26 Exciting Things To Do in New Hampshire in 2026 (You’ll Want To Save This List)

Growing up in New Hampshire, I never considered making a bucket list of local activities. I guess I took for granted the fact that there were so many amazing attractions, gorgeous outdoor spaces, and unique destinations sitting right in my own backyard. I always thought there was endless time to experience all that New Hampshire has to offer, but now that I am an adult, I realize that life sometimes gets in the way of having fun.

Earlier in 2025, I planned to prioritize travel and check these incredible New Hampshire activities and experiences off my travel bucket list. While I haven't gotten through them all, 2026 provides plenty of opportunities to finish them off (and add a few new ones!). Are you also ready to cross more items off your New Hampshire bucket list?

1. Visit a Land Made of Ice – North Woodstock

A trip to the New Hampshire Ice Castles in North Woodstock is worth a visit every winter. This frozen wonderland, full of gorgeous sculptures and icy adventures, is simply spectacular. My family and I can't wait to experience the magic again this winter in New Hampshire.

2. Return to Skiing – Manchester

I took many a ski lesson at McIntyre Ski Area as a child, but it has been years since I've hit the slopes. This winter, I am planning to return to the mountain to join my kids for a day of skiing and tubing fun. I just hope I remember how to snowplow.

3. Take a Maple Sugar Tour – Bethlehem

There is nothing better than the taste of "real" maple syrup drizzled over pancakes or waffles on a cold winter morning. This year, I plan to go right to the source of the sticky goodness and embark on a New Hampshire Maple Experience tour at The Rocks in Bethlehem. I hope to learn about the process and sample some delicious syrup along the way.

4. Sleep in a New Hampshire Jungle – North Conway and Woodstock

It has always been my dream to go on a safari through the jungle, and it turns out I don't have to travel far to do so. At the top-rated Adventure Suites hotel in North Conway, a jungle-themed room complete with a hot tub, bar, and waterfall awaits my arrival. This safari-themed Airbnb in Woodstock is also wildly appealing—Lumen’s Nature Retreat offers several luxury safari tents with gorgeous views of the water and the White Mountains, allowing guests a chance to recharge in the beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness.

5. Spend the Night in a Caboose – Lincoln

Last winter, my family and I booked a stay in the Lil' Red Caboose Airbnb in Lincoln, and it was one of the best travel experiences of 2024. This cozy train car was probably my most unique stay yet. We had so much fun that we can't wait to return in 2026.

6. Gorge on Diner Food – Peterborough

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and I can think of nothing more enjoyable than eating eggs and sausage in a historic dining car. This year, I plan to try out the delicious Peterborough Diner. This historic 1950s Worcester Lunch Car serves a fantastic breakfast and lunch all week long. It's one of the best diners in New Hampshire.

7. Visit an Abandoned Zoo – Hudson

I have many fond memories of visiting the animals at Benson Park as a child, but sadly, this zoo is no more. Or is it? Although the park officially closed in 1987, several relics remain. This creepy trail through the old Benson property includes cages, signs, and even an old red shoe sculpture from the original park. This is one of the most fascinating abandoned hikes in New Hampshire.

8. Stay on a Working Farm – Hancock

While I don't think the city girl in me could ever live on a farm, I've always wanted to spend time on one. This is the year of the farm stay, and I have my sights set on the Glenrose Manor at Wolf Pine Hollow Airbnb in Hancock. A stay at this "FarmLuxe" property combines the experience of working farm life with deluxe accommodations. Now that's my kind of farming.

9. Hike with Pooh – Barrington

I've always been a kid at heart, and I still love revisiting children's classics. Winnie the Pooh is one of my favorite characters, and this year I am heading out to explore New Hampshire's version of the hundred-acre woods. The short, family-friendly Winnie the Pooh Trail in Barrington, made up of a dozen themed sites, makes the perfect spring hike for families and lovers of A.A. Milne.

10. Climb to the Top of Mount Monadnock – Jaffrey

Majestic Mount Monadnock will forever hold a special place in my heart, as it was the backdrop for my wedding ceremony. A trip to the summit of the mountain is one of the best hikes in New Hampshire, and this year is the year I plan to make the trek. Before I head out, I'm downloading the Alltrails+ app, so I don't get lost along the way.

11. See Some Cool Rock Formations – Salem

I've lived only about a half hour away from America's Stonehenge for almost my entire life, but have never made it to see this magnificent man-made marvel of stones. This unique attraction in New Hampshire is mysterious and beautiful.

12. Explore Diana's Bath – Bartlett

After all these years, I can't believe I still haven't checked the scenic Diana's Bath waterfall trail off my bucket list. This stunning hike may be only 1.3 miles, but it is one of the top attractions and best things to do in New Hampshire, no matter the time of year.

13. Motor Over to the Isles of Shoals – Portsmouth

I haven't visited the Isles of Shoals since I was a kid, but I would love to return as an adult. This beautiful group of islands off the coast of Portsmouth offers a scenic seaside oasis perfect for daytrippers as well as overnight guests.

14. Explore Some Caves – Rumney

A recent adventure to visit the caves at Loon Mountain has inspired me to put another fabulous cave exploration on my travel bucket list. In 2026, I am heading to the Polar Caves in Rumney to explore more mysterious caverns.

15. Take a Trip to a New Town – Harrisville

Each year, I try to visit a new destination, and this year Harrisville is on my radar. This picturesque New Hampshire town is filled with historic charm, scenic hiking trails, great eats, and an old-fashioned general store.

16. Head Over to the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park – Cornish

I recently learned about the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish and can't wait to visit. The historic site is one of only two National Parks in New Hampshire and is the former summer home of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. I'm bringing along my America the Beautiful Pass to gain free admission to the site.

17. Take an Iconic Train Ride – Mount Washington

A trip to the summit of Mount Washington via the Cog Railway has been a bucket list item of mine for many years. This scenic train ride is one of the most iconic attractions in the state. I've been warned that it can get cold on the top of the mountain, so I'm bringing my warm, fleece-lined winter coat to wear while I enjoy the gorgeous New Hampshire views on one of the best day trips in the Granite State.

18. Embark on a Terrifying Ride – Salem

Canobie Lake Park in Salem is one of my favorite amusement parks, and I have been hitting the rides almost every summer since I was a kid. This fall, I plan to experience Canobie in a whole new way and attend the park's frightening Screeemfest event. Hopefully, I will be brave enough to endure all of the terrifying rides and scary monsters.

19. Attend a Pumpkin Festival – Laconia

Halloween is my favorite holiday, and this year I plan to kick off the season with a visit to Laconia to attend one of the best festivals in the state, the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival. The 2026 event is in the works and scheduled for Oct. 21 through Oct. 24. Last year's event included a pumpkin pancake breakfast, a masquerade ball, a haunted maze, and pumpkins galore, and I'm sure this year will be just as spectacular.

20. Visit a Covered Bridge – Henniker

Years ago, my dad and I set out to visit every covered bridge in New Hampshire. While we only put a small dent in the list of 58 local bridges, we had a blast doing so. In the new year, I plan to keep plugging along, adding the Henniker Covered Bridge to the mix. This 1972 bridge is a sight to view all year, but is especially beautiful when surrounded by autumn hues.

21. Experience a Sled Dog Adventure – Gorham

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel has more than 80 dogs ready to give you the experience of a lifetime. Sled dog experiences are offered year-round at this one-of-a-kind, dog-run establishment. This family-friendly excursion provides you with a chance to meet some friendly pooches and take either a scenic ride (during the warm season) or a musher adventure in the snow.

22. Dine in a Former Church-Turned-Pub – Epping

Attending church doesn't typically make my annual bucket list, but this year I am making an exception. While I might not be spending a lot of time with the prayer books, I'm sure to enjoy some great pub food in this Epping church-turned-restaurant called the Holy Grail Restaurant and Pub.

23. Visit a New Hampshire Castle – Chesterfield

This year seems like a prime one to visit some striking stone structures in New Hampshire. The Granite State holds a number of castles perfect for exploring, from the ruins of Madame Sherri’s castle in Chesterfield to the Tudor-style Searles Castle in Windham. 

24. See the Lights at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway – Loudon

I have to admit I am not a huge fan of racing, but I have always wanted to view the stunning light display at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. The magical Gift of Lights display is one of the biggest and best holiday events in the state.

25. Get Festive at the Christmas Farm Inn and Spa – Jackson

I love the holidays, but sometimes the hustle and bustle of the season takes away some of the fun. This year, I plan to melt the stress away before the actual big day with a relaxing pre-holiday getaway to the Christmas Farm Inn and Spa in Jackson. I can't think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit than a stay at this festive hotel or a visit to its Christmas-themed restaurant.

26. Chop Down My Own Christmas Tree – Hampton Falls

By the time December rolls around, my family and I are usually so busy with holiday celebrations that we barely have time to venture to the local big box store to pick out our Christmas tree. I've always wanted to trek into the woods and chop down my very own tree, and this is the year to do so. I'm heading to Tonry Tree Farm in Hampton Falls to find the perfect evergreen.

Where do you plan to visit in 2026? If there are other unique or spectacular local bucket list items we are missing, please tell us all about them by nominating them. Wishing you lots of safe and exciting travel adventures throughout the coming year! Before you head off on your next trip, be sure to download Only In Your State’s AI-Powered Travel Planner to help you make it a truly unforgettable experience.