10 TOP Things to Do in Southern New Hampshire (2026 Activity Guide)

Silver birches amidst golden ferns in the New Forest, a national park and one of the largest forested areas in southern England.

The New Forest, a national park and one of the largest forested areas in southern England, in all its autumn glory.

Standing on the cliff edge on North Pack Monadnock looking south over the Wapack Range in southern New Hampshire

Have you ever stayed in a treehouse? If not, you should add it to your bucket list. It was such a cool experience! We found this one on Airbnb. If you ever find yourself in New Hampshire, you should check it out!

Photo credit: Emily Thomas

Here's the link to the treehouse https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/28368603?source_impression_id=p3_1560190994_wF3vaV3zLIRg%2BJKf just in case. :)

Whaleback Light is a historic lighthouse marking the mouth of the Piscataqua River between New Castle, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. It is located on a rocky outcrop offshore southwest of Fort Foster and south of Wood Island in Kittery. It is only accessible by boat.

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Most popular experiences in Southern New Hampshire

Tours & day trips

See all 16 activities

Jack Kerouac’s Lowell Self Guided Walking Tour

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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Mindful Forest Escape: Rebalance, reflect and connect

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Tea Blending

Free cancellation available

What to do in Southern New Hampshire

Popular places to visit

Hampton Beach

Enjoy freshly caught seafood, clean beaches and gorgeous views of the Atlantic at this oceanfront village that epitomizes small-town charm.

Market Square

You can learn about the history of Portsmouth with a visit to Market Square. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse after sunset. The lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located within Fort Constitution in New Castle, New Hampshire, United States.

Water Country

Enjoy an outing to Water Country during your stay in Portsmouth. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

The most beautiful view of New Hampshire. Our Anniversary Trip to Gunstock #TakeAHike

Gunstock Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes in Gilford with a visit to Gunstock Mountain Resort. Wander the lakeside and beautiful beaches in the area.

Canobie Lake Park

Bring the kiddos to Canobie Lake Park and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in Salem. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Seabrook Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Seabrook Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Seabrook. Visit the shops in this family-friendly area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

The Music Hall

Enjoy a performance at The Music Hall, a storied theater in Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Kittery Premium Outlets

During your trip to Kittery, you can enjoy retail therapy at Kittery Premium Outlets. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

Awesome area for photography and the autumn season makes it prefect

Pats Peak

Hit the slopes in Henniker with a visit to Pats Peak. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Areas of Southern New Hampshire

Hampton Beach

If you're spending some time in Hampton Beach, Hampton Beach and Hampton Beach Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Rye Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and churches in Rye Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at St. Andrew's-by-the-Sea or Jenness State Beach.

Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, The Music Hall and Market Square are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Manchester

If you're spending some time in Downtown Manchester, Palace Theater and Center of New Hampshire Expo Center are top sights worth seeing.

Portsmouth historic city center and Waterfront of Piscataqua River with Memorial Bridge panorama aerial view, New Hampshire, NH, USA.

Pease

While there might not be top attractions in Pease, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Red Hook Brewery and Fox Run Mall.

Strawberry Banke Museum, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA

West End

While West End might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like The Music Hall and Market Square.