Things To Do in the Lakes Region, NH

Looking for some water-filled fun during your stay? Check out these local watersport options for kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Whether you bring your own gear or rent from one of these providers, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

• Feet First Watersports: Located in Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham, phone number (603) 948-6484.
• Stand Up Paddle NH: Located in Alton, phone number (603) 833-1211.
• Full Moon Paddleboard: Located in Wolfeboro, phone number (603) 569-MOON.

Note: If you have your gear and all you need is water, Lake Winnipesaukee, Merrymeeting Marsh and Lake are just around the corner.

Discover scenic beaches and engaging water activities in New Hampshire, with options for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and more. Generally speaking New Hampshire state park beaches do not allow pets. Still, there are quite a few friendly spots for our four-legged friends while others tend to turn a blind eye off-season, when it is more common to see pets and owners having a great time by the sea. We recommend to check online before your trip!

Lake Winnipesaukee Area:

• Ellacoya State & Beach Park: The 600-foot long sandy beach, which stretches far into the pristine waters, offers views to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains, located 17.3 miles away.
• Weirs Beach: Ideal for a picnic under the shade of the trees, a sunbathing session out on the golden sand, and a dip in the crystal clear water. Simply picture-perfect, located 24 miles away.

Portsmouth Area:

• Wallis Sands State Beach: Oceanfront swimming, sandy beaches with views of the Isles of Shoals, and a grassy area for picnics, located 37.8 miles away.
• Hampton Beach: Miles of sandy beach on the ocean, located on the South end of a lively “Village District” buzzing with entertainment, attractions, restaurants and events, located 46.7 miles away.

Maine:

• York: Long Sands, Shorts Sands, York Harbour. Three alluring beaches with easy access to shops and restaurants. Their popularity peaks in the summer, but off-season you will still see some die-hard surfers and dog walkers having a good time. The nearby Fisherman’s Walk, Wiggly Bridge and the Cliff Walk trails will offer you a chance for a scenic stroll, located 37.6 miles away.
• Ogunquit & Wells: Main Beach, Moody Beach, Footbridge Beach. Clean sandy stretches, morphing with the tides, for invigorating walks exploring the rock pools, sunbathing and swimming (if you dare brave the cold water!), located 38.1 miles away.

Some of the best golfing is just around the corner. Check out our special at Kingswood Golf Club!

• Kingswood Golf Club (23 mi) Location: 24 Kingswood Rd, Wolfeboro Phone: (603) 569-3569

Special Offers: Two-for-one greens fee (up to $54 value) and a free bucket of range balls ($14 value)
Note: Golf carts required (not included, $25 per player for 18 holes), proper attire required, room key or proof of accommodations must be shown. Reserve tee time 24 hours in advance.

• Farmington Country Club (6.2 mi) 181 Main Street, Farmington (603) 755-2412
• Rochester Country Club (14.9 mi) 94 Church Street, Rochester (603) 332-9892
• Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club (15.1 mi) 1 Lake Winnipesaukee Dr, New Durham (603) 569-3055

Enjoy breathtaking views, immerse yourself in vintage charm, and explore historical wonders on New Hampshire’s scenic lakes and rivers, with a variety of cruises and sailing options available.

• Mount Washington Cruise (23.9 mi): Daytime scenic cruises, evening dinners and Sunday brunches – whatever you choose, make sure not to miss this perfect opportunity to comfortably sail over Lake Winnipesaukee and be mesmerized by its beauty. Departures from as close as Alton and Wolfeboro. Located at 211 Lakeside Ave. Weirs Beach, Laconia. Contact: (603) 366 5531.
• Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association (20.3 mi): The association offers sailing class or – if you prefer to sit back and relax – customized excursions on Lake Winnipesaukee. Contact: (603) 589 11 77.
• Gundalow Company (34.3 mi): Relax sailing along the Piscataqua River learning about the area from its best vantage point. And if you wish to catch some local musicians, get aboard on Thursdays and Saturdays. Located at 60 Marcy Street, Portsmouth. Contact: (603) 433-9505.
• Portsmouth Harbour Cruises (33.9 mi): The Isles of Shoals is home to several Seacoast mysteries – if the open sea is your desire, this cruise is your thing. The company also offers “Inland River Cruises,” very popular during the Fall Foliage. Located at 64 Ceres St., Portsmouth. Contact: (800) 776-0915.
• Granite State Whale Watch (39.2 mi): Each trip with them is a true expedition rather than just a sightseeing excursion, guided by experienced naturalists and with a 99% sighting record! Located at 870 Ocean Blvd, Rye. Contact: (603) 964-5545.

From lakeside sophisticated dining to breweries, wineries and eclectic cuisine, you will find a nice selection of restaurants to choose from. Ask us for more dining ideas!

Restaurants:

• Johnson’s: Seafood & Steak (and great ice cream, too). Located at 69 State Route 11, New Durham (603) 859-7500
• Shibley’s at the Pier: American, right on Lake Winnipesaukee. Located on Route 11, 42 Mt. Major Highway, Alton Bay (603) 875-3636
• Revolution Taproom & Grill: Gastropub and Bourbon bar. Located at 61 N Main St, Rochester (603) 244-3022
• Ikko: Japanese Steakhouse. Located at 879 Central Ave., Dover (603) 343-1777
• Ristorante Massimo: Romantic and authentic Italian. Located at 59 Penhallow St, Portsmouth (603) 436-4000
• Vida Cantina: Chef driven Mexican cuisine. Located at 2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth (603) 501-0648
• Row 34: Seafood & Oyster bar. Located at 5 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth (603) 319-5011

Wineries & Breweries:

• Lone Wolfe Brewing Co.: 36 Mill St, Wolfeboro (603) 515-1273
• Canterbury Aleworks: 305 Baptist Hill Rd, Canterbury (603) 491-4539
• Portsmouth Brewery: 56 Market St, Portsmouth (603) 431-1115
• Smuttynose Brewing Company: 105 Towle Farm Rd, Hampton (603) 436-4026
• Gilmanton Winery: 528 Meadow Pond Rd, Gilmanton (603) 267-8251
• Flag Hill Distillery & Winery: 297 North River Road, Lee (603) 659-2949

You can’t leave empty handed! From small country stores to brand-name outlets, the choices are endless. Antiques, second hand, vintage and thrift, you’ll be surprised to discover the many little shops that populate our area. Tatiana and Gino are real mavens, they’ll be able to help you find what you are looking for.

Antiques:

• New Hampshire Route 4 Antique Alley: the oldest antiques shopping district gathering over 500 dealers in the towns of Northwood, Lee, Epsom, and Chichester. Check out the map, and start your hunt!
• Concord Antique Gallery: 97 Storrs St, Concord, NH 03301, (603) 225-2070

Outlets:

• Kittery Premium Outlets: 375 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904, (207) 439-6548, Open Sundays 10am – 6pm, other days 10am – 9pm
• Tanger Outlets: 120 Laconia Rd, Tilton, NH 03276, (603) 286-7880, Open Sundays 10am – 7pm, other days 9am – 9pm

Equipment Rental:

• Papa Wheelie’s Bicycle Shop: 653 Islington St, Portsmouth, (603) 427-2060
• Scooter Rentals: 124B Bartlett St, Portsmouth, (603) 498-8882
• The Nordic Skier: 47 N Main St, Wolfeboro, (603) 569-3151

When you think of New Hampshire you think of nature. Any season is the perfect reason to be outdoors! Experience the area with various hiking, biking, and scenic walks.

• Birch Ridge Community Forest, New Durham (7.5 mi)
• Devil’s Den Trail, New Durham (8.2 mi)
• Mount Major Trail (Aka Blue Trail), Alton (11.1 mi)
• Blue Job Mountain Loop, Strafford (15.4 mi)
• Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford (18.6 mi)
• Adam’s Point Wildlife Management Area, Durham (32.3 mi)
• Mount Agamenticus, York, ME (34.8 mi)
• Marginal Way Walk, Ogunquit, ME (40.2 mi)
• White Mountains
• Cotton Valley Rail Trail, Wolfeboro (19.3 mi)
• Kingman Farm, Madbury (25 mi)
• Odiorne Point State Park, Rye (37.2 mi)
• Easter Trail, ME (40 mi)

Equipment Rental:

• Papa Wheelie’s Bicycle Shop: 653 Islington St, Portsmouth, (603) 427-2060
• Scooter Rentals: 124B Bartlett St, Portsmouth, (603) 498-8882
• The Nordic Skier: 47 N Main St, Wolfeboro, (603) 569-3151

For those looking to experience the thrill of catching their next big catch, New Hampshire offers endless fishing opportunities. Whether you prefer deep sea fishing, kayaking trips, or even ice fishing, here are highly recommended options for our guests.

• Adventure & Catch Charters: Deep sea fishing on Piscataqua and Jeffrey’s Ledge, located in Great Bay Marina at 61 Beane Lane in Newington (603) 953-5791.
• Tim Moore Outdoors: Year round fishing guide, leading fresh and saltwater boat and kayak trips as well as ice fishing expeditions, located at 197 Golf Course Lane in Barrington (603) 842-3572.

Note: If you have your gear and all you need is water, Lake Winnipesaukee, Merrymeeting Marsh and Lake are just around the corner. Also, at this link you’ll be able to find all the local fishing spots. Just type in our zip code: 03855.

Discover unique experiences by immersing yourself in adrenaline-fueled fun, vintage charm, breathtaking views, and historical engineering marvels.

• OSG Paintball, Barnstead (3.8 mi): The #1 rated paintball field in New England is just 5 minutes away. For an alternative afternoon of fun, why not?
• Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, Weirs Beach (28 mi): Catch the one or two-hour excursions along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee for a totally vintage experience on board of the restored coaches.
• Skydive New England, Lebanon, ME (35 mi): The ultimate way to admire New Hampshire’s majestic nature from a totally different… perspective. (29 mi)
• New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon: Motor junkies, this is the place for you. This is the largest sports facility in New England, hosting professional racing series, race weekends, racing schools and events.
• Mount Washington Cog Railway (93 mi): This marvel of 19th century technology and modern innovation is an exhilarating (and slightly hair-rising) voyage up to one of the most iconic and scenic summits in the State.

Discover the “other” side of New Hampshire and immerse yourself in the arts and culture on offer.

Music:

• Rochester Opera House, Rochester (12.6 mi): This magnificent theatre with stunning architectural details celebrated its 110 year anniversary in 2018 and presents an eclectic program including Jazz, Rock & Roll, Country, Musical Theatre and tribute bands.
• Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, Gilford (20.9 mi): A 9,000-seat amphitheater on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford, New Hampshire.
• Prescott Park Festival, Portsmouth (33.8 mi): With its appealing calendar of concerts and movies, definitely one of New England’s most popular summer events (since 1974!) . Located in the pretty park right at the edge of the Piscataqua River.
• The Music Hall, Portsmouth (33.8 mi): The historic 900-seat Liberty theater (the oldest in New Hampshire) presents world-class live performances of music, theater, and dance interspersed with films.

Heritage:

• Wright Museum of World War II, Wolfeboro (16.8 mi): Its nationally-recognized collection contains 14,000 objects, memorabilia, fully operational vehicles and an engaging “Time Tunnel.”
• New Hampshire Boat Museum, Wolfeboro (18.3 mi): A variety of boats are on display, but visitors can also experience the thrill of riding in a vintage boat, boat building classes, lectures as well as the annual New England Vintage Boat and Car Auction.
• Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury (22.8 mi): Take a look back into the ways of a traditional Shaker society in this well-preserved 200 year-old village, now designated as a National Historic Landmark. Guided tour recommended.
• Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough (34 mi): A trip to this mansion reveals more than a fascinating architecture and marvelous lake views — a meal in the Carriage House Restaurant, an art gallery, a gift shop, horseback riding, picnic in the meadow, and the 28-mile network of trails.
• Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth (34.2 mi): A 2-hour visit is recommended to take in this 10-acre living history museum, including historic buildings, interactive exhibits, and the beautiful gardens.
• Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, Tamworth (43 mi): Past and present blend in this rural historic site which tells the rich history of two country doctors, their village homestead and service to the community. Check out the very active calendars for events.

Discover the quaint charm of the nearby towns by strolling their streets, browsing local shops, and enjoying delicious cuisine. From exploring the local history and culture to indulging in a foodie adventure, there is something for everyone.

Cute little towns nearby:

• Wolfeboro: A shopping stroll, a bite on the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, a hand-made ice-cream for dessert and voila’, the perfect afternoon is served here, at “the oldest Summer Resort in America”. Simply adorable. Located 16.7 mi away.
• Meredith: Located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith is a favorite for locals and tourists. Summer is definitely its time to shine, but its cuteness never fades throughout the year. Located 28.6 mi away.
• Portsmouth: You will want to come back again and again to the gem of the seacoast, boasting history, nature, and a classy and buzzing downtown with a remarkable selection of unique shops, bars and restaurants. Located 34.5 mi away.

Experience the thrill of skiing and snow sports in New Hampshire with options ranging from downhill runs to cross-country trails and even dog sledding rides.

• Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford (18.6 mi): Home of the first chairlift in New England, Gunstock offers 55 runs for beginners, intermediate and expert skiers, swiping views of Lake Winnipesaukee and one of the region’s largest night-skiing operations. Check out the trail map.
• Abenaki and Sewall Woods Cross Country Ski trail network (17.3 mi): The Wolfeboro cross country ski association – who manage these quiet trails in the woods – also offers classes and rentals. Trail passes can be purchased at the Nordic Skier shop. Check out the trail map.
• White Mountains: Home to several downhill ski areas, XC trail systems, and miles and miles only for snowshoers, they are definitely a snow lover’s dream. Oh, and what about a dog-sledding ride?

Equipment Rental:

• The Nordic Skier: 47 N Main St, Wolfeboro, (603) 569-3151