New Hampshire's greatest attractions are its natural beauty and numerous outdoor adventure opportunities. But that doesn’t mean this state isn’t packed full of history and culture. There’s plenty to keep you occupied here – from its colonial architecture to its famous covered bridges.
Make the most of your trip and take in everything the Granite State has to offer with car rental in New Hampshire.
Take a walk through history
Head to the colonial city of Portsmouth to experience local history. The wonderful Portsmouth Harbor Trail, which winds its way through the city’s historic waterfront, connects over 70 historical sites and scenic attractions.
Among the historic homes that are open to visitors along the route is 1716 Warner House, which has the oldest existing Colonial wall paintings. The 1758 John Paul Jones House is also a favourite, and was where the founder of the US Navy once lived.
Also in Portsmouth is the fascinating ten-acre Strawbery Banke Museum where you can wander through four centuries of history in this old port neighbourhood. Some of the museum’s houses have been restored and furnished to show life here at different times. There are costumed guides on hand to demonstrate cooking, crafts, and skills from various periods.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
New Hampshire is a nature lover’s paradise. At its northern tip is the Great North Woods Region - a spectacular area of lakes, rivers and forests where you can hike, fish and camp to your heart’s content. If you’re after a little more adventure, you can also go boating, ATV riding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and even moose watching.
The state is renowned for its stunning Lakes region. There are so many to choose from, but beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the best for its beaches and water sports. Spend an afternoon here, taking in the serene setting and planning where next to visit on your New Hampshire vacation.
Mount Monadnock in Cheshire County is thought to be the most-climbed mountain in the world. With 40-miles of trails offering great views, you could easily spend an afternoon taking on this climb alongside many other hikers.
If you want to reach a mountain peak without climbing, head to the Mount Washington Cog Railway in White Mountain National Forest. This Victorian-era railway winds its way up 6,000 feet to the top of the highest mountain in the northern Appalachians. On a clear day, you’ll have views across four states from the top.
You’ve got it covered
The region of Monadnock, in the southwestern part of New Hampshire, is famed for its picture-perfect villages and abundance of covered bridges.
Once a common sight across the United States, these now scarce structures are still an important and much-loved part of the state’s landscape. You can plan a scenic drive to all 54 of the state’s covered bridges in your car rental in New Hampshire. Visit New Hampshire website to download the New Hampshire Covered Bridges guide
Take the drive of your life
New Hampshire is stunning in September and early October - when its forests turn to dazzling shades of scarlet, orange and luminous yellow. Foliage trackers can help you decide when to catch this natural wonder at its peak.
One of the most spectacular drives at this time of year – or at any other – is the Kancamagus Highway, which climbs over the spine of the White Mountains. The winding road offers sweeping views across the area. Make sure you stop along the way, as some of the best views are not visible from the road. Two great scenic spots for a picnic are on the Swift River at Rocky Gorge and Lower Falls.
Explore the whole of New Hampshire from its beaches to beautiful fall colours in a rental car from Hertz.
