North Conway, NH Weekend Guide

By Kelley Boymer
12 Sep 2024
Jess Ann Kirby hikes in North Conway, New Hampshire with her pups.
views from the top of cathedral ledge state park

Voted “Best Ski Town” and “Best Small Town for Adventure” North Conway does not disappoint. North Conway, New Hampshire is a beautiful town in the White Mountains situated amongst the Mt. Washington Valley. Foodies and outdoor adventurers flock to this area for excellent hiking, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, delicious farm-to-table cuisine and more. There is so much to do and see, a weekend in North Conway, NH is the perfect getaway in New England. For the best of what to see, do and where to stay, read on for our North Conway Weekend Guide.

For more New England recommendations you might also like: 20 Things to Do In New England and 10 Farms to Visit in New Hampshire.

North Conway, NH Weekend Guide

Where to Stay in North Conway

North Conway has a variety of wonderful stays to choose from depending on your needs. Situated in the heart of the White Mountains is North Conway Grand Hotel. Dine with mountain views at Mountainside Restaurant and Tavern, enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, rejuvenating micro spa treatments and hiking, biking and exploring the Mt. Washington Valley.

For a romantic vacation, stay at Stonehurst Manor with 19th century glamour vibes, wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool baths and mountain views. Don’t forget to try The Wild Rose Restaurant during your stay! For those looking for ultimate relaxation in the White Mountains, book a stay at the Villa Hygge Scandinavian Boutique Hotel & Spa. Benefit from the beauty and relaxation of Scandinavian living at this boutique hotel & spa– enjoy nordic sauna, a Himalayan salt lounge, massage, yoga, facial glow treatments and more.

Where to Eat in North Conway

North Conway is the perfect place for culinary enthusiasts with so many delicious options to choose from. For breakfast enjoy some of the best bakeries nearby: Inspire Cafe and Cafe Monte Alto. Take a break from shopping at Settlers Green (outlets) and enjoy the great selection of restaurants. Flatbread Company is a great pizza stop. Try Peach’s for a yummy and easy-going breakfast or lunch. May Kelly’s Cottage is a great little traditional Irish Pub. And Delany’s is a fun sports bar with delicious sushi. Moat Mountain Brewery is also a great spot to grab locally made beer and some yummy pub style food including nachos, salads, burgers and more.

Things To Do in North Conway, NH

North Conway is a great escape for adventure enthusiasts, historians and those simply looking to enjoy the outdoors. Fall is a particularly popular time to visit, especially during peak foliage which is usually late September through October.

Cranmore Mountain Resort

Cranmore Mountain Resort is home to adventure in North Conway and the best place to visit year round for outdoor fun. Ski, snowboard and tube during the winter and enjoy mountain biking, outdoor concerts, apres events, scenic chairlift rides, and the mountain adventure park with something for every age during the summer.

Shopping

North Conway is a shopping destination for many with everything from quaint antique shops and bookstores on Main Street in the village to over 100 big name outlet stores in Settlers Green. There is a little bit of something for everyone in North Conway!

Drive the Kancamangus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 miles long scenic byway, rising almost 3,000 ft. in elevation. Most well known for the spectacular fall foliage but is truly beautiful any time of year. The Kancamagus passes passes through White Mountain National Forest, you can start your drive in Lincoln, New Hampshire and end in Conway.

the kancamangus highway in the fall
the kancamangus highway in the fall

Conway Scenic Railroad

Enjoy heritage rail excursions and scenic train rides through Mount Washington Valley and Crawford Notch at Conway Scenic Railroad. These scenic excursions are some of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of New Hampshire’s 4 seasons, especially during the fall foliage in North Conway. Book your excursions online!

Get Directions

cathedral ledge state park

A mile-long auto road leads to the top of 700-foot Cathedral Ledge where you’ll find incredible views of the White Mountains. It is particularly stunning during foliage season. There is parking at the top so you can get the views without walking. If you prefer, the park can be also be accessed from hiking trails at Echo Lake State Park. Once on the top, an accessible hiking trail leads to a view of the valley.

Waterfalls in north conway

North Conway and the surrounding area have some beautiful waterfalls and trails to explore. Put on your hiking boots and head to Diana’s Baths one of the most popular falls in the area, or Thompson Falls.

Covered Bridges

North Conway is home to 6 of the 66 covered bridges in New Hampshire. Take a tour of North Conway’s rich history by exploring the beautiful, historic covered bridges.

North Conway, NH Weekend Guide in the fall
fall foliage in north conway new hampshire

Saco River

The Saco River is a popular destination for many for its gorgeous foliage views, fly fishing, swimming holes and river floats through the Saco River Tubing Center and Saco Bound. Enjoy a serene day on the river with a fishing pole, kayak, canoe, SUP or tube.

Rock Climbing

For those looking to take their adventure to the next level, check out North Conway’s International Mountain Climbing School. Take rock & ice climbing, mountaineering, avalanche and outdoor training courses. Experienced rock climbers will love exploring Cathedral and White Horse Ledges.

New England Ski Museum

Skiiers and history buffs will love to visit the New England Ski Museum in North Conway. Preserving the history of skiing’s past at it’s best!

Schouler Park

Schouler Park is a central location for many exciting events and everyday activities in North Conway. Enjoy picnics, let your kids run free on the playground and during the summer enjoy special events like free concerts and 4th of July fireworks. During the winter the park has sledding and an outdoor public ice rink.


Adventure is waiting for you in North Conway, New Hampshire!

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