8 coolest small towns in New Hampshire for a summer vacation

New Hampshire lies in the middle of the New England heartland. Defined by its quaint and charming towns along with its untouched natural beauty, New Hampshire is the perfect place to go if you are wanting to relax with friends and family members. 

Whether you are wanting to trek deep into the nearby wilderness or just take a nice stroll through one of the historic downtowns of a quiet mountain village, there is a little something for everyone. 

Portsmouth

This picturesque seaside town will blow you away with its breathtaking scenery. The enchanting nature of Portsmouth can be largely attributed to its harbor and great seafood restaurants that all buy fresh local catches from the fishing boats just a few steps away. 

First settled in the early 17th century, Portsmouth is one of the oldest towns in the entire United States and it shows. This town's storied past is self-evident after taking a short walk around its downtown. Dozens of century-old brick buildings still stand the test of time along with other fascinating monuments and public works of art. 

Sugar Hill

In the shadow of White Mountain National Forest lies the town of Sugar Hill. With only a minuscule population of only 700 residents, the main strip that much of the town rest on only provides the essentials. No five-start treatment here. 

However, it is not the town itself that makes Sugar Hill so spectacular but rather the immense beauty that exists only a short drive outside of town. Soft rolling hills and lush lavender fields stretch for as far as the eye can see. All of this is only made all the more special but the snow-capped mountains sitting in the background. 

Exeter

Sitting along the Squamscott River, the town of Exeter boats one of the best waterfronts in the region. Much like Portsmouth, fishing and sailing is a large part of the local culture and that is made clear as soon as you arrive. 

Exeter is home to a surprisingly robust and impressive art scene. The town has a handful of museums at its disposal, all of which regularly put on worthwhile exhibits and attractions. The ambiance of Exeter is something that is nearly indescribable and can only truly be felt in person after you have gone for a long walk along the water. 

Hanover

Not to be confused with the much larger German city of Hannover, Hanover New Hampshire is much easier going and slow-paced. The charm and likeableness of this town have been evident for decades and it has not gone unnoticed. Forbes named it one of America's prettiest cities multiple times. 

The main attraction of Hanover would certainly be Dartmouth College. This institution has played a major role in the town's core identity ever since it was first constructed in 1769. The school itself is a beautiful building worthy of your time. The areas nearby the college are also a great place to grab a drink with some friends or sit down for a delicious meal in one of the many family-run restaurants in town. 

Jackson

Nestled away deep in the White Mountains, visiting Jackson can be quite the journey. But the reward, in the end, is undoubtedly worth it. Jackson has long been a summertime retreat for New Hampshire locals as well as though coming in from nearby states. Once you step foot here you will understand why. 

Jackson is a gateway into the famous and celebrated wilderness that New Hampshire is known for. Hikes, horse trails, and lakes to cool off in are all at your disposal. Anyone who is a fan of the great outdoors needs to come here. There are tons of parks in the surrounding area that are more than accommodating to both novice and experienced campers. 

Meredith

Meredith is a great town located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. As the name would suggest, there are tons of lakes only a few miles outside of Meredith. A visit to each of these lakes can serve as a great day trip when you can swim, boat, fish, and soak up some sun. The town itself is just as pretty as you might think. Meredith is surrounded by mountains and hills all covered with colorful trees and vegetation. The Hobo Railroad also runs through town. You can hop on this piece of history and go for an unforgettable trip through the nearby forests to really appreciate the landscape. 

North Conway

The population of North Conway is just under 3,000 residents but that does not mean this small village is not worth your time. The hospitality and welcoming spirit of the locals is hard to match no matter where you go in the world not to mention the lovely hiking trails just a short drive out of town. Each of these trails is the perfect opportunity to brush off your photography skills and snap a few pictures of the local wildlife. For all the beer lovers out there, North Conway is home to the excellent Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. and many other craft breweries. Each of these establishments offers its own interesting and exciting brews. 

Littleton

The charming river town of Littleton has one of the most underrated food scenes in all of New England. Despite its small size, Littleton has more than a dozen reputable and prestigious restaurants within its borders. 

After you are done scarfing down some amazing food you can always go for a leisurely stroll down the riverfront. Chances are you will stumble upon the River Walk Covered Bridge and Grist watermill. Being in Littleton feels as though you are taking a trip through some small European village rather than a town in the United States. The atmosphere here is truly unmatched. 

Summary

If you are looking for a relatively cheap and relaxed vacation this summer, make sure you take a serious look at what New Hampshire has to offer. It might not have the same international recognition as Miami or Los Angeles, but it has a unique charm that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Breathtaking wilderness, quaint towns, and friendly locals are all waiting for you in the great state of New Hampshire.