Laconia

Laconia, the only lakefront city in New Hampshire, has a good spot on Lake Winnipesaukee's western side. With a boardwalk, amusements, and one of the state's top beaches—the 450-foot sand beach at Endicott Rock Park—the area known as Weirs Beach is a hive of summer activity.

The US Mailboat M/V Sophie C., the M/S Mount Washington, and the brand-new Winnipesaukee Spirit, which will debut in 2021, are the three cruise options for picturesque cruises of the enormous lake, and they can all be boarded at Weirs Beach. Additionally, this is where visitors can board the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. The Winnipesaukee River, which was used to power Belknap Mill, the first hosiery factory in New England and where Laconia's downtown is located, was founded in 1823. The on-site hosiery, museum shows the operation of the mill demonstrating the still-working historic machines; in the gift shop, you can buy socks made there.

There are more places to visit in Laconia besides Weirs Beach. Gunstock Mountain is a year-round outdoor sports center in the nearby town of Gilford, to the south of the city. The mountain, which has 55 trails and 90% snowmaking coverage, is one of New Hampshire's best ski destinations when it snows. The rest of the year, it is an adventure park with hiking trails, a mountain coaster, treetop tours, and 1.6 miles of ziplines.