New Hampshire is one of the original 13 colonies rich with history and nature and where you can visit the ocean and mountains all in one day. It is nature’s playground for all ages.
Summers in New Hampshire
Living in New Hampshire in the summer is like winning the lottery. At least in my opinion that is. If you enjoy beautiful scenery along with outdoor activities and adventure, a trip to New Hampshire is the perfect place for a summer vacation.
Portsmouth
On the seacoast of Portsmouth, you can explore the ocean, take a boat out to the Isles of Shoals or visit Strawberry Banke, where history comes to life. Shop in all the local stores, eat at some fabulous restaurants and stroll through this seaside historic city. With so much to do, a trip to the Portsmouth area can easily be enjoyed for at least 2 to 3 days.
Within 5-10 minutes from the downtown area, you can drive to the beach for the day. My recommendation would be Newcastle Beach which is perfect if you have young kids. This beach is great for sunbathing, swimming, digging in the sand. Plus, there’s a beautiful park for the kids to run and play.
Also within a 5-10 minute drive is Hampton Beach, home to the famous Sand Sculpture Contest which takes place every June. It is always so much fun to watch the sculptors create beautiful works of art with sand. You can spend the day on the beach, go swimming, build your own sand sculpture, collect seashells, walk or just sunbathe.
This is so much more to enjoy in the beautiful New England city of Portsmouth. Along the boardwalk, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, get an ice cream or a cold drink. Portsmouth also features Aces and Eights, a poker/casino room. In this quaint New England city, you will also find an Oceanarium, a small, unique hands-on natural history museum with a touch tank and deep water tank.
In Portsmouth, you can also book a deep sea fishing trip, a whale watching tour or even go down the Casino Cascade waterslide. All these activities are within walking distance of the beach and boardwalk.
White Mountains
My family has made many memories in the beautiful White Mountains. Camping each summer includes traditional campfires complete with popcorn and s’mores making. Our family enjoys activities such as frisbee, lawn Yahtzee, corn hole, bicycle riding and swimming in the pools, lakes and rivers. Canoeing and kayaking are always on the list as well. There are so many hiking trails which can be accessed. Some days we would watch the avid rock climbers and be awestricken at how high and steep they could ascend.
My absolute favorite thing to do each and every summer is tubing the Saco River. All ages can participate and you can rent either a screened-in bottom tube, a flat bottom tube or an open tube. My personal preference is an open tube so that most of your body stays cool in the water during a hot summer’s day.
If you don’t have your own equipment, there are plenty of rental companies which offer tubes, canoes and kayaks. They even offer inflatable ice chests and dry bags. These tour operators will drop you off near the river to begin your adventure. Then, at the end of your journey, some companies will pick you up and shuttle you back their rental offices while other rental companies have locations right along the river.
A visit to the White Mountains with your family and friends allows you to create strong bonds and lasting memories. It is why I have made it a summer tradition and I hope you will too.
Along the Swift River is the Kankamagus highway and it is a must drive. You can stop along the way to find swimming holes and rock slides. And why yes, you should slide down those rocks into a swimming hole! It’s so much fun and a splendid way to cool off on a hot summer’s day. The scenery is just breathtaking too.
North Conway
North Conway, New Hampshire is a quaint New England mountain town that is not to be missed. This is my family’s favorite place to visit each summer for camping during the 4th of July week.
The Saco river runs through this area. We love the popular First Bridge as the best location to put our tubes, kayaks and canoes in the water. Then, we float most of the day back to our campground.
If we need our Starbucks fix we can just walk up through the campground down the road where there is an outlet shopping center featuring Walmart, Home Depot, grocery stores, gas stations and many delicious restaurants.
In the center of town is Schouler Park, home to the Conway Scenic Railroad. You can purchase tickets to take a scenic train ride. In the fall, this is a great way to see some of the fall foliage colors. During the holiday season, you can take your kids on the Polar Express including a reenactment of the beloved story.
Up the road about 8 miles away, you will find the famous Mt Washington. The drive features breathtaking views. If you are feeling brave, you can even hike up to the top. Otherwise, you can drive or take the Cog Railway which offers a scenic ride for those magnificent views.
At the Franconia Notch State Park, you can explore the Flume Gorge. Walking your way through the gorge with walls of granite around you is another natural beauty which is not to be missed.
Northern New Hampshire
In the northern part of the state you can hike to the Polar Caves. Plus, you can make more memories by hiking, canoeing and kayaking.
Have you ever seen in a moose in the wild? Northern New Hampshire in the summer is the best place to find them. You can even go on a moose tour. You will be memorized when you see these amazing creatures up close.
Autumn in New Hampshire
As you can see, I love New Hampshire summers; however, the autumn colors are not be missed. Every day, it feels like you are walking in a painting. You can admire the fall foliage either by car, canoe or kayak or hiking.
New Hampshire has some of the best apple picking too. You can learn how apple cider is made and enjoy a cup alongside a yummy warm cider donut.
Many of the state parks are still open in the Fall, but due to the cool temperatures, swimming may not be at the top of your list.
Winters in New Hampshire
During the colder months, our New Hampshire mountains turn into a winter wonderland with a huge selection of ski resorts, restaurants and shopping. A winter horse drawn sleigh ride is so magical and a must-do activity. If you have never tried snowmobiling, it is a rush that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Accommodations range from ski resorts, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast hotels to cabins. Some also feature indoor water parks. All these accommodations are open year round as well.
If you are an outdoor enthusiastic and love the beauty of nature, come explore New Hampshire for a memorable trip. Have you been to New Hampshire? If so, which is your favorite season to enjoy nature’s playground?
For more information or to book your New Hampshire vacation, please contact Lori Carper at lori@kingdomdestinations.com
