7 of the Most Beautiful Places to See in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s natural attractions draw thousands of people every year.  Everything is just a short drive away, which makes it easy to maximize your stay in this state. The 18-mile seacoast offers beautiful beaches and exciting water activities for everyone to enjoy. Check out our list of the most beautiful places to see in New Hampshire!

1. Mt. Washington Cog Railway

At over 6,000 feet high, Mount Washington is the highest elevation in the northern Appalachians. The authentic steam engine train called Cog Railway was the only means of transport for the tourists who want to reach the top of the mount since the late 1860s.  The view from the summit changes based on the weather. One can see the view reaching up to four states on clear days, while a glimpse of tops of clouds is possible on cloudy ones.

The Mount Washington Observatory is located at the top. It specializes in the study of extreme weather for which the mountain is known for. Hiking and climbing are allowed but be sure to check on with the authorities to make sure there are no expected weather changes. There is also a small museum and a cafeteria inside their visitors’ area called the Sherman Adams Visitors Center. Educational, historical, and surrounded by nature, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway is indeed one of the most beautiful places to see in New Hampshire.

2. Strawbery Banke Museum

This over 4 hectare of land is one of the most visited places for history buffs. The century-old houses are not the only main attraction here, because staff in the museum dress up to put on a full-on period experience. They exhibit the way of life over at the Puddle Dock neighborhood by demonstrating their activities like cooking, doing crafts and showing skills that were important during the day.

Some of the old houses are preserved to show construction and restoration techniques that were used to keep these four-centuries old neighborhoods. This historical landmark is devoted to providing a context on how rich the culture of the neighborhood is. A bunch of interesting places here include a 1770 tavern, a World War II neighborhood market, period gardens, and musical performances that depict the daily lives of the people here.

3. Portsmouth Harbor Trail and Historic Houses

Listed on the National Register of Historic Building, this strip of historical houses is such a delight for tourists and locals alike. It features 10 uniquely designed houses, each of them is a part of the National Historic Landmarks. Built in the early 1700s, the Warner House boasts its collection of the oldest Colonial wall paintings and the first known example of Queen Anne furniture.

The John Paul Jones House built in 1758 possesses a collective of silver, portraits, chinaware, and glass. Surrounded by its beautiful gardens, the 1763 Moffatt-Ladd House still has its collection of original furniture. Homes built in the latter part of the 1700s and the early 1800s are the Governor John Langdon House and the Rundlet-May House, respectively. Most of the homes in this trail are open for the public while some are just left for you to be admired from the outside.

4. Mt. Monadnock

At a towering height of 3,165 feet, the Mountain of Monadnock has remained to be the world’s most climbed mountain. Perhaps because of its accessibility, different difficulty levels, and the fact that this 35-mile trail offers alternative routes for everyone.

This spectacle standing alone in the vast of wilderness offers an unobstructed view of the forests brimming with trees in red and orange hues during the fall. This mass of solid rock withstood many years of natural forces scraping away the land that once enclosed it. This picturesque location has also been a backdrop of the villages in the southwest corner of New Hampshire. This Monadnock region also referred to as the “Currier and Ives Corner” features blissful villages that are straight out of a postcard. Truly one of the most beautiful places to see in New Hampshire!

5. North Conway and Mt. Washington Valley

Two of the major ski destinations in the United States, North Conway and Mt. Washington Valley both offer unique experiences for their beloved patrons. North Conway is known for its variety of shops to cater to your skiing gear needs and its tax-free shopping.

Being one of the first ski resorts in America, it is a center for the après-ski scene. Meanwhile, Mt. Washington Valley has six mountain resorts that feature a modern lift technology and trail grooming. A number of activities can be done in these resorts. You can try downhill skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, or simply sledding ice skating, and sleigh rides. These resorts are mostly open all-year-round so you can try other activities regardless of the season!

6. Hampton Beach

This family-favorite beach has become popular with its locals because of its “casino”. Not your typical casino with slot machines and tables with dealers and high-ball rollers, but more of place to house ballrooms, events and family gatherings of the community. Built in 1899, the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom is a place of entertainment in this beach town. It’s also one of the most beautiful places to see in New Hampshire, hands down.

Its white-sand beach is lined up with bars and restaurants that are sure to entertain and fill your stomachs with good food. They also have a park called the Hampton Beach State Seashell Stage where concerts and firework displays are showcased. The beach also hosts the annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition every June. Don’t miss one of the most beautiful places to see in New Hampshire for your next vacation.

7. Currier Museum of Art

This museum is home to more than 10,000 art collections. Ranging from the aspiring artists of New Hampshire to the seasoned painters of the White Mountain School of artists, the Currier Museum offers a huge variety of paintings, sculptures, antique furniture, and various works of art. The ground level features the collections of modern and contemporary art by Matisse, Picasso, and O’Keefe.

Going up to the next floor, you will see the collection of American and European artworks. Some of these artworks are made by Monet, Tiepolo, Lorenzo de Costa, and Constable. A side trip that you can take is the Zimmerman’s house by Frank Lloyd Wright which can be accessed by the tours offered in the museum.

There is no shortage of beautiful places to see in New Hampshire. Each one on this list features a unique quality making it unmissable.  We’ve also come up with a list of 8 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire to make it easier to plan your vacation. Travel solo, or share the wonders of New Hampshire with loved ones on your getaway to the state!