Welcome to Lake Winnipesaukee

The Lakes Region of New Hampshire has been delighting visitors for generations. Dotted with 258 islands, Lake Winnipesaukee boasts 72 square miles of water and makes up the centerpiece of the regions natural beauty. Lake and mountain views set the backdrop for relaxing days spent strolling around charming lakeside villages, sightseeing, enjoying unique attractions and just about every form of recreation.

There is a wide range of attractions, and new options are always popping up. Some of the more recent additions include fun escape house experiences, zip line and high ropes operations in Laconia and Gilford, and even off-road segway tours at Gunstock. Perennial favorites include cruising Lake Winnipesaukee about the Mt. Washington, taking in the exceptional views while touring the Castle in the Clouds estate, and having fun at the largest arcade in the world, Funspot!

Once a quiet spot along the lake, Gilford has grown in recognition over the years thanks to Meadowbrook’s rapid transformation into Bank of NH Pavilion. Here, you can enjoy over 40 big-name concerts across many genres of music in their award winning venue. For 2020, shows include Luke Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, the Zac Brown Band and many more.

Summer recreation options include all the water and land based activities you can think of. You have plenty of beaches to choose from, the two most popular being Weirs Beach in Laconia and Ellacoya State Park in Gilford. Both over 600 feet long with amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas.

Boating is the next most popular activity. Thanks to its title as the largest lake in the state, Lake Winnipesaukee has become a boaters paradise. Enjoy plenty of wide open areas for satisfying your need for speed and numerous quiet coves and sheltered areas for exploring and lounging around. For all its splendor, Winnipesaukee is not the only paradise in town; it’s just one of over 200 lakes. If you don’t have a boat, or don’t want to bring your own, we’ll give you links boat rentals and marinas.

Fishing is also a big deal here. We’ll give you a quick overview of the specs on a few of our lakes and details on where to get a fishing license and what the fees are. If you want someone to help take the guesswork out of your day on Lake Winnipesaukee, check out these fishing guides.

If rainy days keep you off the lake, it’s time for doing a little shopping. New Hampshire has no sales tax, so it’s as if everything everywhere is always on sale. The nearby town of Tilton offers you the Tanger Outlet Center with more than 50 big name stores. For the more unique spots, you’ll want to check out the Old County Store in Moultonborough and see what has kept it in business since 1781. You also shouldn’t miss strolling around the Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith, or the cool assortment of stuff in Blacks Paper Store & Gift Shop in Wolfeboro.

For your food and drinking options, you can dine with a view of the lake at places like Castle in the Clouds, next to the lake at places like Lago or Shibleys, over the water at places like Anthony’s on the Winnipesaukee Pier, or actually in the water like at the very cool swim up bar that The Dive offers. Check out our dining section for links to all these places, find out who delivers, where to get ice cream, and more.

More than just a summer destination; visitors to the area during the winter can enjoy exceptional ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding. Start planning today! This site offers info on Lake Winnipesaukee hotels, vacation rentals and restaurants, the scoop on attractions and recreation, the details on numerous special events, and photos of the towns around Lake Winnipesaukee including Laconia, Meredith, Gilford, Center Harbor, Alton Bay and Wolfeboro.