The Best Small Towns in New Hampshire to Chill Out In 2024
New Hampshire is a Northeastern US state with plenty of history and scenic New England charm. Home to a variety of landscapes—from its highest peak, Mt. Washington, to its crystal-clear ponds, rivers, and lakes—the Granite State is a popular year-round mecca for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure. And the best places to enjoy the state's spectacular scenery and activities are its small towns. Dotted throughout its picturesque countryside are some of the best vacation destinations, from locales with chill, lakeside vibes like Meredith to historic havens like Exeter; these are the best New Hampshire towns to chill out in 2024.
Meredith
Meredith is a small community in New Hampshire’s scenic Lakes Region. Situated along Lake Winnipesaukee—New Hampshire’s largest lake—Meredith’s proximity to nearby lakeside towns like Tuftonboro and Gilford makes it a lovely place to chill out and explore the surrounding area. A popular location for fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and biking, Lake Winnipesaukee is adjacent to many public beaches, including Meredith’s Leavitt Park Beach.
Additionally, nearby Ellacoya State Park is less than 30 minutes away and has its own beach on the lake’s southern shore. Those looking for a scenic escape will also enjoy the trail system at Stonedam Island Conservation Area. More popular local attractions include the Meredith Sculpture Walk, the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. For an unforgettable Meredith getaway, spend the weekend at relaxing local accommodations such as Mill Falls at the Lake and The Nutmeg Inn.
Hanover
Located in the Upper Connecticut River Valley close to the Vermont border, Hanover the perfect combination of scenic natural beauty and bustling, small-town atmosphere. Home to Dartmouth College, this quintessential New England town has plenty of attractions within walking distance. Hanover’s charming downtown area boasts plenty of eateries, shops, and historic architecture, while Dartmouth College is home to a bustling arts district, including The Hopkins Center for the Arts and The Hood Museum of Art. Hanover also has its share of outdoor recreation, including fishing, paddling, and rafting on the Connecticut River and access to cross-country skiing and nearby ski resorts in the winter.
Hanover’s Main Street is part of the famed Appalachian Trail, so hikers and nature walkers can enjoy a scenic trek right from the downtown area. Located less than 10 minutes from Hanover, Storrs Pond Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy activities like swimming, camping, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and more. Nearby small towns like Lebanon and Norwich (in Vermont) are also fun spots to explore while staying in Hanover.
North Conway
With the White Mountain National Forest on its doorstep, North Conway is famed for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. Hiking opportunities abound in the over 700,000-acre wilderness, with dramatic mountain scenery as a backdrop for everything from easy, more popular trails like the Lincoln Woods Trail to more difficult hikes, like a climb to the tallest peak in the northeast, Mt. Washington. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway from Conway to Lincoln also offers a variety of trails for all skill levels.
While White Mountain activities like kayaking, hiking, biking, and boating are popular in the summer, winter also offers wonderful opportunities for outdoor adventure. Voted 2020’s “Best Ski Town” by USA TODAY, North Conway is a winter sports haven. Located within 30 minutes of multiple ski resorts—including Cranmore Mountain Resort and Attitash Mountain Resort—North Conway is a four-season destination for vacationers looking to chill out all year long. Additionally, attractions like the Conway Scenic Railroad and the New England Ski Museum are great places to explore in between outdoor adventures.
Gorham
Gorham is a cozy community in New Hampshire’s picturesque Androscoggin Valley near the Presidential Range. An ideal base camp for exploring the area and its outdoor activities, Gorham is close to many popular attractions: Jericho Mountain State Park and Ride the Wilds are both popular spots for ATV riding and scenic outlooks; while nearby Pinkham Notch is the perfect place for hiking, biking, and scoping local waterfalls. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is another must-visit locale known for its guided kayak tours, as well as biking and hiking trails.
For even more breathtaking views of the White Mountains, take a scenic drive on Mt. Washington Auto Road. Dubbed “America’s original man-made attraction,” the nearly eight-mile road is a destination unto itself—complete with gift shops, the Red Barn Museum, and the Glen House Hotel. While in Gorham, discover the area’s railroading history with a visit to the Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum, or dive into the local arts and music scene with a night at the Medallion Opera House.
New London
Located in New Hampshire’s stunning Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, New London’s tree-lined streets and historic buildings are the definition of New England charm. With the Town Common at its center, New London’s downtown area is extremely walkable, with places like the New London Town Offices, The Bob Andrews Memorial Ice Rink, and the New London Inn completing the picture-perfect, small-town tableau. And while New London’s laidback vibes are ideal for chilling out, there are plenty of activities throughout the cozy community.
Popular pastimes include summer concerts at the Mary D. Haddad Memorial Bandstand; canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife watching at Pleasant Lake; and touring The Community Garden at Tracy Memorial Library, a relaxing oasis designed by the world-renowned Olmsted Brothers. New London is also the best spot to start a scenic road trip, with picnicking, scenic vistas, and trails at Winslow State Park and boating, paddling, and Mount Kearsarge views at Wadleigh State Park, both less than 20 minutes away. Nearby Mt. Sunapee State Park also offers year-round recreational opportunities, including alpine skiing at Mt. Sunapee Resort.
Peterborough
Peterborough’s lovely small-town setting and spectacular Contoocoock River views are so picture-perfect that they once inspired a work of literature: Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Our Town. But don’t let those storybook vibes fool you—Peterborough’s vibrant Monadnock Region locale makes it a top destination for both scenic beauty and cultural expression. Home to MacDowell Colony—an organization fostering art, artists, and artistic expression—attractions like the Peterborough Community Theatre, the Peterborough Players, and the New England Art Exchange, all cement the town’s reputation as an artistic hub.
To explore Peterborough’s outdoorsy side, head to nearby Miller State Park for spectacular views from Pack Monadnock’s fire tower, before visiting Temple Mountain Reservation for a scenic hike. Additionally, Edward MacDowell Lake in West Peterborough is the ideal spot to spend a beachy afternoon, complete with hiking, boating, and picnicking. Peterborough is also a great place to chill out for the weekend, with lodgings like Riverhouse and Little River Bed & Breakfast offering cozy stays close to all town attractions.
Exeter
In Southeastern New Hampshire, Exeter is a picturesque seacoast town known for its historic charm. Originally settled in 1638, Exeter once served as the Revolutionary War capital of New Hampshire, as well as hosting visits from Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Explore both local and US history with a visit to the American Independence Museum and the Exeter Historical Society; or take a walking tour throughout the historic downtown and visit sites like the Gilman Garrison House, the Town Hall, the Powder House, and Philips Exeter Academy. While at the historic school, explore the grounds and historic buildings, including an impressive 30-mile walking trail.
Exeter also has several scenic spots where visitors can relax and unwind. Popular outdoor spaces include the Swasey Parkway, home to outdoor activities and town events, the Swasey Pavilion, located at the center of the town’s historic district, and Gilman Park. Those looking to explore the surrounding area will also find nearby seacoast towns like Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine lovely day trips less than 30 minutes from Exeter.
New Hampshire is known for its scenic beauty—from dramatic mountain backdrops to tree-lined college communities, the Granite state has something for every traveler looking for a relaxing getaway. Riverside communities like Peterborough combine natural beauty with quintessential New England charm, while college towns like Hanover are buzzing with art, culture, and activities. Whatever the destination, New Hampshire’s most inviting towns combine unparalleled natural beauty, historic heritage, and epic outdoor activities, making them the perfect places to chill out in 2024.
