When the weather gets warms and the sun is shining it’s hard to keep yourself from ditching the responsibilities and exploring the state. There’s always a fun hike or trip to be had, but sometimes simply seeing what’s hiding away in areas other than those you live in make for a great adventure. These small towns to visit in the summer in New Hampshire offer a great way to enjoy your time here.
- Cornish, Sullivan County
mobili / Flickr Cornish, located in the western part of the state, offers visitors the kind of small town charm they expect in a state like New Hampshire. Be sure to check out the 156-year-old Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. Visitors also typically make time for a visit to the former summer home of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Saint-Gaudens Park, the state’s only National Park property. Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, Cornish, NH 03745, USA
- Sutton, Merrimack County
mmwm / Flickr Of all the small towns in New Hampshire this one should be the go-to for those who love the great outdoors. Bordering Mount Kearsarge State Forest Park and with access to Gile Pond, Shadow Hill State Forest, Kezar Lake, and Wadleigh State Park visiting this area is a great way to appreciate the natural wonders here. Mount Kearsarge State Forest Park, Warner, NH 03278, USA
- Sunapee, Sullivan County
dennissylvesterhurd / Flickr Lakeside and full of charm, Sunapee and neighboring Newbury are just lovely for a warm, sunny day. Located in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, this is a great place to enjoy Mount Sunapee State Park for boating, swimming and hiking. Rye, NH, USA
- Peterborough, Hillsborough County
Chester Liu / Google Little Peterborough is exactly the kind of quaint New Hampshire town we love. You’ll find it in the Monadnock Region right near the Contoocook River. But while we love the nature options, don’t forget to fuel up at the local diner while you’re here! It’s a classic and it’s perfect for enjoying a meal outside in the summer. Peterborough Diner, 10 Depot St, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
- Derry, Rockingham County
tracylee / Flickr The small town of Derry, located in the Merrimack Valley offers a lot of outdoor options, as well as some fun history. Be sure to check out the Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site before heading out for some horseback riding. And add a day to your visit for the thrills of Canobie Lake Park Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, 122 Rockingham Rd, Derry, NH 03038, USA
- Rye, Rockingham County
Mark Bonica / Flickr Home to beautifully lesser-known Odiorne State Park, Rye is more than just a beach town. With less crowds that Hampton Beach, Rye has the relaxed atmosphere of the quiet towns we love here. Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
- Wolfeboro, Carroll County
momentsnotice / Flickr Perhaps not officially one of the smallest towns in the state, Wolfeboro certainly has the kind of charm we look for in a tiny town! With access to the water, this lake region spot is a no-brainer for summertime fun in New Hampshire! Wolfeboro, NH 03894, USA
What are some of your go-to places to spend the day during the summer in New Hampshire? Let us know in the comments and we’ll check them out.
mobili / Flickr
Cornish, located in the western part of the state, offers visitors the kind of small town charm they expect in a state like New Hampshire. Be sure to check out the 156-year-old Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. Visitors also typically make time for a visit to the former summer home of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Saint-Gaudens Park, the state’s only National Park property.
Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, Cornish, NH 03745, USA
mmwm / Flickr
Of all the small towns in New Hampshire this one should be the go-to for those who love the great outdoors. Bordering Mount Kearsarge State Forest Park and with access to Gile Pond, Shadow Hill State Forest, Kezar Lake, and Wadleigh State Park visiting this area is a great way to appreciate the natural wonders here.
Mount Kearsarge State Forest Park, Warner, NH 03278, USA
dennissylvesterhurd / Flickr
Lakeside and full of charm, Sunapee and neighboring Newbury are just lovely for a warm, sunny day. Located in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, this is a great place to enjoy Mount Sunapee State Park for boating, swimming and hiking.
Rye, NH, USA
Chester Liu / Google
Little Peterborough is exactly the kind of quaint New Hampshire town we love. You’ll find it in the Monadnock Region right near the Contoocook River. But while we love the nature options, don’t forget to fuel up at the local diner while you’re here! It’s a classic and it’s perfect for enjoying a meal outside in the summer.
Peterborough Diner, 10 Depot St, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
tracylee / Flickr
The small town of Derry, located in the Merrimack Valley offers a lot of outdoor options, as well as some fun history. Be sure to check out the Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site before heading out for some horseback riding. And add a day to your visit for the thrills of Canobie Lake Park
Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, 122 Rockingham Rd, Derry, NH 03038, USA
Mark Bonica / Flickr
Home to beautifully lesser-known Odiorne State Park, Rye is more than just a beach town. With less crowds that Hampton Beach, Rye has the relaxed atmosphere of the quiet towns we love here.
Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
momentsnotice / Flickr
Perhaps not officially one of the smallest towns in the state, Wolfeboro certainly has the kind of charm we look for in a tiny town! With access to the water, this lake region spot is a no-brainer for summertime fun in New Hampshire!
Wolfeboro, NH 03894, USA
While you’re exploring, don’t forget the off-the-beaten-path spots! People will drive from all over New Hampshire to Miss Wakefield diner for the nostalgia alone.
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