New Hampshire In Summer — Fun Outdoor Activities
The winter white snow is forgotten, the sticky spring mud is dry, and it is time to celebrate the summer season across the great state of New Hampshire. There are lots of things to do in New Hampshire in summer; below are a few ideas to kick off your summer getaway. It is time to plan a vacation to the “Live Free or Die” State and enjoy an exciting vacation adventure.
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New Hampshire State Parks
New Hampshire is awash in gorgeous scenery and state parks. Hiking, biking, boating, camping, and swimming are just a few of the summer opportunities available in beautifully preserved park lands. New Hampshire offers 93 State Park properties for you to enjoy and explore.
National Parks In New Hampshire
There are two National Parks in New Hampshire.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail which runs through 11 states: Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsilvania, Tennissee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia, offers intrepid hikers deep woods adventures. You can hike bits and pieces of the Appalachian Trail instead of through-hiking, keeping to your personal comfort zone.
The beautiful Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish is the former home and studio of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). Art and nature come together to create a pretty picture of the Cornish Colony of artists. The park is a lovely spot for an afternoon stroll.
New Hampshire Hikes
The White Mountains dominate central New Hampshire and provide thousands of hiking trails ranging from novice to expert. According to AllTrails, there are 2,046 hiking trails recorded in New Hampshire.
Franconia Notch State Park and The White Mountain National Forest are the heavy hitters when it comes to numbers and variety of trails. However, Crawford Notch State Park, Monadnock State Park, Cardigan Mountain State Park, and others offer a wide variety of outdoor adventure opportunities too.
The highest peak in the northeast, Mount Washington, is a force unto itself. I hiked to the summit in June and there was still snow at the peak. The view, however, is unsurpassed as she stands 6,288 feet. If you don’t want to hike, you can take the Mount Washington Auto Road either with a tour or drive your own car along the dizzying switchbacks and breathtaking hairpin turns.
The current weather and trail information about Mount Washington can be found here.
The Flume Gorge is a beautiful day hike. It is an easy hike, but has some stairs and undulating paths. Check out my Flume Gorge Hike Review for more information.
Lakes Region
Plan your water focus #lakelife vacation getaway in the New Hampshire Lakes Region. Swimming, boating, fishing, or other on-the-water fun can be found in the stunning playground.
Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee, Squam Lake, Lake Winnisquam, and more stretch across the region like water goddesses. Surrounded by small town centers, picnic area stops, and pretty summer cottages, the lakes region is a popular vacation destination.
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Coastal Fun
New Hampshire’s tiny seacoast region is a mecca for on the water fun. Hampton Beach with its long boardwalk is a popular spot for spending the day sunning, swimming, and building sandcastles. The high energy vibe at Hampton Beach is perfect for sun lovers who want to do more than just catch a tan.
Every June, artists compete in the Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic. Mind boggling sand sculptures rise from the beach as the artisans persuade grains of sand to conform to their whimsical artistic vision.
Rye Beach offers a more sedate and a more family friendly, neighborhood feel.
Tours
EF Go Ahead Tours offers an 8 Day New England Tour where you simply sit back and enjoy the passing scenery. No driving, no navigating, and no planning — it is all done for you. I love EF Go Ahead, they are exceptional at planning and organizing group tours. They offer a good balance between scheduled tours and free time to explore on your own.
A Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide is perfect for a short getaway panoramic drive. Stunning views and lookouts are around every bend. Audio driving tours are a great value and you can take your getaway drive at your own pace.
If biking and glamping your jam, this exciting 3-day adventure awaits your arrival. “You’ll explore gorgeous Franconia Notch by bike & boot, kayak the beautiful Pemigewasset River, and cycle the fabulous Northern Rail Trail.” This Pedal, Paddle & Hike New Hampshire is brought to you by Great American Bike Tours.
Shopping
Shopping at the LL Bean Flagship Store is an adventure unto itself. The campus is filled with a variety of LL Bean shopping venues where you can buy anything outdoor focused — hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and more. It is the ultimate outdoor equipment showcase.
Bucket List Adventures In New Hampshire
Your New Hampshire in summer getaway is the perfect way to breathe clean, fresh air while you explore the great outdoors. From the lakes to the mountains to the ocean, there is something for every traveler. The natural beauty of New Hampshire’s natural gifts is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Your adventure awaits!
Happy Travels,
Sandi
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The information provided here is an overview of types of adventures available. Travel With Sandi does not endorse certain tours or adventures — each individual should choose based on their personal taste and physical abilities. As always, be safe, be aware of your surroundings, tread carefully, and keep your valuables hidden.
We lived in Vermont for five years. While we visited New Hampshire many times, I wish I had explored more summer outdoor activities like hiking. It’s such a beautiful state.
Such beautiful pictures! I remember going to that LL Bean a long time ago with my family.
Great post! I’ve never been to New Hampshire, but it’s definitely on my list! Adding this blog as my guide 🙂
I’m always looking for more US vacations spots/ideas. Adding NH to the list! Thank you for sharing!
Great guide to New Hampshire in the summer! There are so many fun and exciting outdoor activities in this post. Thanks for the info!
Your pictures are beautiful! I’m from Pittsburgh and I will admit, I never considered New Hampshire as a travel destination. This post is making me reconsider.
As long as there are national parks, lakes and breathtaking sunsets, I’m in! New Hampshire sounds like the perfect place to exercise and relax! Thanks for sharing!
Such a great post! There is quite a bit to do in NH. Hiking some trails and checking out LL Bean top my list!
New Hampshire looks wonderful! I’ve never been to New England, but am planning two future trips there. Can’t wait to see the charming towns and scenery!
The hiking trails seem so inviting.
Bookmarked! This New Hampshire summer guide is awesome. Hiking, lakes, even epic sandcastle contests – gotta love New Hampshire! Thanks for sharing, Travel With Sandi!
I love national parks so much!! I’ve never been to New Hampshire, but now I want to add it to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never thought of visiting New Hampshire but after reading your post I’m certainly keen. It looks beautiful with plenty to do. Great information – thanks for sharing!
Lovely pics! The waterfalls are to die for! Saving this for future.