The Most Instagrammable Spots in New Hampshire
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park offers some of New Hampshire’s most dramatic natural backdrops for unforgettable photos. Located about 90 minutes north of Concord, this park is renowned for its iconic Flume Gorge, where visitors can stroll a wooden boardwalk through a gorge carved by glacial waters. The vibrant mossy walls and rushing streams create a lush, emerald-hued setting that pops in photographs, especially in late spring when wildflowers bloom. For a bit more adventure, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway whisks visitors to a summit at 4,080 feet, revealing sweeping panoramic views of the Presidential Range. Early morning light or the golden hour just before sunset enhances the rugged peaks and deep valleys, making this a must-visit for landscape photographers.
Heading south toward the Lakes Region, the town of Wolfeboro, perched on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee about an hour northeast of Concord, offers charming historic streets and waterfront vistas that feel straight out of a New England postcard. The harbor area boasts classic wooden docks and colorful boats, perfect for capturing the quintessential lake town atmosphere. A stroll along the Wolfeboro Boardwalk at sunset reveals soft pastel skies reflecting on tranquil waters, while the nearby Wright Museum showcases local history and crafts that add a layer of cultural depth to your visit. Autumn is especially magical here, when the trees dress in fiery reds and golds, framing the town and lake with seasonal richness that’s hard to beat.
The Kancamagus Highway, a scenic 34-mile stretch of road cutting through the White Mountain National Forest about 45 minutes southeast of Lincoln, is legendary for its fall foliage, but its appeal goes far beyond autumn color. This route winds alongside the Swift River, passing waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls—a short, easy walk to a dramatic cascade dropping over granite ledges. The area’s rugged rock formations and dense forest create a wild, untouched vibe that photographers love year-round. In winter, the highway’s snow-covered pines and icy streams offer a serene, monochrome beauty, while summer brings lush greenery and the buzz of wildlife. Pulling over at overlooks such as the Hancock Overlook rewards visitors with expansive views of the rolling Appalachian foothills.
In southeastern New Hampshire, Portsmouth’s historic Strawbery Banke Museum invites a different kind of photo opportunity. Located about an hour’s drive east of Concord, this outdoor history museum is a living neighborhood of restored colonial and Victorian homes set amid gardens and cobblestone lanes. The vibrant seasonal flowers and authentic period architecture provide a timeless backdrop for portraits or storytelling shots. Special events throughout the year add color and character, while the nearby waterfront harbor offers maritime scenes with classic schooners and bustling wharves. Early morning, when the streets are quiet and light is soft, is the perfect moment to absorb the village’s charm without the crowds.
For a truly striking natural feature, the Basin in Franconia Notch State Park stands out. About 90 minutes north of Concord, this impressive granite pothole, carved by a waterfall thousands of years ago, is easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area. The crystal-clear water swirling in the basin’s deep, smooth bowl makes for mesmerizing close-up shots, especially on sunny days when beams of light penetrate the water’s surface. Summer and early fall are ideal for seeing the water at its clearest, while winter turns the area into a frosted wonderland, with ice formations creating artistic contrasts against the stone.
In the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, the quaint town of Keene offers a photogenic blend of small-town charm and cultural vibrancy. About an hour’s drive west of Concord, Keene’s downtown features brick sidewalks, historic storefronts, and a lively town square framed by mature trees. The annual Pumpkin Festival, held every October, fills the streets with thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns, creating a surreal, magical scene perfect for nighttime photography. Even outside festival season, the nearby Ashuelot Riverwalk trail offers serene riverside views lined with native flora, inviting leisurely strolls and nature shots just a few minutes from downtown.
Further north, the Mount Monadnock summit, about an hour and a half southwest of Concord near Jaffrey, presents one of the most accessible alpine panoramas in the region. The 3,165-foot peak is famed for its bare granite summit and 360-degree views that stretch into Massachusetts, Vermont, and beyond. A popular route is the White Dot Trail, a steady but moderate climb that rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of patchwork farms and forested hills. Early autumn mornings offer crisp air and brilliant skies, making the summit a stunning spot to capture the interplay of light and shadow across the landscape. The mountain’s distinctive bald summit, with boulders scattered across open ledges, creates dramatic compositions that stand out from the typical wooded peaks across New England.
Along the seacoast, the modest but architecturally captivating Wentworth-by-the-Sea hotel in New Castle offers a glimpse into New Hampshire’s grand coastal past. Just a 15-minute drive from Portsmouth, this historic hotel’s turreted silhouette and ornate verandas frame views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Isles of Shoals beyond. Early morning or twilight photography captures the warm glow of the hotel’s exterior lights against the changing sky, while the nearby Great Island Common provides sandy beach and rocky shorelines for more natural seascapes. This spot is unique for combining refined historic architecture with the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast, a contrast that photographers find endlessly compelling.
Lastly, the charming village of Hanover, home to Dartmouth College and located about 90 minutes northwest of Concord, offers a blend of collegiate Gothic architecture and vibrant river scenes along the Connecticut River. The college’s Baker-Berry Library with its iconic spire stands tall amidst leafy quads, providing a stately backdrop for pictures. Just a short walk away, the riverwalk along the Connecticut River invites reflective shots of waterfowl and shimmering water framed by trees that blaze in fall color. The college town’s lively arts scene, with galleries and murals peppered throughout downtown Hanover, adds splashes of contemporary culture to the historic New England landscape, creating a diverse canvas for photographers year-round.