As much as I love foliage season in New Hampshire, there’s definitely something very special about the summer months. With an incredible mix of terrain to explore – everything from ocean beaches and rugged mountains, to stunning lakes and beautiful farms – there’s so much natural beauty to soak up during the warmest and longest days of the year.
This post is all about my top picks for the best places to go for a memorable summer vacation in New Hampshire after spending years traveling through the state in the summer months. Whether you’re looking for a hiking adventure in the mountains, hoping to cool off at the lake, or want to explore the coastline, I have some great ideas for you!
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Pro Tip For Summer Exploration: Offline Google Maps or whichever navigation app you use to your phone before heading out on your trip. Around most vacation destinations in the state, I lose cell service quite a bit, and it’s so much easier to have a back-up option that kicks in when your signal is weak.
Awesome Summer Vacation Spots In New Hampshire
1. White Mountains
It might be an obvious pick that comes as no surprise to anyone, but the recognition is more than justified all the same. With quaint towns to explore, incredible hiking opportunities, exciting outdoor adventure, beautiful lakes, farms to visit, and scenic drives, the White Mountains are truly an outdoor playground that provide endless summer fun.
Of course, one of the best things to do in this region is hiking, but since that’s pretty much a given, I’ll offer some more specific summertime activities for you …
If it’s outdoor fun you’re looking for, I’d recommend taking a hike to the Franconia Natural Waterslides, which are just off the famous Kancamagus Highway. To get here, you’ll have to hike about 7 miles (out and back), but this spot is such a fun and unique place to experience in the summer, the effort is worth it. You’ll enjoy waterfalls, swimming holes, and of course, the waterslides, which are rocks you can, quite literally, slide down into the swimming holes.
For a more traditional swimming experience, there are a few great places to check out: Echo Lake State Park in North Conway, Echo Lake Beach in Franconia (yes, these are two different places!), and White Lake State Park. All three of these parks offer sandy beaches for swimming with mountain views.
If you’re looking to float down a river, you can do that here, too! Saco River Tubing has everything you need for a relaxing day out on the water, as well as shuttle service back to your car after your float.
For the best views in New Hampshire, you’ll want to find your way to the top of Mount Washington, and there are a few different ways to get to the top: You can hike, take a guided van tour, drive the auto road yourself, or take The Cog. It all really depends on your personal preferences. Having done the auto road and The Cog myself, I can definitely recommend both of these options.
While the summit of Mount Washington is accessible by the Cog and the auto road May-October (varies, depending on which option you choose), the summer season typically offers the best weather. The summit is notorious for crazy weather, so choosing a clear and sunny day during your trip offers the best opportunity to enjoy the views from the top.
This region is also an excellent destination if you’re traveling with kids, as you’ll find water parks, Story Land, and Santa’s Village to create family memories.
There’s so much to suggest for your summer vacation in the White Mountains, that it’s hard to condense it down. But here are some more suggestions, which also include some of the top things to do in the area:
→ Flume Gorge: Check out my post on why I think Flume Gorge is worth a visit for more info.
→ Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: I have a post on the Cannon Aerial Tramway, too.
→ Take the Loon Mountain Gondola to the summit for a incredible views.
→ Drive the Kancamagus Highway – one of the most famous scenic drives in New England.
→ Drive through Crawford Notch State Park – I honestly love this one a tad bit more than the Kanc 😉
Where To Stay In The White Mountains In The Summer:
→ Omni Mount Washington Resort: Often referred to as one of New England’s last “grand resorts,” and you’ll enjoy having a golf course, spa, ziplines, gondola rides, and dining – all right on the grounds. Plus, you’re minutes away from The Cog, and a short drive to Crawford Notch State Park.
→ Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain: Located in Lincoln at the start of the Kancamagus Highway drive, this resort is also worth checking out. On-site, you’ll find an outdoor pool, dining, a spa, winery, and lawn games. In the summers, they also host poolside movie nights.
→ White Mountain Motel & Cottages: This is a great budget-friendly place to stay. The rooms are basic, but clean and cozy, and they even have small cottages you can book if you need a bit more space.
2. Loch Lyme Lodge, Lyme
A hidden gem in New Hampshire that I really can’t recommend enough is Loch Lyme Lodge. Located in the quaint town of Lyme, close to the Vermont border, this is perfect those looking to unplug and reconnect with nature in a charming, off-the-beaten-path destination.
Perfect for both kids and adults, Loch Lyme is home to 20 cabins that are scattered across its 115-acre property. Some of the cabins are self-catering with kitchens, and the rest are on their B&B plan, which include a full breakfast each morning of your stay.
Between the cozy cabins, the peaceful pond, and mountain views, the lodge strikes the perfect balance between a rustic setting and modern amenities. Cabins are very basic, but filled with everything you need to stay cozy and comfortable, including bathrooms with hot water, indoor and outdoor seating areas, and many with fireplaces and pond views. During my stay, I often felt that nostalgic sense of summer camp, with the luxury of being on my own schedule.
Stepping into Knollwood cabin during our stay, I loved seeing the beautiful patchwork quilt on the bed, and the antique pine dresser in the bedroom, which was topped with fresh flowers for an extra special touch. Even the bathroom and front porch had vases of freshly-picked flowers and foliage that made our stay feel like home. Our little front porch was perfect for reading while overlooking the pond, and also, just enjoying the sunset in the evenings.
We were especially happy that the property is pet-friendly, and Emma (our pup) was able to come with us during our stay. They have a special doggie beach on the pond, and she had a great time walking the trails around the property and grounds.
The lodge also offers so many activities to choose from, including tennis courts (which are located next to their garden), plenty of canoes, kayaks and rowboats to take out on the pond whenever you wanted, ample seating and gathering spaces along the waterfront, floating & fishing docks, and a small, sandy beach when you’re ready to head out for a refreshing dip in the pond.
As if all that wasn’t enough, they also have wonderful food options to choose from during your stay, with breakfast, lunch, and ice cream offered on-site. The food was honestly fantastic. The yogurt, fresh fruit, and pancakes for breakfast were so delicious, but a stand out was definitely their homemade muffins – so don’t skip these when you visit. Taking a lovely walk from our cabin through the field to the main lodge for ice cream in the afternoon was also a fun treat.
On Monday nights, the lodge hosts a pizza food truck, which I definitely took advantage of. On Tuesday nights, they also organize a very fun Bluegrass & Burgers evening with live music and a catered BBQ. The food at Bluegrass & Burgers was amazing. My husband and I kept saying that if we lived nearby, we’d be there every Tuesday night for dinner, and we left completely stuffed. This event is open to the public, and it definitely seemed like a local favorite as well.
When you’re ready to venture off the grounds, there are plenty of things to do nearby, too. The quaint town of Lyme is home to a small country store for anything you may need for your cabin, as well as a cute town green, and a couple of restaurants.
A short but scenic drive away, through the countryside you can also visit the Historic Edgell Covered Bridge, and Cedar Circle Farm in Vermont, which has a beautiful u-pick flower garden in the summer season, greenhouses filled with plants, and a nice little café with coffee, tea, and baked goods.
Lastly, you’re only minutes away from the Appalachian Trail, and during our stay, my husband and I hiked the Holts Ledge Trail, which ends with amazing mountain vista views.
When it was time to leave Loch Lyme Lodge, we were both pretty sad! They see quite a few repeat guests each year, and I fully understand why. Everyone here was so friendly, and you could sense how much they care about your stay and experience.
→ Click here to check out Loch Lyme Lodge for your summer vacation
My stay was gifted by Loch Lyme Lodge for the purposes of this review. Authenticity and trustworthiness are my highest priorities, which means all opinions are always my own.
3. The Seacoast: Rye & Hampton
While New Hampshire’s ocean coastline is small compared to other New England states, there are still some wonderful ways to enjoy it – and that’s by booking a stay in either Hampton or Rye.
These two towns are known as the best ocean beach towns in the state, and since they’re minutes from one another, you can easily experience both during your stay.
You’ll find the biggest and best beaches in New Hampshire in both Hampton and Rye, so you’ll have no problem planning fun beach days during your visit. In this area, my personal favorite is Wallis Sands Beach State Park in Rye, with Jenness State Beach a close second. In Hampton, you’ll find Hampton Beach State Park, which has some grassy sand dunes for a classic New England beach feel, as well as the main beach along the boardwalk in town, which is backdropped by the main strip of restaurants and shops.
During your stay, you’ll also want to head out for a scenic drive or walk along Route 1A, which is also more appropriately called Ocean Avenue. This drive connects Hampton and Rye, and while short, it offers incredible coastal views on one side, and either beautiful homes or salt marshes on the other.
To walk Ocean Drive, you’ll want to park at North Hampton Beach parking lot and head out on the Little Boar’s Head Seaside Trail, which is a paved pedestrian path that follows Ocean Ave.
The main attraction in Hampton is the boardwalk, which runs along the main road, and has the ocean on one side, and the strip of shops and restaurants on the other side. You’ll find endless places to explore along the boardwalk, including streets foods, ice cream, candy, and unique snack concoctions along the way. You definitely won’t go hungry while in this part of town!
I also really recommend checking out Fuller Gardens during your stay, where you’ll find roses, a Japanese Garden, formal English gardens, a conservatory, and a dahlia patch (which is best in August).
Finally, you definitely can’t leave this area without getting fluffy chowder, which was first invented in Rye at the Rye Lobster Pound at the harbor. This cream-based New England clam chowder is topped with lobster chunks and a butter sherry sauce, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Should You Stay In Rye Or Hampton?
While the two towns are neighbors, they’re actually pretty different, so it’s a good idea to pick the town that will work best for your plans.
The biggest difference is that Rye is more residential and laid-back, and Hampton is more lively, home to nightlife, and is walkable. You won’t find a downtown area in Rye.
However, while for many, based on the above descriptions, it seems like it’s a no-brainer to stay right in Hampton, it’s also good to know that Hampton has a very district vibe that’s pretty different from the rest of New England. Many people say it’s vert similar to Atlantic City (a place I’ve never been, but this comparison pops up a lot when researching Hampton). It has more of a carnival/boardwalk feel that sits right along the beach. However, you’ll find everything you need there, and it’s pretty walkable if you stay close to the main boardwalk.
Rye, as mentioned, is the prettier area between the two towns, but there are fewer hotel options, and it’s not really walkable. This town is better for a more chill or romantic getaway.
Where To Stay In Hampton & Rye In The Summer:
It’s good to know that, in my opinion, the hotels in the Hampton/Rye areas are lacking a bit. You’ll find plenty of options, but I’ve had a hard time finding really nice upgraded options for a special, more upscale experience. Most hotels are basic, or are in need of updating. That said, there are still some nice options:
→ 925 Ocean: My overall pick for best hotel in the area. It’s newly-renovated, clean, and right across the street from the beach in North Hampton. You’re a short drive away from the main boardwalk area, so you won’t be able to walk to most of the restaurants and shops, but this means you’ll experience a quieter and more relaxed vibe during your stay. Many rooms also have balconies.
→ Ashworth By The Sea: This is the most popular place to stay in Hampton, as it’s located right on the main boardwalk area across the street from the beach.
→ The Surf House: Located just a block from the main boardwalk and beach, this is a newer hotel that’s basic, but is in a great location with an outdoor pool. You’re also a block from an awesome coffee shop/café called Flamingos. It was already showing some signs of wear and tear during my stay, but it’s still one of the better options in town.
Where To Stay In Rye In The Summer:
→ Rye Motor Inn: This is a beloved motel right across the street from the beach with a fun retro vibe. The entire property is adults-only, and all rooms are apartments, so this is a great option for longer stays.
→ The Inn At Rye Place: A newly-renovated motel-style inn that offers cool features like keyless entry with your smartphone, and each room has a kitchenette for your convenience.
Psst! If you’re looking for more things to do and tips for visiting this area, I have a detailed post on the best things to do in & around Hampton Beach, NH 😉
4. Wentworth-By-The-Sea, New Castle
Although they’re only minutes from Portsmouth’s lively city atmosphere, New Castle and the beautiful Wentworth-By-The-Sea resort feel like a world away, making them worthy summer vacation spots in New Hampshire.
The town of New Castle feels like its own little region with beautiful houses, lovely water views, and quaint streets that’ll have you wondering how you can move there ASAP. Add in waterfront parks with lighthouse views, and it makes for a wonderful summer getaway.
Wentworth-By-The-Sea is the only hotel in New Castle, but that doesn’t take away from it being a wonderful option. This historic hotel has had a few famous guests and employees over the years, too. Annie Oakley used to give rifle-shooting lessons to hotel guests, and even President Theodore Roosevelt stayed there while negotiating the Portsmouth Treaty in 1905.
Now, the resort is still as grand as ever with a Victorian exterior, manicured gardens, and luxurious rooms, all of which are situated near the harbor with a lovely boardwalk and waterfront dining.
Inside the resort, you’ll find a spa, two heated pools, hot tubs, dining, and tennis courts. They also have a private marina that rents out water equipment, so you can easily head out on the harbor with a paddleboard or kayak, just steps from your room.
A short drive from the resort in New Castle, you have Great Island Common park, which requires a fee to enter, but has playgrounds for kids, picnic tables, a small sandy beach, and lots of water views, many of which feature lighthouses.
While New Castle itself makes a wonderful home base for a summer vacation, you’re a 7-minute drive from downtown Portsmouth for shopping, dining, museums, more waterfront scenery, and boat tours out to the Isle of Shoals.
Lastly, during your stay at the resort, you’re 15 minutes or less from the larger sandy ocean beaches in both Hampton and Rye, making it a great all-round option.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at Wentworth-By-The-Sea
5. Lake Winnipesaukee
Another obvious choice that very much deserves a spot on this list is Lake Winnipesaukee, which has been a beloved summer vacation spot in New England for over 150 years. For the ultimate lake-life getaway, it’s really hard to beat Winni, as the locals call it.
As the largest lake in New Hampshire, and the third largest in New England, Lake Winnipesaukee is home to a few charming towns, including America’s Oldest Resort Town – Wolfeboro. The lake measures around 28 miles long, and does a great job accommodating boaters with lots of docking options in various towns.
If you don’t have a boat, there are plenty of ways to explore the lake, and one of the best options is a tour on the M/S Mount Washington (named after that Mount Washington up in the White Mountains 😉). Offering a variety of cruises, including scenic daytime narrated excursions, sunset cruises, and Sunday brunch options, you’ll definitely be able to find one that suits your schedule and preferences.
You can also rent water equipment to head out onto the lake yourself. During my most recent trip to the lake, my husband and I rented the Aqua Trike during our stay at Mill Falls, which was super easy to book online, and a lot of fun to take out onto the water. However, there are plenty of places all over that rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc .
When you’ve gotten your fill of lake time, head to Moultonborough and visit Moulton Farms, which is home to the famous Cider Billies Doughnuts. This is probably my all-time favorite cider doughnut, and it’s just one of those things you have to do when you visit. In the summer season, they have a u-pick flower garden, too, which is a lot of fun. And their farm market is also open and worth visiting.
For more adventure on land, you can also head to Gunstock Mountain, which has ziplines, a scenic chair lift ride to the top of the mountain, aerial treetop courses, and a mountain coaster.
Lastly, head to Castle in the Clouds, which is a wonderful destination for both history and nature lovers. This early 1900s mountaintop estate offers incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountain vistas. During your visit, you can explore the beautifully-preserved interior spaces, stroll through lush gardens, and enjoy miles of scenic walking trails.
Where To Stay Around Lake Winnipesaukee In The Summer:
My favorite towns to stay in are Meredith and Wolfeboro, both of which are picturesque destinations right on the lake with restaurants, cafés, and shops.
→ The Mill Falls Resort Collection: The most popular place to stay around Lake Winni is definitely this group of four properties in Meredith. Each hotel is within walking distance to the town’s main docks, waterfront, shops, and restaurants. The Palmer Inn is usually the cheapest option, and Church Landing is the most luxurious, which is also directly lakefront. Regardless of which property you book, you’re able to use the amenities, including pools and outdoor spaces, at any property.
→ Pickering House Inn: This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a more luxury stay. Located in Wolfeboro, this cozy and historic New England-style inn offers a more boutique experience. Enjoy individually-decorated rooms, complimentary gourmet breakfast, daily afternoon refreshments, and modern amenities like smart TV’s in each room.
→ Center Harbor Inn: Located in Center Harbor, just a short 10-minute drive from Meredith, you’ll find this gem, which has its own private sandy beach, plus many rooms that offer water views and balconies. Additionally, you’ll enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast with each stay, and exploring the lake is made easy with on-site water equipment rentals.
6. Lake Sunapee
While Winni is the top lake destination in New Hampshire in the summer, Lake Sunapee is also a fantastic option. In a very general sense, it’s a smaller, quieter version of Winni, but still has some cute towns to explore, beautiful scenery, and typically sees fewer crowds. It’s also only about an hour from Winni, making it easy to combine both destinations into one trip.
During your summer vacation at Lake Sunapee, you’ll want to check out a couple of the main towns around the lake, including New London and Sunapee. Both of these towns are very small, but worth visiting during your stay.
New London is a quaint college town with a nice little Main Street with a few cool places to check out – Artisan’s New London, Flying Goose Brew Pub, and Blue Loon Bakery. In the evenings, you can also head to the New London Barn Playhouse to enjoy a show.
Heading to Sunapee, most everything is centered around the harbor. Here, you’ll find Sunapee Cruises for boat tours of the lake, and the incredibly charming Wild Goose Country Store. You’ll also find a few other cute little shops and cafés/restaurants down this way, and a small waterfront path to enjoy lake views.
For things to fo around Lake Sunapee, in addition to boating and water activities, of course, you’ll want to check out Clark Lookout overlook, which is a short and easy trail that takes you to a gorgeous view of the lake. Parking for the trail is easy, and right across the street at the Park N Ride.
You can also head to Spring Ledge Farm in New London, which does u-pick strawberries in-season, and has a great little farm market with fresh produce and fresh-cut flowers from their own garden.
For an easy day at the beach, there’s also Mount Sunapee State Park, which not only has a nice sandy beach for swimming, but also some great hiking trails up the mountain.
Where To Stay Around Lake Sunapee In The Summer:
→ The Lodge Hotel: A great option close to the harbor in Sunapee with a boutique feel. This newly-renovated hotel has more of an Adirondack vibe, but it fits perfectly with the lakeside atmosphere, too. Amenities include smart TV’s, a movie and game room, outdoor pool, and in-room kitchenettes.
→ Lakeside Cabin Vacation Rental: One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is with a vacation rental, and this great little cabin is right on the water. With its own dock, updated interior, plus a twin bed on the sun porch for epic naps, it’s a great way to enjoy the long days of summer.
7. Inn At Pleasant Lake
Since the lake scene is really one of the best ways to enjoy New Hampshire in the summer, I wanted to offer one more suggestion: The Inn At Lake Pleasant, which is actually very close to Lake Sunapee.
However, the inn deserves its own mention because it’s such a great property that sits right across the street from Pleasant Lake, which tends to be the least crowded of the lakes mentioned in this post. This boutique-style inn is small with only 10 rooms, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a serene experience.
On-site, you’ll enjoy amenities like tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, water equipment to explore the lake, beach chairs and towels, and complimentary continental breakfast each morning. The inn also has wonderful outdoor spaces to just admire the lake views, which are back-dropped by scenic mountains.
When you’re ready to venture off the grounds, you’re just a few minutes away from downtown New London, which I already talked about earlier in the post, and Lake Sunapee. You’re also only about an hour from Lake Winnipesaukee, which makes for an easy day trip during your stay.
Click here to check summer rates & availability at the Inn at Pleasant Lake
Summer In New Hampshire: Answering Your Questions
What To Pack For A Summer Trip?
In addition to the usual things you’ll need like clothes and toiletries, here are some packing reminders for your summer trip:
→ Quick-dry beach/boat towels. These ones from Dock & Bay are honestly amazing, and I’ve been using them for years. They fold up really compact, and they do actually dry fast. The bigger sizes are great for wrapping around yourself after a swim, too.
→ A good sun hat. The one you see me wearing in photos is this one, which also has a chin strap, making it perfect for boat tours, hiking, and outdoor adventure.
→ Good hiking boots, if you plan to hit the trails. I really like these from Eddie Bauer, which are a more affordable option that look like the famous Danner hiking boots.
→ Sun protection, of course! Bring your favorite sunscreens for face and body.
→ Reusable water bottles, especially if you’re planning on any hikes. I always pack these from Swell.
→ Day packs for hikes, boat tours, and day trips.
→ Tick remover. You probably won’t need it, but if you’re planning on doing a lot of outdoor adventures, it isn’t a bad idea to bring one along just in case, especially because they’re so inexpensive and take up no room in your suitcase. This is especially handy when traveling with your dog.
Is New Hampshire Crowded In The Summer?
I personally find it less crowded than other top New England coastal destinations like Cape Cod and the islands, Rhode Island beach towns, and coastal Maine. Even in July and August, places like Lake Winnipesaukee, the seacoast, and the White Mountains had fewer crowds than I was expecting.
That said, you still shouldn’t expect these places to be secluded, as many of these places are top summer vacation spots in the state. But I don’t think the crowds are anywhere near unreasonable compared to other areas in the summer. But I’m also very used to Cape Cod crowds in the summer, so take that for what it’s worth!
Where Are The Best Places To Go With Kids?
Of the places on this list, I personally find the White Mountains, Hampton, Loch Lyme Lodge, and Lake Winnipesaukee to be the most kid-friendly.
More of my New Hampshire posts you may enjoy:
- Christmas In New Hampshire
- Fall In New Hampshire
- Gorgeous Covered Bridges In New Hampshire
- Where To Stay In The White Mountains, New Hampshire
- New Hampshire vs. Vermont In The Fall Season
That’s A Wrap On Summer In New Hampshire!
And there you have it, all my tips and suggestions for planning the perfect summer vacation in New Hampshire. Whether you’re planning an epic mountain adventure in the White Mountains, a beach getaway along the seacoast, or a quiet nature retreat at Loch Lyme Lodge, I know you’ll make amazing memories. Happy planning!
