11 Gorgeous New Hampshire Towns To Visit In 2023
New Hampshire is a must-visit destination in 2023, especially during autumn when the state is covered in crimson, orange, and yellow foliage. From the scenery of the White Mountains to the charming coast in Hampton Beach and Portsmouth, there is plenty to see and do in the many gorgeous small towns across the Granite State. Here are eleven of the must-visit places in New Hampshire for charm and beauty.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a charming small town in New Hampshire that was established in 1623. 2023 is the perfect time to visit because the town is celebrating its 400th anniversary! The beautiful coastal town is picturesque year-round, but during autumn, it boasts the famous New England fall foliage the area is known for. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Portsmouth, including biking, golfing, and kayaking.
Littleton
Littleton, New Hampshire, is a small town with gorgeous, historic streets and a tight-knit community. The historic town was settled in 1770 and sits on the banks of the Ammonoosuc River. Following its participation in the National Main Streets program, Littleton was named one of the Top 10 Small Towns in America. It is no wonder, considering its prime location in the White Mountain region of New England. Spring, summer, and especially fall are the best times of year to go hiking in Kilburn Crags or take photos from the Riverwalk Covered Bridge.
Concord
New Hampshire is full of charming towns – even its capital city, Concord, has a population of less than 50,000 people. Concord is a cultural hub for the state of New Hampshire, especially after its main street underwent a $14 million dollar makeover in recent years. Downtown Concord is charming and lively, with something always going on, and home to the gold-domed State House. There are many shops, galleries, and locally-owned restaurants to explore while catching stunning views of the Merrimack River that winds through the town. The downtown core is comparable to the famous Newbury Street in Boston but on a more intimate scale.
Hanover
Even if travelers haven’t heard of Hanover, New Hampshire, they have likely heard of Dartmouth College. Dartmouth is located in Hanover, making this a lively college town with a fairly young population. The town sits alongside the Connecticut River in western New Hampshire. While the college is a focal point of the town, there is plenty to see and do here for visitors of all ages. It’s worth visiting Hanover to explore the Hood Museum of Art, catch a show at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, or stroll through Nathan’s Garden.
North Conway
North Conway is a gorgeous New Hampshire town that is set among the mountains and forests of the picturesque Granite State. It’s the ideal place to base yourself while exploring the famous White Mountains region because it has a little bit of everything concentrated in one place. Named "Best Ski Town" and "Best Small Town for Adventure" by USA Today in 2020, it’s obvious why outdoor enthusiasts love it here in all seasons. Cranmore Mountain ski resort is a top choice for enjoying North Conway during the winter.
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill is in Grafton County, New Hampshire, and is a small town of around 600 residents immersed in nature. The town overlooks the White Mountain National Forest, providing scenic views year-round. It’s a fairly new town for the state since it was only incorporated in 1962. It’s a popular ski destination in winter, but year-round, it's got a growing culinary scene. Be sure to try Polly’s Pancake Parlor and Harmen’s Cheese Store when visiting.
Meredith
Travelers will have a difficult time finding a more beautiful town in New Hampshire than Meredith. Meredith rests in the Lakes Region of the state and is surrounded by mountains and forests. The gorgeous town was formerly called Watson, named after Watson Williams, who owned the Golden Fleece Hotel. Like most of New Hampshire, the fall foliage in Meredith is visually stunning, especially surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the most beautiful lakes in New England.
Keene
Keene, New Hampshire, is known as one of the most gorgeous towns in the state, boasting classic New England architecture. It’s easily one of the most visited towns in Cheshire County, with a winning combination of scenic nature, vibrant culture, and interesting history in and around the town. Top things to do in Keene include visiting Stonewall Farm, touring the Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery, and exploring the Horatio Colony House Museum.
Exeter
Exeter is in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, and consistently ranks among the most beautiful towns in the state. Its interesting history includes being the state’s Revolutionary War Capital, commemorated by the American Independence Museum on Water Street in the town. It is worth visiting the museum because it’s a caretaker of one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence. Besides being a haven for American history buffs, Exeter is home to the Seacoast Artist Association and Sea Dog Brewing Company.
Gorham
Gorham is a small town in Coös County, New Hampshire, that is full of charming shops and eateries. It’s also conveniently located near Jericho Mountain State Park, which is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. A popular thing to do on a day trip from Gorham is to hike the Imp Trail (a 6-mile loop) in the White Mountain National Forest. Besides the nearby natural beauty, the town of Gorham itself is extremely beautiful. The Gorham Historical Society Museum and the Medallion Opera House paint a picture of the storied history of the town.
Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach is one of the most popular beach towns in the state, located along the picturesque coastline, which spans 17 miles. As the premier beach vacation spot in the Granite State, it’s unsurprising that the most famous thing to do here is go to the beach during the summer. Travelers can also rent surfboards from Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Company and catch the waves. In all seasons, it is worth visiting Hampton Beach for fun at the casino or touring the historical society.
2023 is the perfect time to visit New Hampshire’s most charming towns, especially as fall approaches and the magical fall foliage of New England dots the landscape. From historic museums to vibrant main streets, these charming towns are photo-worthy in every way.
