95 places worth knowing about around the lake — where to eat, what to do, and who to call. Put together by Manny, your host.
Enjoy the best of lakeside recreation during the warm months
Sandy beach with swimming areas, arcades, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants. The bustling boardwalk includes attractions for all ages. User guide notes open year-round, best May-Sept.
Features a public beach, playground, baseball fields, and picnic areas. The park hosts community events throughout the summer months and offers free parking for visitors.
Visit websitelaconianh.gov/parksA 600-foot long sandy beach on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee with stunning views of the Sandwich and Ossipee Mountains. Offers RV camping with full hookups, picnic areas with grills, and a boat launch. Provides designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season.
Summer offerings include Mountain Coaster (4,100-foot descent), Zip Lines (ZipTour up to 70 mph), Aerial Treetop Adventure (91 challenges), Mountain Biking (16 trails), Hiking, and Camping.
Scenic cruises aboard the historic MS Mount Washington (since 1940) with multiple decks, dining options, and narrated tours highlighting lake history. Special event cruises available.
Group, family-friendly, pedal-powered bike tours across a bridge and along a scenic lake.
Visit websitegsscenic.com/laconia-rail-bikesSemi-private 18-hole championship course (est. 1926) with lake views. Pro shop, driving range, rentals, restaurant.
18-hole championship course (designed by Dan Maples) with dramatic elevation changes and mountain views. Full clubhouse with restaurant, driving range, putting green.
Popular hike with multiple trails (moderate-difficult). 3.7-mile main loop offers spectacular lake views from the summit. Some steep, rocky sections.
Visit websitealltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-major-and-brook-trail-loopA 2-mile loop hike trail with moderate incline leading to panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Informative nature signs along the route.
Visit websitealltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/lockes-hill-trailState park offering waterfront recreation and trails.
Waterfront park with historical significance.
Paved recreational trail for walking, running, and biking.
Challenging layout with water hazards and tree-lined fairways, pro shop with equipment rentals.
Visit websitelochmeregolf.comJet ski , jetski rental
Visit websiteweirsjetskirentals.comLoop hike over Belknap and Gunstock mountains with wide views over the lake.
Rent a boat with a captain — guided tours of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Visit websitedaleysboattours.com/nh/lake-winnipesaukeePrivate charter boat tours on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Pontoon boats, runabouts, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards.
Visit websitenorthwatermarinenh.comBoat rentals, slips, service department and boat sales.
Boat rentals, slips, service department and boat sales.
Full-service marina: repairs, winter storage and a fuel dock.
Lake Winnipesaukee: Leavitt Park Ramp, Lakeport, Meredith Public Docks, Fays Marina. Lake Winnisquam: Water Street Boat Launch, Laconia. Lake Opechee: Opechee Point Road Ramp, Laconia.
Snow sports, frozen-lake traditions and cosy indoor escapes
227 skiable acres, 49 trails (21% beginner, 34% intermediate, 45% advanced), 8 lifts, 1400 ft vertical. 90% snowmaking. Ski/snowboard school, rentals, tubing, nordic skiing, fat biking.
Prime ice fishing (lake trout, rainbow trout, perch, pickerel, cusk). Popular access: Weirs Beach, Paugus Bay, Meredith Bay. Guide services available. Annual derby (Feb).
Annual pond hockey tournament played on the frozen lake. Over 250 teams compete, spectator-friendly with food vendors.
Laconia connects to New Hampshire's extensive 7,000+ mile trail system. Corridor 15 and 15A run through the region, linking to the statewide network.
Where to eat, from lakeside decks to late-night pizza
Specializing in locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine with an ever-changing menu. Cozy, rustic atmosphere with open kitchen. Excellent vegetarian/gluten-free options.
Premium steakhouse featuring hand-cut USDA prime meats and fresh seafood. Elegant setting with outdoor patio. Extensive wine list and classic cocktails.
Family-friendly restaurant serving American classics (burgers, steaks, seafood). Generous portions, reasonable prices, full bar, outdoor seating.
Southwestern/Mexican restaurant, co-located or related to T-BONES.
Visit websitecactusjacks.comLakefront restaurant at Church Landing offering stunning views and diverse American cuisine with global influences. Specializes in fresh seafood and farm-to-table ingredients. Popular Sunday brunch.
Tea Shop
Unique combination of craft beer bar (24 rotating taps) and axe-throwing venue. Full menu with creative pub fare. Axe throwing lanes reservable.
Lively tavern with food, drinks, and often entertainment.
Visit websitefacebook.com/towerhilltavern1?rdid=nbpbdoJeByZbzgB1&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1DuFpYfXZ6%2F#Authentic Mexican cuisine in a colorful, festive atmosphere. Tableside guacamole, specialty fajitas, extensive tequila selection, fresh margaritas. Happy hour Mon-Thu.
Visit websiteeljimadornh.comAuthentic Thai cuisine with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. Wide range of spice levels. Popular dishes: pad thai, drunken noodles, curries. Vegetarian options. Take-out/delivery.
Modern Mexican restaurant focusing on fresh ingredients and regional specialties.
Visit websitevidamexican.squarespace.comBreakfast diner
Visit websitewaterstreetcafenh.comBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Visit websitehartsturkeyfarm.comRetro diner with 1950s decor. Breakfast specialties (cinnamon French toast), classic lunch (sandwiches, burgers, soups). Old-fashioned ice cream sodas, malts, sundaes.
Specialty coffee shop featuring single-origin beans, expert brewing methods (pour-over, cold brew). Modern, airy space. House-made pastries, light breakfast. Retail beans/equipment.
Visit websiteidentitycoffeenh.comLocal coffee roaster with on-site cafe. Bright, inviting space, free Wi-Fi. Breakfast burritos, avocado toast, local baked goods. Ethically sourced beans. Education events.
Visit websitewayfarercoffeeroasters.comDrive-thru and walk-in coffee shop serving a variety of coffee drinks and snacks.
Visit websitearomajoes.comHawaiian-themed shop offering traditional scoops (30+ flavors) and shave ice with tropical flavors. Signature sundaes ('Volcano'). Near Weirs Beach boardwalk.
Visit websiteliliuokalanisicecream.comMexican Cusine
Visit websitevidamexican.squarespace.comPopular chain featuring signature flavors, seasonal specials. Located in Mill Falls Marketplace. Indoor/outdoor seating. Sundaes, milkshakes, cakes, pints.
Italian dining in a restored downtown mill building.
Visit websitefratellos.comPizza delivery and carryout.
Visit websitedominos.comClassic roadside dairy bar — ice cream, burgers and fried seafood.
Visit websitesawyersgilfordnh.comHibachi and sushi in nearby Meredith.
The NazBar & Grill — lakeside drinks and casual food right on the beach at the Naswa Resort.
Visit websitenaswa.com/the-nazbar-grillThe Naswa Resort’s sit-down restaurant, with lake views.
Visit websitenaswa.com/blue-bistroSummer-only waterfront spot in Meredith for lobster rolls, fried clams and ice cream.
Visit websitethecman.com/town-docksOutlets, arcades, theatres and cinemas
Outlet mall featuring over 50 brand-name stores (Nike, Coach, Polo). Tax-free shopping. Food court, dining options. Covered walkways.
Visit websitetangeroutlet.com/tiltonCharming shopping destination in a restored 19th-century mill on Lake Winnipesaukee. Unique boutiques, specialty shops, galleries. Iconic waterfall. Restaurants/cafes on-site.
Eight-screen theater showing latest releases. Digital projection, surround sound, stadium seating. Connected to Axe & Ale Taphouse (food/drinks allowed in select screenings). Discount Tuesdays.
Visit websitebtmcinemas.com/showtimesWorld's largest arcade (over 600 games). Home to American Classic Arcade Museum. Indoor mini-golf, bowling, cash bingo, restaurant. Vintage games.
Premier outdoor amphitheater hosting major national touring concerts. Covered pavilion seating (8,000+) plus lawn seating. On-site parking, concessions, VIP experiences.
Visit websitebanknhpavilion.comBeautifully restored historic theatre hosting live performances and film screenings.
Visit websitecoloniallaconia.comProfessional and community theatre productions with a year-round schedule, plus children’s camps.
Visit websitewinnipesaukeeplayhouse.orgStock the kitchen before you settle in
Full-service supermarket within Walmart offering groceries alongside general merchandise. Pharmacy, bakery, deli. One-stop shopping. Online ordering/curbside pickup.
Visit websitewalmart.comFull-service supermarket offering quality groceries, pharmacy, store-brand products. Fresh produce, in-store bakery, extensive organic section. Loyalty program. Self-checkout.
Visit websitehannaford.comRegional grocery chain offering full-service supermarket including bakery, deli, floral department, pharmacy. Local/international foods. Digital coupons/delivery.
Visit websiteshaws.comThe gatherings worth planning a trip around
America's Original Riding Rally (102nd year in 2025), drawing over 300,000 visitors. Activities include tours, exhibits, music, hill climbs, races, charity rides, demos.
Visit websitelaconiamcweek.comAnnual showcase of local artisans and craftspeople.
Annual wine tasting event featuring wines from around the world.
Annual festival featuring thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns, tower of pumpkins, costume parades, live entertainment, food vendors, and beer garden.
Visit websitelaconiapumpkinfestival.comBeloved local tradition (since 1975) featuring elaborate Christmas displays, Santa and Mrs. Claus, children's activities, and holiday treats.
Annual sled dog racing event held in downtown Laconia.
Lakeside ceremonies and reception spaces nearby
Luxury lakefront venue with rustic Adirondack design. Indoor/outdoor ceremony spaces with lake views. Ballroom (up to 200 guests). In-house catering, on-site accommodations, planning assistance.
Visit websitemillfalls.com/weddingsHistoric mountaintop estate offering breathtaking Lake Winnipesaukee views. 1914 Arts & Crafts mansion backdrop. Outdoor ceremony sites (gardens, overlooks). Reception in Carriage House (150 guests). Trolley transport.
Visit websitecastleintheclouds.org/weddingsYear-round mountain venue with panoramic lake views. Summer ceremonies at summit (chairlift access). Winter ceremonies in snow-covered landscapes. Reception lodge (up to 250 guests). Customizable packages.
Visit websitegunstock.com/weddingsAffordable reception venue with spacious hall (up to 300 guests). Commercial kitchen available for caterers. BYOB allowed (permits req.). Convenient downtown location, ample parking. Flexible space.
Visit websitesacredheartlaconia.org/hall-rentalLakefront resort offering indoor/outdoor spaces. Beach ceremonies with tented or ballroom receptions (up to 225 guests). All-inclusive packages (catering, bar, cake, decor). On-site accommodations.
Visit websitemargateresort.com/weddingsLakeside ceremonies, ballroom receptions and on-site accommodations on Lake Winnisquam.
Visit websitethelakeestatenh.comTransport, pharmacies, fuel, charging and emergency services
Official regional tourism organization. Comprehensive info on attractions, accommodations, events. Free maps, guides, brochures. Trip planning assistance.
Information kiosk in City Hall offering maps, guides, local recommendations. Info on municipal services. Public restrooms. Free parking.
Visit websitecityoflaconianh.org/visitorsRegional airport serving general aviation. No scheduled commercial flights, charter services available. Car rentals on-site (by reservation). ~5 miles from downtown.
Visit websitelaconiaairport.comHistoric rail excursions along Lake Winnipesaukee (Meredith <=> Weirs Beach). 1-hr and 2-hr trips in vintage restored cars. Special theme rides (dinner trains).
Local taxi services (Lakes Region Taxi) available 24/7. Uber/Lyft have variable/limited availability, especially off-season. Advance reservations recommended for taxi.
Visit websitelakesregiontaxi.com (also Uber/Lyft apps)Full-service hospital with 24/7 emergency care. Comprehensive medical services (imaging, surgery, specialty care). Pharmacy on-site.
Local police department. Online reporting for non-emergencies. Vacation house check service. Anonymous tip line.
Provides fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. Multiple stations. Fire safety education/prevention services.
Pharmacy offering prescription services, health and wellness products.
Visit websitewalgreens.comPharmacy with prescription services and retail health products.
Visit websiteriteaid.comPharmacy providing prescription services, over-the-counter drugs, and general merchandise.
Visit websitecvs.comGas station and convenience store.
Visit websiteirvingoil.comGas station providing fuel and convenience items.
Visit websitesunoco.comConvenience store and gas station.
Visit websitecirclek.comTesla electric vehicle Supercharger station.
Visit websitetesla.com/findusTesla electric vehicle destination charger for guest use.
Visit websitethemargate.comHours and prices change — it is always worth calling ahead. Spotted something out of date? Let us know and we will fix it.