place for vacations in New Hampshire, thanks to its range of outdoor activities. Visit Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park for ziplining and ropes courses, then do a few laps of the Weirs Beach Go-Kart Track and see who wins. The lake has hiking, boating, shopping, and museums around its perimeter, making it amazing for a family vacation.
1. Hampton - New Hampshire may not have a very long stretch of coastline but Hampton does a good job of keeping its summer vacation reputation intact with some golden sandy beaches, if you visit in summer then be sure to check out the amazing annual sand sculpture competition, which draws thousands of visitors from across the USA. We’re not just talking simple sandcastles here, either – these are genuine works of art!
2. Lebanon – Sitting on the Vermont-New Hampshire border, Lebanon is a great base for vacations in New Hampshire. You can see one of New Hampshire’s famous covered bridges here at Packard Hill and take a day trip up to Lost River Gorge for some beautiful hiking.
3. White Mountains - This is one of the state’s most loved places and New Hampshire package vacations in the White Mountains will be unforgettable. Every travel guide to New England will point you here and you can get to the summit of Mount Washington via the cog railway with ease. Winter brings excellent snow conditions for skiing, while in summer you can spot animals like deer, moose, and black bears.
New Hampshire vacations are available all year round, and each season has its own attractions. Summer in New Hampshire gets hot and sunny and is the perfect time to go lake swimming and hiking through forests. The fall foliage is famous for its incredible shades of red, yellow, and orange. The ski area in North Conway is well worth a vacation in winter, while spring brings out the wildflowers in the White Mountains.
New Hampshire has an excellent road system including the I-93 that travels from Manchester to the White Mountains. It’s easiest to get around by car and you can fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) or Portland International Jetport (PWM) over the border in Maine. You can hire cars from all major airports, and driving through New Hampshire is often scenic and beautiful, especially in fall.
