Looking for a classic New England getaway packed with history, charm, and culture? Head to Concord! As New Hampshire’s capital city, Concord blends a lively downtown, beautiful parks, and rich American history. Whether you’re into museum-hopping, shopping, or scenic outdoor adventures, Concord offers a cozy small-city experience with plenty of personality.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Concord is during spring and fall (May–June and September–October). Enjoy mild temperatures, colorful foliage, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals in these beautiful seasons.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Concord is easily accessible via Interstate 93 and Interstate 89, about 1.5 hours north of Boston.
  • By Plane: The closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), about 30 minutes south of Concord.
  • By Bus: Concord Coach Lines provides frequent bus service to and from Boston, Manchester, and other New England destinations.

Where to Stay

  • The Hotel Concord – Stylish boutique hotel downtown offering upscale rooms within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the State House.
  • Fairfield Inn Concord – Convenient, comfortable hotel with free breakfast and easy access to downtown and major highways.
  • Residence Inn Concord – Spacious, suite-style hotel perfect for longer stays or families traveling through New Hampshire.

Best Things to Do

Step Into Granite State History at the New Hampshire Historical Society

Step Into Granite State History at the New Hampshire Historical Society

© New Hampshire Historical Society

Established back in the year 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and sharing the history of the state of New Hampshire.

The historical society’s museum is home to thousands of photographs, maps, documents, books, and many other artifacts that help tell the state’s history to visitors.

The building itself dates back to 1911 and is considered to be one of New Hampshire’s best examples of architecture, featuring a Greek temple-esque exterior and sculpture. Visitors can see state memorabilia, nineteenth-century paintings of the beautiful White Mountains, Native American creations, and much more.

Address: 30 Park St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-228-6688

If You Love Politics and Architecture, Tour the New Hampshire State House

If You Love Politics and Architecture,  Tour the New Hampshire State House

© sframe/stock.adobe.com

The New Hampshire State House is New Hampshire’s state capitol building and is home to the Governor, the Executive Council, and the General Courts. Constructed back in 1819, the State House is the oldest in the United State of those where the legislature of the state still occupies the original chambers.

The New Hampshire State House houses the country’s largest legislative body. Referred to as “The People’s House,” visitors can take a self-guided tour of the building and its artwork and artifacts. Guided tours are often available as well.

Address: 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03303, Phone: 603-271-2154

Catch Indie Films and Community Events at Red River Theatres

Catch Indie Films and Community Events at Red River Theatres

© lapandr/stock.adobe.com

First opening its doors in 2007, the state-of-the-art Red River Theatre in Concord began as a project by the local community to create a place to show art house films.

The cinema features three movie screens and doesn’t show mainstream movies, but instead focuses on local movies and art house productions. Many people in the community have a special place in their hearts for the Red River Theatres and the cinema has become an important aspect of the cultural scene of New Hampshire. Guests can enjoy soft drinks and popcorn, just like most movie theaters, and other food at the Indie Cafe.

Address: 11 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-224-4600,

Pick Apples, Sip Cider, and Soak Up Views at Carter Hill Orchard

Pick Apples, Sip Cider, and Soak Up Views at Carter Hill Orchard

© Carter Hill Orchard

The Carter Hill Orchard in Concord is a family-owned and operated farm that consists of much more than simply an apple orchard. The grounds also include hiking trails, an on-site bakery, and a country store, as well as an observation tower that offers great views of the occasional raptor and the mountains of the New Hampshire region.

The fruit available to visitors at the Carter Hill Orchard, varies throughout the year. Depending on the season, the orchard has cantaloupe, watermelon, pears, plums, raspberries, blueberries, and over ten varieties of apples. Most of the apples are available in September and October.

Address: 73 Carter Hill Rd, Concord, NH 03303, Phone: 603-225-2625

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Experience Live Entertainment and Broadway Acts at Capitol Center for the Arts

Experience Live Entertainment and Broadway Acts at Capitol Center for the Arts

© Capitol Center for the Arts

One of the premier venues in New Hampshire for theatrical productions and concerts, the Capitol Center for the Arts is a non-profit performing arts center in the city of Concord that offers everything from comedy to Broadway shows, as well as family-friendly events, dance performances, and music performances.

The Egyptian-motif decorated history theater is known in the community for having some of the best volunteers, a friendly staff, and a high quality, eclectic mix of performances. Originally built back in 1927, the theater has since been modernized with air conditioning and more, yet still retains its original charm.

Address: 44 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-225-1111

If You’re a Space or Science Fan, Blast Off at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

If You’re a Space or Science Fan, Blast Off at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

© McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center was established in honor of two New Hampshire natives: Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard. The first was a high school social studies teacher who was chosen as the first teacher to go to space, and the second was the first American to go into space, as well as one of the few to walk on the Moon.

McAuliffe tragically died aboard the Challenger space shuttle. This interactive museum was designed to provide inspiration for future generations to “reach for the stars” and to provide a place for people to learn more about space exploration.

Address: 2 Institute Dr, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-271-7827

Sip Local Flavor and Learn the Craft at Concord Craft Brewing Company

Sip Local Flavor and Learn the Craft at Concord Craft Brewing Company

© Concord Craft Brewing Company

The Concord Craft Brewing Company is one of New Hampshire’s local craft breweries in the city of Concord, located within the historic downtown district.

The brewery is the city’s nanobrewery and visitors can find eight of the current brews on tap in the Concord Craft tap room, many of which boast names featuring political overtones, such as the Ballot Box Brut IPA. In addition to sampling the local flavors of beers in the tap room, guests can also pick up beer gear in the retail store or take a tour of the steam-powered, fifteen-barrel Concord Craft Brewery.

Address: 117 Storrs St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-856-7625

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Walk Through the Past at the Historic Home of President Pierce - Pierce Manse

Walk Through the Past at the Historic Home of President Pierce - Pierce Manse

© Pierce Manse

Pierce Manse in Concord is the former residence of New Hampshire native President Franklin Pierce, the country’s fourteenth president and only president from New Hampshire. Open year-round to the general public, visitors can take a guided tour of the historic house.

Inside of Pierce Manse, many objects can be seen from Franklin Pierce’s day-to-day life and guests can also learn about what things were like during the middle part of the nineteenth century. In 1971, the home was almost destroyed, however, a volunteer group known as the Pierce Brigade saved the property and transformed it into the museum that exists today.

Address: 14 Horseshoe Pond Ln, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-225-4555

If You Want Scenic Farm Vibes and Fresh Produce, Visit Dimond Hill Farm

If You Want Scenic Farm Vibes and Fresh Produce, Visit Dimond Hill Farm

© Dimond Hill Farm

The Dimond Hill Farm offers a place for relaxation, reflection, exploration, exercise, adventure, and natural beauty. It also provides a wide selection of tasty local products and produce, as well as one of the city’s best sitting porches. Visitors are welcome to come to the farm walking along the trails, take in scenic views, or just simply sit and relax. Guests at the farm can also pick their own berries, visit with a llama, and buy fresh berries, soda, and natural ice cream among other activities. The Dimond Hill Farm is also home to its very own labyrinth.

Address: 314 Hopkinton Rd, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-496-8218

Meet the Animals and Embrace Country Charm at Apple Hill Farm

Meet the Animals and Embrace Country Charm at Apple Hill Farm

© Janelle/stock.adobe.com

The Apple Hill Farm has been around for more than thirty-five years, establishing “pick-your-own” opportunities for apples and other small fruits in 1995. Visitors wanting to pick their own fruit at the farm will find apples from around Labor Day through Columbus Day, black currants and raspberries from the middle of July through early August, blueberries from the middle of July through the beginning of September, and strawberries from the middle of June to the middle of July. Along with the pick-your-own fruit, the Apple Hill Farm also offers a bakery and expansive modern farmstand selling homemade farm products.

Address: 580 Mountain Rd, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-224-8862

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Stroll Main Street Downtown – Explore boutique shops, coffee houses, galleries, and cozy restaurants along this vibrant, walkable strip.
  • Walk or bike the Merrimack River Greenway Trail – A scenic trail ideal for walking, biking, and enjoying nature right along the river.

Where to Eat

  • The Barley House – Cozy gastropub known for its award-winning burgers, craft beers, and live music downtown.
  • Revival Kitchen & Bar – Farm-to-table dining offering creative New American dishes with local seasonal ingredients.
  • Granite Restaurant & Bar – Upscale dining with refined American cuisine and a great cocktail menu, located inside The Centennial Hotel.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Market Days Festival (June) – Concord’s biggest summer festival with live music, food vendors, crafts, and street performers downtown.
  • Concord Multicultural Festival (September) – Celebrate Concord’s diverse communities with world music, food, and cultural exhibits.
  • Concord Christmas Parade (November) – A festive parade that kicks off the holiday season with floats, bands, and community cheer.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Concord, New Hampshire:

  • Canterbury Shaker Village (20–25 min) – Tour beautifully preserved Shaker buildings and learn about this unique community's history and crafts.
  • Bear Brook State Park (25–30 min) – Hike, mountain bike, or picnic at one of New Hampshire’s largest state parks with lakes, trails, and scenic forest areas.
  • Manchester, NH (25–30 min) – Visit the Currier Museum of Art, shop downtown, or stroll along the Merrimack Riverwalk.
  • Contoocook River Canoe Company (20 min) – Rent kayaks or canoes and paddle peaceful stretches of the river through scenic countryside.
  • Franklin Falls Dam Trails (20–25 min) – Hike or mountain bike on beautiful trails along the Pemigewasset River north of Concord.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Is Concord the capital of New Hampshire?
    • Yes, Concord is the capital of New Hampshire.
  • Is Concord a large city?
    • Despite being the state capital, Concord doesn’t have as large of a population as many might expect.
  • Are there things to do in Concord?
    • Yes! Concord still boasts plenty of day trip activities for visitors to enjoy.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The Centennial Hotel – A charming boutique hotel with historic character. Visit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center – Learn about space and aviation in this interactive museum.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Tru by Hilton Concord – A modern and comfortable stay with great amenities. Explore the Contoocook River – Kayaking and fishing opportunities abound.
Fall (September-November) – Stunning fall foliage and crisp temperatures. Fairfield Inn by Marriott Concord – A cozy and convenient option near downtown. Drive the Kancamagus Highway – Experience breathtaking autumn scenery.

Map:


Plan Your Trip