10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Concord, New Hampshire (Merrimack County)
If you’re planning a New England getaway,
Concord, New Hampshire is a friendly, laid‑back place that often flies under the radar. That’s actually part of its charm. It’s small enough to feel cozy, but big enough that you won’t get bored—especially when you include the rest of
Merrimack County in your plans.
Whether you’re driving up from Boston, road‑tripping through New England, or visiting family nearby, this guide will walk you through
10 fun things to do in and around Concord, NH.
1. Stroll Main Street & Explore Downtown Concord
Downtown Concord is compact, walkable, and full of character. It’s the kind of place where you park once and just wander.
What you can do along Main Street:
- Pop into local shops for books, gifts, and New Hampshire-made products.
- Grab coffee or a pastry at a cozy café and people‑watch from the window.
- Check out the colorful public art and murals tucked along side streets.
- Browse vinyl records, antiques, or quirky boutiques.
On my last visit, I spent an afternoon just drifting in and out of shops, chatting with owners. It felt more like a small town than a state capital, in the best possible way.
If you enjoy walkable downtowns with local businesses instead of big chains,
downtown Concord, NH should be near the top of your list.
2. Tour the New Hampshire State House
You can’t miss the
New Hampshire State House—it’s the striking granite building with the gold dome right in downtown Concord.
Why it’s worth a stop:
- Free to visit (always nice when you’re traveling on a budget).
- Guided or self-guided tours show you the historic chambers and artwork.
- You’ll learn how this small state runs its government with one of the largest citizen legislatures in the country.
Even if you’re not a “history person,” walking those old halls gives you a feel for New Hampshire’s independent spirit. And if you love photography, the building and grounds look great in photos, especially on a sunny day with that dome shining.
Tip: Check the schedule before you go—if the legislature is in session, you may even see state government in action.
3. Step Back in Time at the New Hampshire Historical Society
Just a short walk from the State House, the
New Hampshire Historical Society is a good stop if you’re curious about how this corner of New England came to be.
Inside the grand, stone building you’ll find:
- Exhibits on colonial days, the American Revolution, and early industry.
- Artifacts from famous New Hampshire residents.
- Maps, paintings, and old photos that show how the state has changed.
If you like museums that are manageable and not overwhelming, this one fits the bill. You can see the main exhibits in an hour or two, which makes it easy to pair with other Concord attractions on the same day.
4. Catch a Show at the Capitol Center for the Arts
Looking for something to do in
Concord at night? Head to the
Capitol Center for the Arts on South Main Street.
This historic theater hosts:
- Live concerts (rock, folk, classical, and more).
- Comedy shows and touring acts.
- Plays, dance performances, and film events.
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, and the calendar is surprisingly full for a small city. I’ve seen everything from tribute bands to stand‑up comedy here, and the sound and seating are both solid.
If you’re planning a weekend in Concord, it’s worth checking their schedule ahead of time. Snagging tickets to a show can turn an ordinary trip into something memorable.
5. Get Outside on the Merrimack River Greenway & Local Trails
Concord may be a capital city, but nature is never far away. If you like walking, running, or biking, you’ll find plenty of
outdoor things to do in Concord, NH.
A few local options:
- Merrimack River Greenway Trail (MRGT) – A developing riverside path with sections open for walking and biking. It offers peaceful views of the Merrimack River and easy, mostly flat terrain.
- Winant Park – Short hiking trails through the woods with some nice overlooks. Great for a quick hike after lunch downtown.
- Rolfe Park & other local parks – Simple, family-friendly spots to stretch your legs or let kids burn off some energy.
If you’re traveling with kids or just need a break from driving, these trails are an easy way to get some fresh New Hampshire air without committing to a big mountain hike.
6. Visit Canterbury Shaker Village (Just North of Concord)
About a 15–20 minute drive north of downtown Concord, you’ll find one of the most unique places in Merrimack County:
Canterbury Shaker Village.
This former Shaker community is now a living history museum where you can:
- Walk through preserved 19th‑century buildings.
- Learn how the Shakers lived, farmed, cooked, and crafted furniture.
- Join guided tours, hands‑on programs, and seasonal events.
The grounds are peaceful—rolling fields, old barns, and simple white buildings that feel a bit frozen in time. Even if you’ve never heard of the Shakers, you walk away with a real sense of their values: hard work, simplicity, and community life.
If you’re looking for
family-friendly day trips from Concord, NH, this is a great pick. Kids can explore the open space while adults dig into the history.
7. Relax by the Water at Lake Sunapee & Mount Sunapee
Want a classic New Hampshire lake experience? Head about 35–45 minutes west of Concord to the
Lake Sunapee area in western Merrimack County and nearby towns.
There’s plenty to do around Lake Sunapee and
Mount Sunapee:
- In summer, swim, boat, or take a lake cruise.
- In fall, enjoy some of the best foliage in the region—bright reds and oranges reflecting off the water.
- In winter, ski or snowboard at Mount Sunapee Resort.
- In spring, hike local trails with fewer crowds.
If you’re staying in Concord for a few days, planning one full day around Lake Sunapee is a nice way to mix city, nature, and small-town New Hampshire.
8. Hike the Peaks Near Warner and Kearsarge
If you’re the type who packs hiking boots in the trunk “just in case,” you’ll be happy you did.
About 25–35 minutes from Concord, in and around
Warner, you’ll find:
- Mount Kearsarge – A classic New Hampshire hike with big views for a fairly short climb. You can access it from Rollins State Park or Winslow State Park.
- Local conservation lands – Shorter trails that are great for families or anyone who doesn’t want a long, steep hike.
On a clear day from Mount Kearsarge, you can see mountains, lakes, and a whole sweep of New England landscape. It’s one of the best
outdoor adventures near Concord, NH and works perfectly as a half‑day trip.
Bring layers—the wind at the top can feel colder than it does in town, even in late spring or early fall.
9. Explore Local History in Hopkinton & Contoocook
Just west of Concord, the neighboring towns of
Hopkinton and
Contoocook feel like classic New England postcards.
Things to see and do:
- Contoocook Railroad Bridge – One of the oldest surviving covered railroad bridges in the country. It’s a great quick stop for photos and a short walk.
- Small-town Main Streets with historic homes and churches.
- Local diners and cafes where you can grab breakfast or a slice of pie.
If you enjoy exploring quiet towns with real New England character, this part of Merrimack County is an easy and rewarding side trip from Concord.
10. Sample Local Flavors: Breweries, Cider, and Farm Stands
No trip to Concord, New Hampshire is complete without tasting some local flavor. The area has a growing food and drink scene, especially if you like craft beverages.
You can:
- Visit local breweries in and around Concord for small‑batch beers.
- Try New Hampshire cider in season—especially in the fall.
- Stop by farm stands and roadside markets in Merrimack County for apples, maple syrup, jams, and fresh produce.
On one fall visit, I picked up a jug of fresh apple cider and a still‑warm apple pie from a small farm stand just outside Concord. It turned a simple drive into one of those perfect New England moments you remember long after you’ve unpacked at home.
If you enjoy slow, local travel, these small stops often end up being the highlights of the trip.
Planning Your Visit to Concord, New Hampshire
A few quick tips to make your trip smoother:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall is ideal. Summer is warm and green, while October often brings peak foliage.
- Getting around: Downtown Concord is walkable, but you’ll want a car for exploring the rest of Merrimack County—places like Lake Sunapee, Mount Kearsarge, and Canterbury.
- Trip length: Concord works well as a weekend getaway, but you can easily fill 3–4 days once you add nearby nature and small towns.
Whether you’re interested in
history, hiking, lakes, or local food, Concord and greater Merrimack County offer a nice mix without the crowds you’ll find in some other New England spots.
What Would You Do First in Concord, NH?
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these 10 things to do near Concord, New Hampshire sounds best to you?
- Are you more into downtown exploring, lake time, or mountain views?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you’ve been to Concord or anywhere in Merrimack County, I’d love to hear your favorite local spots and hidden gems.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a New England trip or thinking about visiting New Hampshire. It might be the nudge they need to add Concord to their travel list.
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