New Hampshire stands out as a prime destination for a variety of tours that cater to history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Its rugged landscapes, rich past, and vibrant local culture make this state a perfect place to explore through carefully curated experiences. We particularly enjoy the WW2 Small Arms Experience for its hands-on approach to history and the Superman Zipline Tour in Morningside for an adrenaline rush amid lush forests. Whether you’re firing a vintage musket, soaring through treetops, or sampling local wines, New Hampshire offers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and fun. If you’re looking for a memorable trip, this guide highlights eleven of the best tours to help you choose.
1. WW2 Small Arms Experience
Rated 5.0/5 based on 78 reviews, this 4.5-hour program allows you to see, handle, and shoot some of the most iconic World War II firearms in the northeast. The experience is perfect for anyone interested in military history or firearms. Hosted by Pete of Historical Shooting the tour offers a chance to test your marksmanship with rifles, pistols, and even a 30-cal machine gun, making history come alive in a very tangible way.
What makes this experience stand out is the knowledgeable guidance from Pete, who shares fascinating stories about each weapon’s historical context. Reviewers mention that Pete’s extensive collection and relaxed style make for an engaging day. At $179, it’s a good value if you’re eager to handle historic weapons and learn about their role in history. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making it an ideal choice for firearm enthusiasts or those curious about military history.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in hands-on history and firearms, this is one of the most unique and memorable ways to spend half a day in New Hampshire.
2. Colonial Flintlock Musket Experience
Rated 5.0/5 from 15 reviews, this 2-hour experience immerses you in colonial history. Led by a professional historic locksmith, you’ll learn about firearm technology from the colonial era, load a replica flintlock musket, and fire it at a rustic range. All safety gear and equipment are provided, so you can focus on learning and enjoying.
What sets this tour apart is its intimate setting—small groups of just four people mean you get plenty of individual attention. Reviewers describe it as a “great history lesson” and a “memorable experience,” emphasizing how engaging and authentic it feels. Priced at $129, the experience offers a good balance between cost and educational value, especially for history buffs or those wanting a tactile connection to early America.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers who want to see and shoot a real musket from the Revolutionary War period while gaining a deeper understanding of colonial life.
3. Superman Zipline Tour in Morningside
Rated 5.0/5 from 13 reviews, this 2-hour zipline adventure takes you through the treetops of Morningside Flight Park. The tour features seven zip lines and two suspension bridges, offering thrilling rides with nearly four football fields of zipline cable. If you’re looking for a fun, active way to enjoy New Hampshire’s forests, this is an excellent choice.
Guides Jim and Travis are praised for their friendly, professional approach, making even first-timers feel comfortable. The equipment meets high safety standards, and reviewers mention the “awesome” ziplines and “delightful rush.” The activity is suitable for families with children over 100 pounds, making it a versatile outing.
At $99, it’s a mid-range price for adrenaline-packed fun that provides excellent value, especially with the opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the way.
Bottom Line: For thrill-seekers and families alike, this zipline tour offers a perfect mix of excitement and natural beauty.
4. Oyster Tasting and Kayak Tour
Rated 5.0/5 from 8 reviews, this two-hour coastal adventure combines kayaking with oyster tasting. Starting at Little Bay near Portsmouth, NH, you’ll paddle along rocky shores, observing wildlife and learning about oyster farming from trained guides. The highlight is arriving at Hidden Coast Shellfish’s floating farmhouse to sample freshly harvested oysters and learn about sustainable aquaculture.
What makes this tour unique is the blend of active paddling and culinary delights, making it perfect for those who love both nature and food. Reviewers mention the opportunity to see wildlife, enjoy fresh oysters, and learn about the local coastal environment. Priced at $80, it offers good value considering the combination of activities and educational experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in coastal ecology, seafood, and outdoor activity, this tour offers a delightful taste of New Hampshire’s maritime charm.
5. Seven Birches Winery – Meet the Winemakers Winery Tour
Rated 4/5 from 3 reviews, this 1.5-hour tour of Lincoln’s Seven Birches Winery dives into the wine-making process. Visitors enjoy exploring the production room, sampling a young wine in progress, and tasting a full flight of wines. The highlight is chatting directly with the winemakers and taking home a souvenir wine glass.
This tour offers a behind-the-scenes peek into New Hampshire’s White Mountains wine scene. It’s a more relaxed, educational outing ideal for wine enthusiasts or those curious about local craftsmanship. For $40, you get a taste of the process along with a souvenir and personal insights from the producers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers seeking an intimate, educational experience combined with scenic mountain views.
6. Granite State Rail Bikes
Rated 4.0/5 from 1 review, this 2-hour guided ride on custom rail bikes takes you along historic rail lines near Lake Winnisquam. Pedal your way through lakeside scenery while learning about the region’s history from your guide. The ride is suitable for groups up to four and offers a fun, leisurely way to enjoy the outdoors.
Reviewers note that the scenery is beautiful, and the experience is relaxing, though some found the ride a bit short. At $164.99 per group, it’s a fair price for a unique activity that combines light exercise and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups and families who want a gentle adventure with scenic views and some history thrown in.
$164.99 per group (up to 4)
7. Self-Guided Walking Tour of Benson Park, Hudson, NH
Rated 3.5/5 from 6 reviews, this self-guided smartphone tour takes you through Benson Park, once home to Benson’s Wild Animal Farm. You’ll explore the park at your own pace, hearing stories from the original owner, John T. Benson, about the park’s quirky history and past attractions.
The tour includes sights such as the Gorilla House, Swan Lake, and the 9-11 Memorial. Priced at just $5.99, it’s an affordable way to learn about local history while enjoying a relaxed walk. Reviewers appreciate the nostalgic stories and the flexibility of going at their own pace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for casual history enthusiasts or families looking for a low-cost, self-paced outdoor activity.
$5.99 per person
8. Lincoln: Rhythm Cider Meet-the-Makers Tour with Tastings
For this specific tour, the reviews are not provided, but it’s a 1.5-hour tour in Lincoln where you’ll learn about cider making directly from the makers at Rhythm Cider. Enjoy a tasting flight of their ciders and get behind-the-scenes access in their production room.
This tour appeals to cider aficionados or those interested in craft beverages. It’s a relaxed outing that combines education with tasting in New Hampshire’s White Mountains region. At $40 per person, it offers a good value for an artisanal experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for cider lovers wanting to understand the process and sample local flavors.
$40 per person
9. Concord Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Without reviews listed, this 50-minute to 1-hour tour allows you to explore Concord’s historic downtown at your own pace. Using a smartphone app, you’ll visit landmarks such as the State House, Eagle Square, Bicentennial Square, and sites associated with presidents and past notable visitors.
The tour, priced at $7.75, is ideal for history buffs or those looking to familiarize themselves with the city’s architecture and stories in a flexible, self-guided format. It offers insights into local history without the constraints of a scheduled tour.
Bottom Line: Great for independent explorers who want a quick, informative overview of Concord’s key sights.
$7.75 per person
10. Mountain Top Zipline Tour in Morningside Flight Park
This beginner-friendly 2-hour zipline tour features five basic lines and two suspension bridges. Guided by two instructors, it’s designed for those new to ziplining or looking for an easy, fun experience. The guides share jokes, facts, and safety tips throughout.
While no specific reviews are available, the emphasis on being accessible and suitable for beginners makes this a good first-time zipline option. At $59, it provides a budget-friendly way to try something active and exciting in the New Hampshire outdoors.
Bottom Line: An excellent introduction for newcomers to ziplining or families seeking a straightforward adventure.
$59.00 per person
11. Unbelievable Parasailing with Fantastic Sights
This 1 hour 15-minute parasailing trip offers breathtaking views of New Hampshire’s coastline and lakes. While reviews are not listed, the experience promises an unforgettable aerial perspective and a chance to create lasting memories with family or friends at $139 per person.
Suitable for those comfortable with heights and seeking a relaxing yet exhilarating activity, parasailing in New Hampshire combines adventure with scenic beauty.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a memorable, picture-perfect experience in the skies.
$139.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in New Hampshire
When deciding which tour to book, consider your interest area—are you more into history, like the WW2 Small Arms Experience, or do you prefer outdoor thrills such as ziplining? If you’re a foodie, the Oyster Tasting and Kayak Tour and Rhythm Cider Tour offer delicious insights into local flavors. Budget and time are also key—some experiences like the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Benson Park are wallet-friendly and flexible, while others like the Granite State Rail Bikes provide unique scenic rides.
Think about your fitness level—active tours like the zipline require little effort but a willingness to climb and balance, whereas the Self-Guided Walking Tour is a gentle stroll. For special occasions, options like parasailing or wine tasting can be the perfect treat. Booking early is advisable for popular activities, especially in peak summer months.
Final Thoughts
From immersive historical firearm experiences to scenic outdoor adventures, New Hampshire offers a broad spectrum of tours that cater to every taste. Budget travelers can find affordable options like the self-guided city tour, while thrill-seekers will appreciate ziplining in Morningside. Food and drink enthusiasts can indulge in oyster tastings or visit local wineries. If you’re planning a trip, consider what excites you most—whether it’s handling relics from the past or soaring over treetops—and book early to secure your spot. Whatever your choice, these tours promise genuine, memorable moments in the Granite State.