This article will highlight the best things to do in Concord, NH. So, stick around if you’re planning to visit the city.
During the 19th century, carriage making was a significant industry in Concord, and the town became known for its coaches.
Some examples can be found in the museum of New Hampshire history. In addition, Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the US, lived in the town.
Concord is a great place to live or visit. It is a peaceful suburban environment with plenty of job opportunities.
So whether you’re visiting or planning to stay, the city has plenty of options for you.
Where is Concord, New Hampshire?
The city of Concord is located in New Hampshire, United States, and is the capital of the county of Merrimack.
As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 43,976. It is the third-largest city in the state, behind Manchester and Nashua.
The city is home to several educational institutions. These include the University of New Hampshire Law School and St. Paul’s School.
In addition, the New Hampshire Police Academy and the New Hampshire Fire Academy are also in the area.
The city has a total area of approximately 67.2 square miles. According to the US Census Bureau, it has a land area of 64.0 square miles and a water area of 3.2 square miles.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Laconia (NH)
Fun Things to Do in Concord, NH
Concord, New Hampshire, has so much to offer fun activities. From the libraries to the parks and museums, the list is inexhaustible.
Here are the best things to do in Concord, New Hampshire with kids, for families, couples, adults, and for the weekend!
1. New Hampshire State House
The State House, constructed in 1819, is considered the oldest building in the US.
It also has the most significant legislative body in the country. The original State House of New Hampshire still occupies its original location.
You can go on a self-guided tour of The People’s House, as it is commonly called, from 8 am to 4:30 pm daily. There are also guided tours available.
Address: The New Hampshire State House is at 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03303, United States.
2. New Hampshire Historical Society
The history of New Hampshire is told through the eyes of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
This organization was established in 1823. It is dedicated to preserving the state’s past.
Various artifacts from the state’s past can be found in the historical society museum.
These include maps, books, and documents. They are all used in sharing the state’s history with the public.
Dating back to 1911, the building has been regarded as one of the most prominent architectural landmarks in the state. Its exterior features a temple-like structure.
Address: The New Hampshire Historical Society is at 30 Park St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
3. Makris Lobster & Steak House
The restaurant located in the building is owned and operated by the Makris family. It has been known to provide high-quality food for many years.
This establishment proves that the Makris family is passionate about eating well in the state.
The restaurant’s partnership with the Makris family started during the 1900s after Ed’s father opened a restaurant in the city.
The restaurant features a wide variety of dishes on its menu. Some of these include fried seafood, chicken sandwiches, and pasta dishes. It also offers lobster dinners.
Address: The Makris Lobster & Steak House is at 354 Sheep Davis Rd, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
4. Steeplegate Mall
The Steeplegate Mall is a regional mall that aims to provide its guests with a personalized shopping experience.
In addition, it features various stores and restaurants catering to the community’s needs.
The mall has over 20 department and specialty stores, such as those belonging to Chico’s, Talbots, and Sunglass Hut.
It also has a variety of restaurants and other establishments.
Besides these, the mall has various other attractions, such as the Hatbox Theatre and the Altitude Trampoline Park.
These facilities provide a different type of experience for both locals and visitors. In addition, the mall is open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends.
Address: The Steeplegate Mall is located at 270 Loudon Rd, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
5. Mary Baker Eddy Historic House
The Mary Baker Eddy Historic House can be found on the outskirts of the city of Concord.
This building is a subtle reminder of the renowned athlete’s various achievements in the area.
The museum inside the building features a collection of artifacts and documents related to Eddy’s life and work. It also has a lot of Christian Science artifacts.
The public can visit the historical home on weekends, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is also open on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The Mary Baker Eddy Historic House is also frequently used for various events.
These include lectures, exhibitions, and festivals. If you plan to visit Concord, this historical site is a must-visit.
Address: The Mary Baker Eddy Historic House is at 62 N State St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
6. Kimball-Jenkins Estate
The Kimball-Jenkins Estate is also frequently used as an art gallery. This facility features two different areas designed to exhibit different types of art.
One of these is the Carolyn Jenkins Gallery, which features different exhibitions designed to highlight the work of the faculty and students of the Kimball-Jenkins School of Art.
In addition, this gallery also features group and individual exhibitions that feature the best local and international artists.
The mansion’s ground floor features the Jill C. Wilson Gallery, an art gallery that showcases the work of internationally and nationally recognized artists.
Address: The Kimball-Jenkins Estate is located at 266 N. Main Street, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
7. Red River Theatres
The Red River Theatres was founded in 2007 as a local community project.
It was initially designed to serve as a venue for the local community to watch art-house films.
The cinema features three movie screens and does not show conventional movies. Instead, it focuses on local art-house productions.
The Red River Theatres has become an integral part of the cultural life of New Hampshire. It serves as a venue for the local community to watch independent films.
Address: The Red River Theatres is located at 11 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
8. Granite State Candy Shoppe
One of the most popular businesses in Concord is the Granite State Candy Shoppe.
This business has produced various sweets for the city’s residents since 1927.
The Granite State Candy Shoppe was initially established by Peter Bart, who used to make sweets in an old building on Warren Street.
It is owned and managed by a family. Bart’s shop was initially located in this area.
The shop features various types of sweets, such as chocolate gifts, ice cream, and chocolate bars.
It is also known for its corporate gift baskets and ice cream. The local community has been purchasing sweets for a long time.
Address: The Granite State Candy Shoppe is located at 13 Warren St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
9. Carter Hill Orchard
One of the best places to visit in Concord is Carter Hill Orchard, owned and operated by a family.
This farm facility features a variety of different types of fruits and vegetables.
This facility also features various areas that are designed to provide the public with a variety of activities.
Some of these include hiking trails, a bakery, and an observation tower that overlooks the area.
The Carter Hill orchard is also known for its various fruits and vegetables. It can be visited throughout the year.
Some of the fruits that can be found at this farm include pears, apples, melons, and berries. Most of the apples are ready for harvest in September and October.
Address: The Carter Hill Orchard is located at 73 Carter Hill Rd, Concord, NH 03303, United States.
10. Concord Antique Gallery
The city of Concord is also known for its various attractions and activities. One of the most prominent businesses in the area is the local shop known as Concord Antiques.
This establishment features a variety of different types of art and furniture. Over 160 individuals have been selling their goods in this store since 1997.
The store also features different types of art and furniture. The public can visit this facility as it has various products.
Some items purchased at this store include art, books, jewelry, pottery, and glassware.
Address: The Concord Antique Gallery is located at 137 Storrs St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
11. Capitol Center for the Arts
The Capitol Center for the Arts is a well-known venue for performing arts events in New Hampshire.
The public can visit this facility for various events such as concerts and theatrical productions.
The interior of the building has been decorated with Egyptian-style details.
This facility also features a variety of volunteers and staff members dedicated to making the event a success.
Initially built in 1927, the Capitol Center for the Arts has been upgraded with various features. Yet, despite the improvements, its original charm remains intact.
Address: The Capitol Center for the Arts is located at 44 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
12. The Draft Sports Bar
The Capitol Center for the Arts staff members are passionate about their food and are dedicated to making it the best possible. This facility also features a variety of draft beers.
The 15 flat-screen televisions in this facility are equipped with high-quality audio and video. They can be used to watch the games of the National Football League.
Address: The Draft Sports Bar is at 67 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
13. McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Teacher Terry Hebert was selected to be the first teacher to go into space.
Unfortunately, he could not achieve this mission due to the accident that occurred during the launch of the Challenger space shuttle.
Also, Alan Shepherd was the first American to go into space compared to Hebert.
The Discovery Center, an interactive museum, was created to inspire young people to pursue their dreams of becoming astronauts.
It features interactive exhibits that allow the public to learn more about the space program.
Address: The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is located at 2 Institute Dr, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
14. Old North Cemetery
The Old North Cemetery in the city of Concord is regarded as the oldest and most historic cemetery in the area.
It was established in 1730 and was the first resting place for many prominent individuals in the area.
It is the burial site of former US President Franklin Pierce and his wife, Jane. Also, it is the resting place of some of the area’s prominent individuals.
Address: The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is located at 141 N State St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
15. Concord Craft Brewing Company
The local micro-brewery known as the Concord Craft taproom is also known for its extensive selection of beers.
In addition, the public can visit this facility for its multiple beers.
Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s historic downtown district, the Concord Craft Brewing Company is a local micro-brewery known for its various beers. This facility is powered by steam.
Address: The Concord Craft Brewing Company is located at 117 Storrs St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
16. Canterbury Shaker Village
Although the religious sect known as the Shakers has only a few followers today, its members still have strong communities such as Canterbury.
These communities were established during the 19th century.
The public can visit the buildings constructed by the members of this religious sect.
This area is known for its unique attractions. Aside from the original structures, this region also has a variety of other sacred sites.
Address: The Canterbury Shaker Village is 288 Shaker Rd, Canterbury, NH 03224, United States.
17. Pierce Manse
One of the most notable attractions in this region is the home of Franklin Pierce.
He was the 14th president of the United States. The public can conduct a guided tour of his house.
It was almost destroyed in 1971, but a group of volunteers saved it. Today, it’s a museum.
The home was nearly destroyed during that time, but the volunteers saved it.
Address: The Pierce Manse is located at 14 Horseshoe Pond Ln, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
18. Winant Park
A large public park that spans 85 acres is known as Winant Park. It offers a tranquil setting for a relaxing evening.
The park’s views and the surrounding forest provide a perfect backdrop for a quiet day.
It also has various trails that are ideal for different abilities. The park’s vibrant orange and red colors can be seen during autumn. This area is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys getting active.
Address: The Winant Park is located at 53, 11 Fisk Rd, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
19. Dimond Hill Farm
Dimond Hill Farm is also known for its various activities and facilities.
This area is excellent for people who enjoy getting active and exploring the region’s natural beauty. It also offers a variety of local products.
The farm’s staff members welcome the public to come and visit the facility. It’s also open for walks and relaxation.
During their time here, the public can enjoy picking berries, exploring the trails, and buying ice cream and soda.
Address: The Dimond Hill Farm is located at 314 Hopkinton Rd, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
20. Brookside House of Pizza III
A pizza joint known as the Brookside House of Pizza III was established in 1987. It serves the residents of both of the neighboring communities of New Hampshire.
The company aims to provide its customers with the best possible fast food and service. Initially, the establishment was located in a town called Loudon.
Address: The Brookside House of Pizza III is located at 151 Manchester St, Concord, NH 03301, United States.
21. Margaritas Mexican Restaurants
Another popular establishment that’s located in Concord is Margaritas Mexican Restaurant.
This restaurant offers a variety of food and beverages. It’s known for its fresh and original food.
The restaurant’s interior design features various Mexican-inspired furniture and artwork. It’s designed to make its customers feel like they’re in Mexico.
Address: The Margaritas Mexican Restaurants is located at 1 Bicentennial Square, Concord, NH 03301, United States.