Planning a Trip to North Conway, NH

North Conway is one of my favorite places in the world. A small town nestled in the White Mountains – my family visits every year. Summers are great for rivers, lakes and hiking. Fall features some of New England’s premier foliage, winter turns North Conway into one of my favorite ski towns. This is my favorite New England trip in any season! Nearby picturesque towns like Jackson are also worth a visit!

This guide has everything you need to plan your North Conway New England getaway, no matter the season!

In This Guide:

• *Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Picks for Drinks With A View*
• Where to Stay in North Conway
• Best Things to do in North Conway – Summer
• Best Things to do in North Conway – Fall
• Best Things to do in North Conway – Winter
• Best Restaurants in North Conway
• Best Bars in North Conway
• How Many Days to Spend in North Conway
• North Conway Blog Posts
• North Conway Gallery

Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!

Where to Stay in North Conway

I’ve spent my whole life visiting North Conway and have stayed in almost every hotel in the area. I’ve put together a full post on the best hotels in North Conway here! But my top recommendation are:

North Conway Grand Hotel

North Conway Grand Hotel is one of my favorite places to stay, right on the main strip of North Conway behind Settlers Green Shopping Outlets – this hotel has mountain views, an on-site restaurant, a heated outdoor pool open year round (my favorite!) with a fire pit & more!

This spot can be pricy, but I love staying here. It’s also a great place to bring kids

Golden Gables Inn

My family has been staying at Golden Gables for years! This motel is in the perfect location right on the main strip of North Conway is clean and recently updated, has an outdoor pool/fire-pit and games area, and generally reasonably priced!

This is a great family spot.

Omni Mt. Washington Resort

If you’re looking to splurge, and don’t mind staying a bit outside of North Conway (This hotel is in Bretton Woods) right near the infamous Mt. Washington. This hotel has some of the most insane White Mountain views from the terrace and pool area. There’s also several restaurants & bars, a golf course & more.

This place is the perfect splurge for a romantic weekend getaway!

The Wentworth

The Wentworth Inn in Jackson (a small, picturesque town about 15 minutes from North Conway) is one of my favorite spots in the White Mountains area.

Jackson is quieter than North Conway, but has a few great restaurants and bars that are some of my favorites! The Wentworth has an 18 hole golf course & an outdoor pool.

If you’re looking for a quieter weekend getaway that’s still close to all of North Conway’s main attractions I highly recommend the Wentworth!

Cranmore Mountain Lodge

If you’re looking for a Bed & Breakfast in North Conway, the recently renovated Cranmore Mountain Lodge offers a quaint & quiet weekend escape 2 miles away from downtown North Conway.

They offer complimentary breakfast and on-site pool & hot tub. Their restaurant is also open for dinner (guests only) with a prix fixe menu offering a choice of 2 salads, 2 entrees & 2 desserts. We really enjoyed both meals.

Best Things to do in North Conway – Fall

North Conway in the fall is my absolute favorite! And my top recommendation for fall New England trips. I’ve put my whole fall itinerary here! But my top recommendations are:

Drive the Kancamagus Highway

Drive one of the most scenic routes you can find in New England in the fall. Head from North Conway to Lincoln and stop at all the best stops along the way:

• Lower Falls
• Rocky Gorge
• Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
• Pemigewasset Overlook
• Lincoln Woods Trailhead

Drive to Mt. Washington Base Station & Cog Railway

The area surrounding Mt. Washington is one of the most beautiful areas of the White Mountains. If you’re interested in going to the top of Mount Washington you can take the Cog Railway to the top, but if you’re short on time or don’t want to take the train, I recommend driving to Marshfield Station (the base of the Cog Railway) for the views. It’s a great place to have a picnic lunch.

There are some good stop along the way to the station as well like Ammonoosuc Riverwalk Scenic Area, Bretton Woods & Fabyan’s Station.

Take the North Conway Scenic Railway

The North Conway Scenic Railway from departs daily in the fall from the railway station right in downtown North Conway. This 4 hour train ride winds through some of the most scenic areas of the White Mountains for insane foliage views. It makes a few stops along the way at a few scenic spots like Willey House on the lake, Crawford Notch Depot (on another mountain lake)

If the train is sold out, or you’d prefer not to take it you can also drive this route by following this map here.

Best Restaurants in North Conway

North Conway has tons of great restaurant options and I’ve been lucky enough to have eaten at them all many times. I’ve put together my full North Conway restautant guide here. But here are my favorites:

Red Fox

Red Fox is definitely my top restaurant recommendation for North Conway. We’ve never had a bad meal there and it’s a place my whole family consistently agrees on liking. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Shannon Door

Shannon Door One of my favorite spots in North Conway! Located in charming Jackson Village Shannon Door is the perfect spot for live music, bar food, friendly staff & locals and a laid back meal. Their bar pizzas are my absolute favorite!

Vito Marcello’s

 Vito Marcello’s! – This place serves the best Italian food in the area in a charming atmosphere right off the main strip in North Conway. It’s on the smaller side and not equipped to accommodate bigger parties, so I don’t recommend heading there with a large group. Reservations are also recommended, given it’s size.

Beef & Ski

Beef & Ski is a North Conway staple for roast beef, sandwiches, dinner plates and more. This casual spot is right in downtown North Conway – you can grab takeout or dine in on their patio with mountain views over the North Conway Rail Station. The roast beefs, steak & cheese, & fried seafood plates are all worth a try!

How Many Days to Spend in North Conway

2-3 Days

I love North Conway and my family spends at least a week there every summer and a few weekends in the fall & winter, but if you’re shorter on time I’d try to spend at least 2-3 days there. You can also easily spend more time if you have it!