Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway blends small-town charm with big outdoor experiences, from scenic train rides to backcountry hikes and après-ski fireside dining. The town's backdrop is filled with soaring peaks, river valleys, and fall foliage that draws photographers and leaf peepers alike. Guests can shop local boutiques, sip cider, or explore covered bridges in a timeless setting. North Conway captures the essence of New Hampshire's rugged beauty and cozy spirit.
Top areas to stay at in North Conway, New Hampshire
Village Center / Main Street
Village Center is North Conway’s heart, filled with cafés, bakeries, bookstores, and local shops. Vacation rentals in Village Center include charming cottages, historic inns, and Airbnbs within walking distance of dining and the Conway Scenic Railroad. Guests can stroll to Schouler Park or enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride in winter.
Cathedral Ledge / Echo Lake Area
Near the dramatic cliffs and water of Echo Lake State Park, this area offers tranquility with direct access to nature. Rentals near the Echo Lake include mountain lodges, cozy cabins, and Airbnbs with forest views and fireplaces. Guests can hike to Cathedral Ledge or swim and kayak in Echo Lake during summer months.
North Conway Village Outskirts
Just beyond Main Street, this area provides quieter surroundings while still being minutes from the action. Rentals include family homes, mountain-view condos, and pet-friendly Airbnbs. Visitors can access hiking trails or scenic roads with ease.
Cranmore Mountain Area
Adjacent to the ski resort, the Cranmore Mountain neighborhood is ideal for winter sports lovers and families. Vacation homes in the Cranmore Mountain area include slope-side condos, chalet-style Airbnbs, and ski-in/ski-out townhouses. Guests can enjoy snow tubing, mountain biking, or scenic chairlift rides depending on the season.
Intervale / Kearsarge
Located just north of downtown, Intervale and Kearsarge provide wooded retreats, B&Bs, and mountain cabins tucked into the trees. Rentals in Intervale are great for longer stays and include spacious homes, classic Airbnbs, and quiet hideaways. Guests can explore trails, waterfalls, and nearby Story Land amusement park.
Must-visit places and attractions in North Conway, New Hampshire
Conway Scenic Railroad
One of the most iconic attractions, the Conway Scenic Railroad offers vintage train rides through the mountains with views of rivers, valleys, and fall foliage. Visitors can choose between scenic short trips or longer routes into Crawford Notch.
Cranmore Mountain Resort
Offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and summer activities, Cranmore Mountain is a four-season playground for all ages. Guests can hit the slopes, ride a mountain coaster, or enjoy panoramic views from the summit. The resort is right in town and accessible to all skill levels.
Echo Lake State Park
With a tranquil lake and striking cliffside backdrop, Echo Lake State Park is popular for swimming, picnicking, and paddling. Guests can hike to Cathedral Ledge for an unbeatable view or enjoy the calm water below.
Diana’s Baths
A short hike into the forest leads to Diana’s Baths, a series of cascading waterfalls and pools along Lucy Brook. Visitors can wade, explore rock formations, or relax by the rushing water.
White Mountain National Forest
Stretching across northern New Hampshire, the White Mountain National Forest offers endless trails, alpine peaks, and wildlife viewing. North Conway serves as a southern gateway to hikes like Mount Washington, the Kancamagus Highway, and Franconia Ridge. The forest offers beauty and challenge for all experience levels.
Schouler Park
Located in the heart of town, Schouler Park is a community gathering space with open lawns, a playground, and views of the mountains. Seasonal events like ice skating, farmers markets, and concerts bring locals and visitors together.
Settlers Green Outlet Village
For tax-free shopping, Settlers Green features brand-name outlets, boutique shops, and dining options in an outdoor village setting. Guests can hunt for deals, join seasonal events, or enjoy a bite after a day of hiking. The outlets are a surprising draw for North Conway visitors.
Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
This small but informative museum teaches guests about the extreme weather of the nearby presidential range. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits, weather instruments, and learn about summit conditions on Mount Washington.
Where to find a vacation rental near North Conway
Portland, Maine
About an hour and a half southeast, Portland combines historic charm with a creative spirit and coastal beauty. Explore the Portland Head Light, shop in Old Port, or catch a ferry to the Casco Bay islands. Booking a vacation rental in Portland, like a harbor-view condo or brick-townhome downtown, brings maritime energy and cultural buzz to balance North Conway’s quiet alpine setting.
Lincoln, New Hampshire
Roughly an hour southwest, Lincoln is a gateway to the White Mountains and a hotspot for adventure seekers. Visitors can ski at Loon Mountain, hike the Kancamagus Highway, or explore Flume Gorge. Staying in a vacation rental in Lincoln, such as a forest retreat or slope-side condo, deepens the outdoor focus that defines North Conway.
Hanover, New Hampshire
About two hours southwest, Hanover offers Ivy League charm and a refined New England experience anchored by Dartmouth College. Wander the Hood Museum, enjoy riverside walks, or dine in stylish cafés. Choosing a vacation rental in Hanover, from an elegant home to a country cottage, adds a cultured and academic counterpoint to North Conway’s rugged, adventurous spirit.
Bethel, Maine
Only 45 minutes northeast, Bethel is a quiet mountain village near Sunday River Resort, ideal for outdoor lovers. Guests can ski, paddle the Androscoggin River, or explore forest trails. Settling into a vacation rental in Bethel, such as a log cabin or riverside chalet, continues the alpine rhythm while offering a slightly slower pace than North Conway’s bustling base.
Manchester, New Hampshire
Approximately two hours south, Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city and a hub for arts, history, and innovation. Explore the Currier Museum, catch a show at the Palace Theatre, or stroll the Millyard’s industrial heritage sites. Resting in a vacation rental in Manchester, like a downtown loft or cozy apartment, adds urban texture and cultural depth to a getaway centered around North Conway’s wild mountain charm.
Explore shopping spots and alpine adventures across North America
In the charming town known for its boutiques and outlet stores, shopping enthusiasts will find a delightful array of choices. Beyond its borders, the bustling streets of Charlotte await those seeking diverse shopping experiences, where vacation rentals in Charlotte provide the perfect stay near its fashionable districts. Meanwhile, the vibrant city atmosphere and iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco offer an unmatched retail therapy experience, making an airbnb San Francisco an ideal spot for your urban escape. Crossing into Canada, the cosmopolitan allure of Vancouver is undeniable, where the eclectic marketplaces are just as enticing as the comfort found in vacation rentals in Vancouver.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, this locale serves as a gateway to exhilarating alpine experiences. When seeking further mountainous thrills, the world-renowned slopes of Whistler offer incredible skiing opportunities with lodging in Whistler set amidst stunning vistas. In Colorado, Winter Park presents a wonderland of winter sports, with a Winter Park airbnb placing you at the heart of its snow-covered peaks. For those who favor a charming Colorado town nestled in the Rockies, vacation rentals in Salida, CO promise a tranquil retreat amidst its scenic surroundings.