Concord, New Hampshire’s capital and second-largest city, is known in the Granite State for its agreeable blend of history and charm. Our capital city is conveniently located between Manchester and the White Mountains (MAP), and as such, it is an ideal lunch stop and starting point for broader New Hampshire visits.
Where to Sleep
What to Do
Where to Eat
Visitors can explore Concord’s history by strolling down Main Street, which features the historic New Hampshire State House, the oldest state capitol in the United States where the legislature still meets in its original chambers.
Space enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, pictured in the center, above, which features fascinating space exploration exhibits and a planetarium and may be Concord’s principal family attraction. Indeed, it is one of the top attractions in New Hampshire. And the architecturally stunning New Hampshire Supreme Court is a must-see attraction for any New Hampshire resident with a passing interest in the law.
History lovers will appreciate attractions like the Pierce Manse, home of Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. President, and the expansive New Hampshire Historical Society Museum, located across the street from the State House, which showcases the state’s fascinating heritage, and has something of interest for every visiting in-state or out-of-state family.
Concord also offers several engaging options for art enthusiasts, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Gallery which displays locally made art as well as an impressive collection of public art.
Driving to Concord is Easy
We think of Concord as an especially interesting day-trip option for New Hampshire residents and families, or easily combined with Manchester for a weekend overnight trip option.
Concord is located at the crossroads of New Hampshire near the intersection of I-93 and I-89, about an hour’s drive from 80% of New Hampshire’s population, and easily drivable via I-89 from Hanover and Lebanon, via Route 101 and I-93 or via Route 4 from the New Hampshire Seacoast. Click on the driving directions below for more details about driving from Keene, North Conway, Portsmouth, and the Upper Connecticut Valley, below.