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New HampshireSelf-guided activities

Our most recommended New Hampshire Self-guided activities

Kancamagus Scenic Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour

1. Kancamagus Scenic Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour

Drive along the Kancamagus Scenic Highway to explore New Hampshire with this flexible self-guided audio tour. This tour has been developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists. Simply hop in your car, open the tour guide app, and get started. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 35+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Kancamagus Scenic Byway in 2-3 hours. Make your way to North Woodstock to begin your self-drive experience. The tour follows the spectacular autumn leaves of the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, passing viewpoints, stunning vistas, and gorgeous hiking trails. Learn about the region and its history as you drive through the landscape. All audios play automatically based on location. Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms. Your tour ends at a ranger station near Conway.

From Boston: Quincy, Plymouth, and Mayflower II Day Trip

2. From Boston: Quincy, Plymouth, and Mayflower II Day Trip

Start with a pickup from downtown Boston in a comfortable, air-conditioned, latest model minibus. Travel 30 minutes south to the historic city of Quincy to visit the birthplaces of two former US Presidents, John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Next, enjoy a scenic view of New England's coastline as you travel through Cohasset to the town of Scituate. Once in Scituate, you will have the opportunity to visit the Scituate Lighthouse and hear the amazing story of the "American Army of Two." Then, travel along the beautiful New England coastline towards Plymouth. Visit coastal towns, waterfront mansions, and a lighthouse. Once you arrive in "America's Hometown," visit Plymouth Rock. Benefit from admission to the Mayflower II and Plimoth Patuxet and learn about the site where New England was first established in 1620. Climb back on the bus for a relaxing return trip to Boston.

Portsmouth: Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour

3. Portsmouth: Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour

Discover the haunted locations of Portsmouth with a self-guided GPS Audio application tour. Explore the area at your own pace and visit famous haunted attractions like The Huntsman, Sheafe Street Inn, Deadwicks, 111 State Street, and more. You will receive the downloading instructions on your voucher after booking. Walk from one location to the other as spooky music plays in the background. Listen to the sinister stories of ghosts shared through your smartphone. Visit the Old Red Light District, The Rockingham, John Paul Jones House, Portsmouth Music Hall, and other popular locations. See the African Burial Ground and learn about its history and discovery. You will hear tales of the haunted port city while strolling through the streets of Portsmouth. Walk at your own pace and uncover the secrets of the stops on the Underground Railroad. During the tour, choose to pause the app to take a break at a haunted brewery or bakery. Start the tour again whenever you're ready to continue. Throughout the tour, you will see the spookiest and most historic sites of Portsmouth. Explore one of America's oldest cities'' haunted locations and learn about its spooky past. 

Plymouth: Historic Self-Guided Walking Tour

4. Plymouth: Historic Self-Guided Walking Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Note: This 1 mile-long tour covers the essentials of Plymouth in 1 hour. With an app that functions as your guide, audio tour, and map all in one, this self-guided walking tour of Plymouth is flexible and customizable. Discover this quaint yet historical town at your own pace. Your journey back in time begins at the Plymouth Visitor Center, where you can get acquainted with the town you’re about to explore. From there, stroll along the waterfront and get a crash course in who the Pilgrims really were and how they built a society. The first major stop is a real treat: a replica of the Mayflower, on which the Pilgrims sailed from England to Massachusetts. Here, you’ll also get the scoop on the Mayflower passengers who weren’t Pilgrims ─ people who were called The Strangers. Afterward, come to Plymouth’s most famous attraction: Plymouth Rock. According to legend, this is the spot where the Pilgrims disembarked to establish the colony of Plymouth. Learn the interesting history behind this timeless historical artifact. Then, continue on to the statue of Chief Massasoit and learn the true story of the alliance between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, as well the dramatic events which prompted the unusual friendship. Next, pass through the beautiful Brewster Gardens and see the Pilgrim Maiden statue, one of the few surviving sculptures depicting women from this era. As you make your way inland, learn the truth about the first Thanksgiving and what most people get wrong about it today. Later, pass the Burial Hill Cemetery, where many of the town’s earliest settlers have been laid to rest. Finally, you’ll arrive at the Plymouth Grist Mill, which is open to visitors and offers a glimpse back at how the Pilgrims went about their day-to-day lives. As an added perk throughout your tour, enjoy animated videos of most stops, allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots of different centuries or interior rooms.

Kancamagus Highway: Self-Driving Audio Tour

5. Kancamagus Highway: Self-Driving Audio Tour

Experience a picturesque journey down the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, starting from the quaint town of Lincoln in New Hampshire. As you set off, delve into the intriguing past of Lincoln and the iconic Old Man in the Mountain, once a symbol of the Granite State. Your drive will be accompanied by tales from the Pennacook tribe, notably the celestial bear legend, illuminating how the hunt transformed seasons. Otter Lake emerges as a scenic respite, where insights about moose spotting and avian wonders await the keen observer. Travel the highway’s bends and turns that will lead you to the awe-inspiring vistas of Hancock Overlook. Here, nature’s grandeur is complemented with tales of the mountain's formation and Chief Osceola, the revered namesake of Osceola Mountain. Approach the towering silhouette of Mount Washington and be introduced to its deep significance for the Pennacook tribe. This mountain isn't just a geographical marvel, but a testament to the tribe’s beliefs and reverence. Your journey continues with panoramic overlooks that, during autumn, offer mesmerizing views of foliage ablaze in golds and reds. The highway beckons further to Sabbaday Falls, where the legacy of the Pennacook Confederacy and its visionary chief unravels. Visit the nearby Russell-Colbath House, a testament to time but also murmurs tales of eerie disappearances. Continue on and visit the tranquil waters of the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area that invite you to marvel at cascading waterfalls. Spanning these waters is a centuries-old wooden bridge, which stands as both a testament to craftsmanship and a photogenic gem. Concluding your odyssey, be entertained with tales of an unexpected feud between the Rockefellers and persistent beavers. Learn of the Pennacook tribe’s decline and the chilling legend of the Saco River Curse. This self-guided tour ensures you conclude at the Saco Ranger Station in Conway, your heart and mind enriched with history, legend, and the unparalleled beauty of the Kancamagus Highway.

Plymouth: App-Based Murder Mystery Detective Game

6. Plymouth: App-Based Murder Mystery Detective Game

Hit your city’s streets while playing a fun murder mystery game on your phone. Download the app, choose your route, then head out as a solo detective, with a partner, or as a group to get started. Follow the prompts as you travel to different locations within the game map and immerse yourself in an audio tale full of intrigue. Release your inner gumshoe and take on the role of a recent graduate of the Detective Academy. A murder has been committed and you're tasked with solving the crime. Your job is to visit each of the 10 locations marked on the map, piece together the evidence, identify the killer, and issue an arrest warrant. Choose the driving route on the outskirts of the city, where you'll park at each location, listen to the audio drama and complete your tasks. Go for the walking map to get outside and enjoy the downtown area. Play the game at any time and move at your own pace, taking a break whenever you need to and resuming once you're ready.

From Boston: Day Tour of Plymouth and Cape Cod

7. From Boston: Day Tour of Plymouth and Cape Cod

Departing from your Boston in comfort, your guide will bring you over the Cape Cod Canal and into the quaint Village of Sandwich, oldest town on Cape (1639). Visit the Cape Cod Canal Museum and marvel at this immense feat of engineering. Then visit a commercial lobster pound, a big industry in Massachusetts. Hold a lobster weighing 5-10 pounds! Stop for a photo of the iconic Sandwich Boardwalk, stretching over a thousand feet, crossing salt marshes and creeks to the ocean. You will travel through the village to a working 1650s grist mill grinding maize into corn flour for hundreds of years. Perhaps you'll want to purchase a bag of corn meal to bring back home. Visit the Sandwich Glass Museum, displaying thousands of pieces of pressed and blown glass in memory of the the pressed glass factory that put Sandwich on the map back in the 1800s. Some of the glass is mixed with "radium", giving it a unique glow and color. Heading back off Cape, your next destination is the Town of Plymouth, home of “Mainstreet USA". Your guide will bring you to The Pilgrim Hall Museum, America's oldest museum. There you will see original artifacts and furnishings of the Pilgrims; including the bassinet of the first born in America, Peregrine White. Discover what it was like to brave crossing the Atlantic Ocean as you walk the Mayflower II, an exacting replica of the original 180-ton ship that sailed 3,300 to the New World. Take the picture of a lifetime posing next to Plymouth Rock, where brave souls like Mary Chilton disembarked, seeking to establish a tenuous foothold in search of religious freedom. Walk on Leiden Street, America's oldest to see the Church of the Pilgrimage. Gawk at the Forefathers Statue, tallest solid granite monument in the world. Then sit back and relax as your guide brings you back to Boston with memories of a lifetime. (Lunch time is set-aside at a local (inexpensive) restaurant in Sandwich or Plymouth.)

Explore the Islands & Harbor Guided Bike Tour 2-Hrs

8. Explore the Islands & Harbor Guided Bike Tour 2-Hrs

Join us on our flagship bike tour where you will enjoy the pristine views of the Piscataqua River as we bike through gardens, and parks and over to New Castle Island. This tour is about the experience! You'll explore and encounter the best of Portsmouth and New Castle Island while stopping en route to hear some interesting tidbits and a bit of storytelling. A professional tour guide will point out the highlights and sites along the way. You will get off the beaten path, beyond the hustle and bustle of Market Square and into Prescott Park and Four Tree Island. As we leave Portsmouth, we will take a beautiful scenic easy ride to New Castle Island's parks, forts, and the Atlantic Ocean. More Details: This culturally hip city boasts many well-preserved historic homes, fabulous restaurants, microbreweries, and several performing art venues.  You'll see and hear about historic landmarks & house museums and some specifics about what makes our city so admired. All of our tours are safety conscious and we ride on side streets and off the beaten path. Stop en route to hear interesting bits about each of the places that you visit, including Prescott Park, Four Tree Island, Historic South End, Wentworth by the Sea, Fort Stark, & Great Island Common. Come, and share our love of the area on this five-star Islands and Harbor Bike Tour! This is our five-star tour and a great way to see the "best of New Castle Island and Portsmouth, NH". Up to six to eight riders, 8-12 miles, and easy-moderate safe riding. The tour includes a 21-speed comfort bicycle, helmet, and safety vest. Meet your guide 30 minutes prior to your tour start time to get fitted for your bike, and hear the rules of the road and bicycle operation. Tours leave on time.

Portsmouth: Self Guided Bike Tour

9. Portsmouth: Self Guided Bike Tour

Our self-guided tour includes a fitted bicycle, helmet, cell phone holder, and bike bag and we plan a route for you based on your interests and activity levels. You set the pace, choose where to go, and decide when to stop for amazing photo opportunities! This SELF-GUIDED experience gives you the freedom to explore Portsmouth and New Castle the way you want! Helpful PortCity Bike Tours expert staff will assist you in deciding on a route - choosing between Portsmouth's many historic attractions, tasty restaurants, and breathtaking views will be your only worry. Again, in addition to one of our high-quality hybrid bicycles, your rental includes a biking map, helmet, water, emergency tire inflator, and lock. See local sites like Prescott Park, Fort Stark State Historic Site, and the Wentworth-Gardner House.

Kancamagus Highway: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

10. Kancamagus Highway: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Download an app and enjoy an audio tour narrator that guides you along the Kancamagus Highway between Conway and Lincoln. Discover not-to-be-missed points of interest, with fascinating stories, tips, and directions along the way. Start your adventure by downloading your app. You can choose to follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full, or multi-day sightseeing trips. Travel the 34-mile long route through the White Mountain National Forest between Conway and Lincoln, New Hampshire, and offers plenty of scenic views and hiking opportunities. The “Kanc,” as it’s affectionately known to locals, winds its way up to an elevation of 2,855 feet offering visitors fantastic views of the White Mountains. On this audio tour you can witness major highlights such as: • Albany Covered Bridge • Lincoln Woods • Lower Falls • Pemigewasset Overlook • Rocky Gorge* • Sabbaday Falls* Venture beyond the paved roads and find plenty of scenic sights to explore including waterfalls, gorges, swimming holes, covered bridges, and more. Even short hikes will get you away from the masses on busy days. But serious hikers can easily fill a whole day on some of the longer trails. Discover an area that is rich in human history, recent and Native American, and share many stories to help you feel even more connected to this rather special area. Get the opportunity to visit some sites that harken back to the days when adventurous settlers gained a foothold in creating farmable land below the granite mountains, and that of course includes a classic covered bridge. Complete your drive in half a day with short stops. It is recommended that you allow a full day to explore all of the sites, enjoy some short walks and basically linger and absorb all of the opportunities. The route can be be driven in either direction and you will be sure to hear about all of the locations and stories and not miss a thing.

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New Hampshire

Frequently asked questions about New Hampshire Self-guided activities

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What people are saying about New Hampshire

My family and I really enjoyed this audio tour. We learned a great deal of information that we would not have done so without it. The fact that it not only has a GPS enhanced math, but also a list of stops was very helpful. highly recommend.

This guide was easy to follow and offered helpful tips related to the stops along our drive. We would have missed some wonderful experiences if we hadn’t downloaded the guide.

We loved this! Informative, interesting, and it led us to beautiful scenery. Even my skeptical liked it.

Helped find all the little gems to stop at along the way

Learned many interesting and historical information.