10 Cutest Small Towns in New Hampshire You’ll Want to Visit
Planning a trip around New Hampshire’s small towns? You’re in for a treat! This state is full of picture-perfect spots: coastal villages with cobblestone streets, mountain towns with covered bridges, and lakeside communities where life feels a little slower.
I put together a list of the cutest small towns in New Hampshire that deserve a spot on your itinerary. Some are great for a quick afternoon visit, others are worth staying a night or two to soak it all in.
No matter when you’re visiting, you’ll find plenty of charm, local character, and reasons to pull over for yet another photo.
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Charming Small Towns in New Hampshire
1. Portsmouth
Portsmouth is one of those small towns in New Hampshire you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s got all the charm you’d expect from a coastal New England town but with a fun, modern energy thanks to its thriving food and arts scene.
Start your day downtown, where you can wander through Market Square and browse local boutiques, galleries, and indie bookstores.
If you love coffee, you should make a stop at Elephantine Bakery for a latte and one of their fresh pastries. It’s tucked away down a little alley and feels like such a hidden gem.
For a dose of history, head to Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor living history museum where you can walk through centuries-old homes and gardens. In the summer, Prescott Park is the place to be with its flower-filled gardens and waterfront views.
When it’s time to eat, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe is a favorite for fresh seafood, or grab a table at Row 34 for oysters and lobster rolls. End your day with a sunset stroll along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, which connects several historic sites with beautiful harbor views.
Portsmouth also makes a great stop if you’re planning a Boston to Acadia road trip. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a meal, and enjoy a bit of coastal New Hampshire before heading north.
2. Conway
Conway is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. This small town is split into two main areas, Conway Village and North Conway, but most visitors spend their time in North Conway.
It’s one of the best towns in New Hampshire for exploring the White Mountains, with easy access to hiking trails, scenic drives, and cozy spots to unwind.
Start your visit with a stroll through North Conway’s charming village center. Duck into Zeb’s General Store for old-fashioned sweets and quirky souvenirs, then grab a coffee at Frontside Coffee Roasters to fuel up for the day.
One of the most popular things to do here is riding the Conway Scenic Railroad. This historic train takes you on a beautiful journey through the surrounding mountains and valleys, with views that are especially stunning in fall.
For a short hike, head to Diana’s Baths to see a series of cascading waterfalls. It’s just a quick walk from the parking area and perfect on a warm day.
If you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss the Kancamagus Highway. This scenic drive starts right in Conway and is known for some of the best fall foliage in New England.
3. Littleton
Littleton feels like it was made for a New England postcard. Its brick-lined Main Street is packed with indie shops, cozy cafes, and plenty of small-town charm.
It’s also a great jumping-off point for exploring the White Mountains, so you can pair a stroll downtown with outdoor adventures nearby.
Start your visit with a walk across the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, which spans the Ammonoosuc River right in the heart of town. From there, pop into Chutters to check out the world’s longest candy counter. Yes, it’s a real thing and such a fun stop!
If you’re visiting in summer, take a few minutes to relax by the river at the Riverwalk Covered Bridge Park.
Downtown Littleton is also home to some great spots for a coffee or a light bite. Inkwell Coffee & Tea House is a favorite for its laid-back vibe and excellent lattes. For something heartier, The Little Grille has been a longtime local favorite.
Before you leave, snap a photo with the Pollyanna statue outside the library! It’s a little quirky, but it’s one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
4. Wolfeboro
Wolfeboro calls itself “America’s Oldest Summer Resort,” and it’s easy to see why. This lakeside gem is one of the cutest small towns in New Hampshire, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, it’s all about laid-back lake life, beautiful scenery, and classic New England charm.
Spend the afternoon wandering along the waterfront and exploring the shops and galleries on Main Street. Grab an ice cream from Bailey’s Bubble and enjoy it on the dock while watching boats glide across the water.
If you’re here in summer, renting a kayak or joining a boat cruise is one of the best ways to experience the lake.
For a dose of history, the Wright Museum of World War II is a must-visit with its fascinating exhibits and local stories. Wolfeboro is easily one of the best towns to visit in New Hampshire if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat by the water.
5. Jackson
Jackson feels like the kind of place where time slows down. This small mountain town is famous for its red covered bridge called the Honeymoon Bridge, and its quiet, laid-back vibe. It’s also surrounded by the White Mountains, so the scenery here is pretty incredible any time of year.
If you’re visiting in October, you’re in for a treat! Jackson hosts the annual Pumpkin People festival, where homes and businesses create life-sized pumpkin displays that range from cute to completely over the top.
It’s such a fun way to explore the town and definitely makes Jackson one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire in the fall.
You can also stop by Jackson Falls, a small series of cascades right in town that’s especially pretty with fall colors. In winter, this is a popular spot for cross-country skiing, with miles of trails that wind through the area.
For a bite to eat, the J-Town Deli & Country Store is great for a casual lunch, or book a table at The Wentworth for something a little fancier.
6. Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill might be tiny, but it’s packed with charm. This mountain village is best known for its sweeping views of the White Mountains and for being one of the prettiest places to catch the lupine blooms in early summer.
The fields around town turn purple with wildflowers, and it’s worth timing a visit just for that!
Even outside of lupine season, Sugar Hill is a peaceful stop on a New Hampshire road trip. The Sugar Hill Sampler is a fun place to browse local goods, and Polly’s Pancake Parlor is the spot for a hearty breakfast.
Their pancakes are famous, and the views from the dining room are pretty hard to beat, too!
7. Meredith
Meredith is one of the best small towns in New Hampshire if you’re craving a mix of lakeside views and a polished, resort-town feel. Sitting on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, it’s a popular spot for summer getaways, but it has plenty of year-round charm too.
Stroll along the waterfront and watch the boats coming and going, or wander through the Mill Falls Marketplace, a restored mill complex that’s now home to shops, restaurants, and a cozy inn.
The Sculpture Walk nearby is a fun bonus with an outdoor trail lined with rotating pieces from local and regional artists.
If you’re up for a short drive, stop by Hermit Woods Winery for a tasting. Meredith also makes a great base for exploring the rest of the Lakes Region while still having plenty of dining and shopping options close by.
8. Hanover
Hanover is best known as the home of Dartmouth College, but it’s also one of the cutest small towns in New Hampshire for a laid-back day trip.
The town has a mix of historic charm and youthful energy thanks to the student population, with plenty of places to eat, shop, and wander.
You can stroll through the Dartmouth campus, which is especially pretty in the fall when the trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange. The Hood Museum of Art is worth a quick stop if you enjoy small, well-curated collections.
Right in town, Main Street is lined with bookstores, cafes, and boutique shops that are fun to browse.
9. Exeter
Exeter is a historic riverside town that feels both quaint and lively. Once New Hampshire’s capital, it’s full of colonial-era charm with brick buildings, tree-lined streets, and a walkable downtown that’s easy to explore.
Start your visit with a stroll along the Squamscott River. There are plenty of benches where you can relax and take in the view, and the riverwalk is especially pretty in the fall.
The town is also home to Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the country’s oldest prep schools. The campus is open to visitors and makes for a lovely short walk with its mix of historic and modern architecture.
In the center of town, you’ll find lots of independent shops, galleries, and cafés. Water Street Bookstore is a favorite for browsing, and if you’re hungry, there are several casual spots for lunch or coffee along Main Street.
10. Peterborough
Peterborough is a little artsy, a little historic, and full of small-town charm. It’s easily one of the best towns to visit in New Hampshire if you’re after a quiet afternoon away from the busier tourist spots.
Downtown is dotted with galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafés, making it a fun place to wander. If you’re a book lover, Toadstool Bookshop is a must. It’s a local favorite with a great selection and a friendly vibe.
For a dose of history, head to the Mariposa Museum, a small but fascinating place focused on world cultures. And if the weather’s nice, you can take a walk in nearby MacDowell Dam Park for some fresh air and peaceful views.
