Best Places of the Lakes Region
2025's Best Places of New Hampshire, brought to you by the NH Magazine Editorial Team, includes 124 eclectic stops, local treasures and hidden gems throughout the state
Looking for an opportunity to get out and explore the Granite State, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Our curated “choose your own adventure” guide gives you the map to food, adventure, shopping, nightlife and culture spots in each region so that you can create your own getaway (our list is just the jumping off point!), discover hidden gems and well-known favorites, make new memories and fall in love with our beautiful state and the people within it all over again.
Best Places of the Seacoast
Best Places of the Monadnock Region
Best Places of the Merrimack Valley
Best Places of the Dartmouth/ Lake Sunapee Region
Best Places of the Great North Woods
Best Places of the White Mountains
The Lakes Region is beloved for a reason. As New Hampshire’s summer hot spot, there’s plenty of fun to be had by all. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a night owl, a live music aficionado or an indoor person, this region is all about relaxation and letting the good times roll.
Adventure:
Mt. Washington Scenic Cruise • Weirs Beach, Laconia
Have a meal or take a relaxing scenic tour of Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount
Washington. cruisenh.com
Cotton Valley Rail Trail • Wolfeboro
Enjoy the natural wonder of the Lakes Region by biking or walking this 12-mile rail trail. cottonvalleyrailtrail.org
SUP-NH Paddleboard • Alton Bay
Explore Alton Bay on a leisurely outing on the water. With New Hampshire’s most experienced paddleboard company, you can rent stand-up paddle boards for a build-your-own adventure, or you can book a lesson or tour and learn more about paddle boarding and the lakes with a professional. If you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, they even offer a Paddle with Pups program! supnh.com
Shopping:
Full Circle Vinyl • Meredith
Music lovers of all ages flock to Full Circle Vinyl. With oldies and new releases, this record store has everything, including the nostalgia of flipping through record boxes. They even have creative gifts, like vinyl coasters, earrings and bowls for the vinyl lover in your life. If you’re looking to offload some of your records, they buy collections. fullcirclevinyl.com
Chaos & Kindness • Laconia
This brand is all about promoting kindness, being yourself and lifting others up. chaosandkindess.store
Rise • Meredith
Shop sustainably at this curated, chic resale boutique. shopriseboutique.com
Food:
The Wicked Loon • Wolfeboro
At Wolfeboro’s newest fine dining establishment, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal in an environment that is upscale, yet approachable. With flavors that reflect the abundance of the region and creative cocktails that enhance your meal, you’ll want to try everything on the menu. thewickedloon.com
Beans and Greens Farm • Gilford
Farm-fresh café fares, along with a pizza wagon and taco truck. beansandgreensfarm.com
Water Street Café • Laconia
Explore the road less traveled at this off-the-beaten-path café for a hearty breakfast and refreshing lunch. waterstreetcafenh.com
Staycation:
The NASWA Resort • Laconia
Bring the kids (and dog) for a fun weekend away on the lake. Enjoy s’mores on their private beach, paddleboard or swim your stresses away. naswa.com
Sutton House Bed & Breakfast • Center Harbor
Located in the middle of Center Harbor, this Victorian B&B is the perfect spot to get away and be taken care of as you stay in, or a home base as you explore the abundance the region has to offer. sutton-house.com
Nightlife:
The Big House • Weirs Beach
You can dance the night away at this storied nightclub. Enjoy beachfront views, great music and an even better vibe. Whether they’re hosting a live band, having a karaoke night, or have a DJ spinning your favorite songs, The Big House always offers a night you won’t forget. Plus, they’re open until 2 a.m. bighousenightclub.com
Great Waters • Wolfeboro Area
Live music at some of the region’s most scenic spots with a lineup that will keep you singing and dancing all summer long. greatwaters.org
Hermit Woods Winery • Meredith
If you’re looking for great music in an even better location, look no further than Hermit Woods Winery. hermitwoods.com
Culture:
The Colonial Theatre • Laconia
See concerts, touring performances, speakers and more at this lovingly restored historic theater. coloniallaconia.com
Lakes Region Art Association Gallery • Tilton
At this centrally located artist’s hub, you can see the works of dozens of local artists. You can peruse the gallery, see the works of the current “Artists of the Month,” attend an art talk and take classes. The LRAA has been around since the 1940s, and they’ve been nurturing and inspiring local artists and visitors ever since. lakesregionartgallery.org
Makers Mill • Wolfeboro
From fiber arts to Cricut tutorials to metal shop and more, your creativity has no bounds at the Makers Mill. makersmill.org
