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Ahh, New Hampshire. Though sometimes overshadowed by its more touristy neighbors, the state has a great deal to offer travelers, from craggy mountain peaks to shimmering lakes and a tiny Atlantic coastline. To see the Granite State’s best, travelers should base themselves not in a city but in a small town — something that, with a population of 1.4 million people and only one city of more than 100,000, New Hampshire has lots of.
I began my career in New Hampshire as an editor at a state-wide magazine, so I’ve visited my fair share of villages and burgs around the state. I find them to be the heartbeat of the region, and Janet Flagg, a part-time New Hampshirite and the COO of Boston-based travel agency TRAVELLUSTRE, says the same.
“When you go to a place like New Hampshire,” she says, “the luxury is in the environment. The luxury’s not in the accommodations. The luxury is having the most amazing hikes — not crowded, you’re not part of the pack. You’re getting immersive experiences.”
Immersive experiences await in all the towns on this list: immersions in nature, culture, and history, and in environments from the mountains to the beach. Some do, in fact, offer luxurious accommodations, but they all offer natural beauty and storybook charm that you won’t soon forget.
Read on for our selection of the 10 best small towns in New Hampshire.
North Conway
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For many who’ve lived or traveled in the Northeast, North Conway is the quintessential New Hampshire town. Located at the foot of the White Mountains, the community of about 2,000 offers abundant shopping and services for visitors headed to points north, plus a quaint and walkable downtown. Once you’ve enjoyed a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad and skiing at Cranmore Mountain Resort, head just out of town for your lodging — two of the state’s historic hotels (Eagle Mountain House and The Wentworth Inn) lie within a 15-minute drive.
Littleton
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If North Conway is the place for old-fashioned mountain charm, Littleton is New Hampshire’s hipper, edgier mountain town. “A lot of millennials, the 30-somethings, have found it as a really affordable place to live and have a great quality of life,” says Flagg — and that influx of new residents shows in trendy small businesses like Crumb Bum Bakery and the quirky art store Baba Yaga. For the ultimate Littleton experience, grab a seat overlooking the river at Schilling Beer Co. and befriend a flannel-clad local who can tell you the best spots for uncrowded hiking or backcountry ski runs.
Pittsburg
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As the township that encompasses all 300 square miles of New Hampshire’s northern tip, Pittsburg is so remote that few travelers (and, indeed, not many New Hampshirites) will ever pay it a visit. If you’re willing to make the drive, though, you’ll find a slice of country that epitomizes Flagg’s claim that the luxury here is the landscape. I spent several days in Pittsburg while reporting on the Great North Woods region, and I found its serene lakes and rolling hills to be some of the best scenery I ever saw in the Granite State. There’s no walkable Main Street or fancy hotels here, but there’s a corner store and a wealth of log cabins — all you need for a peaceful stay in one of New England’s quietest corners.
Tamworth
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“Tamworth is one of my favorite towns,” says Jenn Bakos, a photographer based on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. The town of 2,900 sits between the mountains and the Lakes Region in a stretch that’s often overlooked. But Bakos argues that it’s worth a visit, both for the charming town center (home to the indie favorite Tamworth Distilling and the historic Barnstormers Theatre) and its abundance of picturesque sights. “You have all these beautiful back roads and farms and then lots of great little walking trails,” she says. “There’s a lot to take photos of.”
Wolfeboro
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For a town that’s decidedly on the beaten track (and for very good reason), look no further than Wolfeboro. This resort community of 6,600 was named one of Travel + Leisure’s best small towns in America in 2023, and even a short visit will quickly show you why. It lies on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest body of water, and it boasts an abundance of gear rental shops, stylish stores, and world-class restaurants, giving it something for just about everyone. For an exceptional overnight stay, check into the Pickering House Inn, a boutique property that’s been honored in T+L’s World’s Best Awards several times.
Portsmouth
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The crown jewel of New Hampshire’s 18-mile coastline, Portsmouth offers both small-town charm and big-city amenities. The city is large by New Hampshire standards at about 22,000 people, and, lying just an hour from Boston, it’s a popular relocation spot for urbanites. To outsiders, though, it’s the picture of a New England village, complete with white-steepled churches and, as Bakos puts it, “lots of old brick.” Bakos lives in Portsmouth and notes that it’s an impressive foodie town. The chefs of Black Trumpet and Vida Cantina have both been James Beard semifinalists, as has Matt Louis, the chef-owner of Moxy and The Franklin.
Newmarket
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Both Flagg and Bakos agree that, for Seacoast travelers wanting to escape the bustle of Portsmouth, Newmarket is the place to go. “I lived there for five years,” says Bakos. “It’s perfect if you want to go for a cute smaller town without the crowds but still have the great food, the great shops, and the scenery.” Lovers of old-school charm will appreciate the converted riverfront mill buildings that form the bulk of downtown, while more new-school visitors will love the town’s artsy, offbeat spirit. The latter is on full display at The Stone Church, an intimate music venue that’s hosted Guster, the Avett Brothers, and (on a whopping five occasions) Phish.
Hanover
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Though the coastline, lakes, and mountains draw the bulk of New Hampshire’s visitors, the state’s scenic southwest is equally worth a trip. My personal favorite town in this region is Hanover, the home of Dartmouth College and a beloved rest stop for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. I’ve spent many an afternoon wandering the town’s postcard-perfect Main Street and crisscrossing the hiking trails that offer views across the river into Vermont. If you’re planning a visit, consider scheduling it for the fall — Hanover offers foliage just as stunning as the White Mountains with a fraction of the crowds streaming in to see it.
New London
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About 30 miles southeast of Hanover, New London is the college town’s “baby sister,” according to Flagg. “Quaint,” she says. “I hate that word, but it is New London to a T.” The downtown area has all the hallmarks of a classic New England village — historic churches and green parks studded with gazebos — while, away from the town center, two lakes offer lots of outdoor opportunities. To see the town at its best, come in summer. Not only is it peak season for the lakes; it’s also performance season at the New London Barn Playhouse, one of the oldest summer theaters in the country.
Peterborough
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Outdoor adventurers will find much to love in Peterborough. The town of 6,500 sits at the foot of Pack Monadnock, one of southern New Hampshire’s most popular mountains, and it provides an excellent home base for hiking, biking, and exploring throughout the Monadnock Region. Its natural beauty has inspired thousands of the country’s best artists thanks to MacDowell, the prestigious residency located here; to soak in the town’s inspirational energies yourself, stay at Cranberry Meadow Farm, a luxurious eight-room inn perched on 80 wooded acres.
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