9 Prettiest Towns In New Hampshire
New Hampshire, a New England state famous for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and diverse landscapes, has some of the country’s most pretty and unique small towns. With nearly one-quarter of the state covered by mountains, many attribute its grandeur to its alpine summits, but this is only the beginning of New Hampshire’s storybook charm. Whether visiting a town along the state’s humble (yet stunning) 18-mile shoreline for a relaxing beach getaway or visiting a quieter community to explore one of New Hampshire’s 1300 lakes or ponds, this northeastern state has something natural–and beautiful–for everyone. Traverse the epic White Mountains, breathe in the mighty Atlantic, and decide which New Hampshire landscape captivates you the most; these small towns are all worth a visit, each more breathtaking than the last.
Portsmouth
Sparkling waterways are a treasured charm of New Hampshire’s small towns, and Portsmouth is no exception. Nestled on the Piscataqua River; whose name comes from the Indigenous Abenaki word meaning “a river with a strong current” — this picturesque seaport community offers stunning waterfront views from places like Prescott Park, a vast 10-acre riverside garden whose colorful and carefully maintained flora invites visitors to stroll the park’s whimsical design. Uniquely, the park also includes Four Tree Island, a darling little island-like stretch of land accessible via a 100-yard pedestrian causeway. Stroll the scenic, grassy path, and make sure to pack a picnic lunch; several grills and picnic tables are available–no reservation necessary unless renting the pavilion–and the sights from the island are unmatched, with excellent views of the river, Memorial Bridge, and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Exeter
Less than 30 minutes southwest of Portsmouth, you can find the equally beautiful town of Exeter, one of New Hampshire’s oldest towns, established in 1638. Like Portsmouth, much of Exeter’s beauty is tied to its waterways; where the Exeter River and Squamscott River combine streams, the views are especially dazzling from shore. But Exeter’s true pride and joy, perhaps, is its waterfall: Exeter Falls (often called Pickpocket Falls by locals) is located–you guessed it–above the Exeter River. Small but mighty, the tranquil cascade makes for an excellent photo backdrop, so have your camera ready.
Beyond Exeter’s water-based attractions, mingling with locals is a happy inevitability, the town’s affable, laid-back atmosphere one of its best qualities. Hit up lively downtown Exeter for places like Waterstreet Bookstore, whose ever-growing selection of over 25,000 books will entice any literature lover, and afterward, make your way to Czar’s Brewery for a casual yet friendly ambiance paired with world-class brews.
Rye
Drive a little further (around 20 minutes or so, northeast of Exeter) and find yourself in the beautiful town of Rye, whose 8 miles of scenic coastline is the longest in New Hampshire. Home to 3 rugged beach shores and acres upon acres of marshlands, Rye’s natural beauty is by all means anchored by its waters. Visit attractions like Odiorne Point State Park to experience these diverse aquatic landscapes, including unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean from the park’s rocky shores and fascinating marshland, freshwater ponds, and saltwater ponds. Traverse the park’s network of winding paths on trails like the Odiorne Point Loop Trail, a 3-mile partially paved oceanside walkway ideal for bikers and hikers alike, and finish your visit with some educational, family-friendly fun at the park’s Seacoast Science Center, whose marine animal exhibits and live touch tanks offer an exciting glance into the depths of the Atlantic.
Hampton
If soft sandy shores are more up your alley, look no further than Hampton, one of New Hampshire’s most popular (and prettiest) coastal towns. Just 15 minutes southwest of Rye, consider Hampton the beach town you would see in vacation ads; with broad sandy shores, curling ocean waves, and crowds of vibrant beachgoers soaking up the sun’s rays, the town’s beach atmosphere is truly legendary. Hit up Hampton Beach State Park for access to its treasured shores, and take a dip in the Atlantic before lounging oceanside; sand castle building, beach combing, and sunbathing are popular classic beachy pastimes enjoyed by the summer crowds, while other adventurous beachgoers opt for attractions like parasailing with Hampton Beach Parasail and SUP Rental, just across the street from the park. If an ocean adventure is what you are after, head north on Ocean Boulevard (less than 5 minutes away) to book an exhilarating 4-hour whale watching trip with Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching.
Wolfeboro
While New Hampshire’s thriving Atlantic beach towns offer worlds of lively fun, if a laid-back lake day is what you are after, the cozy town of Wolfeboro is the place for you. The construction of John Wentworth’s 1763 summer home earned the gorgeous town its reputation as “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” and the choice of setting truly speaks to Wolfeboro's incredible natural beauty. Hit up public spots like Brewster Beach for a blissful day of sunbathing on Lake Winnipesaukee’s scenic wooded shores, and if the weather allows, make sure to take a dip in the crystal clear waters. Known for being New Hampshire’s largest lake, this 72-square marvel is especially perfect for a lazy lake day if you hope to avoid the larger summer crowds associated with New Hampshire’s coastal beaches.
Sugar Hill
By comparison, the charming town of Sugar Hill is considered New Hampshire's “new kid in town”; incorporated in 1962, this contemporary community may not share in the long-lasting identity of Wolfeboro, but it certainly possesses a similar history and natural splendor. Named after the town’s vibrant sugar maples, Sugar Hill was once a popular resort town for wealthy vacationers in the Victorian era, luring New Englanders with its unmatched views overlooking the epic White Mountains. Today, the mountain has a similar allure. Sugar Hill visitors enjoy popular hikes near the town, like the Bridal Veil Falls Trail, a moderately difficult path that takes hikers (on average) 2.5 hours to complete. The excursion is well worth the effort though, given its grand finale: the majestic 80-ft. Bridal Veil waterfall.
Lincoln
Heading northeast from Sugar Hill (less than a half hour away), you will find another town favored for its dazzling waterfall hikes: the sweet mountain town of Lincoln. Thanks to its gorgeous White Mountain paths and the construction of an 1800s railroad and modern Route 93, today, this historic former logging town thrives as a tourist destination, luring backpackers, hikers, and wilderness enthusiasts from near and far. Popular hiking destinations near Lincoln include paths to Georgiana Falls, whose 30-ft. cascade makes for a stunning view at the end of the 0.7-mile hike to the lower falls or the 1.3-mile hike to the upper falls. Alternatively, north of Lincoln from the trailhead off–93, adventurous hikers can take on the more challenging Falling Waters Trail, a 1.4-mile hike that leads to 3 magnificent waterfalls: Swiftwater Falls, Cloudland Falls, and Stairs Falls.
Littleton
If crisp alpine air, scenic strolls, and an adorable River District sound like your idea of heaven on earth, drive half an hour north of Lincoln and visit the quaint town of Littleton. Hidden between the foothills of the White Mountains and the picturesque Connecticut River, this darling mountain community blends its small-town charm with the grandiose surrounding nature like no other. If the mountains beckon you, venture to nearby trails like the Kilburn Crags path, a scenic 2-mile hike with an awe-inspiring lookout over the town and views of Mount Lafayette and the Cannon Mountain peak. Back in town, make sure to head down Main Street to explore Littleton’s River District, whose 2012 revitalization has done wonders for the town’s atmosphere. Listen to the rhythmic waves of the Ammonoosuc River (a tributary of the Connecticut River) and sample the area’s pubs and eateries, like Schilling Beer Co., a riverside European-style brewery serving unique beers and specialty pizzas with locally sourced ingredients.
Jackson
If you are looking to travel deeper into the mighty White Mountains, the pleasant and relaxing town of Jackson offers just that, with the bonus of a quieter and secluded vibe, if that is something you are after. Like Littleton, Jackson is also beloved for its surrounding nature, and many consider it a strong home for outdoor adventure. In the town itself, gems like Jackson Falls, a gorgeous, easy-to-access waterfall on the Wildcat River, can be found on a road near downtown Jackson. Other nearby natural attractions include the world-famous White Mountain National Forest, with over 800,000 acres of towering forests to mountain bike, hike, and explore, and Black Mountain Ski Area, a ski resort offering guided horseback rides during the summer through fall and skiing in the winter. With access to the vast surrounding forests and mountains, Jackson is a great choice for those looking to avoid crowds.
New Hampshire's Serene Natural Beauty
From its beaches to its waterfalls to its rivers and its summits, New Hampshire’s natural beauty truly knows no bounds. Whether exploring Rye’s unique mix of marsh and beach or Sugar Hill’s vibrant sugar maple paths, adventure is never far in these spirited small towns, nor are the serene waterways, forests, and mountains. For your next day trip, weekend away, or vacation getaway, discover what this remarkable White Mountain State has to offer and decide for yourself which of these small New Hampshire towns is the prettiest.
