It’s undeniable that there’s something about being by water that is inherently relaxing. Sitting by the ocean or on the shores of a lake, you can let all your cares wash away with the waves. New Hampshire has many places to enjoy this tranquility, from the ocean to waterfalls – here are 11 of our favorite spots for the next time you need a spot to mentally decompress.
- Great Island Common, New Castle
Flickr/Crystal Paradis Visit this lovely waterfront park for views of two lighthouses and sailboats passing by.
- The Basin, Lincoln
Flickr/Patrick Breen Within Franconia Notch State Park hides a remarkable geological feature - a smooth pool filled by a rush waterfall. It’s truly beautiful and worth the hike to see it.
- Diana’s Baths, Bartlett
Flickr/Megan Brooks This series of small waterfalls creates a tranquil area of gentle waterfalls and pools. It’s the perfect spot to stop and reflect.
- Echo Lake. North Conway
Flickr/Robert Linsdell Tucked into the White Mountains, the beauty of this lake is enhanced by the dramatic backdrop of Cathedral Ledge. Hike around it and enjoy the views of its still waters.
- Saco Lake, Hart’s Location
Flickr/Erwan Deverre Tucked away in Crawford Notch State Park, this lake is crystal clear and particularly stunning amid fall foliage.
- Lake Winnipesaukee
Flickr/massmatt Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, which is why we didn’t list a town - it simply touches too many! There’s a reason this lake draws many thousands of tourists each year - it’s simply stunning no matter where you view it from.
- Odiorne Point State Park, Rye
Flickr/Mark Bonica This state park is a perfect place to contemplate the beauty and power of the Atlantic. It also holds the Seacoast Science Center, if you want to learn more about the environment you’re enjoying.
- Lonesome Lake, Franconia Notch
Flickr/Christopher Schmidt This 12 acre lake in the White Mountains takes some hiking to get to, but it is oh so worth it to see its stark beauty.
- Isles of Shoals, Rye
Flickr/Matthew H. Off the border of New Hampshire and Maine, the Isles of Shoals are wild and beautiful - and there are plenty of legends surrounding them. Take the boat to Star Island from Rye to explore.
- Ossipee Lake, Ossipee
Flickr/Nick Welles At over 3,000 acres, this is quite a large lake - and its size is matched by its beauty.
- Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch
Flickr/Patrick Breen Another natural beauty in Franconia Notch, Flume Gorge is definitely worth visiting. Make sure to take the path that gets you up close!
What do you think is the most beautiful waterfront spot in New Hampshire?
Flickr/Crystal Paradis
Visit this lovely waterfront park for views of two lighthouses and sailboats passing by.
Flickr/Patrick Breen
Within Franconia Notch State Park hides a remarkable geological feature - a smooth pool filled by a rush waterfall. It’s truly beautiful and worth the hike to see it.
Flickr/Megan Brooks
This series of small waterfalls creates a tranquil area of gentle waterfalls and pools. It’s the perfect spot to stop and reflect.
Flickr/Robert Linsdell
Tucked into the White Mountains, the beauty of this lake is enhanced by the dramatic backdrop of Cathedral Ledge. Hike around it and enjoy the views of its still waters.
Flickr/Erwan Deverre
Tucked away in Crawford Notch State Park, this lake is crystal clear and particularly stunning amid fall foliage.
Flickr/massmatt
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, which is why we didn’t list a town - it simply touches too many! There’s a reason this lake draws many thousands of tourists each year - it’s simply stunning no matter where you view it from.
Flickr/Mark Bonica
This state park is a perfect place to contemplate the beauty and power of the Atlantic. It also holds the Seacoast Science Center, if you want to learn more about the environment you’re enjoying.
Flickr/Christopher Schmidt
This 12 acre lake in the White Mountains takes some hiking to get to, but it is oh so worth it to see its stark beauty.
Flickr/Matthew H.
Off the border of New Hampshire and Maine, the Isles of Shoals are wild and beautiful - and there are plenty of legends surrounding them. Take the boat to Star Island from Rye to explore.
Flickr/Nick Welles
At over 3,000 acres, this is quite a large lake - and its size is matched by its beauty.
Another natural beauty in Franconia Notch, Flume Gorge is definitely worth visiting. Make sure to take the path that gets you up close!
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