Lake Winnipesaukee 8 Day Travel Itinerary
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New Hampshire’s big lake, Winnipesaukee, offers visitors a wide range of recreation in a spectacular outdoor setting. The 21-mile-long lake is surrounded by two mountain ranges. There are stunning vistas from virtually any lake location. The scenery is complimented by the extensive array of area activities.
Lake Winnipesaukee is a boater’s paradise. It’s rocky shores and 365 islands are a haven for fishermen. The broads and bays are dotted with jet skis, sail boats, and speed boats pulling tubes. Daredevils windsurf, wake board, and dive. Coves close to shore are busy with kayakers and paddle boarders.
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Play is not limited to the water. Winnipesaukee is surrounded by charming villages. There is hiking on the Belknap and Ossipee mountains. The shore is rimmed with tracks for biking and train rides. Adventure parks, music venues, and attractions are located in the region making it a great vacation destination for couples and families.
Our 8-day itinerary includes a plan for taking in Lake Winnipesaukee’s highlights. Plan for around 4 hours for most of these outings, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the beach, water, and camp fire. We hope you visit and enjoy this beautiful region.
LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE 7 DAY TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1: Travel Day. Check-in, organize, check-out your surroundings.
Day 2: Boat or drive to Wolfeboro Bay.
You can park your boat at the free public docks or your vehicle in the free Glendon Street lot.
Walk the public docks and the lakeside Cate Park. Dine on the water or on Main Street. There are specialty textile, houseware, candy, and clothing shops to visit. If you have time, buy a ticket for the Wolfeboro Trolley Company’s hop-on hop-off tour. Even if you do not visit any of the small museums along the route, it gives a great overview of the area ($8.00 adult ticket). End the day with an ice cream cone under the gazebo.
DAY 3 Hike Mt Major, Take-out in Alton Bay, and Cruise on the Mount Washington
Begin the day with a morning hike of Mount Major. The 1786 foot summit offers spectacular views of Lake Winnipesauke. Drive to the Mount Major parking area on NH Route 11 (4.2 miles north of Alton Bay). The lot is large, but it fills up early. There are a number of trails that lead to the summit (the Main Trail is the steepest). Round trips range from 3-4 miles.
For an easier hike, drive to Carriage Road in Gilford, NH. The 2.2 mile Belknap Mountain Loop leads to a rocky summit with a fire tower you can climb, and 360’ views of the lake and the Belknap range.
When you are done hiking head to the nearby village of Alton Bay for a bite to eat. There is not a town center, per se, but some great take-out restaurants and a few small shops to explore. After purchasing your food, have a picnic on the greens by the public docks.
Tonight, take a cocktail or dinner cruise on the M/S Mount Washington. Tour Lake Winnipesaukee in comfort while being entertained with legends of the lake and local musicians. Or, as an alternative, get tickets to a show at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford. The 8000-seat venue hosts many big name acts in its outdoor amphitheater.
DAY 4 Beach Day. Evening trip to Weirs Beach
Enjoy the beach today. In the evening, take a trip to Weirs Beach. Visit the arcades and shops along the boardwalks. Have dinner at one the restaurants on the boulevard. After dark bar hop, people watch, or go to the Weirs Drive-In for a nostalgic double feature.
DAY 5 Boat or drive to Meredith Bay. Evening free concert.
Relax this morning. This afternoon boat or drive to Meredith Bay. There is much to explore including the public docks and Hesky waterfront park (the site of many concerts and special events). There are lots of fine-dining restaurants and fun take-out establishments. Main Street has a number of interesting shops and the Hermit Woods Winery (tasting room, tours, and deli). There is shopping at the upscale Mills Fall Marketplace and at the League of NH Craftsman store by Church Landing.
This evening, take in a free concert at Meredith, Alton, or Wolfeboro Bay.
DAY 6 Visit an area attraction. Evening trip to Kellerhaus & Funspot
Today, visit an area attractions or local spa:
Castle in the Clouds: Mountaintop estate with tours of a mansion, hiking & a restaurant. (Moultonborough)
Gunstock Adventure Park: Mountain Resort with e-bike tours, zip lining, treetop adventures, a mountain coaster, scenic chair lift, hiking, and biking. (Gilford)
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railway: Old fashioned train rides and guided rail bike tours. (Meredith and Weirs Beach)
Squam Lake Science Center: Environmental educational center and zoo (Holderness)
For spas try:
Lake Opechee Inn and Spa. (Laconia)
Church Landing at Mill Falls Spa (Meredith)
This evening, take in some fun at these Lakes Region institutions:
Kellerhaus: Homemade chocolate and ice cream, candy and gifts. (Laconia)
Funspot: Family entertainment center with largest collection of arcade games in the world. Enjoy skee-ball, bowling, bingo, mini golf, and classic arcade games. (Laconia)
DAY 7 Kayak, canoe, or paddle board trip in Moultonborough
Transport your kayak, canoe, or paddle board to Lee’s Mill Boat Ramp in Moultonborough. Paddle to Greens Basin and/or Clarks Landing. Enjoy the nooks and crannies of this gorgeous, quieter end of the lake. View wildlife, waterfowl, grassy bogs, and uninhabited islands. If you don’t have your own equipment, consider booking an eco-tour such as those offered by Wild Meadow Paddlesports.
Day 8 Pack. Travel Day Home
Hope you enjoyed those s’mores, Laura and Randy
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