Located in the heart of central New Hampshire, nestled between the towering Belknap Mountains and the picturesque shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford is a charming destination that is definitely worth exploring during your trip to New Hampshire.
The beginning of summer tourists to Gilford was heralded by the Lake Shore Railroad, and the town’s farmers welcome visitors from all over the country to enjoy the place they so proudly call home. Gilford’s appeal as a destination is due to the natural beauty of its mountains and lakes. The town seal, appropriately, shows a sailboat floating across Lake Winnipesaukee with the Gunstock and Belknap Mountains as the magnificent backdrop. A small town with a big character, it is easy to see why Gilford draws so many to its mountain treasure each year.
Experience the crisp mountain air and serene waters of Gilford for yourself. See the list below to find some of the top attractions this delightful town offers.
The 48 Most Popular Things To Do In Gilford, New Hampshire
48. Welch Island
2.0 (1 review)
47. Mark Island
5.0 (1 review)
46. Jolly Island
5.0 (1 review)
45. Piper-Whiteface
4.0 (2 reviews)
Credit: Jesse Roussell, Google Maps
Location: Gilford NH
44. Smith Cove
5.0 (3 reviews)
43. Mink Island
4.3 (3 reviews)
42. Timber Island
5.0 (3 reviews)
41. Mount Rowe
4.8 (4 reviews)
Credit: Andrew O’Barton, Google Maps
40. Stonedam Island
5.0 (4 reviews)
Credit: Sheila A. Burke, Google Maps
39. Gilford Beach
5.0 (4 reviews)
38. Sanders Bay
5.0 (4 reviews)
37. Sandy Island
5.0 (4 reviews)
Credit: Andrew Denman, Google Maps
36. Endicott Park Beach
3.8 (4 reviews)
Credit: Tim Carter, Google Maps
35. Gilford Parks-Recreation Department
4.8 (5 reviews)
Credit: pcrowell30, Google Maps
Location: 47 Cherry Valley Road Gilford NH
Tel: 603 527 4722
Web Address: http://gilfordrec.com/
34. Straightback Mountain
5.0 (7 reviews)
33. Sargent Lake
4.5 (8 reviews)
32. Saltmarsh Pond
4.9 (11 reviews)
Credit: Jesse Goupil, Google Maps
31. Laconia Parks & Rec
4.3 (11 reviews)
Location: 306 Union Ave Laconia NH
Tel: 603 524 0521
Web Address: https://laconianh.gov/1003/Parks-Recreation
30. Sunset Lake
5.0 (12 reviews)
29. Meredith Bay
4.8 (12 reviews)
Credit: Papiya Sharmin, Google Maps
28. Ragged Island
4.6 (15 reviews)
Credit: Andrew T., Google Maps
27. Lockes Hill
4.6 (17 reviews)
Credit: Jamie Tarallo, License, Flickr
26. Piper Mountain
4.9 (20 reviews)
Credit: Justin Chase, Google Maps
25. Logs of Fun
4.3 (20 reviews)
Credit: Todd Tofil, Google Maps
Location: 36 Endicott Street E Laconia NH
24. Bear Island
5.0 (22 reviews)
Credit: Keith Meinhold, Google Maps
23. Governors Island
4.7 (23 reviews)
22. Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail
4.5 (25 reviews)
Credit: Mike Stoehr, Google Maps
Location: Belmont NH
Web Address: http://belmontnh.org/docs/WinniTrail/WinniTrailBrochure.pdf
21. Laconia Historical & Museum Society
4.6 (25 reviews)
Credit: Jeff Bowers, Google Maps
Location: 695 N Main Street Laconia NH
Tel: 603 556 4760
Web Address: http://laconiahistory.org/
20. Tannery Hill Covered Bridge
4.6 (27 reviews)
Credit: James Walsh, License, Flickr
Location: 47 Cherry Valley Road Gilford NH
19. Rail Bike Adventures
4.8 (41 reviews)
Credit: Jennifer Boisvert, Google Maps
Location: 15 Veterans Square Laconia NH
Tel: 603 348 1131
Web Address: http://hoborr.com/
18. Belknap Range Trails
4.5 (52 reviews)
Credit: Stuart Green, Google Maps
Location: 20 22 Carriage Road Gilford NH
Web Address: http://belknaprangetrails.org/
17. Belknap County 4-H Fairgrounds
4.3 (59 reviews)
Credit: Odessa Lemieux, Google Maps
Location: 174 Mile Hill Road Belmont NH
Web Address: https://bcfairnh.org/
16. Daytona Fun Park
4.2 (86 reviews)
Location: 104 Endicott Street E Laconia NH
Tel: 603 366 5461
Web Address: http://daytonafunparknh.com/
15. Belknap Mill Society
4.6 (118 reviews)
Credit: Belknap Mill Society, Google Maps
Location: 25 Beacon Street E # 1 Laconia NH
Tel: 603 524 8813
Web Address: http://belknapmill.org/
14. Weirs Beach Welcome Sign
4.7 (142 reviews)
Credit: Matthew Schimkus, Google Maps
Location: Lakeside Avenue Laconia NH
13. Escape Hour House
4.9 (174 reviews)
Credit: Escape Hour House, Google Maps
Location: 401 Gilford Ave Gilford NH
Tel: 603 707 1254
Web Address: http://escapehourhouse.com/
12. Lakes Region Casino
3.7 (180 reviews)
Credit: Lakes Region Casino, Google Maps
Location: Lakes Region Casino 1265 Laconia Road Belmont NH
Tel: 603 267 7778
Web Address: http://lakesregioncasino.com/
11. Winnipesaukee Pier
4.6 (295 reviews)
Credit: Anne Hoffler, Google Maps
Location: 263 Lakeside Ave Laconia NH
Tel: 603 366 5188
Web Address: https://winnipesaukeepier.com/
10. Opechee Park
4.1 (519 reviews)
Location: 915 N Main Street Laconia NH
Tel: 603 524 5046
Web Address: https://laconianh.gov/1038/Opechee-Park
Our Top picks
9. Paugus Bay
4.9 (13 reviews)
Credit: bruce mccoy, Google Maps
8. Lake Waukewan
4.9 (16 reviews)
Credit: Sheila A. Burke, Google Maps
7. Belknap Mountain
4.7 (18 reviews)
Credit: Ken Gallager, License, Wikimedia commons
6. Gunstock Mountain
4.7 (53 reviews)
5. Lake Winnisquam
4.6 (66 reviews)
4. Beans & Greens Farm
4.7 (327 reviews)
Credit: Beans & Greens Farm, Google Maps
Location: 245 Intervale Road Gilford NH
Tel: 603 293 2853
Web Address: http://beansandgreensfarm.com/
3. Endicott Rock State Historic Site
4.5 (537 reviews)
Credit: JoAnn Axford, Google Maps
Location: Lakeside Ave Laconia NH
Tel: 603 271 3556
Web Address: https://nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/endicott-rock-historic-site-(1)
2. Weirs Beach
4.6 (912 reviews)
Credit: Doug Peabody, Google Maps
Location: Lakeside Ave Laconia NH
Web Address: http://weirsbeach.com/
1. Gunstock Mountain Resort
4.6 (2,147 reviews)
Credit: Haigh Martino, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 719 Cherry Valley Road Gilford NH
Tel: 603 293 4341
Web Address: http://gunstock.com/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Gilford, New Hampshire! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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