The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region covers the west-central portion of the state. The region is named after two local landmarks: Dartmouth College in Hanover, and Lake Sunapee in the towns of Newbury, Sunapee, and New London. The towns along the Connecticut River, along with the adjoining towns across the river in Vermont, are also known as the Upper Valley. The region is known for its many cultural and educational institutions, and for a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Great North Woods Region covers the entire northern end of the state above the White Mountains. It is mostly rural and heavily forested. Hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and snowmobiling are the main recreational features. Many of the residents are of French-Canadian descent, and French is often heard spoken here. Logging and paper manufacturing are the major industries.

The Lakes Region is located in the central and eastern portion of the state. As the name implies, the region is dotted with over 273 lakes and ponds of all sizes. The largest of them is Lake Winnipesaukee, which covers 75 square miles. The region is known as a major vacation destination. Boating of all kinds draws thousands of visitors each year, along with fall foliage viewing and winter sports like skiing and ice fishing. Many people have built second homes or rent vacation units and return year after year.

The Merrimack Valley Region, in the south-central part of the state, is named after the Merrimack River. The largest river in the state, the Merrimack flows on into Massachusetts, where it drains into the Atlantic Ocean. The river played a major role in the growth of the region and state, as textile mills were built along its banks in the nineteenth century. The largest cities in the state, Manchester, Nashua and the state capital of Concord, are located here. The region is known as the economic and business center of New Hampshire. Away from the bustle of the cities, however, many of the smaller communities offer a quieter atmosphere and historic and scenic attractions.

The Monadnock Region covers the southwestern part of the state, and shares a border with Vermont and Massachusetts. It is named after Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. The region is known as the "Quiet Corner" of the state, and has only one major highway and no interstates. The city of Keene is the largest town in the region, and is home to Keene State College and is a shopping destination for the tri-state area. The main recreational opportunities are sightseeing and Fall foliage viewing. Many people enjoy antique hunting or visiting historic attractions. Climbing Mount Monadnock or one of its smaller foothills is also popular.

Located in the eastern part of the state, the Seacoast Region is the state's smallest region. New Hampshire has 18 miles of shoreline; a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coves, and tidal estuaries. The Seacoast Region is one of the fastest growing areas in the state, with a bustling mix of new companies and businesses professionals combining with the older industries centered around the former Pease Air Force Base in Newington and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. The coast itself draws thousands of vacationers each year, looking for fun on the beach, whale watch cruises, and fresh seafood. The region also has many historic attractions, such as Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth.

The White Mountain Region is in the north-central part of the state. Much of the area is part of the White Mountain National Forest, established in 1911 to protect the land from the ravages of timber clearcutting. The region is known for its breathtaking scenery, especially during the Fall foliage season. Many people climb or drive to the top of Mount Washington, the highest mountain in northeastern North America. Others try hiking on trails of every level of difficulty among the other peaks in the Presidential Range. Camping, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and skiing are also popular activities. Outlet shopping in the Conway area draws thousands each year.