Things to Do on Lake Winnipesaukee: Your Guide to Alton Bay & Beyond
There’s a moment that happens to almost every guest who stays with us. Usually it’s the first morning, coffee in hand, when the lake is still glassy and the only sound is a loon somewhere out on the water. Shoulders drop. Phones go face-down. That’s the moment we built Winni Escapes around ✨
Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s largest lake, with more than 250 islands tucked into its coves and bays, and every corner of it has its own personality. Our homes sit on the quieter southern end, around Alton and Alton Bay, which means you get the calm of the lake and easy access to everything the NH Lakes Region has to offer. Here’s how we’d spend our time if we were in your shoes.
The short answer: The best things to do on Lake Winnipesaukee’s southern shore are strolling Alton Bay, getting out on the water by boat, kayak or cruise, taking a day trip to Wolfeboro, hiking Mount Major, and catching the views from Gunstock and Castle in the Clouds. Below, we share how we’d plan each one.
Things to Do in Alton Bay, NH
Alton Bay is a little village tucked at the very end of a long, narrow inlet at the southern tip of the lake, and it’s one of our favorite places to simply wander.
The floating bandstand. Right in the middle of the bay sits a bandstand on the water, an Alton Bay landmark. It’s a lovely spot for an evening stroll along the waterfront and a classic photo stop.
Watch the seaplanes. For three seasons of the year, the bay is home to a working seaplane base, so don’t be surprised to see a floatplane glide in while you’re enjoying an ice cream by the water.
The winter surprise. When winter is cold enough, the bay freezes over and becomes something truly special: an ice runway for small planes. It’s the only FAA-approved, charted ice runway in the lower 48 states. It needs at least a full foot of ice to open, so it doesn’t happen every year, and it must close by the end of March. When it does open, watching planes land on the frozen lake is unforgettable. The bay is also shared with ice fishermen and snowmobilers during those months.
Boating & Lake Cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee
You can’t really say you’ve experienced Lake Winni until you’ve seen it from the water.
Bring (or rent) a boat. Many of our guests arrive with their own boat, and several of our homes have docks to make that easy. Boating on Winni is its own adventure: the lake has plenty of shoreline restaurants you can reach by water, but it also has rocky areas, so please take the time to learn the channels and use a good chart before heading out.
Paddle at sunrise. Early mornings are the calmest time on the lake. Grab a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the stillness before the afternoon boat traffic picks up.
Cruise on the M/S Mount Washington. This iconic ship has been sailing Lake Winnipesaukee since 1872 and has called at ports including Weirs Beach, Wolfeboro, Meredith, Center Harbor and Alton Bay. For 2026, the schedule has focused on Weirs Beach and Wolfeboro, with fun themed sailings like sunset dessert cruises and Haunted Winnipesaukee cruises 🎃 The cruise season runs from spring through October, and schedules change throughout the year, so check cruisenh.com before you go.
A Day Trip to Wolfeboro, NH
Wolfeboro is often called the oldest summer resort town in America, and it has a way of making you want to stay “just one more hour.” If you’re staying on Sleepers Island, it’s only about a 10-minute boat ride to the Wolfeboro town docks!
Stroll the waterfront and Main Street. Browse the shops, then grab a bench near the town docks to watch the sunset over Wolfeboro Bay. Waterfront favorites like the Back Bay Boathouse, the Wicked Loon and Garwoods make it easy to turn the evening into dinner with a view.
The Wright Museum of WWII. A local gem that tells the story of the war through life on the American home front. It’s typically open from May through October, so plan accordingly.
The New Hampshire Boat Museum. A must for anyone who loves classic wooden boats. You’ll see beautifully restored mid-century runabouts that capture Winni’s boating history.
The Libby Museum of Natural History. Founded in 1912, it’s the oldest natural history museum in the state, with a charming, old-school collection that kids love. Hours are seasonal, so check before visiting.
The Cotton Valley Rail Trail. A flat, easy path that follows an old railroad bed for about 12 miles from downtown Wolfeboro to Wakefield, past Lake Wentworth, meadows and forest. Perfect for an easy bike ride or a family walk 🚴
The Best Views: Mount Major, Gunstock & Castle in the Clouds
Some of the best ways to understand just how big and beautiful this lake is involve getting a little elevation.
Mount Major. Just about four miles north of Alton Bay on Route 11, this is the Lakes Region’s most famous hike, and its summit view over the lake is one you’ll never forget. (We love it so much it’s getting its own blog post this week!)
Gunstock Mountain’s Panorama Lift. Not a hiker? No problem. Gunstock in Gilford offers a relaxing, 15-minute scenic chairlift ride to the summit, where you can take in Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains all at once. This fall, scenic rides run daily through November 1, and the Adventure Park (mountain coaster, ziplines and treetop course) stays open on weekends through November 1 as well. Good to know: Gunstock is cashless, and pets aren’t allowed on the chairlift.
Castle in the Clouds. Up in Moultonborough, this 1914 Arts and Crafts mansion sits on a 5,500-acre mountaintop estate with sweeping lake views, gardens and around 28 miles of trails. It’s a beautiful half-day trip, but don’t wait: the 2026 season ends on October 25.
Lake Winnipesaukee in Every Season
One of the things we love most about Winni is that there’s no “wrong” time to visit.
Summer ☀️ is all about boating, swimming off the dock, cookouts and long evenings by the fire pit.
Fall 🍂 brings crisp mornings, golden foliage, quieter roads and some of the most beautiful hiking of the year.
Winter ❄️ is magical in its own way: skiing at Gunstock, ice fishing on the bays, snowmobiling and, if Mother Nature cooperates, planes landing on the ice in Alton Bay.
Spring 🌱 is when the lake wakes up again, and it’s a peaceful, uncrowded time to enjoy the region.
A Few Insider Tips from Us
Go early. Popular spots (especially Mount Major on weekends) fill up fast. Morning is the quietest and most beautiful time almost everywhere around the lake.
Check seasonal hours. Many Lakes Region attractions are seasonal, and schedules shift from year to year. A quick look at their website before you head out can save you a trip.
Stock up before you settle in. Especially if you’re staying on one of our island homes, plan your groceries and supplies ahead so you can spend your time relaxing, not running errands.
Ask us! We’re always happy to share our favorite spots and recommendations. Just send us a message during your stay 💬
Lake Winnipesaukee FAQ
What is there to do at Lake Winnipesaukee? Boating, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, scenic cruises on the M/S Mount Washington, hiking Mount Major and the Belknap Range, exploring towns like Alton Bay and Wolfeboro, and visiting Castle in the Clouds and Gunstock Mountain. In winter, there’s skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Where is Alton Bay? Alton Bay is a village at the southern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee, at the end of a long, narrow inlet in the town of Alton, New Hampshire. It’s known for its floating bandstand and its seaplane base.
When is the best time to visit Lake Winnipesaukee? Summer is best for boating and swimming. Fall brings foliage, quieter roads and great hiking. Winter offers skiing and ice activities, and spring is peaceful and uncrowded. There really is no wrong season.
Can you take a boat cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee? Yes. The historic M/S Mount Washington has sailed the lake since 1872, with a season that runs from spring through October. Check cruisenh.com for the current schedule and ports.
Do I need a boat to stay on Lake Winnipesaukee? Only for island homes. Our Sleepers Island homes are boat access only, while our homes in Alton are reached by car.
Are Winni Escapes homes pet friendly? Many of our homes welcome pets. Check each listing or send us a message, and we’ll help you find the right fit for the whole family.
Come Stay a While
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy home near Alton Bay with room to spread out, a waterfront retreat with your own beach and fire pit, or a boat-only island escape with stars as far as you can see, there’s a Winni Escapes home ready for you.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the lake ✨
