How We Picked
The Lakes Region Tourism Association says the region, just south of the White Mountains, holds no fewer than 273 bodies of water and sits less than two hours from Boston. That is a lot of shoreline to choose from, so we narrowed it down to towns in Belknap, Carroll, Grafton and Merrimack counties with a clear, sourced reason for guests to stay: a public beach, a cruise port, a ski area, a major attraction or an annual event.
We have not printed revenue, occupancy or rental rate figures. They vary by house and by season and go out of date quickly. Local short-term rental rules also vary and change, so read our overview of New Hampshire short-term rental laws and then check with the town before you buy.
1. Meredith
Meredith sits on Meredith Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. The M/S Mount Washington docks on the Meredith boardwalk, and its operator describes the Mill Falls Marketplace and Main Street as a mix of shops, restaurants, breweries, wineries and galleries overlooking the bay.
Why guests come: a walkable lakeside village with cruises and dining close together.
2. Laconia and Weirs Beach
Weirs Beach is the summer port for the Mount Washington, with a boardwalk, docks, arcades, restaurants and what the cruise company calls the area's only drive-in theater. Laconia also hosts Laconia Motorcycle Week, which calls itself the world's oldest motorcycle rally; the 104th rally is set for 12 to 20 June 2027.
Local rules: Laconia regulates short-term lodging through its zoning ordinance and has a city page and application for it (checked September 2026). Confirm the current requirements with the city's zoning department.
3. Gilford
Gilford has two big draws in one town. Ellacoya State Park, on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, has a 600-foot sandy beach with views across the lake to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains, according to NH State Parks. Gunstock Mountain Resort adds skiing and tubing in winter and a summer adventure park with a zipline, scenic lift rides and a mountain coaster.
Why guests come: a lake beach in summer and a ski area in winter.
4. Wolfeboro
Mount Washington Cruises says Wolfeboro prides itself on being the oldest summer resort in the country, and names it one of the lake's busiest ports. The local chamber of commerce calls the town "The Jewel of Lake Winnipesaukee," and the cruise company describes a downtown full of galleries, stores and restaurants.
Why guests come: a lakefront downtown with its own cruise dock.
5. Alton and Alton Bay
The Town of Alton calls itself the Gateway to Lake Winnipesaukee. Alton Bay sits at the lake's southern tip, with a bandstand in the middle of the bay, and the Mount Washington cruise company says the original side-wheeler Mount Washington was launched there in 1872. In August 2026 the company announced that the Mount Washington is returning to Alton Bay.
Why guests come: the lake's southern tip, with a classic bay-front setting and cruise history.
6. Moultonborough
Moultonborough is home to Castle in the Clouds, a historic estate with the Lucknow Mansion, a restaurant and café, and 28 miles of hiking trails, including a hike to a waterfall. Its calendar runs well past summer: when we checked it listed garden tours and an annual Castle Car Show in October, and Christmas at the Castle later in the year.
Why guests come: mountain views over Lake Winnipesaukee and a busy events calendar.
7. Center Harbor
Center Harbor sits on the northern shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee. Mount Washington Cruises says it is the winter home of the M/S Mount Washington, with the company's shipyard next to the town docks and beach.
Good to know: The shipyard is a working facility, and the company says visitors are not allowed without advance notice.
8. Holderness
Holderness is the town for Squam Lake. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, celebrating 60 years, runs a live animal exhibit trail, Squam Lake cruises, Kirkwood Gardens and hiking trails from its campus on Science Center Road.
Why guests come: Squam Lake plus nature programs and boat tours.
9. Bristol and Newfound Lake
Bristol is on Newfound Lake, which the Lakes Region Tourism Association notes is said to be one of the cleanest lakes in the world. NH State Parks says Wellington State Park in Bristol has the largest freshwater swimming beach in the state park system, a peninsula nature trail, and a trail toward the Sugarloafs, Bear Mountain, Welton Falls and Mount Cardigan. An NH Fish and Game boat launch adjoins the park.
Why guests come: clear water, a large public beach and hiking from the shore.
10. Franklin and Webster Lake
Franklin, at the southern edge of the region, has Webster Lake, where the city operates two public beaches: Griffin Beach and Lagace Beach, which has boat access. It is also home to Mill City Park, which calls itself New England's first whitewater park, on the Winnipesaukee River. New England Host Co manages Strolling Woods, an 8-bedroom Webster Lake estate in Franklin that sleeps 22.
Why guests come: lake time plus paddling, with room for big group stays.
Practical Tips for Lakes Region Owners
- Plan for the shoulder seasons. Summer is the obvious peak, but Gunstock, Castle in the Clouds events and fall foliage give guests reasons to come outside July and August. Our lake house management page covers how to set up a home for more than one season.
- Think about the water. Docks, kayaks, life jackets and clear rules for guests all need planning. Check your insurance before you add boats or watercraft.
- Check the state tax license. New Hampshire's Meals and Rooms (Rentals) Tax applies to short-term rentals, and the Department of Revenue Administration says rental ads must show the operator's license number.
- Know your turnover reality. Summer weekend traffic can slow lake roads. Make sure someone can reach the house quickly between checkout and check-in.
How New England Host Co Helps
New England Host Co manages vacation rentals in the Lakes Region, with every home within 45 minutes of its crew's base, housekeeping and an inspection after every stay, and pricing reviewed daily with PriceLabs based on demand, seasonality and local events. See our Lakes Region vacation rental management page, or compare options in our list of the best vacation rental managers in the Lakes Region.
FAQ
Which Lake Is Best for a Vacation Rental in New Hampshire?
It depends on what your guests want. Winnipesaukee has the most towns and cruise ports, Squam pairs with the Science Center's programs and cruises, Newfound is known for clear water, and Webster Lake in Franklin is closer to southern New Hampshire.
Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Lakes Region Towns?
Rules are set largely at the town level and differ from place to place. Laconia, for example, regulates short-term lodging in its zoning ordinance. Always check the current rules with the town before buying.
Is the Lakes Region Only a Summer Market?
Summer is the peak, but ski areas like Gunstock, fall foliage and events such as Castle in the Clouds' fall and holiday programs bring visitors in other seasons.
How Far Is the Lakes Region from Boston?
The Lakes Region Tourism Association describes it as less than two hours from Boston.
Sources
- Lakes Region Tourism Association
- Mount Washington Cruises: Our Ports
- Mount Washington Cruises
- Laconia Motorcycle Week
- City of Laconia: Short-Term Lodging
- NH State Parks: Ellacoya State Park
- Gunstock Mountain Resort
- Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce
- Town of Alton
- Castle in the Clouds
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
- NH State Parks: Wellington State Park
- City of Franklin: Beaches, Parks, and Community Centers
- Mill City Park
- NH Department of Revenue Administration: Meals and Rooms (Rentals) Tax FAQ
