Looking for love in all the wrong places? It’s time for a romantic New Hampshire getaway!
For such a small state, New Hampshire has more than its fair share of spots for those seeking a quintessential New England experience, no matter what season you choose to visit.
The ideal romantic getaway begins with the perfect setting, and these small towns in New Hampshire offer the ideal backdrop for adventurous couples.
From the stately White Mountains in the north to the Lakes Region and Seacoast, here are the most romantic getaways in New Hampshire for your next vacation.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is an enchanting town for couples and our favorite town in New Hampshire for a romantic getaway. We spent our 20th anniversary here and have been visiting in the summer ever since.
In Portsmouth, you can meander along historic streets, eat incredible food at cozy restaurants, and enjoy beautiful public gardens.
Portsmouth doesn’t even have to try to be hopelessly romantic, especially in the summer when the flowers are blooming, the downtown is festooned with twinkly lights, and outdoor patios are bustling with happy revelers.
Be sure to take an afternoon sail down the Piscataqua River in a gundalow, which is a replica of a historic sailing barge. If you love history, spend some time exploring Strawbery Banke Museum, and don’t forget to indulge in your favorite seafood on a patio with a view of the water.
Where to stay for a romantic getaway in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: We stayed at the Water Street Inn for our 20th wedding anniversary and absolutely loved it. This small inn is within walking distance from downtown and has a great view of the water. Room #7 is a studio apartment with a sitting area, a comfy bed, and a small kitchen.
Read Next: The Most Romantic Things to Do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Lincoln, New Hampshire
Lincoln, New Hampshire is best known as a family destination, with its small passenger railroad, mini-golf, and adventure courses, but we escaped here last summer for a romantic New Hampshire getaway and loved this mountain community.
Lincoln is the gateway to the famous Kancamagus Highway, a 34.5-mile stretch that can be driven in an afternoon. Pack a picnic, stop at scenic vistas, go for leisurely hikes, and swim in the river. This is the perfect romantic vacation for outdoor lovers!
Back in Lincoln, sip local craft beer at One Love Brewery, catch a show at the local playhouse, or schedule a spa treatment at Solstice North Day Spa.
Where to stay for a romantic getaway in Lincoln: RiverWalk Resort is within walking distance of downtown. It has a beautiful outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and an on-site winery.
Read Next: The Best Things to do in Lincoln, New Hampshire (summer and fall edition)
North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a small village in New Hampshire’s White Mountains at the other end of the Kancamagus Highway (east of Lincoln). North Conway is an ideal setting for adventurous activities in all four seasons and a beautiful destination for a romantic New Hampshire vacation.
In winter, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better ski town. North Conway’s own Cranmore Resort is just a couple of miles from downtown, with a variety of trails for skiing and snowboarding, plus night skiing and tubing.
During the summer and fall, visit Echo Lake State Park, where you can hike up to Cathedral Ledge for panoramic views of North Conway or spend the day relaxing at the beach.
Conway Scenic Railroad provides couples with scenic train rides through Crawford Notch and Mount Washington Valley.
The classic Victorian station in North Conway Village, plus the adjacent freight house and roundhouse, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offer one of the most authentic 19th-century railroad environments in New England.
Finally, if you enjoy tasting local craft beers while traveling, check out Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co., which is housed in a historic building in North Conway. This 174-seat restaurant and pub features locally sourced food and delicious brews.
Where to stay for a romantic getaway in North Conway: Escape to one of the six adults-only log cabins at New England Inn & Lodge, which feature jacuzzi tubs, a Bose sound system, a porch with rocking chairs, and most importantly – plenty of privacy!
Read Next: Plan the Perfect Weekend in North Conway, NH
Peterborough, New Hampshire
The small village of Peterborough is an artists’ community with lots of New England charm and one of the most romantic getaways in New Hampshire.
This town of just over 6,000 residents is nestled in the Monadnock Valley along the Contoocook River. It was founded in 1737, making it one of New Hampshire’s oldest towns.
If you visit Peterborough between June and September, be sure to catch a show by the illustrious Peterborough Players, a famous theatre company that has been putting on world-class productions since 1933.
A drive up Pack Monadnock in Miller State Park is the perfect afternoon date. This is the oldest state park in New Hampshire, and the 1.3-mile paved road leads to beautiful summit views. If you’d rather work for your view, then nearby Mount Monadnock (3,165 feet) will provide you with a strenuous four-mile hike with 360-degree views that will leave you breathless.
Both state parks suggest making reservations to guarantee entrance into the park.
For dinner, make reservations at Waterhouse Restaurant, which creates seasonal menus and daily specials from locally-sourced food. They maintain their own garden, which provides in-season vegetables, as well as meat from two local farms.
Where to stay for a romantic getaway in Peterborough: Riverhouse by Weekender is located alongside the Contoocook River and next door to shops, galleries, theaters, and restaurants of downtown Peterborough. With 17 cozy guest rooms, this makes an ideal romantic escape in southern New Hampshire.
Center Harbor and Moultonborough, New Hampshire
The towns of Moultonborough and Center Harbor are located near the northern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee and are surrounded by the Ossipee Mountains. You couldn’t ask for a more lovely setting for romance.
We recommend dedicating a full day to exploring Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area, which encompasses 5,000 magnificent, 30 miles of trails, and seven waterfalls (on Shaw’s Brook Walk).
The centerpiece of this magnificent property is the Lucknow Mansion, a 1914 Arts and Crafts stone and timber mansion. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.
The Old Country Store and Museum on Whittier Highway in Moultonborough has been operating as a store since 1781, making it one of the oldest in the country. Stop in for a taste of nostalgia, as well as maple syrup, cheddar cheese, and other gourmet goodies.
Rent a tandem kayak at Wild Meadow Paddlesports in Center Harbor and spend the day paddling the peaceful shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee while looking for loons, eagles, and other wildlife.
For romantic dining, make reservations at The New Woodshed in Moultonborough, where you can treat yourselves to upscale American fare in a warm and cozy setting.
Where to stay for a romantic getaway: Relax at Center Harbor Inn on Lake Winnipesaukee, where you can enjoy the view from a private balcony, rent kayaks for an evening paddle, or unwind in the four-season hot tub.
Jackson, New Hampshire
Spend a weekend in the majestic White Mountains surrounding the quiet resort town of Jackson, where every season brings opportunities for adventures. Jackson is just a few miles north of North Conway, but its smaller size makes for a more relaxed getaway.
In the winter, you can hop on the trails at the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation without ever leaving town. Whether you are just starting out or have been cross-country skiing for years, you will love exploring the 100 km of trails that includes sunny open vistas, serene woodland terrain, and challenging mountain descents.
For a bit of winter romance, make your way to Nestlenook Farm, where you can take a romantic sleigh ride or skate on a three-acre pond.
If you visit Jackson in the summer, hike the Iron Mountain Trail (5.6 miles round trip) for lovely scenery with fantastic views at the top.
As you meander around Jackson, you’ll want to stroll across the Honeymoon Covered Bridge, which spans the Ellis River in the center of town. This is one of the most photographed bridges in New Hampshire, and the perfect backdrop for a romantic selfie.
Where to stay for a romantic getaway in Jackson: If you’ve got lovin’ on your mind, you can’t beat the Wentworth, with its premier downtown location, onsite restaurant, and luxurious accommodations. Choose a deluxe room with either an indoor or outdoor jacuzzi and a cozy fireplace to set the mood for a relaxing night in.
Ready to enjoy the beautiful scenery in small-town New England? These romantic getaways in New Hampshire are perfect for adventurous couples looking for love!
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.