3 New Hampshire Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

I was born in New Hampshire and lived there until I was six, when my family moved to Rhode Island. I fondly remember summer days with friends and family, farm visits, and day trips to Benson's Wild Animal Farm. While I was sad when I heard my favorite amusement attraction, Benson's, closed years after we moved, it has forced me to find other fun attractions to visit whenever I return to the Granite State. I was skeptical about visiting the following attractions due to their popularity, yet I had to see what the fuss was about. But are these must-see attractions in New Hampshire worth it? If you ask me, absolutely!

1. Canobie Lake Park, Salem

I tend to avoid the most popular amusement parks, but with its lakeside location, Canobie Lake Park is hard to beat. Yes, it gets crowded, and lines may be long for riders to ride their favorite coasters or The Giant Sky Wheel, but with scenic lake views and the park's gardens, it seems so much more than an amusement park. The fun at Canobie Lake Park doesn't cease once summer ends—you can visit during fall for its annual SCREEEMFEST for some frightful fun!

2. Santa's Village, Jefferson

Yes, I know, another amusement park... and it's one I thought was overhyped. But I couldn't be more wrong. There are reasons why certain places are so popular, and Santa's Village is no different. But as someone who only likes to celebrate holidays during the season they are held in, would I enjoy a Christmas-themed amusement park during the summer? Absolutely! This classic New Hampshire amusement park is a festive, candy-coated fairytale village of rides, entertainment, dining options, and sweet shops, including one located in a building that resembles a gingerbread house. This place is special and will make anyone feel like a kid again. The summer season runs from June through August, but the park reopens in November and December for its Christmastime festivities. Buy your tickets now; this is one seasonal event you won't want to miss!

3. Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton

If you asked someone in New Hampshire what beach they were going to during the summer, chances are they would say Hampton Beach. After all, it's the most popular beach destination in the state, teeming with locals and tourists for some fun in the sun. While I typically dislike large beach crowds and avoid them during mid-mornings through the evening during the height of the season, visiting a stretch of sand like Hampton Beach early in the morning or the evening brings about a calmer experience when the crowds aren't there. The shoulder seasons are also fantastic times to visit this New Hampshire beach, and I'd have to say that's my favorite time, so I can walk the beach in solitude.

Have you been to any of these popular tourist spots in New Hampshire? Do you prefer hidden gems over popular tourist spots? If you have a favorite well-known tourist attraction, please share it with us when filling out our nomination form.

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