New Hampshire Tourist Attractions for the Young and Old

New Hampshire is not a small state when you start choosing destination to visit. Travel times can quickly devour precious vacation hours. There are a couple of options when planning a vacation. One is to choose an area that has a sufficient number of activities and interests to keep a family entertained for the length of the vacation. Then the plans focus on staying in that location with possibly a few longer visits scheduled depending on the desires of the vacation party. Depending on the length of the stay, another option is to start in one location and move during the stay to experience other venues.

The important items to consider when planning where to stay and what to visit are the interests, ages, and abilities of the people who will be on this vacation. Financial resources and budget are also concerns. Vacations can quickly become uncomfortable when guests are not engaged and enjoying the trip. This article on New Hampshire attractions is set up by types of attractions to visit. It is by no means a full list but a starting point to consider when planning a visit to New Hampshire.

Railroads are a Common Attraction in New Hampshire

Children and adults seem drawn to railroad exhibits and rides. New Hampshire has an abundance of opportunities for those who love trains. The most well know is likely the Mount Washington Cog Railway Line. This trip up the side of Mount Washington is a tradition people love and bring their own children back to enjoy. Just a caution it is a long ride to the top. This not the best of the railroads options for very young children. There is no real option for stopping if the child is not enjoying the trip.

In addition visitors can find rides by contacting the Conway Scenic Railways, the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, White Mountain Central Railroad, and the Hobo Railroad. The Winnipesaukee and the Hobo are run by the same company but located in different towns. Each line offers different schedules and lengths of rides. Check their websites for special events.

Mountain Roads are another Draw for Tourists

Two of the most famous hill climbs for drivers in New Hampshire are the Mount Washington Auto Road and Castle in the Clouds. The Mount Washington Auto Road provides Drivers with the opportunity to see Mount Washington from the summit without having to climb the mountain. Castle in the Clouds only allows you to drive to the Carriage House. That drive is interesting in itself. From there you take a trolley up to the Castle for a tour and a magnificent view of the area. Guests are given the choice to walk or take the trolley back to the Carriage House before taking a much easier drive back down to the bottom.

Nature Provides a Romantic Atmosphere

The natural beauty of New Hampshire is not to be denied. Castle in the Clouds and the M/S Mount Washington are both considered romantic destinations. Weddings can be arranged at both venues. A cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee on the Mount Washington can be a delightful way to spend an evening. Many of the evening cruises have a buffet and live bands. For those wanting a more family oriented activity, there are cruises with family themes and activities.

The Ocean is a Vacation

Unless you have a longer vacation and plan to move as I suggested above, visiting the seacoast in conjunction with these other venues can be challenging. Hampton Beach is a popular site to visit as is Portsmouth. These destinations can make for a great vacation weeks as solo locations. Many who live in Massachusetts find Hampton Beach a very reasonable day trip. So it can be planned as a separate activity, just make sure you consult the map while planning.

Children's Activities

Many hotels in the area cater to children providing activities and entertainment. There are standard attractions in the area that families do attempt to see even if it takes several visits to the area. These include Santa's Village, Story Land, Six Gun City, Whale's Tale Water Park, Polar Caves, and Lost River Gorge to name a few. There are also arcades and miniature golf attractions in a variety of locations.

Enjoy your visit to New Hampshire.