Conway New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Conway, New Hampshire.
1. Kancamagus Highway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Kancamagus Highway is a breathtaking scenic drive through lush landscapes with numerous pull-offs for viewing waterfalls, the Swift River, and the White Mountains. Travelers can enjoy short hikes, historical plaques, and picturesque spots perfect for photography along the route. The highway offers a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of New Hampshire throughout all four seasons.
2. Diana's Baths
CASCADING NATURAL WATERFALLS
Diana's Baths features a series of beautiful cascading waterfalls accessible via a short, easy hike through wooded trails. Visitors can explore various vantage points around these serene, multi-level falls that are particularly popular during summer months. The natural water formations create perfect spots for wading, photography, and enjoying the tranquil forest atmosphere.
3. Cathedral Ledge
DRAMATIC CLIFF OVERLOOK
Cathedral Ledge is an impressive 700-foot granite cliff that offers spectacular panoramic views of the Saco River Valley and surrounding White Mountains. Rock climbers are drawn to its challenging faces while casual visitors can drive to the top for easy access to the stunning vistas. The area features hiking trails at the base and observation platforms at the summit for safe viewing of the dramatic landscape below.
4. Cranmore Mountain Resort
FOUR-SEASON MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
Cranmore Mountain Resort is a popular destination offering skiing and snowboarding during winter months and a variety of warm-weather activities during summer. Visitors can enjoy scenic chairlift rides, a thrilling mountain coaster, and a comprehensive Mountain Adventure Park when the snow melts. The resort caters to all ages with its diverse recreational offerings including biking trails and family-oriented attractions.
5. Sabbaday Falls
ACCESSIBLE FOREST WATERFALL
Sabbaday Falls is a stunning three-tiered waterfall accessible via a well-maintained 0.3-mile trail suitable for most ability levels. The falls feature a series of cascades, pools, and a dramatic flume carved into the mountainside over thousands of years. Wooden walkways and viewing platforms allow visitors to safely appreciate the natural beauty of this popular White Mountain attraction.
6. Echo Lake State Park
SWIMMING AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Echo Lake State Park centers around a scenic swimming beach nestled at the base of sheer 700-foot Cathedral Ledge. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and hiking while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding White Mountains. The park also offers easy access to both Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge trails for those seeking more adventurous outdoor experiences.
7. Kahuna Laguna
INDOOR TROPICAL WATERPARK
Kahuna Laguna is North Conway's premier indoor waterpark featuring 40,000 square feet of tropical-themed aquatic fun regardless of outside weather conditions. The facility offers water slides, a wave pool, an adventure tower, a water basketball court, and a relaxing hot tub for visitors of all ages. This climate-controlled environment provides year-round family entertainment and serves as a perfect rainy day or winter activity in the White Mountains region.
8. Conway Scenic Railroad
HISTORIC RAILWAY JOURNEY
Conway Scenic Railroad offers nostalgic train excursions aboard vintage rail cars departing from a beautifully preserved Victorian train station in North Conway Village. Passengers can choose from various scenic routes through the Mount Washington Valley, including the dramatic Crawford Notch journey with spectacular mountain and valley views. The railroad combines historical preservation with stunning natural scenery to create a memorable experience for train enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
9. Story Land
FAIRY TALE THEME PARK
Story Land is a beloved children's theme park where fairy tales and nursery rhymes come to life through 21 themed rides, playgrounds, and interactive attractions. Young visitors can ride in a pumpkin coach to Cinderella's Castle, spin through a giant cuckoo clock, or tour a farm on child-sized tractors. The park has been delighting families for generations with its whimsical atmosphere and age-appropriate entertainment designed specifically for younger children.
10. Settlers Green
PREMIUM OUTLET SHOPPING
Settlers Green is North Conway's premier shopping destination featuring over 100 brand-name outlet stores offering significant discounts on retail prices. Shoppers can browse everything from high-end fashion and sportswear to home goods and specialty items in an outdoor village-style setting. The tax-free shopping experience makes this a popular destination for visitors looking to combine White Mountain recreation with retail therapy.
11. Schouler Park
CENTRAL VILLAGE GREEN
Schouler Park serves as the central green space in the heart of North Conway Village, perfect for picnics, frisbee games, or simply relaxing amid mountain views. During summer months, the park hosts free concerts and community events that bring together locals and visitors alike. The park's convenient location adjacent to the Conway Scenic Railroad station and Main Street shopping makes it an ideal gathering spot and starting point for exploring the village.
12. Zeb's General Store
NOSTALGIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Zeb's General Store is a charming throwback to classic New England general stores, offering thousands of unique products including specialty foods, toys, and New Hampshire-made items. The nostalgic atmosphere features creaky wooden floors, old-fashioned displays, and a remarkable candy counter that delights visitors of all ages. This North Conway institution has become a must-visit attraction in its own right, combining shopping with a memorable step back in time.
13. Santa's Village
CHRISTMAS-THEMED AMUSEMENT PARK
Santa's Village is a Christmas-themed amusement park where the holiday spirit is celebrated year-round with festive rides, attractions, and opportunities to meet Santa himself. Children can feed real reindeer, enjoy numerous holiday-themed rides, and cool off in the water play areas during summer visits. The park combines the magic of Christmas with traditional amusement park fun to create a unique family destination in the White Mountains region.
14. Mount Washington Auto Road
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN ASCENT
The Mount Washington Auto Road is America's oldest man-made attraction, allowing visitors to drive to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak either in their own vehicle or via guided tours. The 7.6-mile journey ascends 4,618 feet from base to summit, offering spectacular views and dramatic weather changes along the way. Upon reaching the 6,288-foot summit, travelers are rewarded with panoramic vistas that can extend up to 130 miles on clear days, spanning multiple states and even into Canada.
15. White Mountain National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS RECREATION
The White Mountain National Forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres of pristine wilderness featuring some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the eastern United States. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails, including sections of the famous Appalachian Trail, leading to waterfalls, mountain summits, and scenic viewpoints. The forest offers year-round recreational opportunities from summer camping and hiking to winter skiing and snowshoeing, making it a centerpiece of the region's natural attractions.