Top Things to Do in Concord, NH: Attractions, Downtown & Hidden Gems

Concord, New Hampshire, packs more history, culture and outdoor access into a compact footprint than almost any other New England capital. Spend the morning inside the nation’s oldest state house where a legislature still meets in its original chambers, catch a planetarium show after lunch, then end the day with craft beer and a seafood dinner. Our guide covers everything you don’t want to miss.

Why Visit Concord, NH?

Concord sits on the Merrimack River in south-central New Hampshire, about 20 miles north of Manchester and roughly an hour and a half from Boston. The city has about 44,000 residents, yet its role as the state capital gives it the museums, performing arts venues and restaurant scene of a much larger place.

A few reasons Concord belongs on your New Hampshire itinerary:

• A walkable historic downtown. Main Street links the State House, the Capitol Center for the Arts, independent shops and local breweries within a few blocks.
• Nearly 85 miles of trails and open space. City parks and conservation land put hiking, biking and paddling within minutes of downtown.
• Year-round events. Summer street festivals, fall apple picking and winter skating keep the calendar full in every season.
• An easy base for exploring. Concord sits near I-93, I-89 and Route 4, so the Lakes Region, the Seacoast and the White Mountains are all within reach.

Downtown Concord, NH, guide

Downtown Concord is the best place to start any visit to the Granite State. Many of the top things to do in Concord sit along or just off Main Street, so you can park once and spend time exploring on foot.

(Note: Attractions in our guide are not ranked in any particular order. Hours and prices change, so confirm details with each venue before you go.)

New Hampshire State House

The New Hampshire State House at 107 North Main Street opened in 1819 and is the nation’s oldest state capitol where the legislature still meets in its original chambers. The Greek Revival building is built from New Hampshire granite and topped with a gilded dome you can spot from much of downtown.

Inside, check out the Hall of Flags, see portraits of past governors and visit the House chamber, where the 400-member New Hampshire House of Representatives, the country’s largest state legislative body, meets. Outside, statues of Daniel Webster, General John Stark and President Franklin Pierce line the grounds.

Visitor tips:

• Admission is free, and self-guided tours are available whenever the building is open, Monday through Friday.
• Walk-in visitors can stop at the Visitor Center between 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. to ask whether a docent is free to lead a tour. The Visitor Center often closes during the lunch hour.
• Groups of 10 or more need to book a guided tour online in advance. Guided tours generally last about one hour.
• The State House is a working building. Visit on a session day, and you may catch lawmakers in action from the gallery.
• The Visitor Center gift shop sells New Hampshire gifts and flags, and it stocks free state maps and visitor guides.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center honors two New Hampshire space pioneers. Christa McAuliffe was a Concord High School social studies teacher chosen by NASA from more than 11,000 applicants to be the first teacher in space. Derry native Alan Shepard became the first American in space and one of only 12 people to walk on the moon.

The 45,000-square-foot science museum at 2 Institute Drive includes 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, a full-dome digital planetarium, an observatory and a full-size replica of a Mercury-Redstone rocket out front.

Visitor tips:

• Public hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center also opens daily during New Hampshire and Massachusetts school vacation weeks.
• General admission is $14 for adults, $13 for students and seniors, $11 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and under.
• Planetarium shows cost an extra $7 per person and run hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, because seating starts 10 minutes before each show.
• Many New Hampshire libraries offer free or discounted admission passes, and AAA and military members also receive a lower price.
• Parking is free in the center’s lot, and you can leave and return the same day with your entry sticker.

Capitol Center for the Arts

The Capitol Center for the Arts is New Hampshire’s largest performing arts venue and the anchor of the downtown arts scene. The center opened in 1927 as the Capitol Theatre, a stop on the vaudeville circuit, and reopened in 1995 after a full renovation.

Today the center runs two stages. The 1,304-seat Chubb Theatre at 44 South Main Street hosts touring concerts, Broadway productions, comedians and dance companies. The Bank of New Hampshire Stage at 16 South Main Street opened in 2019 and offers a more intimate setting for regional bands, smaller productions and broadcast events.

Visitor tips:

• Browse the full schedule online or call the box office at 603-225-1111.
• Box office hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m., plus one hour before each show for will call tickets.
• The Bank of New Hampshire Stage houses the box office and an upstairs bar and lounge.

Red River Theatres

Red River Theatres at 11 South Main Street is a nonprofit, three-screen art house cinema that shows independent, foreign and first-run films. The Indie Café concession stand sells beer, wine, snacks and locally made treats, and the theater regularly hosts film discussions and special screenings. Call the movie line at 603-224-4600 for showtimes.

Visitor tips:

• Check showtimes on the Red River Theatres website or call the movie line at 603-224-4600.
• The two larger cinemas have stadium seating and digital sound, and the building is wheelchair accessible.
• Park in the Storrs Street or School Street garage, both a short walk away. Garages are free on Saturdays after 7 p.m. and on Sundays.
• Watch the calendar for film discussions and special screenings, which add a local twist to a night at the movies.
• Planning dinner first? Weathervane Seafood Restaurant in Chichester is about 10 minutes away.

New Hampshire Historical Society

The New Hampshire Historical Society at 30 Park Street is the state’s oldest museum. Founded in 1823, it is also one of the country’s oldest historical societies. Its 1911 granite headquarters, just behind the State House, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a destination in its own right.

Inside, exhibitions trace New Hampshire history from Native American artifacts through the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and World War II. Highlights include the original 1818 eagle that once sat atop the State House, portraits of Franklin Pierce and Daniel Webster and memorabilia from New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primaries.

Visitor tips:

• Exhibitions are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on federal holidays. Check current hours and admission before you go.
• Children under 18 and active military families typically get in free.
• The State House is right next door, so the two make an easy back-to-back visit on a weekday.
• The Society offers a free online audio tour with activities for kids, which you can pull up on your phone during your visit.
• The building is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking in the Society’s lot off North State Street.
• Researching family history? The research library keeps the same hours, and appointments are encouraged.

Concord Farmers’ Market

The Concord Farmers’ Market sets up on Capitol Street beside the State House every Saturday morning from early May through the end of October. Local farmers founded the market in 1981, making it one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in New Hampshire.

At peak season, more than 40 vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, cheeses, honey, maple products, cut flowers and potted plants, along with the baked goods the market is known for. Many vendors are certified organic.

Visitor tips:

• Market hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon. Arrive early for the best pick of baked goods, summer berries and more.
• Downtown parking garages are free on Saturdays.
• The market accepts SNAP/EBT and Veterans Value Bucks.
• Make a morning of it: shop the market, grab coffee on Main Street and browse the downtown shops before lunch.

President Franklin Pierce Gravesite

Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States and the only president from New Hampshire, is buried in Old North Cemetery at 137 North State Street. Established in 1730, Old North is Concord’s oldest burial ground, and its shaded paths hold generations of the city’s early residents. Pierce rests in a family plot beside his wife, Jane.

Visitor tips:

• Visiting the gravesite is free. Plan your visit during daylight hours.
• Old North Cemetery is a short walk north of the State House.
• Build a Pierce-themed walk: see his statue on the State House grounds, his portrait at the New Hampshire Historical Society and, in season, the Pierce Manse, the only home he ever owned.
• Old North is an active, historic cemetery, so keep voices low and stay on the designated paths.

Granite State Candy Shoppe

Granite State Candy Shoppe at 13 Warren Street has made chocolates and candy in Concord since 1927, when founder Peter Bart opened the shop in the same brick building it occupies today. The Bart family still runs the business, and some of the original recipes are still in use.

Hand-dipped milk and dark chocolates are the house specialty, along with truffles, fudge, nuts, maple treats and a wall of bulk candy. In summer, the shop also scoops super-premium ice cream made with milk from Contoocook Creamery.

Visitor tips:

• The shop sits just south of the State House, a short walk off Main Street.
• Build your own gift box by choosing individual chocolates from the case.
• Expect crowds before Valentine’s Day, Easter and the winter holidays, when seasonal chocolates sell fast.
• Stop in on a summer afternoon for an ice cream after touring the State House.

Concord Antiques Gallery

Concord Antiques at 137 Storrs Street, at the corner of Dixon Avenue, gathers more than 100 dealers under one roof. Its 7,000 square feet are packed with furniture, jewelry, collectibles, pottery, books and art, and the inventory changes often as dealers restock.

Visitor tips:

• Give yourself at least an hour to browse the full gallery.
• Call 603-225-6100 to confirm hours before you go, since they can change by season.
• Shopping for something specific? Ask at the counter, since staff can point you to the dealers who specialize in it.

Attraction	Best For	Cost	Open	Plan For
NH State House	History and government	Free	Monday through Friday	1 hr
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center	Families and science fans	$11 to $14; planetarium $7 extra	Wednesday through Sunday	2-3 hrs
Capitol Center for the Arts	Concerts, comedy and Broadway tours	Varies by show	Select showtimes	An evening
Red River Theaters	Independent and first-run films	Varies by film	Select showtimes	2-3 hrs
NH Historical Society	State history and architecture	Free for kids under 18; check adult admission	Tuesday through Saturday	1-2 hrs
Concord Farmers’ Market	Local goods and food	Free to browse	Saturdays, May-October	1 hr
President Franklin Pierce Gravesite	Presidential history	Free	Daylight hours	30 mins
Granite State Candy Shoppe	Chocolates, ice cream and gifts	Free to browse	Check current hours	30 mins
Concord Antiques Gallery	Collectors and browsers	Free to browse	Check current hours	1-2 hrs

Art Galleries and Public Art in Concord, NH

Concord’s art scene shows up in galleries and on the streets. The League of NH Craftsmen Fine Craft Gallery at 49 South Main Street sells work by New Hampshire artisans and hosts rotating exhibitions. Nearby, the historic Kimball Jenkins Estate on North Main Street runs an art school and gallery space.

Outside, murals, statues and sculptures dot the downtown.

Tip: Intown Concord hosts First Fridays, when shops stay open late with special activities and food trucks, and a free self-guided Concord Art Walk each fall.

Take Yourself on a Walking Tour

A self-guided walk is the easiest way to see downtown. Start on the State House lawn, head south along Main Street past Phenix Hall and Bicentennial Square, then loop toward Park Street and the New Hampshire Historical Society. The route covers about a mile and takes 45 minutes to an hour with stops. Paid app-based walking tours are also available for visitors who want narration.

Prefer a guide? The State House Visitor Center can point you toward current historical tours and docent availability.

Enjoy the Outdoors in Concord

Concord has nearly 85 miles of trails and open space, and most of it is free to use. City parks, river access points and conservation land sit within a 10-minute drive of downtown.

Beaver Meadow Golf Course

Beaver Meadow Golf Course at 1 Beaver Meadow Drive opened in 1896 and is New Hampshire’s oldest golf course. The city-owned public course grew from 9 to 18 holes in 1969 and now plays to par 72, with water in play on several holes and tree-lined fairways throughout.

White Park

White Park is a 25-acre historic park on the west side of downtown, bounded by Washington, Centre, High, Beacon and White Streets. Landscape architect Charles Eliot shaped its design, and the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park’s highlights include a large pond, the Monkey Around Playground (the city’s largest playground), a public swimming pool, basketball courts and a baseball diamond. Families visit year-round.

Winant Park

Winant Park covers about 85 acres off Fisk Road, just west of downtown. The city maintains a network of hiking and biking trails through the wooded hillside, making it a quick escape for a morning walk or an after-work ride.

Merrimack River Recreation

The Merrimack River runs along Concord’s eastern edge, and the city has multiple public access points for paddling, fishing and riverside walks.

• Sewalls Falls Recreation Area. A mostly flat trail system follows the river for about 3 miles round trip, with picnic tables, a small beach and views of the old dam. Plan on about 1.5 hours for the full walk. Access the trails from the end of Second Street or the NH Fish and Game lot on Sewalls Falls Road.
• Merrimack River Greenway Trail. This paved, mostly flat multi-use path follows the river near Terrill Park on Manchester Street, and the city added a second phase with parking, benches and river access in 2024. The trail is part of a planned 12.7-mile route through Concord and is accessible to strollers, bikes and mobility aids.
• Paddling. Kayakers and canoeists can launch at Kiwanis Riverfront Park, a 14-acre riverside park with 1,400 feet of waterfront, or at the Institute Drive boat ramp near the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. The river around Concord is generally gentle, though conditions change with spring runoff and upstream dam releases.

Tip: Check river levels and weather before paddling, and always wear a life jacket.

Susan N. McLane Audubon Center and Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

NH Audubon’s McLane Center at 84 Silk Farm Road is the organization’s headquarters and its longest-established nature center. Inside, visitors find exhibits, a nature store, a reptile room and raptor mews with live birds of prey. Outside, the Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary’s trails wind through pine forest and open fields down to Great Turkey Pond.

The trails suit every pace. Wendy’s Loop is an easy 0.4-mile walk of about 15 minutes, the Old Orchard Trail runs 0.7 miles, and the 1.2-mile Great Turkey Pond Trail takes about an hour and leads to one of the best birding spots in Concord. For a longer hike, the West End Farm Trail continues 7.25 miles to Carter Hill Orchard.

Carter Hill Orchard

Carter Hill Orchard at 73 Carter Hill Road is a family-owned farm on a hilltop that has grown apples since the mid-1700s. Pick your own blueberries in summer and apples in the fall, and shop the country store for orchard-grown peaches, plums and pumpkins, along with fresh cider, baked goods and the farm’s popular cider doughnuts.

Where to Eat Near Concord’s Attractions

Good food is part of every great Concord trip. Downtown has quick bites and brewery kitchens for midday breaks, and a classic New England seafood dinner is just 10 minutes away at our Weathervane location in Chichester.

Our family-friendly restaurant is the easy answer after a day at the State House, the Discovery Center or a matinee on Main Street.

What to know before you go:

• What to order. Our signature menu features fresh lobster, chowders, fried and grilled seafood and sweet desserts. First visit? Our first-timer’s guide to the menu highlights crowd favorites.
• Hours. The Chichester restaurant is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., so it works for lunch, an early dinner before a show or a relaxed evening meal.
• Seating. Choose indoor or outdoor dining, settle in at the full-service bar or reserve the function area for a large party.
• Getting there. Take I-93 to Exit 15E (I-393), then follow I-393 East to Route 4. Route 106 also connects nearby.
• Takeout. Short on time? Call 603-225-4044 or order online and pick up a seafood dinner on your way back home or to your hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Concord, NH

What is Concord, NH known for?

Concord, New Hampshire, is known as New Hampshire’s state capital and the home of the 1819 State House, the oldest state capitol where a legislature still meets in its original chambers. The city is also known for the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, the Capitol Center for the Arts, Beaver Meadow (the state’s oldest golf course) and more.

When is the best time to visit Concord, NH?

The best time to visit Concord is late June through mid-October, when the Saturday farmers market runs, Market Days fills Main Street and local orchards are open for picking. Fall adds foliage and apple season. Winter visitors can skate at White Park and watch the Black Ice Pond Hockey Championships in late January.

Where should I stay when visiting Concord, NH?

The best place to stay when visiting Concord is downtown, where you can walk to the State House, Main Street shops and the Capitol Center for the Arts. Downtown options include The Hotel Concord, The Centennial Hotel and the Holiday Inn Concord Downtown. Chain hotels near I-93 and in neighboring Bow often cost less and offer quick highway access.

What day trips can you take from Concord, NH?

Day trips from Concord are easy because the city sits where I-93, I-89 and Route 4 meet. Approximate drive times:

• Lakes Region and Lake Winnipesaukee: under an hour
• Portsmouth and the Seacoast: about an hour
• White Mountains: about 1 hour 15 minutes
• Boston: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic

Weathervane also has restaurants along two of these routes: Kittery, Maine, just across the river from Portsmouth, and Lobster in the Rough at Weirs Beach in Laconia, open seasonally.

Where can I get fresh lobster near Concord, NH?

You can get fresh lobster at Weathervane Seafood Restaurant, at 379 Dover Road (Route 4) in Chichester, about 10 minutes from downtown. Our family-friendly restaurant serves lobster, chowders and fried and grilled seafood daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with indoor and outdoor seating and a full bar. Order takeout at 603-225-4044 or online.