Exeter, NH

Travel Guide
Exeter as well as a small group of people
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.

Ashworth by the Sea
Ashworth by the Sea
3 out of 5
295 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH
The price is $117 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$117
per night
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Hampton. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a nightclub, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
We had a nice corner view of the ocean
"This hotel was very basic upon walking into the room. I noticed there was no bedspread which was strange, just sheets on the bed. There was nothing special going on. What I did like about it is it had, a decent size refrigerator and a microwave. Everything was clean and we had a beautiful corner ..."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

Ashworth by the Sea
Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter
Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter
2.5 out of 5
59 Portsmouth Ave, Exeter, NH
The price is $142 per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
$142
per night
Oct 15 - Oct 16
Stay at this hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions American Independence Museum and Exeter Historical Society ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Great stay
"We stayed 2 days. Was great, room was very clean. Staff was very friendly. I would stay again if in the area again for sure. I give them a 10/10."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Portsmouth Exeter
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Portsmouth Exeter
2.5 out of 5
138 Portsmouth Avenue, Exeter, NH
The price is $127 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$127
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions American Independence Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (423 reviews)
"Everything was no fuss. Easy to find, easy check-in, easy check-out. Staff was very courteous and nice."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2023

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Portsmouth Exeter
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.
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 Odiorne Point State Park and Seacoast Science ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"Very helpful people."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

Rye Motor Inn: An Adults-Only Apartment Hotel
Beach front , across the street form the sand
Beach front , across the street form the sand
Hampton
Stay at this condo in Hampton. Enjoy a beach locale, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Hampton Beach and Casino Cascade Water Slide are located nearby. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
few days getaway
"We really enjoyed the area. It was a short walk to the beach and music and fireworks were nearby."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Beach front , across the street form the sand
Studio Condo 2 minute walk across the street to the beach.
Studio Condo 2 minute walk across the street to the beach.
Hampton
Stay at this condo in Hampton. Enjoy WiFi, a TV, and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Hampton Beach and Casino Cascade Water Slide are located nearby. Discover ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
Great location
"Great location, great for quick one-two night getaway. Everything walking distance."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Studio Condo 2 minute walk across the street to the beach.
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 58.75%
4 - Good
29
" "4 - Good 36.25%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Jade
Nov 27, 2019

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 22, 2019

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 14, 2019

Nice hotel and was very quiet!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 25, 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Reba
May 13, 2019

Beautiful, walkable town with great boutiques & restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 26, 2019

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

Cities near Exeter