Vacation Rentals in North Conway, NH

North Conway and the Mount Washington Valley offer some of the best outdoor recreation in New England, spanning hiking, mountain biking, river paddling, rock climbing, skiing, and scenic drives. Hiking is the most popular activity, with access to hundreds of trails throughout White Mountain National Forest ranging from easy waterfall walks like Diana's Baths to challenging 4,000-foot summits. The Saco River is one of New England's most popular tubing and paddling destinations, with Saco Bound and Saco River Tubing Center both offering rentals and shuttle service from Conway. Cranmore Mountain serves as a year-round outdoor hub with lift-served mountain biking, a mountain coaster, and skiing in winter. Cathedral Ledge in Echo Lake State Park is one of the Northeast's premier traditional rock climbing destinations, and the Kancamagus Highway offers 34 miles of scenic driving with waterfall hikes and overlooks built in. In winter, the valley is home to more than a dozen ski and cross-country areas, with Cranmore, Attitash, and Wildcat among the most visited.

North Conway is one of the most family-friendly destinations in New England, with activities ranging from theme parks to river floats and mountain adventures. Story Land in nearby Glen is a classic New England amusement park with more than 30 rides and attractions designed for younger children, and has been drawing families to the valley for decades. Cranmore Mountain's Adventure Park offers a mountain coaster, giant swing, zipline, summer tubing, and scenic chairlift rides the whole family can enjoy. Kahuna Laguna, an indoor water park in North Conway, is a rainy-day favorite with slides, pools, and kid-friendly attractions. The Conway Scenic Railroad departs from the historic North Conway depot and offers excursion trains ranging from a 55-minute valley ride to a longer journey through Crawford Notch. For a more relaxed day, tubing the Saco River with one of the local outfitters is a perennial summer tradition, and easy hikes like Diana's Baths deliver a rewarding natural experience without too much effort.

North Conway has a solid lineup of indoor activities for kids, making it a great destination even on rainy or cold days. Kahuna Laguna at Birchmont Resort on White Mountain Highway is North Conway's go-to indoor water park, covering 40,000 square feet of year-round water fun including tube slides, a wave pool, a multi-level play tower, and a tipping bucket that drenches anyone standing below. A separate area for younger children keeps the littlest guests in the mix without the overwhelming scale of larger parks. The Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum on White Mountain Highway caters to children up to age seven, with imaginative themed play spaces that let kids explore, create, and learn through hands-on activities across two floors of exhibits. The Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center in North Conway Village is a small but engaging science museum where kids can experience interactive weather exhibits including a wind room, air cannons, and a mock summit weather station. UberBlast Family Entertainment Center offers laser tag, arcade games, and entertainment-style activities for older kids and tweens. Ryan Family Amusement at Settlers Green rounds out the options with arcade games, skill games, and video games in a casual, drop-in setting.

North Conway has a strong outfitter community with guided options for nearly every outdoor pursuit. The International Mountain Climbing School (IMCS) on White Mountain Highway is one of New Hampshire's oldest and most respected climbing schools, offering guided rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and avalanche education for all skill levels. Saco Bound in Center Conway has been running guided and self-guided river trips since 1972, covering tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting on the Saco River. The Conway Scenic Railroad runs narrated excursion trains from the North Conway depot, including the Mountaineer route through Crawford Notch. If you're looking for additional guided adventure options, the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce maintains a current directory of local outfitters and guides on its website.

North Conway has a solid dining scene with a range of options from casual pub fare to upscale mountain dining. The Muddy Moose Restaurant and Pub is the most-reviewed restaurant in the valley, a rustic American brewpub with a broad menu, a lively atmosphere, and a loyal local following. May Kelly's Cottage Restaurant and Pub is a cozy Irish tavern on White Mountain Highway known for hearty comfort food, a great draft selection, and a warm neighborhood vibe. Vito Marcello's Italian Bistro is a consistently praised choice for a special night out, with a refined Italian menu and an intimate atmosphere that regulars keep coming back to. The Ledges Restaurant at the White Mountain Hotel offers contemporary New England cuisine with mountain views, a seasonally driven menu, and a long-running Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. For something more casual, Moat Mountain Smokehouse is a beloved local gathering spot with craft beer brewed on-site and a menu built around smoked meats and comfort food. Just a few minutes down Route 302 in Glen, the Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub has been a valley institution for over 50 years, known for hand-cut steaks, a lively pub atmosphere, and live music on weekends. Reservations are recommended at most spots on weekends and during peak season.

North Conway is one of New England's top shopping destinations, drawing visitors specifically for its tax-free prices and mix of national outlets and locally owned stores. Settlers Green Outlet Village on Route 16 is the anchor of the shopping scene, with over 70 brand name stores including Gap, Kate Spade, Levi's, Adidas, and J.Crew spread across an outdoor village setting with common spaces and seasonal events. Settlers Crossing, located across the street, adds additional retail and dining options to the complex. For a different experience, the White Mountain Independents is a network of more than 20 locally owned shops in and around North Conway Village, offering handcrafted goods, regional art, outdoor gear, gifts, and items you won't find in any chain store. The combination of tax-free shopping, outlet savings, and a walkable village makes North Conway a destination in its own right for shoppers visiting the White Mountains.