These 6 Towns In New Hampshire Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024

As one of the 13 original colonies in the United States, New Hampshire is known for its historical New England charm, hiking trails, mountains, nature excursions, brick buildings, and its breathtaking landscape. This state is also one of the few that has no sales or income tax, making it a popular place to shop and live. Whether you're visiting in the fall, winter, summer, or spring, this vibrant state has activities for all the seasons! Here are six towns in New Hampshire that were ranked favorites in 2024.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth, also known as the “Port City,” is located on the Piscataqua river and is known for its historical brick architecture and cobblestone roads. With a population of 22,000, this lively city was founded in 1623 by John Mason and quickly became a bustling colonial port. This historic landmark brings in 7 million visitors annually and mostly attracts individuals who want to learn about the culture, attend museums, and check out the seafood culinary scene. Check out Strawberry Banke which is an outside museum that preserves 350 years of historical houses including an elegant mansion and a colonial tavern. For family friendly activities, the Water Country Water Park is New England's largest waterpark sitting on 26 acres.

Concord

With a population of 44,000, Concord is the capital of New Hampshire and is also home to one of the oldest State Houses in the United States. It was completed in 1819 and is a gold-domed building with large granite columns. This river town is perfect for museum enthusiasts. Some popular tourist activities include the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center for science lovers, New Hampshire Historical Society to learn about the town, and The Pierce Manse which is a 19th century greek revival home of president Franklin Pierce.

For individuals craving a nature getaway, drive 44 minutes north to Mount Kearsarge which is a mountain with 3,000 feet of elevation. This mountain is surrounded by pine trees, stunning greenery, and rocky ledges making it perfect for anyone who wants to be blown away!

Conway

This quaint mountain and forest village is located along the White Mountain National Forest, which makes it perfect for anyone looking for a hiking or skiing excursion. This national and well-visited forest sits on 800,000 acres of land and offers 48 hiking peaks with 733 mountains. When hiked to the top, it gives a stunning mountain view with a vast array of greenery and vibrant colors during the fall time.

This town has a population of 10,000 and offers a wonderful place to stay for hikers and anyone who wants a picturesque old-town getaway. A popular tourist activity is the Conway Scenic Railroad which is a 5-hour vintage train ride that offers panoramic mountain views.

Berlin

Located on the Androscoggin river and directly next to Jericho Mountain State Park, this northern city features historic brick buildings and used to be the largest paper-making complex in the world. Now, it is used for individuals who want to hike, ski, or bike and want a relaxing mountain town. Tourists love to stay here to hike the challenging mountain known as Mount Washington which stands 6,288 feet tall and is the tallest mountain in New England. Some other outdoor activities include Jericho Mountain State Park which offers a large array of relaxing or more difficult hikes, canoeing, ATV trails, camping, and snowmobiling.

Littleton

Also known as “the glad town,” Littleton, with a population of 6,000, gets its name due to its welcoming, cozy, and friendly atmosphere. This walkable town is located on the Ammonoosuc river and has 24/7 mountain views which make it perfect for a relaxing retreat. Some popular activities include the riverwalk, which features a wooden covered bridge offering full views of the beautiful river, and the Littleton Museum which features art, historical exhibits, 1800s farms, and an old schoolhouse. For activities outside of the town check out Parker Mountain Trails for a peaceful walk overlooking thousands of pine trees.

Keene

With a population of 23,000, this town offers frequent art and music events, lively streets, classic New England architecture, thriving local business, and a plethora of hiking and biking trails. Some popular activities that attract visitors include central square featuring a charming gazebo and the Civil War Soldiers Monument, colonial theater for performances, Goose Pond Loop to be embraced by nature and scenery, Stonewall Farm, and the Historical Society of Cheshire County to help preserve the history. A popular fall activity includes the pumpkin festival which holds the Guiness world record for the most carved pumpkins at 30,000!

Plan your next nature excursion here

Whether it's a larger town like Concord or a smaller one like Littleton or Berlin, this state has options for all. Tourists love to come here for the challenging but scenic hikes and settle down for the night in the quaint old brick towns. Over 10 million tourists visit this scenic state every year, and for an excellent reason! Don't forget to plan your next nature excursion or small town getaway to this beautiful state!