Weirs Beach One-page Trip Planning
Hands down the most popular and well known beach in the Lakes Region, Weirs Beach lies in the northern corner of Laconia on Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s not just a beach but a focal point of activities, recreation, and where many attractions are located. With an unusual density of arcades, it’s also an exceptional place to bring the kids. Next to the beach along Lakeside Ave lies the boardwalk. Rebuilt in 2010, the boardwalk is over 1300 feet long and offers amazing views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee mountains.
Weirs Beach Attractions
Running along the boardwalk you’ll find the tracks for the Scenic Railroad, which makes several runs daily along parts of Lake Winnipesaukee and is even better during foliage season. If you prefer to get out on the water, another scenic tour option would be the M/S Mt. Washington, whose main port is at Weirs Beach, NH. It departs daily with scenic cruises that will take you all over the lake and provide an unbeatable vantagepoint to take in the scenery. From the boardwalk, cross Lakeside Avenue and you’ll be able to enjoy numerous arcades, gift and jewelry shops, bumper cars, and food. At one end of the boardwalk is the Winnipesaukee Pier, with more food, arcades, mini golf, shops and boat rentals. At the opposite end you’ll find the Weirs Beach Drive-in Theater, showing first-run movies every night. Hop in your car and within roughly one mile you can find bowling, go-karts, a climbing wall, batting cages, bumper boats, bingo, ropes courses, and even Funspot, the largest arcade in the world. Within 5-10 miles additional options include the Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park which has New Englands largest ropes course and even segway tours. Bank of NH Pavilion has major concerts every few days in the summer, check the schedule for any names that might interest you. Also save time for Kellerhaus, some baked goods from Beans & Greens and Picnic Rock Farms, and do not leave the state without stopping by Castle in the Clouds on a clear day with good visibility. For a broader listing of stuff, check: Lake Winnipesaukee Attractions
Laconia Restaurants
Here are restaurants located in Weirs Beach, around Laconia and some from a few miles away in Meredith or Gilford. There are more, but I was unable to locate websites.
About Weirs Beach Itself
The beach is the main feature of Endicott Rock Park, which offers picnic tables, a playground, and restroom facilities. The park has a rich history, and you’ll want to check out the actual Endicott Rock. Inscribed in 1652, it may be the oldest public monument in New England. The park is free to the public, but there is a fee to park.
Weirs Beach is 680 feet long and 260 wide at its widest point. Water on the end of the beach near the boardwalk is shallow out to a greater distance allowing water games to be played with ease and making it ideal for young children. The beach is frequently groomed to keep the sand nice and clean and staffed by lifeguards during the day. There is plenty of parking (fee charged) right next to the beach and along Lakeside ave (parking meters).
Laconia Bike Week
Weirs Beach, NH doesn’t look like a likely candidate for worlds oldest motorcycle rally, but it is. It’s a massive event that has slowly grown and now has events happening as far north as the white mountains. It may be near impossible to find a place to stay, but if you live within a few hours, it’s worth day tripping over. It’s interesting to check out whether you’re a biker or not. Laconia bike week will roar into its 97th year from June 13-21, 2020. More on Laconia Bike Week
Other Links You Need
- Lake Winnipesaukee
- Lakes Region Association
- Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce
- Lake Winnipesaukee Weather
- Water Temperature