Visit Rochester, NH

Whether you’re staying the weekend or have been here a lifetime, there’s always something fun and exciting to do in Rochester, New Hampshire. Rochester has some of the best restaurants, retail shops, nonprofit organizations, and recreational activities in the region. With a rich history and strong arts, entertainment, dining, and lodging options, Rochester is the place to be at any time of the year. This page is a one-stop shop for places to visit, things to see, annual events, and more. The mission of this page is to educate and enrich the lives of our residents, business owners, and visitors. 

Explore Downtown

Downtown Rochester, New Hampshire is the place to find unique shops and services, quality restaurants, fine arts and culture, and live entertainment. It's also home to numerous municipal assets including public parks, playgrounds and pools, walking trails, the Rochester Public Library, the Rochester Historical Society and Museum, and much more. Free parking is available in multiple municipal lots and along several nearby streets. Downtown features numerous municipal parking lots and street parking, at no cost to residents and visitors. No immediate parking nearby? Our businesses are worth a short walk! Use the map below to find a place to park. 

• Click here to learn more about downtown parking
• Click here to learn about Rochester Main Street

Shopping, Dining, and Services

If you're looking for great restaurants, unique shops, and professional services, then look no further than Rochester, NH. To learn more, visit the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce at 18 South Main Street or at the website below. The Chamber of Commerce is an active, non-profit business membership organization comprised of businesses and professionals who are dedicated to fostering a favorable economic climate in which to live and work.

• Click here to visit the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

Parks and Recreation

Rochester is home to several recreational opportunities that are appealing to people of all ages. The Hanson Pines, near Spaulding High School, features numerous wooded walking trails, a scenic trail along the Cocheco River, a kayak and canoe launch, basketball courts, a public pool, and a playground. Spaulding High School and the James W. Foley Community Center (home of the Rochester Recreation Department) offers a soft walking track around the football field and tennis courts. The Rochester Common also features a track for walkers and runners, a playground, and a baseball field. The Downtown Riverwalk, across from Lilac City Grille/behind Citizen's Bank, offers several bistro tables for outdoor dining and an enjoyable view of the Cocheco River. There is also a Disc Golf course and several scenic trails in Gonic that are the perfect setting to recreate and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. 

• Click here to learn more about the Rochester Recreation Department
• Click here for additional information regarding parks and playgrounds in the area

Arts and Culture

Rochester is home to the historic Rochester Opera House, Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, Rochester Public Library, and Historical Society and Museum. Downtown also has several public art sculptures, painted murals, and vinyl applications. In addition, many restaurants and businesses highlight local talent by featuring live entertainment in their establishments.

• Click here to see the Virtual Art Map
• Click here for news related to Arts & Culture

Historic Sites

The Planning & Development Department and Public Information Office collaborated with the Historical Society and Museum to catalog and upload several hundred photos from the Rochester Historical Society into Google Earth. The project is viewable on a desktop or via a mobile device.

• Click here to see the Virtual Historic Map

Contact

If you are planning to open or relocate a business to Rochester, or just want to ask a few questions, give us a call!

• Economic Development (603) 335-7522
• Planning and Development (603) 335-1338
• Public Information & Community Engagement (603) 330-7195