by staff

New Hampshire has a lot that makes it stand out. For starters, it has the shortest coastline of any coastal U.S. state. It’s also home to the Northeast’s highest peak. With so much variety in one small area, it makes for a great place to road trip through. Stopping at natural attractions, popular tourist spots, and some gems off the beaten bath will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re into hiking, sailing, tax-free shopping, skiing, colonial history, or musical instruments – New Hampshire has it all, and this state loves to give back.

Here are 7 stops you can’t afford to miss while traveling through New Hampshire.

Mt. Washington for Space

Mt. Washington is home to the highest elevation in the northern region of the Appalachians and is the tallest peak in the northeast at over 6,000 feet of elevation. While you can certainly stop and hike this beast of a mountain, there are much quicker (and less physically demanding) ways to reach the top as you pass through.

The best way is via the Cog Railway, which has been bringing tourists up to the peak since the 1800s. If you’re lucky enough to reach the top on a clear day, you might even catch a view of four states at once.

Portsmouth – For History and Music

Portsmouth is home to over 70 historical sites and attractions, 10 of which are even a part of the National Register of Historic Buildings, and another 10 that are National Historic Landmarks. You can take the Portsmouth Harbor Trail to see them all in one lap!

Portsmouth isn’t all history and landmarks, however. If beats are your thing, stop by the Drum Center of Portsmouth for a modern space with all the musical accessories you could dream of.

Hampton Beach to Relax

Even though New Hampshire has the shortest seacoast of all the states, it’s still one of the Northeast’s most popular areas for beach resorts. Hampton Beach is a beloved resort town with an old school “casino” made for balls, family entertainment, and tea rather than gambling. Today, the casino serves as a music and event venue for tourists of all walks.

Connecticut River for Views

The Connecticut River runs up the west side of the state, serving as a landscape for gorgeous natural views during the early Fall season. If you’re traveling through in September or October, be sure to follow the river north and enjoy the changing scenery as you pass.

Lake Winnipesaukee for Fun

Lake Winnipesaukee is the main destination in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. While Squam Lake and Newfound Lake are less developed, Lake Winnipesaukee is surrounded by beaches, outdoor activities, water parks, and other family-oriented stops.

If you’re looking for something energetic and fun for the kids, check out the lake’s west side, whereas anyone looking for a quieter experience should head east.

Covered Bridge Driving Tour for Love

Back in the days of horses and buggies, drivers would slow down underneath these covered bridges in order to take advantage of the shaded opportunity for a kiss. Since then, these bridges have become nicknamed “kissing bridges.” To this day, these bridges have remained a romantic aspect of the state. Consider taking the covered bridge driving tour with someone you love to share in the special moments.

Story Land for Kids

If you’re toting along children on your trip, a stop at Story Land would be a fun surprise. This magical park features a pumpkin coach that will lead you straight to Cinderella’s Castle, swan boats, spinning teacups, a tree house complete with a slide, and so much more.

New Hampshire: Something for Everyone

As you can see from the attractions above, New Hampshire really does have something that everyone will be able to enjoy. From history to heights and from music to magic, the small state of New Hampshire packs a big punch.

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