New Hampshire is a pint-sized state that packs a pretty big punch. New Hampshire offers a combination of outdoor activities, history and scenic vistas that keep generations of loyal travellers pouring in every year.

Cool down with some Atlantic waves at Hampton, gorge on incredible fall foliage, go to the north for a rugged adventure-filled vacation, or pop a thrill pill with an active holiday in the Lakes Region – choices are plenty and enough to confuse you where to begin. Keep these 20 New Hampshire Landmarks handy for a bragworthy holiday in the state.

Famous Landmarks in New Hampshire

1- New Hampshire State House

Completed in 1819, New Hampshire State House is the nation’s oldest state house and where both the houses of legislature still meet in their original chamber.

It’s not surprising that the material used to build the Granite State’s Capitol building was granite.

The stately building in Concord flaunts a Greek Revival architectural style with trademark Doric and Corinthian columns.

A stately golden dome tops it all.

This New Hampshire landmark houses the New Hampshire General Court, Governor and Executive Council.

The grounds are spread across 2.6 acres (1.05 ha), and the building houses the Hall of Flags, Senate Chamber and House Chamber.

New Hampshire State House is at 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03303.

2- Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Zoom to the 4080 ft (1243 m) summit of Cannon Mountain in flat eight minutes.

North America’s first and New Hampshire’s only aerial tram offers a spectacular ride and a panoramic view during its 2180 ft (664m) vertical ascent.

It can accommodate 80 people in one go, and online reservations are recommended.

There is plenty to do on the mountain top besides marvelling at the mountains of four states – New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York – and Canada.

There is a 360-degree observation deck to enjoy the view.

Scenic paths, cafes, restaurants are there to explore and enjoy at the summit.

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is at 260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580.

3- U.S.S. Albacore

Take a peek into the submarine history of the U.S. Navy at this self-guided submarine museum in Portsmouth.

This museum is housed inside a 200 ft (60 m) research submarine U.S.S. Albacore and tells tales of secret feature testings and stories of Alabacore’s crew during the Cold War heyday.

The submarine experience is designed around audio stations that provide information about this underwater combat vessel’s unique features, such as its teardrop-shaped hull and hydrodynamics.

Peep through a real periscope, get busy in the control room, check out the engineering rooms and the bunkrooms for the full feel of this sub.

U.S.S. Albacore is at 600 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

4- Portsmouth Historic Houses

As one of New England’s oldest English settlements, Portsmouth has many stories to tell.

You can discover some of the secrets of Portsmouth tucked away within the walls of its nine historic houses, which were once the homes of interesting characters who were influential in America’s history.

The historic houses are decked out with antique decor, and the charming architecture is delightful.

Two to visit are Jackson House, which is the oldest timber-framed building in the state and built around the mid-1700s, and Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden.

The latter is a handsome Georgian mansion with lovely gardens built for merchant John Moffatt between 1760 and 1763.

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden is at 154 Market Street | Portsmouth, NH 03801.

5- Kancamagus Highway

You’ll find several famous landmarks of New Hampshire while on a driving trip along this highway.

Known as ‘Kanc’ by the locals, Kancamagus Highway is New Hampshire’s National Scenic Byway that snakes through the thickly forested land of White Mountain National Forest.

This 34-mile route flares up in fall colours and offers one of the most scenic road trips in the state.

But don’t dismiss it just as a colour therapy for the eyes, as there are plenty of key New Hampshire landmarks along the way.

Visit Albany Covered Bridge, Lower Falls Scenic Area, Russell-Colbath Historic Site and Sabbaday Falls.

Pack a picnic and the day is sorted.

Access the Kancamagus Highway from I-93 in Lincoln NH or NH Rt. 16 from Conway NH.