Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Conway, New Hampshire

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Conway, NH: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Cranmore Mountain Resort runs over 170 skiable acres, 57 trails and 9 lifts of its own, plus night skiing. Black Cap runs 2.5 miles. Northern Extremes Snowmobiling runs over 100 miles of guided trails through the White Mountains themselves. Settlers Green Outlet Village holds over 70 stores. Cathedral Ledge looks out over the White Mountains. That is the one you will photograph, and everything else on this page is what you do between visits back up to it.

You have decided to take a trip to Conway, New Hampshire, and you are wondering what to do first. Well, you are in luck, because this article has you covered. Outdoor enthusiast, keen eater, shopaholic or culture buff, Conway has your version.

If you follow the outdoors, you will be pleased to know that Conway sits among mountains, clean lakes and forest. You can hike to the top of Mount Washington, get into Echo Lake, or take a kayak down the Saco River. And if you come in winter, you can get on the slopes at one of the many ski resorts in the area.

Keen eaters, rejoice. Conway runs a long list of dining options to choose from. You can take farm-to-table cooking at Sherman Farm, order a wood-fired pizza at Flatbread Company, or take a pint of craft beer at Tuckerman Brewing Company. And stop by Zeb’s General Store for classic New England treats.

Key Takeaways

  • Conway, New Hampshire is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, shoppers, and culture buffs.
  • The area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and skiing.
  • Foodies will love the farm-to-table cuisine and craft beer scene in Conway, and shoppers will enjoy the unique retail experiences.

The Great Outdoors

Looking for fresh air and something to do? Conway, NH has you covered. From lookout points to mountain coaster rides, the outdoors here covers everybody. Here are the spots to check out:

White Mountains Adventure

If you want an adrenaline rush, head over to the White Mountains Adventure Park. This outdoor adventure park runs it all, from a mountain coaster to zip lining to a giant swing. It is where to get your heart going and come home with something to talk about.

Echo Lake State Park Fun

Echo Lake State Park earns the stop for anybody who came for the outdoors. With its clear water and the mountains standing behind it, it works for swimming, kayaking and picnicking. And check out the hiking trails that wind through the park.

Hiking on Black Cap Trail

For something harder, take the Black Cap Hiking Trail. This 2.5-mile trail opens out over the surrounding mountains and valleys, and gives you a chance at some local wildlife. Just bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.

Cathedral Ledge Views

Cathedral Ledge stands above the valley. The rock face looks out over the White Mountains. Climbers use it. Hikers use it. Falcons pass overhead.

Saco River Valley Explorations

Take a slow walk along the Saco River and let the country do the work. The river winds through the Saco River Valley, which gives you room for fishing, kayaking and tubing. And if you come in the fall, take the foliage while it is there.

So whether you want your heart going or simply want to sit and look at something, the outdoors around Conway, NH has you covered. Get out there and work it.

Winter Wonderland

Winter in Conway, New Hampshire lands the way you hope it will. With snow-capped mountains and the country under it, there is no end of things to do through the winter months. Here are the ones worth the cold:

Skiing at Cranmore Mountain Resort

If you ski, Cranmore Mountain Resort is the answer. With over 170 skiable acres, 57 trails and 9 lifts, the mountain covers everybody. Beginner or expert, there is a trail at your level. And the resort runs night skiing, so you can get on the slopes after the sun goes down.

Snowmobiling Escapades

If you want an adrenaline rush, snowmobiling is the winter activity for you. Northern Extremes Snowmobiling runs guided tours through the White Mountains, which gives you the area from an angle you will not get otherwise. With over 100 miles of trails, you have plenty of ground to cover.

While you are out on the snowmobile, check out Cathedral Ledge, a spot winter sports people come back to. The ledge opens out over the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it is where the photographs come from.

Whichever winter activity you choose, bundle up and stay warm. And if you want somewhere to stay, there are plenty of hotels in the area, the historic Mount Washington Hotel among them. So pack your bags, grab your skis or snowmobile, and get ready for winter in Conway, New Hampshire.

Foodie Paradise

Are you a keen eater? If so, you are in luck, because Conway, New Hampshire runs plenty of options worth ordering. From pizza to breweries to coffee shops, you will find something that settles you.

Pizza & More

If you want pizza, Flatbread Company is the answer. Their wood-fired pizzas are made with organic ingredients and cooked properly. And they run a strong selection of craft beers to go alongside.

Breweries & Wineries

If you drink beer, you will take to the breweries in Conway. Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. is a local favorite, with a broad selection of draft beers and pub food that holds up. If wine is more your thing, check out the White Mountain Winery. They run a strong selection and offer tastings and tours.

Coffee Shop Hopping

Looking for a caffeine fix? Conway has coffee shops to choose from. The Met Coffee House is a small spot with good coffee and pastries. Frontside Grind is the other one people go to, with a broad selection of coffee drinks and smoothies. And if you want something you will not find twice, check out The Met Underground. This speakeasy-style coffee shop sits in the basement of The Met and runs good coffee in a room worth sitting in.

Whatever your taste buds are after, Conway has it. So go ahead, take a bit more than you meant to and work through the food and drink this town runs.

The viewpoints here sort themselves out by effort. Cathedral Ledge is a drive and a short walk, and it gives you the panorama for nothing at all. Black Cap costs you 2.5 miles and hands back the mountains and the valleys. Echo Lake State Park gives you the water and the mountains together, at picnic-table level. The Conway Scenic Railroad does the work for you and moves the view past the window. Pick by how much of it you want to earn.

Retail Therapy

Are you a shopaholic? Do you like turning up a good deal? Well, you are in luck, because Conway, New Hampshire runs some of the strongest tax-free shopping in the state. Get ready to flex your credit card.

Settlers Green Shopping

First up, Settlers Green Outlet Village. This shopping center is where the bargain hunters go. With over 70 outlet stores, you will find something that catches your eye. From Banana Republic to Ralph Lauren to Eddie Bauer, they have it. And the outdoor shopping center is well landscaped, which makes the walking part easy.

Yankee Candle Hunt

If you burn candles, check out Yankee Candle. This store is built for anybody who likes scented candles and home decor. They run a broad range of scents and sizes, so you will find the one for your house. And their seasonal collections land every time.

Under Armour & More

Last of all, the Under Armour store. This is where to stock up on workout gear and athletic apparel. They run a strong selection of clothing and accessories for men and women. And that is not all, because Nike and Adidas sit nearby for more options.

So there you have it, folks. Outlet shopping or specialty stores, Conway covers both. Get your shopping bags ready and hit the stores.

Local Culture & Landmarks

Looking for local culture and landmarks? Conway, New Hampshire is the answer. Here are the attractions that show you what this town is actually made of.

Conway Scenic Railroad Journey

All aboard. Take a scenic journey through the New Hampshire countryside on the Conway Scenic Railroad. This historic train runs a range of excursions, from a slow ride through the valley to a climb up Mount Washington. Along the way you get the White Mountains through the window and the chance to learn the area’s railroad history. And with special events such as the Murder Mystery Dinner Train and the Santa Express, the railroad covers everybody.

Story Land Visit

For a family day, head to Story Land. This theme park is filled with rides, shows and attractions built out of classic children’s stories. Take a spin on the antique carousel, meet your favorite fairy tale characters, or cool off on the Bamboo Chutes water ride. With options for little ones and adults both, Story Land earns the stop in Conway.

Mount Washington Observatory Discovery

If you follow science and meteorology, do not miss the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center. This interactive museum runs hands-on exhibits on weather and climate. Learn the tools used to measure and predict weather patterns, and see how Mount Washington’s position makes it a site of extreme weather. With exhibits on everything from hurricanes to snowflakes, the Weather Discovery Center is a good stop on any Conway itinerary.

History buff, nature lover, or somebody simply after a family day, Conway covers all three. So get on a train, work a theme park, or learn the weather, the choice is yours.

Unique Experiences

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Conway, New Hampshire runs experiences that make the trip stick. Here are our favorites:

Kahuna Laguna Fun

Looking for a way to cool off on a hot summer day? Kahuna Laguna is the answer. This indoor water park is where to splash around for an afternoon. With a giant wave pool, water slides and a lazy river, the range covers everybody. And the park opens year-round, so the weather outside does not matter.

Moose Tour Excitement

If you want to get close to some of Conway’s better-known residents, a moose tour is the way. These creatures are hard to spot on your own, but with a guide who knows the ground, your odds go up a long way. And you might get lucky and see a whole family of them.

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Exploration

If you want something lower-key, a visit to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is the answer. This organization is dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional crafts, and their gallery is full of handmade work. From pottery to jewelry to textiles, the range covers everybody. And if you want a souvenir nobody else will have, the gift shop has plenty.

Whatever your interests, Conway has something for them. So why not try something new and come home with more than photographs?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to conquer Mount Washington Valley?

Well, you could try scaling the mountain with your bare hands, but we would not recommend it. Instead, take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway. You get the White Mountains without risking life and limb. And you can stop at any of the numerous overlooks and take photographs worth sending home.

What are some family-friendly activities in North Conway, NH?

Looking for something the whole family can do? Head over to the Conway Scenic Railroad and take a ride on a vintage train. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, check out the Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park. You can zip-line, ride a roller coaster, and try your hand at a ropes course. Just bring your sense of adventure.

Want to warm up this winter? Check out these things to do in North Conway, NH!

Winter in New Hampshire runs hard, but that does not mean you have to stay indoors all day. Bundle up and get on the slopes at one of the many ski resorts in the area, such as Attitash Mountain Resort or Wildcat Mountain. Or, if you do not ski, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. And if all else fails, there is always hot cocoa by the fire. Cheers to a warm winter.

Frequently asked questions about Conway, New Hampshire

Which trail or ledge near Conway actually gives you the photograph?

Cathedral Ledge, which is a drive up and then a short walk out to a panorama of the whole of the White Mountains. Rock climbers use it and falcons pass overhead above the top. The Black Cap Hiking Trail runs 2.5 miles and opens out over the mountains and the valleys down below. Go up early.

Is Echo Lake State Park worth giving over a whole afternoon to?

It takes swimming, kayaking and picnicking, with the mountains standing behind the water the whole time you are there. Trails wind through it. The Saco River is the other water, and it takes fishing, kayaking and tubing besides all of that. Come in fall for the foliage over it.

What is there to do around Conway when the weather turns?

Kahuna Laguna is an indoor water park with a wave pool, water slides and a lazy river, and it opens all year round. Settlers Green Outlet Village holds over 70 stores and the shopping there is entirely tax-free. The Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center is the one that will actually teach you something. Story Land for the children.

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