New Hampshire offers a remarkable concentration of natural beauty and historical depth in a compact New England state. From the towering White Mountains and the iconic summit of Mount Washington to the serene shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and the pristine Atlantic coastline at Hampton Beach, visitors encounter dramatic landscapes at every turn. Portsmouth anchors the seacoast with its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and a thriving culinary scene, while the Lakes Region provides summer watersports and leisurely cruises. Fall foliage transforms the state into a mosaic of crimson and gold each October, drawing leaf-peepers from across the Northeast. The state's 'Live Free or Die' ethos permeates everything from its lack of sales and income taxes to its independent political culture.
New Hampshire lacks comprehensive public transit outside of a few urban corridors. Interstates 93, 89, and 95 form the backbone of road travel. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) handles domestic flights; most international travelers use Boston Logan (BOS, 55 miles south). Amtrak's Downeaster train links Boston's North Station to Dover, Durham, and Exeter. Regional bus services (Concord Coach Lines, Boston Express) connect key cities but do not reach most outdoor attractions.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download offline maps before entering the White Mountains — cell coverage disappears on most forest roads
NH-112 (Kancamagus Highway) has no gas stations for 35 miles; fill up in Lincoln or Conway before driving it
I-93 southbound between Salem and the Massachusetts border is heavily congested Friday 3–7pm and Sunday 4–8pm; depart earlier or later
Mount Washington Auto Road requires cash or credit card at the gatehouse; online reservations at mtwashingtonautoroad.com
During winter, carry a snow brush and keep a sand/salt bag in the trunk; NH roads are plowed quickly but conditions change fast