An old-fashioned way of life in Alton Bay
Sprawling across the southern tip of New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee, Alton Bay is a compelling spot for a revitalizing weekend getaway or laid-back family vacation. The Lakes Region is an expanse of unspoiled natural spectacle, with mesmerizing mountain vistas and quaint lakeside villages where an alluringly old-fashioned way of life prevails. In and around the bay you'll find welcoming waterfront restaurants where you can feast on fresh locally caught fish or all-American comfort food classics. Alton Bay vacation rentals range from cozy cottages to lavish lakeside houses, so you're bound to find one that ticks all the right boxes.
Museums and family fun around Alton Bay
Within easy reach of your Alton Bay vacation rental you'll find a wealth of enthralling and enlightening attractions. The Wright Museum is a moving attraction commemorating America's contribution to World War 2, through immersive exhibits, personal testimonies and powerful photographs. Thrill-seekers will be in their element at Gunstock Mountain Resort. By winter, you can get the adrenalin flowing with a spot of snow tubing or Nordic skiing; in summer, you can try your hand at zip-lining or embark on a Segway adventure. For rainy day family fun, head to Funspot, which proudly declares itself the world's largest amusement arcade. Here, you can test your skills across a host of classic video games, or challenge the kids to a round of mini golf.
Lazy lakeside days in Alton Bay
Get the lay of the land in unforgettable fashion with a leisurely cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee. You can embark on an epic sightseeing tour, stopping off at picturesque ports and blissful sandy beaches. Or, perhaps, you'll be tempted to sightsee in style and splash out on a Sunday champagne brunch or sunset dinner cruise. Naturally, the lake is a haven for lovers of outdoor pursuits. The fishing is first-rate, with rainbow trout, bass and salmon all thriving in the clear waters. If you're visiting in summer, you can look forward to lazily bobbing around in a sail boat, or racing across the lake's shimmering surface on a jet ski. Come winter, ice skating and snowmobiling are particularly popular pastimes.
Summer sun and winter snow in Alton Bay
Alton Bay vacation rentals are in particularly high demand in the peak summer season of June to August, when days are long and the weather is typically warm and sunny. Fall also sees a flurry of out-of-towners descend on Lake Winnipesaukee to marvel at the multi-hued magnificence of the changing foliage. Some local attractions and business shut up shop for the cold season, but reliable snowfall transforms the region into a winter sports wonderland. Spring is typically mild and damp, but the blooming trees and flowers are a stirring sight to behold.
Animal magic in Alton Bay
Alton Bay is guaranteed to delight nature fanatics of all persuasions. The region is blessed with an abundance of impeccably maintained hiking trails, making it a breeze to explore sandy shores, fragrant forests and verdant mountainsides. If you're lucky, you might catch sight of some of the local residents, which include playful otters, majestic moose and lumbering black bears. For a guaranteed opportunity to get up close and personal with animals, head to the Squam Lake Natural Science Center, where you can safely marvel at mountain lions and coyotes.
Traveling to and around Alton Bay
The nearest airport is in Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM), located 47.8 mi (76.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Lebanon, NH (LEB-Lebanon Municipal), which is 54.9 mi (88.3 km) away.