New Hampshire is a vastly underrated travel destination. Situated in the heart of New England, this northeastern state has it all, gorgeous mountains, rich history, top-notch dining and shopping, and even a small slice of coastline. This means that whether you want to spend your trip meandering through museums, hiking in a forest, or shopping at outlet malls, you can find a place to do it in New Hampshire. Another thing that is great about this part of the US is that it’s quiet and tranquil. One of the benefits of being a smaller state is that there are fewer crowds, which makes for a far more relaxing vacation overall. Continue reading to learn about the best New Hampshire travel destinations for retirees.
Lake Winnipesaukee
Boats on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the entire state of New Hampshire, and that certainly makes it a travel destination worth visiting. With over 288 miles of scenic shoreline, there is something for every type of retiree on this lake, whether you are looking to enjoy a weekend of fishing or want to take a kayak, paddle board, or motorized boat out on the water.
Weirs Beach is one of the most popular parts of the lake, with great swimming beaches and a boardwalk that has plenty of restaurants and hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including live music nights, square dancing nights, arts and crafts shows, antique boat shows, and classic car and motorcycle shows.
White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway
Vibrant fall foliage in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
If you are a nature-loving senior, then one of the most beautiful drives you will ever take in New Hampshire is along the White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. This gorgeous highway weaves its way through White Mountain National Forest in the northeastern part of the state. While the loop drive is only 100 miles, you will want to stop at one of its many pull-outs, like the C. L. Graham Wangan Ground overlook, which boasts panoramic views of the forested valley below and the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington, Mount Adams, and Mount Jefferson.
You will also want to leave some time to stop along the Swift River. Rocky Gorge and Lower Falls are two fantastic stops for a swim or a picnic. Traveling along the White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway in the fall is highly recommended when New Hampshire’s iconic foliage reaches its peak red, orange, and yellow hues. That said, it makes for a truly memorable drive year-round.
North Conway
Replica buildings for a theme hotel in North Conway, New Hampshire. Image credit Alizada Studios via Shutterstock
North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire that retirees are sure to love visiting. Today, it is known as an alpine ski town and is home to one of the very first ski resorts in the United States. There are six mountain resorts around the town, most of which operate year-round. This means that no matter what time of year you arrive in North Conway, there will be something for you to do. If you are into winter adventures, you will find downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice skating here. However, if you plan your visit for the summertime, you can take advantage of numerous gentle hiking trails, golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming facilities.
Believe it or not, the small enclave of North Conway is also a shopping paradise. It boasts one of New England’s highest concentrations of outlet stores, including Settlers Green Outlet Village. For history buffs, don’t miss the Conway Scenic Railroad, which still stands today and was first constructed in 1874.
Portsmouth
Market Square in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
The quaint town of Portsmouth is a New Hampshire travel destination for retirees that is not to be missed. Known for its boutique shopping, top-notch seafood restaurants, and cobblestone-covered downtown, Portsmouth is bursting with history and charm. A few activities that retirees are sure to love include strolling along the waterfront at Prescott Park, exploring the Strawbery Banke Museum, a 10-acre museum that consists of homes from four centuries in Portsmouth, and making your way through the Portsmouth Harbor Trail. This trail is made up of over 70 important sites, like the 1716 Warner House and 1758 John Paul Jones House, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and Landmarks.
Hampton Beach
Historic buildings lined along Ocean Boulevard in Hampton, New Hampshire. Image credit Wangkun Jia via Shutterstock
While it’s true that New Hampshire has the smallest shoreline of any coastal state, the sliver of coast it has is extremely picturesque. Visit the seaside town of Hampton Beach to see it for yourself. Hampton Beach has historically been a popular resort town among tourists of all ages, and it remains so today. Not only are there plenty of scenic beaches for sunset strolls and swims, but there is also a lively boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, which has been transformed into a live music and comedy venue.
There are also a number of events and festivals held in Hampton Beach throughout the summer, like the Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition and concerts and fireworks displays at Hampton Beach State Park’s Sea Shell Stage.
Mount Washington Cog Railway
World famous oldest cogwheel that brings you to the top of Mt Washington in New Hampshire. Image credit MRicart_Photography via Shutterstock
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a fantastic travel destination for retirees because it offers the best of both worlds: history and nature. Due to the location of this historic railway, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains. On a clear day, you can see four different states from the summit of Mount Washington, which the Mount Washington Cog Railway takes you to.
The Mount Washington Cog Rail is an authentic coal-fired steam engine train that departs twice daily between late May and early October. It takes roughly 45 minutes to reach the summit of Mount Washington, though the whole trip is three hours in length. Be sure to take your time at the summit, as you will find the Sherman Adams Visitors Center, which has a small museum and cafeteria, along with the Mount Washington Observatory here.
Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge in the falltime in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. Image credit Enrico Della Pietra via Shutterstock
No trip to New Hampshire is complete without visiting the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. This crack in the rock at the bottom of Mount Liberty is a marvel of nature. Not only is the Flume Gorge 800 feet long, but the walls of the gorge rise 70 to 80 feet above the brook that flows through it.
A boardwalk makes the area extremely accessible to people of all mobility levels. There are also tons of other short and easy hiking trails in the park for retirees to take advantage of. Pack a lunch and walk from The Basin to Cascade Falls, where you can enjoy a picnic by a waterfall in Franconia Notch State Park.
Story Land
Story Land amusement park in New Hampshire. Image credit Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock
If you have ever wished that you lived in a fairy tale, then Story Land is for you. This historic theme park, located in Bartlett, New Hampshire, dates back to 1954, and the moment you enter the front gates, you will be fully immersed in the fairytales of your childhood. The park is made to appeal to people of all ages, which makes it a great spot to travel to with grandchildren. However, they also designated “Nostalgia Nights” for adults only. Some of the most popular attractions are based on Cinderella, Goldilocks, and Humpty Dumpty. There is a pumpkin coach, a swan boat, and a Buccaneer Pirate Ship. It is worth noting that if you enter Story Land after 3:00 pm, your ticket remains valid for the following days, which allows you to gain access to the park twice for the price of one!
Now that you know a little bit more about what New Hampshire has to offer, you are likely excited to book your next getaway. As you can see, this New England state is brimming with fascinating history, unique culture, and natural beauty. In the course of one trip, you could find yourself visiting an 800-foot-long gorge, taking a ride on a coal-fired steam train, and stepping into a fairytale, there aren’t a lot of places where you can say that!
