Concord Travel Guide

Discover the history and culture of Concord, New Hampshire with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best places to visit, eat, stay, and make the most of your trip to this charming city.


Introduction to Concord

Welcome to Concord, the charming capital city of the state of New Hampshire! Located in Merrimack Valley, Concord is nestled between the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. From museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic drives, Concord has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will take a deep dive into Concord’s top attractions and provide insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Concord

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • New Hampshire State House: This stunning building is the centerpiece of downtown Concord and is open year-round for self-guided tours. Take a walk through its halls to see the murals, portraits, and historic artifacts that capture New Hampshire’s rich history.

  • The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: Named after two beloved New Hampshire residents, Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard, this interactive science museum is a must-visit for both kids and adults. Explore the night sky, take a simulated trip to space and learn about the history of aviation and space travel.

  • Canterbury Shaker Village: Step back in time and discover the fascinating lifestyle of the Shaker community. This restored village consists of 25 restored original buildings, including the meetinghouse, residences, herb gardens, and farm animals.

Natural Attractions of Concord: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • White Park: This beautiful park is a great place for a picnic or a stroll. With plenty of open spaces, a small playground, and a duck pond, there is something for everyone. It also has an outdoor pool that is perfect for a refreshing swim during the summer months.

  • Wasserman Park: For those who love outdoor activities, Wasserman Park offers hiking trails, a baseball diamond, playgrounds, and tennis courts.

  • Merrimack River: Concord is situated at the junction of the Merrimack and Soucook Rivers, offering picturesque views and recreational opportunities. Take a kayak or canoe trip down the river or hike the trails that surround it.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Concord

Concord has several hiking and biking routes that offer stunning views of the city’s natural beauty.

  • Winant Park: This park offers several hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks, rock formations, and beautiful wooded areas.

  • Contoocook River Greenway Trail: This 9.3-mile trail follows the Contoocook River and provides opportunities for hiking and biking.

  • Suncook Valley Rail Trail: This 14-mile trail passes by scenic landscapes, including summer wildflowers, sparkling streams, and hardwood forests.

Best Things to Do in Concord: Activities and Tours

  • Concord Farmers Market: Open every Saturday from May to October, the Concord Farmers Market offers locally grown produce, baked goods, cheese, meats, and crafts.

  • Capital City Classic Car Show: Held in downtown Concord, this annual event showcases classic and vintage cars in a festive atmosphere.

  • Concord Craft Brewery: Take a tour of the Concord Craft Brewery and learn about their process of creating award-winning beers. You can also enjoy a flight of their craft beers in the taproom.

Week-Long Itinerary for Concord

Day 1: Explore the New Hampshire State House and downtown Concord

Day 2: Visit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center and the Christa McAuliffe planetarium

Day 3: Take a hike in Winant Park

Day 4: Visit Canterbury Shaker Village and learn about the Shaker community

Day 5: Experience the beauty of the Merrimack River with kayaking or canoeing

Day 6: Visit Wasserman Park for outdoor activities

Day 7: Take a brewery tour at the Concord Craft Brewery

Food and Drink Scene of Concord

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maple Syrup: New Hampshire is one of the top producers of maple syrup in the United States. Try it on pancakes, waffles, or french toast.

  • Seafood: Being located near the coast, New Hampshire offers a wide variety of seafood, including lobsters, clams, and oysters.

  • Apple Cider Donuts: These delicious treats are a fall favorite in New Hampshire and can be found at local orchards and farmers’ markets.

Local Beverages

  • Concord Craft Brewery: Concord is home to the Concord Craft Brewery, which offers award-winning beers and a taproom for visitors to enjoy.

  • LaBelle Winery: Located just outside of Concord, LaBelle Winery offers tastings of their delicious wines and a vineyard tour.

Where to Stay in Concord: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Concord: A historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Concord, with rooms designed especially for couples and families.

  • Concord’s Colonial Inn: This charming inn has been welcoming guests since the early 18th century, and offers comfortable rooms and suites.

  • The Centennial: A boutique hotel located just minutes from downtown Concord, offering spacious rooms and gourmet dining.

What to Buy in Concord: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup: Take a bottle or two of New Hampshire-made maple syrup home.

  • Craft Beer: Pick up a six-pack of Concord Craft Brewery’s award-winning beers.

  • Handicrafts from Canterbury Shaker Village: The village’s gift shop offers a wide selection of handmade crafts, including wooden bowls, soaps, candles, and pottery.

Local Culture and Customs of Concord

The people of Concord take pride in their local history and natural beauty, with a strong sense of community and hospitality.

Best Time to Visit Concord

The best time to visit Concord is from late spring to early fall when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The fall season is particularly beautiful with the changing leaves, apple picking, and harvest festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Concord

Do:

  • Do take a hike or bicycle ride on the trails around Concord’s natural beauty.

  • Do visit local museums and historical landmarks to learn about the city’s history and culture.

  • Do try local food and drinks, including maple syrup, seafood, and craft beer.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in Concord’s natural or historic sites.

  • Don’t forget to carry your insect repellent during summer months as there can be high numbers of mosquitoes in the area.

  • Don’t forget to bundle up in the winter months, as Concord can have long and cold winters.

Safety and Health

Safety in Concord

Concord is generally a safe city, but like any other place, follow general precautions such as keeping your belongings safe when in public places.

Health in Concord

There are several healthcare facilities in Concord, including Concord Hospital and Capital Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Getting to Concord: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Concord

  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located just 20 miles south of Concord, offers flights to major domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Concord

  • Concord Bus Station offers routes to Boston and other major cities in the Northeast.

Other Options

  • Concord is conveniently located near major highways and can easily be reached by car.

How to Get Around in Concord

Concord is a walkable city with several public transportation options, including buses and taxis. Lyft and Uber are also available in the city.

Where to Go Next from Concord: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • White Mountain National Forest: New Hampshire’s White Mountains are just a short drive from Concord and offer stunning views, hiking trails, ski resorts, and other outdoor activities.

  • Lake Winnipesaukee: Explore the largest lake in New Hampshire, located just an hour away from Concord, and enjoy boating, swimming, or fishing.

  • Boston: Boston, known as the birthplace of the American Revolution, is a vibrant city located just 70 miles away from Concord and can be easily reached by car or bus.

Conclusion

Concord is a beautiful city with something for everyone. Whether you want to explore its rich history or enjoy the great outdoors, Concord has plenty to offer. With this comprehensive guide, you are sure to make the most of your trip to this charming and historic city.

A view of part of Main Street in the Downtown Concord Historic District A view of part of Main Street in the Downtown Concord Historic District Pierce Manse Pierce Manse