Destination 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 any time of the year.

Purpose

This page is a one-stop-shop for places to visit, things to see, annual events, and more. Our mission is to educate and enrich the lives of our residents and visitors.

Discover 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. 

• Click here to learn more about Downtown Rochester

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 learn more about 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 Rochester 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 news related to Rochester Arts & Culture
• Click here to see the Virtual Art Map

Education and Training

Rochester offers quality educational experiences from pre-school and kindergarten through adult secondary education. The City is home to eight elementary schools, a private parochial school, a middle school, and Spaulding High School. The newly renovated and state-of-the-art Richard W. Creteau Technology Center offers a variety of educational opportunities to high school students, including nursing, criminal justice, automotive, computer technology, and more. The center also offers students Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO), allowing students the ability to gain real-world work experiences in nearby businesses and organizations. Higher education offerings in Rochester include Granite State College and Great Bay Community College.

• Click here to learn more about Public Education
• Click here to learn more about the Richard W. Creteau Technology Center
• Click here to learn more about Granite State College
• Click here to learn more about Great Bay Community College

Rochester Eats

The City of Rochester's Economic Development Department and Community Engagement Office is making it easier than ever to order food, dine outdoors, and enjoy Rochester's historic downtown. The City has placed picnic tables at City Hall and Central Square so residents and visitors can eat outside and support our local restaurants. Users are encouraged to take advantage of local delivery, takeout options, and mobile delivery apps like GrubHub and Door Dash. 

The Rochester Post

The Rochester Post is operated by the Public Information and Community Engagement Office for the City of Rochester, New Hampshire. The purpose of the website is to serve as an aggregate for municipal press releases, community happenings, public meetings and hearings, and regional news from the State of NH. The posts are available to readers at no cost, with no required subscription. The mission of The Rochester Post is to raise awareness, make public information easily accessible, and to encourage Rochester citizens to get involved in their community and municipal government.

• Click here to visit The Rochester Post
• Click here to listen to The Rochester Post podcast

Contact

Are you planning to open a business in Downtown Rochester, want to learn more about parking and construction projects, 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