Road Trip to North Conway, N.H.

North Conway may have recently been crowned the best ski town in a 2024 USA Today poll, but this cozy village in northeast New Hampshire makes for a great road trip destination throughout the year. Long after the snow melts, visitors can enjoy majestic views of the White Mountains, unbeatable deals at North Conway outlet stores and adventurous outdoor fun. 

Things to Do in North Conway

Scenic Drives

North Conway is surrounded by rugged terrain for hiking, but there are also less strenuous ways to enjoy the region’s sweeping vistas. The scenic Kancamagus Highway, also known as New Hampshire Route 112 or simply “the Kanc,” passes through the heart of the White Mountains and is a favorite road for leaf peepers in the fall. Stops along the highway offer opportunities for photos and information about the region’s history.

Train Rides

Train fans will enjoy the Conway Scenic Railroad, which offers two train tours to see the splendor of the White Mountains and experience the golden age of rail travel. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a bit more vertical rail experience, climbing Mount Washington — the highest peak in the northeastern U.S. — and allowing passengers to ascend three climate zones in less than an hour. Seasonally, travelers can also take the Mount Washington Auto Road to the summit and earn the ubiquitous bumper sticker.

Outdoor Adventures

North Conway offers many outdoor adventures, both for trail runners and for strollers. The mountain-fed cascading falls of Diana’s Baths are stunning, and accessible by a relatively flat gravel path, but also offer opportunities for light bouldering. Nearby, Echo Lake State Park offers easy and moderate hiking paths, and is also a great place for a family picnic or swim in the summer.

Mountain bikers can enjoy some 1,200 miles of trails in the area, and there are local outfitters for renting a bike and gear needed for the bumpy rides. For tubing and kayaking, the nearby Saco River beckons, and North Conway’s Northern Extremes outfitters can provide rentals, while other area outfitters can provide rentals and tours, as well. 

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Outdoor and Indoor Family Fun

Younger outdoor enthusiasts might especially enjoy Mountain Adventure Park. This attraction was created by Cranmore Mountain Resort to offer attractions when the ski season is over. Here, families can enjoy a mountain coaster, a zipline and a giant swing in the warmer months. A short drive from North Conway lies the magical world of Story Land, a storybook theme park for little ones. Think of it as a starter theme park for small children who may find Six Flags a bit much.

Ski destination communities often have indoor attractions year-round. North Conway is home to Kahuna Laguna, New Hampshire’s largest indoor water park. This park offers 40,000 square feet of water slides, a lazy river and splashing fun for all ages. The M&D Playhouse hosts live theater and music year-round and stages a full slate of crowd-pleasing shows in the summer.

If you time it right, you can marvel at the intricate locomotive world created and maintained by the North Conway Model Railroad Club on the grounds of the Conway Scenic Railroad; this attraction is run by volunteers, so check the website for hours before visiting. History buffs may want to pop into the local branch of the New England Ski Museum in North Conway, which offers a glimpse into New England’s storied skiing history.

Shopping

The Granite State levies no sales tax, making it a popular destination for shoppers. North Conway outlet stores are a favorite for those seeking bargains on high-end name brands. Settlers Green and Settlers Crossing offer dozens of nationally known stores for hours of endless shopping opportunities.

Be sure to visit some of the quirkier, local shops dotting the village. A favorite for visitors is Zeb’s General Store, which welcomes visitors with old-time charm and a mouthwatering candy counter.  

Dining

After a day of exploring, North Conway restaurants stand ready to feed hungry travelers. Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub is a popular eatery with a large outdoor patio. For something more intimate, Peach’s Restaurant serves creative breakfasts and lunches in a homestyle setting. If you see a yellow flag outside a restaurant, it means the restaurant is a Valley Original, one of the region’s signature restaurants with a reputation for great food and service.

Although it is known as an unforgettable ski town, North Conway is like a new destination for visitors to explore with each passing season.

North Conway Hotels

If you are looking for places to stay in North Conway, consider the newly opened Cambria Hotel North Conway and the award-winning Comfort Inn & Suites. Both lodgings are AAA Three Diamond designated and offer a comfortable basecamp central to the area’s activities, with many family-friendly amenities. While both have pools, Cambria Hotel North Conway also has a restaurant on site, while the Comfort Inn & Suites sits just steps away from a popular mini-golf course.

See what fun your road trip uncovers. Plan your North Conway getaway today.

Featured image: Photo courtesy of Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.