Sure, we all know that Portsmouth and Weirs Beach are awesome places for a summer day trip. But if you’re looking to shake things up a little bit, why not consider spending a few hours in a different town? From the more familiar Wolfeboro to the often-overlooked Harrisville, these towns are all great spots to enjoy the best waterfront scenery that New Hampshire has to offer.
- North Hampton
Flickr/Leslee_atFlickr North Hampton Beach is an absolutely lovely place to spend a summer day. If you want a break from the water, tour Fuller Garden or go to Throwback Brewery for some lunch and a delicious beer.
- Holderness
Flickr/Norman Shippee Located on beautiful Squam Lake, Holderness is home to an elite prep school and several popular restaurants. Climb up Rattlesnake Mountain for the ultimate view of the water.
- Madison
Flickr/Stephen Dettling On the shores of beautiful Silver Lake, Madison is a perfect place to disconnect from it all. Enjoy one of the lake’s quiet beaches, check out the Madison Boulder, or take a ride on the Silver Lake Railroad if you grow tired of relaxing by the water.
- Harrisville
Flickr/Nelson DeWitt This old mill town is a National Historic Landmark, and wandering around its downtown looking at the gorgeous river and popping into shops is a fun way to pass a summer afternoon. Pop into the Harrisville General Store to pick up snacks!
- Woodstock
Flickr/Robert Linsdell The quaint town of Woodstock overlooks the beautiful Pemigewasset River, and also contains Lost River Gorge. Both provide ample opportunity for photography and reflection.
- New Castle
Flickr/C Hanchey New Castle is comprised entirely of islands, so pretty much the whole town has a waterfront view! There are plenty of places to relax and watch the waves - and the whole town can be reached via bridges. There are two historic forts in town to explore. When you’ve seen all there is to see, stop for a drink at the historic Wentworth by the Sea hotel!
- Wolfeboro
Flickr/massmatt Wolfeboro, a charmer on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, has been a favorite vacation destination for many years - but it’s worth a visit year round. You’ll find charming shops, beautiful homes, and plenty of places to relax by the lake.
- Rye
Flickr/Ed Cave Home to the beautiful Odiorne Point State Park and the Seacoast Science Center, as well as several lovely beaches and business offering whale watches, surf lessons, and sport fishing, Rye is the perfect place to really get in touch with the ocean.
- Peterborough
Flickr/Rudi Riet Right on the Contoocook River, Peterborough is probably one of the artiest towns in New Hampshire. Visit for your fill of performance, literature, and natural beauty - along with quirky shops and restaurants.
Which of New Hampshire’s waterfront towns is your favorite?
Flickr/Leslee_atFlickr
North Hampton Beach is an absolutely lovely place to spend a summer day. If you want a break from the water, tour Fuller Garden or go to Throwback Brewery for some lunch and a delicious beer.
Flickr/Norman Shippee
Located on beautiful Squam Lake, Holderness is home to an elite prep school and several popular restaurants. Climb up Rattlesnake Mountain for the ultimate view of the water.
Flickr/Stephen Dettling
On the shores of beautiful Silver Lake, Madison is a perfect place to disconnect from it all. Enjoy one of the lake’s quiet beaches, check out the Madison Boulder, or take a ride on the Silver Lake Railroad if you grow tired of relaxing by the water.
Flickr/Nelson DeWitt
This old mill town is a National Historic Landmark, and wandering around its downtown looking at the gorgeous river and popping into shops is a fun way to pass a summer afternoon. Pop into the Harrisville General Store to pick up snacks!
Flickr/Robert Linsdell
The quaint town of Woodstock overlooks the beautiful Pemigewasset River, and also contains Lost River Gorge. Both provide ample opportunity for photography and reflection.
Flickr/C Hanchey
New Castle is comprised entirely of islands, so pretty much the whole town has a waterfront view! There are plenty of places to relax and watch the waves - and the whole town can be reached via bridges. There are two historic forts in town to explore. When you’ve seen all there is to see, stop for a drink at the historic Wentworth by the Sea hotel!
Flickr/massmatt
Wolfeboro, a charmer on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, has been a favorite vacation destination for many years - but it’s worth a visit year round. You’ll find charming shops, beautiful homes, and plenty of places to relax by the lake.
Flickr/Ed Cave
Home to the beautiful Odiorne Point State Park and the Seacoast Science Center, as well as several lovely beaches and business offering whale watches, surf lessons, and sport fishing, Rye is the perfect place to really get in touch with the ocean.
Flickr/Rudi Riet
Right on the Contoocook River, Peterborough is probably one of the artiest towns in New Hampshire. Visit for your fill of performance, literature, and natural beauty - along with quirky shops and restaurants.
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