Overview
Exeter is a town in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire.
2 sights · 7 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Exeter
Phillips Exeter Academy
Founded in 1781, is known as one of the premier secondary schools in the world. It is home to the Class of 1942 library, designed by Louis Kahn.
American Independence Museum
The Ladd-Gillman House, built in 1721, is now a history museum focusing on New Hampshire's role in the American Revolution. One of the first copies of the Constitution, a Dunlap broadside, was found in the attic in 1985.…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby Seacoast)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PSM Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, Portsmouth — 9 mi away. Directions
- MHT Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Manchester — 25 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 43 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Phillips Exeter Academy
- Lunch Margaritas
- Afternoon American Independence Museum
- Dinner Pad Thai
- Evening Shaker's Lounge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
All of the downtown restaurants are moderately priced.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By train
- Route stopping at Exeter:
Get around
No great public transport. Driving in is usually not a problem, although there will be a couple minutes of stop and go traffic during rush hour.
See
See American Independence Museum
The Ladd-Gillman House, built in 1721, is now a history museum focusing on New Hampshire's role in the American Revolution. One of the first copies of the Constitution, a Dunlap broadside, was found in the attic in 1985. The Folsom Tavern, built by Colonel Samuel Folsom in 1775, has been moved to museum grounds and restored.
Do
There are often concerts at Phillips Exeter Academy that are free and open to the public.
Buy
There are some cute little shops on Water Street: clothing stores, gift shops, a toy store, a music store.
Eat
All of the downtown restaurants are moderately priced.
Eat The Town Line Grill
Offers top notch fare in a semi-casual setting.
Drink
Drink Shaker's Lounge
Provides an old lounge feel, good food, and a good selection of drinks. A pool table is also available.
Sleep
Nearby
Hampton
City / town · 32 listings · 6 mi away
Seabrook
City / town · 3 listings · 7 mi away
Epping
City / town · 7 mi away
Amesbury
City / town · 17 listings · 9 mi away
Durham
City / town · 4 listings · 11 mi away
Salisbury
City / town · 9 listings · 11 mi away
Portsmouth
City / town · 48 listings · 11 mi away
Newburyport
City / town · 36 listings · 12 mi away
My experience
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