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Discover Moultonborough, New Hampshire: Lakeside Scenery, Historic Sites, and Outdoor Experiences

A large stone building with red roofs sits atop a forested hill, surrounded by autumn foliage, with mist and distant hills in the background.
Moultonborough’s Castle in the Clouds, a scenic hillside estate with sweeping views of the Lakes Region.

Though it is located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Moultonborough’s principal tourism attraction is the rather mountainous Castle in the Clouds, pictured above, a beautiful historic estate nestled in the Ossipee Mountains, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.  Visitors can explore the charming 1914 mansion, walk scenic nature trails, and enjoy a relaxing day immersed in New Hampshire’s rich history and natural beauty. 

The Town of Moultonborough, however, is a quiet community of about 4,000, located on Lake Winnipesaukee, and near Squam Lake (where the classic film, On Golden Pond was filmed), with easy access to Castle in the Clouds, one of New Hampshire’s tourism icons.  Moultonborough  is recommended for families, couples, and outdoor-oriented visitors who come to the Lakes Region for lake views, scenic drives, hiking, and a relaxed base for exploring the Lakes Region area.

Moultonborough, New Hampshire area Inns and Hotels.

A two-story house with lit windows and outdoor lights at dusk, featuring a covered porch, green shutters, and surrounding shrubs.
The Squam Lake Inn
A waterfront view of several boats docked near quaint houses surrounded by trees, with a decorative metal railing in the foreground.
The Wolfeboro Inn
Two neatly made double beds with white bedding, a small nightstand with a lamp and plant, and a blue accent wall in a modern bedroom.
The Moultonborough Inn
More Hotels in the Moultonborough area

The Squam Lake Inn is a charming, highly rated, family-owned bed and breakfast in Holderness, about four  miles from the center of Moultonborough and just a short walk from Squam.  The Inn offers its guests stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, complimentary breakfasts , and a quiet setting that is well-suited for couples and families. 

The comparatively affordable Wolfeboro Inn is a historic lakeside hotel on Lake Winnipesaukee in the center of Wolfeboro’s village, 18 miles from the center of Moultonborough.  Visit New Hampshire considers the Wolfeboro Inn a notable value, offering its guests comfortable rooms and suites, a private beach, and easy walking access to shops, restaurants, and waterfront activities. 

The Moultonborough Inn is a renovated Lakes Region lodge located about three miles from the center of Moultonborough,  with 27 rooms, private entrances, kitchenettes, that  works well for guests who want a simple, comfortable, affordable stay near Lake Winnipesaukee.   

Things to do near Moultonborough

A white passenger cruise boat named Mount Washington sails on a lake at sunset, with people on board and mountains in the background.
M/S Mount Washington Cruises
A large stone building with red roofs sits atop a forested hill, surrounded by autumn foliage, with mist and distant hills in the background.
The Castle in the Clouds
A military tank is displayed indoors next to informational panels and a large U.S. flag hanging on the wall behind it.
The Wright museum of World War II
More things to do in the Moultonborough area

The Wright Museum of World War II in nearby Wolfeboro focuses on the everyday experiences of Americans during the war, using personal artifacts, photographs, and interpretive exhibits. Its galleries provide historical context while highlighting how national events shaped daily life on the home front.  

The Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough is a historic estate featuring a preserved 1914 mansion set within a large conservation area. Visitors can tour the residence and explore surrounding trails that offer views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains.

The M/S Mount Washington cruises operate on Lake Winnipesaukee from Wolfeboro and Weirs Beach, offering narrated excursions that connect visitors with the region’s history and geography. The cruises provide a relaxing way to see lakeside towns, islands, and seasonal scenery from the water.

Visitor-Friendly Dining Options in Moultonborough

The Carriage House Restaurant (at Castle in the Clouds): Perched high above the town, this unique gem allows you to dine inside historic, converted horse stalls or out on a terrace featuring some of the most breathtaking, panoramic lake views in New Hampshire. It is the perfect tourist-friendly stop to enjoy a fresh, delicious lunch and signature cocktail right alongside a tour of the famous Lucknow Mansion.  

The New Woodshed: This beloved Lakes Region tradition beautifully pairs rustic, historic charm with an exceptional fine dining menu focused on prime steaks and fresh seafood. Visitors love the cozy, welcoming ambience of the main barn for a special dinner, while the lively pub section (“The Shed”) offers a relaxed space to unwind after a day on the water. 

Lemongrass Restaurant & Sake Bar: A fantastic choice for families and foodies alike, this vibrant spot stands out in the area for its exceptional, fresh Asian Fusion cuisine and extensive sake selection. The welcoming atmosphere and creative menu—incorporating locally sourced ingredients whenever possible—make it a consistently popular and highly rated destination for visitors.

Driving to Moultonborough is easy.

29 minutes from Wolfeboro
2:32 from Boston
23 minutes from Squam Lake
1:39 from Hanover
17 minutes from Meredith
3:14 from Hartford