Looking for a way to spend a summer day in New Hampshire's White Mountains? This one-day summer itinerary for the Eastern White Mountains, which includes Mount Washington Valley, will lead you to many adventures. Bring everything from your hiking boots to your bathing suit, because there are plenty of activities to choose from!
Breakfast
You have a full day of traveling ahead of you – grab a hearty breakfast! If you are already in the area, check out The Notch Grille in Gorham for brunch at The Glen House. There are plenty of wonderful options in North Conway as well. If it’s convenient, take your breakfast to-go and bring it on your first adventure!
Take a Morning Walk
After you have figured out breakfast, it is time for the first activity of the day! Mount Washington Valley is home to many different hiking and walking paths, and what better way to start a summer morning? Tin Mountain Conservation Center is home to some incredible walking trails and a nature learning center. This is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for some outside time and would like to support a White Mountains nonprofit.
For stunning views, check out Echo Lake State Park and the moderate 2.9-mile out-and-back hike that brings you to the top of Cathedral Ledge. There are many different hiking opportunities in this area, but make sure that you are fully prepared if you plan to set out on a longer hike. Do not forget the 10 Hiking Essentials and check out Hiking in the White Mountains Tips for more information.
Lunch time
With all that walking, it is time to grab some lunch. North Conway, Bartlett and Glen are home to many great spots, so choose your favorite and grab a bite! Depending on how you’d like to spend your afternoon, you could dine at Settlers Green and enjoy tax-free shopping after lunch. Another fun option would be to pack a picnic with you, bring it to any of the above trails, and have your lunch in the great outdoors.
Take a dip
The afternoon is the warmest part of the day, so what better way to spend it than to cool off by the water! Tubing on the Saco River in North Conway is a popular pastime in the area. The Saco River Tubing Company in North Conway rents out all the necessary gear to take part in a float and will also help shuttle you from the parking lot to your starting spot, so you effortlessly float back to your car. They offer many different lengths of floats, so make sure you time your day accordingly. We recommend reserving beforehand, as this is a very popular activity in the summer.
Another fan favorite is Diana’s Bath in Bartlett, NH. Not only are the waterfalls of Diana’s Bath gorgeous sites to see, but they are also a great way to cool down and relax on a warm summer day. It is just over 1 mile to walk out and back to access the waterfalls. Keep in mind that Diana’s Bath is a very popular stop in the summer, so the parking lot can be a challenge in the peak summertime, so you may want to have back up plans.
Drive Up Mount Washington
If you’re not interested in a few hours of floating, discover what it is like to ride up the Mt. Washington Auto Road! At approximately 30 minutes up and 30 minutes down, you could add this attraction to your day at any point- although we’d suggest taking your time at the summit to marvel at the highest views in New England and enjoy the Mt. Washington Observatory. Don’t forget to check out the gift shops and the Extreme Mount Washington Museum to learn some history and grab some goodies. At 6,288’, Mt. Washington is the highest point in the Northeast, meaning that the weather can get chilly up there even on the balmiest summer day, so make sure to come prepared with some warm layers.
Do some shopping
After a long day, you may be interested in getting some tax-free shopping in, and North Conway is the perfect place to do so. You can visit Settlers Green for some outlet shopping, or North Conway’s Main Street for local shops.
Visit an attraction
If you are lucky enough to be visiting on select summer dates* you could end your day with a visit to Story Land for the Nostalgia Nights in the park from 5-10pm! These events feature drinks, live music, exclusive merchandise and more. This is such an enjoyable opportunity to relive childhood memories and have a fun night out at the same time. (21+)
*Summer 2025 Story Land Nostalgia Night Dates: 7/12, 7/26, 8/9/, 8/23
Check out our major attractions page to find a full list of fun things to do near North Conway.
Happy Hour and Dinner
Organic NH-made liquor for a happy hour cocktail? It’s the perfect end to a busy day. Visit Cathedral Ledge Distillery before dinner to get just that! Check their hours before you go, as they close in the early evening. After that, there are many different dining options in North Conway, so this one is up to you!
Staying the night?
If you plan to stay the night, there are many opportunities for camping in the White Mountains, such as the fire tower on top of Mount Kearsarge North* and nearby White Mountain National Forest campgrounds. We recommend starting early in the evening if you plan to stay up top, and do not forget headlamps! If you are looking for a stay that is more glamping than camping, Alpine Garden Glamping and Winery and Huttopia White Mountains are both home to some adorable tents and cabins for rent.
There are many lodging opportunities in the Eastern White Mountains if none of the above speak to you.
*Camping atop Mount Kearsage North is an iconic experience, but please pack all gear in and out, be prepared for your hike, and know that the fire tower may already be at capacity upon arrival, as this is a first-come, first-served experience.
Happy traveling!
