Top 15 Things To Do in Exeter, New Hampshire

Why Exeter Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist

There’s a particular clarity to coastal New Hampshire that reveals itself slowly: dawn on the Squamscott River, a low mist lifting off still water while gulls rotate above, a row of clapboard houses and steeples standing like punctuation against the sky. Exeter’s scale is its gift. In a single day you can stitch together a boat tour that shows tidal estuaries and marsh, swap into a rented e-bike for a shoreline loop, and finish with a walking or city tour that traces Revolutionary-era streets and shop-front stories. For travelers who prize variety over volume, Exeter is one of those small towns that feels endlessly useful—an outpost for Water Activities and Sailing, a gateway to Fishing and Surf sessions on short drives, and a launchpad for photography tours that catch both the intimate and the expansive.

The practical charms stack up, too. Outfitters and rental shops are sized for easy conversations: ask about tide windows for kayak launches, the best coves for a quiet paddle, or where a guided eco tour is timed to bird migrations. Bike Rental and E-Bike options make it simple to swap between flat riverside jaunts and slightly more energetic Bike Tours on country lanes. Walking Tours and City Tours run year-round and are a great way to connect the cultural life to the natural rhythms of the coast. While Exeter doesn’t promise raw backcountry solitude, it delivers a highly accessible mix of outdoor experiences—hiking nearby conservation land, cast-and-release moments for anglers, and calm afternoon sails that feel like discovery. This is the place to build an adventure itinerary that balances short skill demands with high return: easy to reach, easy to customize, and rich in seasonal nuance. From spring migrations to fall’s crisp colors and summer’s warm-water afternoons, Exeter invites you to curate days that move from river to shore to café with the ease of a practiced traveler.

Access is immediate: short drives take you from town to open water and coastal sand, while compact trail systems and town greenways suit everything from beginner hikes to brisk photo walks. Outfitters support most activities—boat rentals, guided eco tours, and bike shops are pragmatic partners for planning tide-aware paddles or longer shoreline days.

Pair active time with local flavor. Exeter’s historic core and nearby Portsmouth’s dining scene mean you can punctuate a day of nature with excellent meals, craft coffee, and a walkable evening. The town’s modest footprint makes logistics simple—fewer shuttles, shorter transfers, and more time actually outside.

Choose Your Adventure Level