The Granite State is often overlooked by tourists, but the rumors are true: It’s really, really pretty here. I grew up in New Hampshire before a 12-year stint in New York, after which I bought my grandfather’s house and returned to my hometown in 2020. In the past six years, I’ve tried to explore the state as much as possible, keeping a particular eye out for interesting restaurants and unique outdoor experiences (we’re known for our fall foliage, hiking, and skiing). While New Hampshire may not be as action-packed as other destinations, there are plenty of little pockets of dining, shopping, and nature—more than you could ever possibly have time for. And, of course, it’s all tax-free.
One of the best ways to experience this gorgeous state is by staying in an Airbnb or Vrbo. Vacation rentals make it easy to step off the beaten path and really immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty, whether that be from a secluded A-frame, a downtown studio, or a waterfront getaway. Read on for some of my favorite rentals in New Hampshire, from the White Mountains to the Seacoast.
We've selected these listings based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews.
Our top picks:
- Best for families: Log cabin on a private beach in Tilton
- Best for a dog-friendly stay: Quiet lakeside retreat in Pittsburg
- Best for fall foliage: A-frame cabin with 180° mountain views in Conway
- Best for hiking enthusiasts: Decked-out school bus in Goffstown
- Best for walkability: Cozy studio with waterfront views in Portsmouth
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Why we love it: Wood stove, hot tub, wraparound porch with firepit, floor-to-ceiling windows, large backyard, charcoal grill, bathroom with heated floorsWhether you’re coming to ski Mount Sunapee in the winter or lounge by the lake in the summertime, this newly renovated chalet will make for a beautiful, cozy home base. It’s only a four-minute drive to the mountain, but nestled deep enough in the woods that you’ll forget all about the other tourists. Decked out with a firepit, wood stove, charcoal grill, and wraparound porch with plenty of seating, it’s perfectly suited for a romantic getaway or long weekend with friends.
Location: Goshen
Things to do nearby: Mount Sunapee State Park and Ski Resort, Lake SunapeeNumber of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Why we love it: Lake and mountain views, charcoal grill, waterfront access, kayak, boat slip, pet-friendly, ATV and snowmobile accessTucked among a forest of stately trees, this little red cabin offers stunning views and plenty of quiet space. Northern New Hampshire is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and this house is the perfect home base, whether you’re here to hike and swim in the summer or snowmobile and ice fish in the winter. Pets are welcome; many reviewers of the property rave about the outdoor space and duck-watching opportunities provided for their pups.
Location: Pittsburg
Things to do nearby: Bear Rock Adventures, Back Lake public beach, Lake Francis State Park, The Pitt at Buck Rub Pub
Number of guests: 7
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Private beach access, large outdoor dining area, firepit, playground, pet-friendly, fireplace, grill, games for all ages, kayaks and canoesLocated right on Lake Winnisquam, this log cabin was made (quite literally) for family-friendly getaways. In addition to plenty of space—both indoors and out—it comes equipped with games and kid necessities, like a crib, high chair, and baby gate. Fur babies are welcome too: The host allows one pre-approved dog per stay. In addition to the private beach and large patio for outdoor entertainment, this spot is located within walking distance of plenty of local restaurants and is just a short drive away from the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion.
Location: Tilton
Things to do nearby: Lake Winnisquam, Highland Mountain Bike Park, Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook, Tanger OutletsNumber of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Waterfront location, hot tub, sauna, outdoor dining area with barbecue grill, location on four acres of private landOne for my fellow glampers, this modern A-frame comes decked out with a sauna, hot tub, heated bathroom floors, and almost as much square footage on the deck as there is inside the house. It’d be the perfect weekend getaway for two couples or a group of friends: There’s plenty of space to entertain at the house, plus it’s located close enough to Wolfeboro (a town known as “The Oldest Summer Resort in America”) that you can zip over for dinner anytime you want to get out of the woods.
Location: Tuftonboro
Things to do nearby: Lake Winnipesaukee, shopping and dining in Wolfeboro, Castle in the Clouds, hiking and biking trails
Number of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Why we love it: Private dock on the lake, patio, firepit, large sunroom, game room with ping-pong and foosball, gas grillWhile there are plenty of options right on the water in the Lakes Region, it’s a bit rarer to find a lakeside spot with a private dock in the Sunapee Region. This one comes with two canoes and two kayaks, so you can paddle out with your coffee every morning. The decor is classic New England cottage–style, and the house is stocked with board games, ping-pong, and foosball—all making for a nostalgic summertime retreat. It sleeps six across three bedrooms, including a queen, a double, and a room with two twins, ideal for groups of friends or families with kids.
Location: Bradford
Things to do nearby: Lake Todd, Lake Sunapee, Mount Sunapee State Park, Whitman Park, Pats Peak, Colby-Sawyer CollegeNumber of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Why we love it: Sauna, firepit, proximity to hiking and riding trails, indoor fireplace, kids amenitiesIf a regular house is just a bit too…normal for your travel crew, consider this overhauled school bus. While it’s parked on a hill in the middle of the woods, this is not exactly a “roughing it” situation: There’s a wood-fired sauna, a firepit, a full kitchen and bathroom, plus AC and an indoor woodstove on the site. This bright green bus is perfect for anyone seeking an active, outdoorsy trip; it offers easy access to several hiking and biking trails. If you want to head back on the grid for a bit, you’re only a five-minute drive from Goffstown and 20 minutes to Manchester. Keep in mind that while it sleeps up to six, it's best for a family or close friends, since all the beds (four of which are bunked twins) are in the same area.
Location: Goffstown
Things to do nearby: Hiking trails, mountain biking, ATV trails, easy access to Goffstown and Manchester
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Why we love it: Firepit, large private yard, laundry, barbecue grillOne of the best parts about visiting the Granite State? Even in a major city, it’s possible to find a place to stay that feels like you’re way out in the countryside. Take this newly renovated, pre-Revolutionary War–era farmhouse, located on the property of a working farm that, depending on when you stay, offers pick-your-own berries, pumpkins, and maple syrup tastings. You’ll have 1.4 acres of outdoor space to spread out in and access to plenty of nearby trails—plus, it’s only a five-minute drive to downtown Concord, so you can easily explore all the dining, shopping, and art the capital has to offer.
Location: Concord
Things to do nearby: New Hampshire State Capitol Building, hiking/biking/skiing/snowshoeing trails, Rossview Farm, shopping on Main St., McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, New Hampshire Audubon McLane CenterNumber of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Why we love it: Downtown location, covered porch, large dining room, historically mindful renovationsThe Monadnock Region gets less buzz than the White Mountains or areas closer to Boston, but it’s filled with wonderful gems—like this newly renovated apartment in a building from 1901. Whether you’re visiting a kid who goes to Keene State or have plans to hike Mount Monadnock (supposedly one of the most-climbed mountains in the world), this wide-open, well-lit apartment is a fabulous home base for up to four guests across its two bedrooms (one queen and one with two twins). It’s right in the center of highly walkable downtown Keene, which you might recognize from the stampede scene in the original Jumanji movie.
Location: Keene
Things to do nearby: Shopping and dining in downtown Keene, Gap Mountain, Mount Monadnock, Colonial Theater, Granite Gorge
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Why we love it: Oceanfront location, free parking, balcony, lots of natural lightHampton Beach is a completely free, open-access public beach—but trying to find parking when you visit can be a nightmare. This condo takes care of that particular headache, plus it puts you just steps away from the coastline. Decked out in bright whites with soothing pops of green, it's a modern, renovated spot for up to four guests. If you want to avoid the summertime crowds, you can enjoy the ocean view from your private hideaway thanks to the sizable covered porch. Reviewers also rave about the large windows overlooking the water, particularly during wintertime visits.
Location: Hampton
Things to do nearby: Hampton Beach, Ocean World Oceanarium, Casino Ballroom, Fuller Gardens, Seacoast GreenwayNumber of guests: 2
Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bath
Why we love it: Pet-friendly, in-unit laundry, walkable locationLocated right over the bridge from downtown Portsmouth, this breezy studio lets you experience the seacoast just outside the busiest parts of the city. Portsmouth is a major New Hampshire food hub, and this apartment is a short walk away from several restaurants that are considered to be some of the best in the state. Plus, it’s only a 30-minute drive to Hampton Beach and five minutes to Kittery, Maine, if you want to explore even more of New England’s famous coastline.
Location: Portsmouth
Things to do nearby: Music Hall, Market Square, Long Sands Beach, Hampton Beach, Prescott Park, Nubble Lighthouse
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Why we love it: Two-level covered deck, proximity to ski resorts, White Mountain viewsLooking to explore the White Mountains, but not so thrilled about how touristy it can get? This post-and-beam log home lets you stay just outside the most heavily trafficked areas while still being within driving distance of some famous attractions. Downtown Littleton is five minutes away, you can get to Cannon Mountain (RIP, Old Man of the Mountain) and Franconia Notch in about 20, and you can see the trained bears and infamous Wolfman at Clark’s Trading Post in under half an hour. The house itself offers a gorgeous space to relax, with a wide-open living/dining room and a huge deck with mountain views. While it sleeps four adults, there’s also a guest house that can be rented separately if you want to bring a larger party.
Location: Littleton
Things to do nearby: Moore Reservoir, Clark’s Trading Post, Santa’s Village, golf courses, Kilburn Crags, Franconia Notch State Park, Loon Mountain Resort, Cannon Mountain, Bretton Woods ResortNumber of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Great views, wood-burning fireplace, charcoal grill, firepit, deckIf you’re coming to New Hampshire for the White Mountain views, this rental ensures you’ll be able to take them all in. The floor-to-ceiling windows let you look out into the mountains—especially gorgeous during peak fall foliage season. The house, which was built by the hosts’ grandparents in the 1960s, sits on a three-acre lot, so you’ll have plenty of peace and quiet. When you’re ready for a little more hustle and bustle, it’s just a 10-minute drive to downtown North Conway, home to the year-round Cranmore Mountain Resort and plenty of shopping and dining. Traveling with kids? Head a little further north to Story Land, New Hampshire’s charming amusement park that predates Disneyland.
Location: Conway
Things to do nearby: White Mountain National Forest, Echo Lake State Park, Kancamagus Highway, Marshall Conservation Mountain Bike Trails, Saco River tubing, downtown North Conway, Story Land, Cranmore Mountain, Conway Scenic Railroad