9 Must-Visit Towns in New Hampshire

Looking for the best places to go in New Hampshire? These nine New England towns offer a mix of early American history, beautiful fall foliage, small-town charm and fun activities for travelers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend away or an adventure-packed road trip, New Hampshire is the perfect place to explore. 

Shopping in New Hampshire is tax-free, and there are many events and festivals to enjoy throughout the year. This state is packed with family-friendly activities like hiking, shopping and more. When you’re ready to take a weekend away, start with these nine must-visit towns and cities. 

1. Nashua

Located in southern New Hampshire, Nashua has a vibrant downtown with beautiful historic architecture and a fun riverfront. It’s a great place to visit if you enjoy art and culture, good food, and unique family-friendly activities like axe-throwing. 

You can explore the Abbot-Spalding House Museum to learn more about Nashua’s history. Or, visit Mine Falls Park for hiking, biking or kayaking opportunities, and to see the city’s historic canal system. The Nashua River Rail Trail is another great place to enjoy nature, with a paved trail and scenic views. As New Hampshire’s second-largest city, Nashua offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and urban amenities like shopping and fine dining.

2. Londonderry

True to its charming name, Londonderry offers a mix of historic sites, scenic views, and local farms and orchards to visit. This area of New Hampshire has a fun arts and crafts scene, perfect for finding souvenirs to take home. It’s an excellent place to visit if you love history and nature. 

Two must-see sights in Londonderry include the Robert Frost Farm Historic Site and the Morrison House. Learn about famous poet Robert Frost by exploring where he lived from 1900 to 1911. You can enjoy tours, a trail, poetry readings and more. At the Morrison House, get a glimpse into a prerevolutionary home with original elements.

3. Amherst

If you’re looking for a quaint New England experience, Amherst is one of the nicest towns in New Hampshire. This small town offers a mix of historic sites, local shopping and fun outdoor activities. Exciting historic sites to visit include the historic village center of Amherst and the Second Meetinghouse. 

Additional destinations in Amherst include LaBelle Winery, Averill House Vineyard and Baboosic Lake. Enjoy wine tasting in local vineyards, or visit the scenic lake to swim, fish and picnic. 

4. Brookline

This small town in New Hampshire is known for its charming ambience and New England’s largest outdoor sculpture park, the Andres Institute of Art. Explore the institute’s many miles of hiking trails and over 100 sculptures by global artists. Brookline also has a unique history of ice-harvesting and offers several fun destinations, including historic sites, vineyards and covered bridges. 

Explore the Eliza Daniels Memorial Building or visit The Edward Devotion House, one of the oldest Colonial structures in Brookline. It’s filled with historic furnishings and artifacts. If you enjoy wine-tasting, visit Averill House Vineyard to sample local wines and tour the vineyard. There’s also a historic covered bridge spanning the Nissitissit River, offering a perfect spot for photos. 

5. Concord 

As New Hampshire’s capital, Concord is a special place to visit. There are many historic sites to enjoy, including the New Hampshire State House, the oldest state capitol building where the legislature still meets in the original building. You can also tour The Pierce Manse, President Franklin Pierce’s historic home. 

Other must-see destinations in Concord include the Capitol Center for the Arts, a venue for exciting live performances. Concord’s Main Street is a fun place to explore. Finally, don’t miss the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, a science museum and planetarium with interactive exhibits. 

6. Peterborough

Peterborough offers many historic sites, including the Peterborough Town House. This historic landmark was built in 1918 and is located downtown. While on Main Street, stop to look at the Unitarian Universalist Church, built in 1825 and still in use today. You can also learn about MacDowell, the first artist residency program in the United States that began in 1907. 

Enjoy the beautiful scenery at Miller State Park, the oldest state park in New Hampshire. Follow the trails to the summit of Pack Monadnock to see incredible views. If you’d rather go shopping and enjoy yummy food, you can explore Depot Square. This is the perfect place to end your day and find meaningful souvenirs. 

7. Exeter

One of the best towns in New Hampshire, Exeter offers the perfect mix of stunning scenery, historic sites and amenities like fun shopping and dining. Visit the American Independence Museum to see one of the first printed versions of the Declaration of Independence, draft copies of the U.S. Constitution and other important American artifacts. 

If you’d rather be outside, enjoy Swasey Parkway, a riverside park with walking paths and a pavilion. You can attend summer concerts there and observe the Squamscott River. When you get hungry, head to Exeter’s downtown area for shopping, historic buildings and delicious local restaurants. 

8. Hancock

In Hancock, you can visit the Hancock Inn & Fox Tavern. Opened around 1789, it’s the oldest continuously operating inn in the state. Other historic buildings include the Hancock Meetinghouse and First Congregational Church, built in 1820 and home to one of Paul Revere’s bells. The Hancock Village Historic District includes many well-preserved buildings from the 18th and early 19th centuries. 

There’s plenty of beautiful scenery to explore in Hancock as well. Head to the dePierrefeu-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, a nearly 1,800-acre sanctuary with a pond, glacial boulders and hiking trails. This is a great place to kayak and bird-watch. The Harris Center for Conservation Education also offers hiking, with special educational programs to help you learn more about the area. 

9. Portsmouth

Portsmouth is filled with interesting historic sites, including the house of Constitution signer Governor John Langdon. You can also explore the Warner House, built in the 1700s and one of the oldest brick homes in New England. For a deep dive into history, visit the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history site with gardens, preserved buildings and staff who role-play historic characters. 

The waterfront area in Portsmouth is beautiful, with a park, gardens and walking paths to enjoy. Many cultural events and performances are hosted in Prescott Park by the water, so check the calendar before your visit to see what’s going on. You can find shopping and restaurants in Market Square, the heart of Portsmouth. 

Experience Axel’s Throw House in Nashua

Looking for fun activities in New Hampshire? If you’re traveling through Nashua, New Hampshire, stop by Axel’s for the best axe-throwing experience of your life. We’ve curated a venue that’s comfortable and miles above the competition — our Axeperts are ready to meet you where you are and ensure you have a safe and memorable experience. 

We offer a range of target games so you can improve your skills, with options like tic-tac-toe, zombie hunter, battleship and more. Once a week, we also offer karaoke in addition to axe-throwing, so you can create unique memories while having the time of your life. Check out our website to learn more about our hours and events — we’d love to see you during your trip to New Hampshire!