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History and culture interwoven with mountain lakes, snow-capped peaks and long, sandy beaches – there is nothing missing in our six tourism regions except palm trees

Two red rocking chairs sit on a porch overlooking a scenic view of mountains and forest under a clear sky.
Rocking Chairs on the Porch at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel & Spa on an Autumn Afternoon

If New Hampshire is known for anything, it might well be for what we, its residents, think of as the striking diversity of things to see and do within its four corners, all easily accessible, and for the most part, just a picturesque  afternoon’s drive from each other.

The Majestic White Mountains in the North, the sophisticated Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region in the west, the idyllic Lakes Region in the center of the State, and the historic Maritime Region along New Hampshire’s Atlantic coast, taken together, define the character of New Hampshire, yet they could hardly be more different, or more uniquely interesting, each in its own memorable way.

And, when our Atlantic beaches close, and when autumn gives way to winter, New Hampshire, which trails only Alaska in annual snowfall, comes alive with the best downhill skiing east of the Mississippi.  That said, the Granite State is more than just a winter playground between Christmas and Easter.   When the snow starts falling, the state’s rich history, and world-class museums remain just as present and just as accessible, and regular wintertime visitors know, that after a day of skiing or exploring, there is nothing quite like retreating to a quaint country inn, like the Sugar Hill Inn at right (which New Hampshire is well-endowed with), and warming up in front of an ancient stone fireplace while watching the snow pile up against the window panes.  

Large house and smaller building covered in snow, both with lit windows, located near a road at dusk in a winter setting.

In short, the White Mountains give the state its rugged, resilient backbone. The Lakes lend it a serene and nostalgic heart. The Dartmouth Region provides its intellectual and artistic depth, while the Maritime Region tethers New Hampshire to its historic, seafaring origins. Because these diverse landscapes are packed into such a compact, accessible area, a short vacation here never feels repetitive. 

Indeed, a visit to New Hampshire feels like a visit to an entire continent in miniature. 

Our Six Tourism Regions

The White Mountains Region
A snow-covered courtyard with a large building featuring a clock tower and illuminated windows at dusk. Two people walk in the foreground.
The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region
Aerial view of a lakeside town with buildings surrounded by trees, a road, and a dock extending into the water.
The Lakes Region
A gazebo in a park with large stone sculptures in the foreground, surrounded by trees and buildings in the background.
The Currier & Ives Region
Portsmouth Harbor Light
The Maritime Region
A large stone building with a gold-domed roof and columns, surrounded by trees and a lawn, under a clear blue sky.
The Capitol Region


New Hampshire’s six principal tourism regions, The White Mountains Region, The Lakes Region, The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, The Maritime Region, The Capitol Region and The Currier and Ives Region, are pictured above. 

The images, which portray the unrivalled diversity of the Granite State mosaic, are portals to much more information about each region.