Great Things to Do in NH
Great Things To Do in NH - White Mountains Region
In the White Mountains some things are given like majestic scenery, year round outdoor recreation and memorable family vacations. Check out the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, Waterville Valley, NH’s complete resort and Santa's Village. Great attractions include old fashioned railroads the Cog Railway and Conway Scenic Railroad that the climb up Mount Washington. You can also drive up the mountain on the scenic Auto Road. There are brewery and moose viewing tours, glider flying and much more.
23 places to visit
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Exciting ride aboard a cog railway culminates in breathtaking views atop Mt. Washington
Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH 03589 603-278-5404 Fun, educational – and thrilling – the historic Cog Railway up to the summit of majestic Mt. Washington, NH is a great adventure for passengers of all ages. The colorful trains are powered by biodiesel or steam locomotives, traveling 5 mph past forests, ravines, wildlife (including the occasional moose or bear) and through three climate zones to reach the breathtaking summit. There, on top of the Northeast’s tallest peak, you can explore an interactive weather exhibit or look out over the mountains from the rooftop observation deck. You can also send a post card from the summit post office. Travelers will enjoy the commentary from train engineers and brakemen and brakewomen. Parking is free, and there are food courts or cafeterias at both ends of your exciting journey. Trains operate from late April through November.
Mountain Club on Loon
Every season at this mountain resort comes with fun, exciting activities for all ages
90 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH 03251 800-229-7829 You want to have some peak experiences when you’re on vacation? Then you’ll want to stay and play at the Mountain Club on Loon, the year-round resort and spa where every season has exciting activities. In the winter, of course, there’s skiing, snowboarding and tubing at New Hampshire’s largest ski resort — right outside your door. Spring means mountain biking, fishing, hiking and ATV riding. Summer brings kayaking, canoeing, swimming, tubing, boating and golf. And spectacular autumn means hitting foliage trails by hiking and biking – and perhaps taking a moose safari! There’s great shopping and dining year-round. And you’ll come back every day to comfortable, spacious accommodations from rooms with hot tubs to suites with full kitchens and everything in between.
NHSCOT & NH Highland Games Festival
Fuel your passion for all things Scottish!
Loon Mountain Resort - 60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH Don’t miss NHSCOT’s signature event, the NH Highland Games & Festival – always starts the third Friday in September! Held at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH, this three-day celebration is one of the largest cultural events in the Northeast and showcases the traditions and history of Scotland through heavy athletics, cultural activities, music and entertainment, food and drink, and more! Participate in a Try-It class like street curling or learn something new at one of our seminars. Fun for all ages with kids programming and opportunities to shop in Vendor Village. Ignite your Scottish spirit at the NH Highland Games & Festival, September 18-20! Single day tickets and weekend passes available now.
The 2026 NH Highland Games & Festival is on September 19-21 - Check the website for tickets & more info!
The 2026 NH Highland Games & Festival is on September 19-21 - Check the website for tickets & more info!
Santa's Village
Before you visit Santa’s Village, you might want to make a list – and check it twice
528 Presidential Highway Jefferson, NH 03583 603-586-4445 You might want to make a list (and check it twice) before heading to Santa’s Village, the amusement park extraordinaire in the White Mountains. There are so many rides to choose from, including a Ferris wheel, Reindeer Carousel, flume, tube slide, bumper cars, roller coasters, trains and monorails shaped like sleighs. Over on the water park side, there are three-story twisty-turny slides, a splash pad and enough interactive fun to keep the kids entertained for hours. Families can rent cabanas or tiny suite retreats. You can visit with Santa, stop by the barn to feed the reindeer, go on a scavenger hunt or visit a bakery to decorate your own gingerbread man. Stop by the blacksmith’s shop for a sized-just-for-you souvenir ring.
Mount Washington Auto Road
All year long, special adventures, and awe-inspiring tours, are offered on this mountain road
Route 16 - Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH 03581 603-466-3988 Every season of the year offers a new adventure for visitors to the Mt. Washington Auto Road. In the summer and fall, load the audio tour app and drive yourself up to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast. Or, take a two-hour guided tour, a curated mountain experience with knowledgeable guides. On specific days, you can drive your four-wheel ATV. Take a special sunrise or sunset tour for awe-inspiring views. A hiker shuttle offers one-way shuttle service, either up or down from the summit. Customized group tours also are available. In the spring, there’s the additional Spring Adventure Tour to see how the road is cleared. And in the winter, don’t miss the narrated Mt. Washington SnowCoach tour to the sub-arctic tree line.
Woodstock Inn Brewery
Take a tour or just relax at this brewery’s bar, pub or patio with a good meal and a great beer
135 Main Street North Woodstock, NH 03262 603-745-3951 Come see why the Woodstock Inn Brewery is the place to be, four seasons of the year, in scenic North Woodstock, NH. Serving up superior craft beer for more than 25 years, the brewery offers visitors daily brewery tours seven days a week, as well as a great dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The tour offers tastings in addition to a behind-the-scenes look at how the distinctly New Hampshire beers are made. Dining at the warm, welcoming Main Bar, cozy Tap Room, lively Brew Pub or, in season, on the dog-friendly patio at the Dam Bar is an experience not to be missed. Check the website for the schedule of live music and to sign up for dining in one of the brewery’s igloos!
Ice Castles
Your moment of imagination, exploration and magic awaits at Ice Castles
24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH 03262 This immersive experience built entirely from ice enchants visitors with its captivating photogenic appeal. Escape into a world of frozen caves, maze-like tunnels, fountains and ice-carved slides. Ice Castles in North Woodstock is built by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles that are grown, harvested, and planted every day to create the acre-sized interactive attraction. And the effect is heightened at night when LED lights frozen inside change colors in perfect synchronization to music. You don’t have to be a fan of “Frozen” to find the whole experience magical. Remember to dress warmly, but in case that's not enough there's an on-site concession stand serving up hot chocolate, apple cider, and warm treats!
White Mountains Attractions
New Hampshire's White Mountains boast a colorful array of activities for visitors of all ages
200 Kancamagus Highway North Woodstock, NH 03262 603-745-8720 Soaring through a forest, skiing down a snowy slope, riding the rails on a vintage train, conquering a corn maze, marveling at trained bears, saying hello to Santa and his reindeer: That’s just a partial list of all the activities awaiting visitors to New Hampshire’s breathtaking White Mountains. Whether you’re taking the kids to old favorites Clark’s Bears, Santa’s Village or Story Land, or arranging a friends weekend at one of several luxurious mountain resorts, you’ll have the time of your life in this fun-filled region, one of New England’s most scenic spots. Explore a glacial cave, nature center or a gallery-dotted Main Street. Go fishing, golfing or zip lining. See live theater, take a moose safari, visit a sled-dog kennel. Your adventure awaits. To find out more, follow our link above or call us today at 1-800-346-3687.
Seven Birches Winery
Wine-lovers, experienced and novice, will love this winery’s tours, atmosphere
River Walk at Loon - 22 South Mountain Drive Lincoln, NH 03251 603-745-7550 Seven Birches Winery is the perfect activity for wine-lovers, whether you’re a novice or just beginning your love affair with wine. Located inside the lovely Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, the winery offers intimate meet-the-winemakers tours of its production facility, where you can see how local fruits and European grape varietals are handcrafted into very special wines. Or, just opt for a tasting off the wine menu. Knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you with a choice or order up a flight for true sampling. In the nearby Lincoln Village Shops, the winery’s Atrium Wine Bar offers tastings in a rustic atmosphere as well as easy access to the region’s finest shops and restaurants.
Great Glen Trails
It’s four seasons of fun adventures at this White Mountains outdoor center
Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH 03581 603-466-3988 Every season is a fun season at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Spring, summer and fall are perfect for kayak cruises. Take a clinic, go on a wildlife tour (keep an eye out for moose and eagles) or go on a sunset cruise. Get out the bike, or rent one of theirs, and enjoy well-marked carriage roads through the forest and meadows, past scenic rivers. Hiking is a joy, with breath-taking views everywhere. Dogs, and strollers, are welcome. In the winter, there’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and old-fashioned snow tubing down Tubing Hill. Or, take the Mt. Washington Snowcoach to the tree line on the auto road. The center’s base lodge has showers, lockers and a cozy fireplace.
Rhythm Cider
Creative ways, from tours to dining with a view, for cider-lovers to sample new offerings, old favorites
22 South Mountain Drive Lincoln, NH 03251 603-745-7550 At Rhythm Cider, they love to say the brand is all about creativity — new tastes, a new restaurant, and new ways to get to know how these fresh, handcrafted ciders are made. You can visit the cider and wine Tasting Room at the Seven Birches Winery in the expanded RiverWalk Resort. Or, you can book a tour of the production facility, where you’ll have a chance to talk to a winemaker or cider maker and sample their fine wares, leaving with a souvenir glass. Finally, you can enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner at the brand new Rhythm Tap & Grille. Sip wines and ciders, sample the food offerings from shareable starters to steaks, burgers and seafood and take in the breathtaking views of the Pemigewasset River.
Town of Bethlehem
Discover Bethlehem’s breathtaking views, endless adventure and thriving arts & culture
Bethlehem, NH Discover Bethlehem, N.H., a place that beckons and welcomes. Whether you’re an empty nester or a family of five, there’s something here for everyone! Spend a day on the mountains skiing and snowboarding or go hiking, fat tire biking, snowshoeing on scenic trails around town. In the summer, play golf at one of two championship courses, ride our extensive mountain bike trails or scenic roads, hike trails throughout the White Mountains, or head to a live performance, outdoor concert, movie, or local art opening. Bethlehem’s quaint Main Street offers artisan craft, vintage finds, locally-made products, and much more. Enjoy a delicious meal at local restaurants or a beer at the brewpub before relaxing at a local hotel, inn, campground or cottage. Conveniently located near iconic attractions including Bretton Woods, Franconia Notch and The Cog Railway.
Flume Gorge
As you walk this loop trail, you’ll be awe-struck by massive gorge, waterfall – and a covered bridge
852 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3) Franconia Notch, NH 03251 603-745-8391 Visit Flume Gorge and prepare to be amazed. The natural gorge extends 800 feet at the base of Mt. Liberty, with 70-to-90-foot walls of Conway granite that began to form millions of years ago. Walk the 2-mile flume trail, a loop that takes about an hour and a half to complete, and view Table Rock, a massive section of granite; Avalanche Falls, a 45-foot waterfall that roars as Flume Brook enters the gorge; and glacial boulders that weigh over 300 tons. A boardwalk lets you get up close and personal with the area’s flowers, ferns and mosses, and the covered bridge across the scenic Pemigewasset River is one of the oldest in the state, built in 1886.
Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce
Every single season in the Androscoggin Valley offers exciting things to do and see
961 Main Street Berline, NH 03570 603-228-0836 Every season is the perfect season in the Androscoggin Valley, NH, where the north side of Mt. Washington and the Upper Androscoggin River meet. In the winter, this wonderland is a celebration of alpine and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. You can go snow-tubing, sleigh-riding and dog-sledding. Spring means fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Summer brings golf, scenic gondola rides whitewater rafting, local theater and live music. And, in the fall, it’s time to hike or bike or zip line through the trees bursting with color. Don’t miss RiverFire in October, with bonfires along the river and hundreds of carved and lit pumpkins. Horseback riding, moose tours, camping and glamping and quaint New England towns to stroll through: It’s all happening in this place where adventures never end.
Huttopia - White Mountains
With a cozy cabin as your headquarters, plan your fun day in the White Mountains
57 Pine Knoll Road Albany, NH 03818 603-447-3131 Gateway to White Mountain National Forest adventures, our location offers endless exploration opportunities. Drive the scenic Kancamagus Highway with breathtaking views and multiple trailheads every few miles. Hike to Cathedral Ledge for panoramic Saco River Valley views or explore family-friendly Sabbaday Falls with natural swimming holes. Try river tubing on the Saco River for easygoing fun. North Conway, just 15 minutes away, features shopping, dining, and Story Land theme park. Challenge yourself with Mount Chocorua’s summit or discover hidden gems throughout New Hampshire’s treasured landscape.
Town of Bethlehem
Whatever your favorite activity is, you’ll find it in and around Bethlehem
Bethlehem, NH Are you ready to hit the slopes — or the antique shops? Are you up for a hike through forests – or would you rather experience a mountain journey on a cog railway? Is your idea of great riding on board a bike – or a snowboard? Whatever your favorite activity is, you’ll find it in the Bethlehem, NH region of the White Mountains. You’re close to ski resorts, Nordic skiing and snowmobiling trails, two scenic golf courses, networks of hiking and biking trails and so much more. Visit Santa’s Village or Story Land, a water park or picturesque gorge. Take in a film at one of the country’s oldest continuously running movie theaters, choose from a variety of restaurants and cafes, have fun at an old-fashioned festival or fair.
Granite State Railway
Explore the picturesque White Mountains from your seat aboard a scenic railway train - or for a NEW experience in Lincoln, ride the rails on our brand-new Lincoln Rail Bikes
64 Railroad Street Lincoln, NH 03251 603-745-2135Granite State Railway now offers two wonderful ways to discover New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains region. Enjoy the scenery aboard our vintage train cars, which have been taking visitors on an 80-minute round trip along the banks of the Pemigewasset River for 37 years, traveling tracks that date back to the late 1800s. As the train winds through the woods, you may spot kayakers, swimmers, and fishermen enjoying the river in spring and summer. Autumn brings the region’s famous foliage season with spectacular color. After Thanksgiving, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to greet passengers aboard the beloved Santa Express on weekends through December.
For those seeking a more active outdoor adventure, Lincoln Rail Bikes offer a unique, motor-assisted ride along the rails through scenic White Mountain landscapes — perfect for families, couples, and groups looking to experience the beauty of the region in a whole new way.
General Store Celebrates Inspired Nonsense
North Conway, NH 800-676-9294 Zeb’s General Store in the mountain village of North Conway is the place to find New England products of all imaginable kinds – and some you might not easily imagine, like Nantucket Sea Clay Soap, Maine Maple Champagne Mustard, or Out on a Limb Blueberry Pie Filling. Some products are eccentric and all are worth a ride home in your shopping satchel. There are plenty of New England specialty foods and classic favorites like penny candy. You can even design your own gift basket from crates, baskets, or boxes (one of them a replica of the store itself), which you then fill with Zeb’s goodies.
Awake Your Inner Shooter with Adventure Photography Tours
NH Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire, based in the town of Freedom offers outdoor and wildlife photography tours in New Hampshire all year. Half-day and full-day guided day trips may be customized for you and your group, depending on your photographic interest. Moose? Foliage? Landscapes? Escapes can be geared for beginning photographers all the way to experts. Design your outdoor photographic objective and this company can help you make it happen. Phone: Lucie Villeneuve at 603-528-0136 or Jeff Barrie at 603-867-3778.
Explore the Rocks
NH The Rocks Estate at 4 Christmas Lane in Bethlehem is famous for its Christmas trees, but this former summer home of the wealthy Glessner family also hosts lots of other seasonal outdoor activity for visitors. This site of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the 1,400-acre property offers guided and individual exploration and learning programs. Guests may hike and explore through the spring, summer, and fall. The property has short, easy strolls or longer hikes, past magnificent views of the Presidential Range. Northern wildlife abounds at the estate. Phone: 603-444-6228.
Polly Want a Pancake!
NH All people who hold an appropriate reverence for pancakes need to trek to
Polly’s Pancake Parlor on Route 117 in Sugar Hill, a third-generation family business that has been making and serving pancakes since 1938. All day long, Polly's serves whole wheat, buckwheat, and cornmeal pancakes, sausage or bacon, and maple toppings. Visit the gift shop and take home the pancake mixes and maple syrup to hold you over until your next visit.
Apple Cider Is Ingredient #1 at This Restaurant
NH Fine dining, café, market and apple pressing – apples are the thing, but not the only thing, at White Mountain Cider Co. at 207 Route 302 in Bartlett. Owner Teresa Stearns, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, presents fine dinners with a Cidertini cocktail, cider-braised pork and ice cream-topped cider doughnuts for dessert. Try the cider slushy and watch cider-making in progress on fall weekends. A fall pleasure, any time of the year. 603-383-9061
Arethusa Falls Near Bartlett
Livermore, NH 03812 Arethusa Falls, near Bartlett, is the highest single drop in New Hampshire and by far the most spectacular. Bemis Brook makes a leap of 176 feet down an orange ledge of granite, capping a 1.5-mile hike along Bemis Brook. As you approach the falls, you'll see tantalizing glimpses of white falling water high through the treetops. To find it: Arethusa Falls is a well-signed side road off of Route 302 about halfway between Bartlett and the Gates of the Notch. Park in the lot and the falls are about two miles and 900 vertical feet away. Shortly after you leave the parking log, you'll see a trail junction leading towards Bemis Brook. The Arethusa Falls trail is a very steep climb over root ladders and erosion.