Exeter, NH

Travel Guide

Exeter featuring flowers and city views
Exeter as well as a small group of people
Exeter
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Exeter featuring signage

Once a bustling state capital, this peaceful town is now known for its serene riverside location and enthralling heritage.

Stroll along Exeter’s streets decorated with rustling trees and spot charming Early American architecture. Wander in lush, open parks and delve into enthralling museums to uncover fascinating artifacts of American independence.

Walk down either of the two main routes running through the heart of town and view stunning historic buildings that predate the American Revolution. One of Exeter’s earliest remaining buildings is Gilman Garrison House. Home to the owners of Exeter’s first sawmill, this 1709 building is now a museum with photos and artifacts chronicling the development of area industries.

Admire the elegant early 20th-century bandstand as you make your way toward the Exeter Historical Society. The peculiar yellow-brick exterior ensures this treasure-trove is easy to find. The team of committed volunteers here will be delighted to show you a selection of Native American garments as well as memorabilia from President Lincoln’s visit to the town in 1860.

Head to the American Independence Museum nearby. View relics from Exeter’s time as the seat of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War. Step inside the very same tavern that President Washington visited in 1789. The collection’s most fascinating asset is one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence that was found here long ago.

For outdoor enjoyment, take a break in some of the 56 acres (23 hectares) of parkland around the town. Kick your way through leaves and throw a football at Swasey Parkway on the banks of the Squamscott River or get your skates on at two large ice rinks.

Exeter is in southeastern New Hampshire, a 45-minute drive east of Concord. Stay for a night or longer at one of several cozy hotels and guesthouses in town. Select from a variety of restaurants available, with excellent New England seafood on the menus. Don’t miss the farmers market that takes place every Thursday between May and October and stay for the American Independence Festival that is put on each July by the museum.

Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter
Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter
2.5 out of 5
59 Portsmouth Ave, Exeter, NH
$144 nightly
The price is $156 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$156 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Have no complaints. The woman at check in ( sorry didn’t get her name) was fantastic. Very helpful, made suggestions for entertainment with kids. The room was very large - had 3 kids and 2 adults with plenty of room. Breakfast was great for picky kids, coffee available 24/7. Pool was great for kids ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter
Exeter Inn
Exeter Inn
3.5 out of 5
90 Front St, Exeter, NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$158 nightly
The price is $172 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$172 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Q"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Exeter Inn
Even Hotels Manchester Airport by IHG
Even Hotels Manchester Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
55 John E. Devine Drive, Manchester, NH
$105 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$114 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (755 reviews)
"Very clean, nicely maintained. Couldn't be happier."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Even Hotels Manchester Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Blake Brook
Postcard Cabins Blake Brook
2 out of 5
76 Mountain Rd, Epsom, NH
Stay at this cabin in Epsom. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions James Park and Epsom Public Library are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Amazing get away!"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Postcard Cabins Blake Brook
Ocean Air Suites
Ocean Air Suites
2.5 out of 5
22 C St, Hampton, NH
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Hampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Hampton Beach and Seabrook Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"location was awesome. able to see fireworks right from deck in the back. It’s definitely family friendly would definitely be coming back again next year :)"

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2024

Ocean Air Suites
Rye Motor Inn: An Adults-Only Apartment Hotel
Rye Motor Inn: An Adults-Only Apartment Hotel
3 out of 5
741 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Rye. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Water Country and Market Square are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Heated bathroom floors! Real drip coffee free. Well maintained…"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Rye Motor Inn: An Adults-Only Apartment Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Exeter

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
47
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Jade

Town has really gotten busier with the introduction of the train (Nor'easter).

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

quaint town, felt safe, easy to walk only disappointment was how early everything closed even on a saturday night

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice hotel and was very quiet!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Don't pass up dow town shops and local eateries.

5/5 - Excellent

Reba

Beautiful, walkable town with great boutiques & restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great place to shop and visit. Historic buildings and antique stores.

Cities near Exeter