The Mt. Washington Valley is a four-season destination full to the brim with activities, adventures, and attractions for all to enjoy. Whether you seek outdoor recreation, relaxation, shopping, or dining, the nearby towns in Maine and New Hampshire offer something for everyone. Here are some of our favorites.
Alpine Skiing
The Mt. Washington Valley is a premier destination for alpine skiing in the winter. Choose from a variety of options including nearby Attitash, Wildcat, Cranmore, King Pine, Bretton Woods, and Pleasant Mountain.
Be sure to visit each mountain’s website for hours of operation and updated event calendars.
Cross-Country Skiing
World-class nordic skiing awaits here in New Hampshire. Explore the beauty of Jackson Ski Touring, Great Glen Trails, Bear Notch, and Bretton Woods.
Tubing
Tubing is a family-friendly activity full of fun that everyone can enjoy. We love the tubing hills at nearby Cranmore, King Pine, and Great Glen.
Shopping
North Conway is truly a shopper’s paradise. Whether it’s scoring amazing deals at nearby Settler’s Green Outlets or exploring the unique and independently owned shops in the village, we promise you’ll find items you love AND it’s tax-free!
Living Shores Aquarium
Explore the magic of the ocean in this 32,000 sq foot aquarium located in Glen, N.H. They even have an exhibit featuring adorable otters! Living Shores Aquarium is a great activity for a day where recreating outside just isn’t an option.
Dining
Here in the White Mountains, we have dining options galore. Whether it’s a visit to the quaint J-Town Deli in Jackson, N.H., sushi at North Conway’s infamous Delaneys, or a sit down fine dining meal at The Cider Company, we promise you’ll be delighted by flavorful local options. Check out The Valley Originals for more local recommendations.
The Cog Railway
If you love stunning scenery and trains, an excursion on The Cog Railway to the summit of Mt. Washington is an absolut must. You will not believe your eyes!
M&D Playhouse
Located at the Historic Eastern Slope Inn, the M&D Playhouse is a great place to catch a local production.
The New England Ski Museum
Explore the rich history of New Hampshire skiing at The New England Ski Museum. This beautiful and educational museum is located on the edge of Schuller Park in North Conway, and features exhibits as well as gifts for the skier in your life.
Story Land
Story Land is the best children’s theme park in New Hampshire, offering rides and entertainment to thousands of families with young children for over 65 years. The park is meant to appeal to children up to the pre-teen ages and features rides such as the Bamboo Shoots, Roar-a-Saurus, and Dr. Geyser’s Wild Ride.
Tubing The Saco
Spend a day meandering down the Saco River, enjoying its sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. Tubing and paddling on the river are popular summer activities in the area with multiple routes and trip lengths to choose from. Need gear? Saco Bound will have everything you need!
Golf
With over 100 holes of golf to play in the Mt. Washington Valley, each course offers a completely different experience including nine-hole games to 18-holes that will take you from courses set at historic grand hotels to others that cross historic covered bridges and vintage train tracks. We love Bretton Woods, The Eagle Mountain House, Hales Location, and the North Conway Country Club – but there are so many to choose from!
The Mt. Washington Auto Road
Experience the dramatic beauty of the Presidential Range as you journey to the highest peak in the Northeast when you drive yourself or take a guided tour along the 7.6-mile Auto Road featuring four distinct ecological zones. First opened in 1861, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is America’s original man-made attraction.
Santa’s Village
Enjoy exciting rides & entertaining shows at Santa’s Village. One of the ‘Top 25 U.S. Amusement Parks’ for 7 years in a row—#1 in New England—TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Admission includes all features for a full day, plus parking, strollers, and more. A tradition from our family to yours for nearly 70 years. Pure Joy. Family Style.
Mountain Biking
From beginner to seasoned expert, North Conway and its surrounding villages are a bustling hub for a variety of mountain bike trail networks. Explore the family-friendly trail network at Marshall Conservation Area, challenge yourself on the nearby RIDE NOCO network, or enjoy a day of lift-serviced riding at Cranmore Mountain Resort.
Hiking
There is enough hiking to last several lifetimes here in the mountains of New Hampshire. From easy and approachable to challenging and lengthy, our trails are full of adventure, scenery, and solitude.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is abundant in the White Mountain region of New Hampshire due to the abundant rivers and streams from which to choose. Popular destinations include the Ellis River, Saco River, and Swift River. We highly recommend hiring a guide to get the most out of your day.
Bretton Woods Canopy Tour
Take flight on this thrilling zip line adventure on the slopes of Bretton Woods. This adventure brings you through anetwork of platforms high up in the ancient hemlock trees connected by nine zip lines, two sky bridges, and three rapels!
The Fryeburg Fair
Founded in 1851, the Fryeburg Fair is Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic- an anual weel long fair featuring livestock, events, exhibitions, camping, and local vendors, is is not to be missed.