Visit Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, the Jewel of Lake Winnipesaukee
Wolfeboro is nothing if not a town with a rich history and a palpbably welcoming atmosphere. Situated along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is known as “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” offering a variety of activities that make it a pleasant destination in summer, fall and winter.
Downtown Wolfeboro Inns and Resorts
Wolfeboro area visitors wanting to stay in the heart of downtown can choose between lakeside history, a restored nineteenth-century estate, or a boutique landmark described below.
The Pickering House Inn, circa 1813, below left, is a landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and operates as a downtown boutique hotel. The property features ten spacious guest rooms, an intimate dining tavern, and a renovated nineteenth-century barn for private gatherings.
The historic Wolfeboro Inn, pictured at right below, located near the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, features 43 climate-controlled guestrooms with pillowtop bedding, a private beach area, an outdoor garden, and an authentic, on-site New England pub.
The Inn on Main, center, is set in a restored 1853 estate, offering contemporary rooms equipped with flat-screen televisions and modern climate controls, and on-site restaurant and a dedicated banquet facility within walking distance of local shops.
Other featured Accommodations Nearby
The pet-friendly Inn on Golden Pond in Holderness (pictured at left above), a country bed-and-breakfast near Squam Lake, approximately 32 miles from downtown Wolfeboro, is highly regarded for its spacious rooms, cooked-to-order breakfasts, and its ambience generally, is recommended for couples seeking a quiet base for exploring the Lakes Region.
The Center Harbor Inn, a waterfront hotel on Lake Winnipesaukee, approximately 23–25 miles by road from downtown Wolfeboro, with a private beach, docks, outdoor hot tub and sauna, is recommended for couples, boaters, and visitors who want lake access alongside their sightseeing.
Closer to home, the Windrifter Resort (at right above) about one mile from downtown Wolfeboro, offers comfortable, practical accommodations at its main campus beside Kingswood Golf Course. The Windrifter’s studios with kitchen facilities and its indoor pool are especially well suited for families and longer-stay guests.
Things to do in Wolfeboro
In the summer and fall, Wolfeboro provides multiple opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. The town’s lakeside location is ideal for boating, sailing, and kayaking, with public docks and rental services available. Perhaps the principal summertime attraction here is the opportunity to cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee on the M/S Mount Washington, pictured below left, and swimmers can relax at local beaches, such as Brewster Beach and Albee Beach, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake. For land-based activities, visitors can explore the Cotton Valley Rail Trail, a scenic path that’s perfect for walking or biking, offering views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
The downtown area is filled with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, making it a great place for leisurely browsing or enjoying a meal with views of the water. Cultural offerings include the Wright Museum of World War II, pictured at right, below, and the New Hampshire Boat Museum, center below, both provide insights into the region’s history and heritage.
Winter in Wolfeboro offers a shift toward cold-weather activities. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are well-maintained and provide serene routes through wooded areas and along frozen lakefronts. Snowmobiling enthusiasts can explore extensive trails, while ice skating and ice fishing bring people out onto the frozen lake. The town also hosts seasonal events, such as holiday markets and winter festivals, adding a festive touch to the colder months.
With its balance of natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural attractions, Wolfeboro is a town that welcomes visitors throughout the year. It’s a place where outdoor adventures and small-town charm combine to create an inviting destination for all seasons.
Wolfeboro is the home of a number of tourist-friendly dining establishments that showcase the town’s lakeside charm. View more Wolfeboro restaurant options here.
Among them, Marker 21 (pictured at right), a seasonal restaurant situated at the town docks is a favorite of Visit New Hampshire’s editors, and is highly regarded by patrons who frequently mention its second- and third-floor outdoor decks, which offer clear views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Garwoods Restaurant is recommended for waterside dining, offering its guests a pub atmosphere, a spacious lakeside deck, and options like burgers and local seafood.
O Bistro, located at the Inn on Main, offers contemporary American dishes in a relaxed setting, with guests consistently mentioning the quality of the food and the attentive waitstaff.
Driving to Wolfeboro is Easy.
Wolfeboro is located on the eastern shore of New Hampshire’s Lake in the picturesque Lakes Region near the foothills of the White Mountains. Wolfeboro is easily accessible by car from the following major cities, including Boston (100 miles and less than two hours), Hartford (about 200 miles and three hours0, New York City (about 300 miles and five hours), Montréal (about 450 km and four hours, and Québec City (about 550 km and five and a half hours). See driving directions below.