If you want to experience the classic, high-energy spirit of a New England summer, look no further than Weirs Beach. Centered around its legendary wide-wooden boardwalk, the Weirs has been the focal point of Lake Winnipesaukee entertainment for generations.
Whether you are stepping off the ship for a few hours of boardwalk fun as a Stay & Play passenger, or you’re driving in to park and catch a cruise, Weirs Beach is packed with action. Here is how to make the most of your day at the lake’s most vibrant port—all within easy walking distance of the docks.
Walk the Historic Boardwalk
The moment you arrive, the lake views take center stage. The Weirs Beach Boardwalk stretches along the shoreline, offering a wide, flat, and highly scenic path that connects everything the area has to offer.
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The Views: Take a stroll to admire the panoramic vistas of the water stretching out toward the spectacular Ossipee and Belknap mountain ranges.
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The Train Depot: Right on the boardwalk, you'll spot the vintage station for the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. If you want to pair your cruise with a short, nostalgic rail journey along the shore, you can grab tickets right here.
Dive Into Classic Arcade Culture
Weirs Beach is a haven for retro gaming and family fun. You don’t need a car to access the best arcade action in New England—it’s right across the street from the pier.
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The Half Moon Amusement Arcades: A true Lakes Region institution. This massive complex features twodistinct arcades: the Family Fun Center (packed with modern video games, simulators, and ticket-redemption games) and the legendary Half Moon Penny Arcade, where you can still play antique machines for a dime.
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Bumper Cars: Adjoining the Penny Arcade, test your skills on the full-size Half Moon Bumper Cars—a must-do tradition for kids and adults alike.
Beachside Bites & Lively Pubs
All that boardwalk walking is bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, the Weirs features a great selection of lively, casual spots to grab a cold drink and a great meal.
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Dox on Winnipesaukee Pier: Walk right out onto the iconic pier to find Dox. It’s the perfect place to grab a basket of fried seafood, a fresh burger, or a cold cocktail while sitting directly over the water.
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Tower Hill Tavern: Located right in the center of the action on Lakeside Avenue, this multi-level hotspot offers fantastic pub food, a great tap list, and frequently hosts live music on their summer stage.
Sun, Sand, and Sweets
Want to slow things down? Weirs Beach makes it easy to transition from high-energy arcade fun to pure lakeside relaxation.
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Weirs Beach Park: Pack a towel! Located right next to the docks, this wide, sandy public beach is the perfect spot to stick your toes in the water, go for a refreshing swim, or just sunbathe while watching the boats cruise in and out of the channel.
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Grab a Slice or a Scoop: You can't leave the boardwalk without indulging in classic summer fuel. Grab a giant, foldable slice of boardwalk pizza, or hit up The Half Moon Ice Cream Stand for a towering cone of homemade local flavors.
🚢 Are you a "Stay & Play" Passenger? When the ship docks at Weirs Beach, you have a perfect afternoon window to explore. Because everything is clustered right along Lakeside Avenue, you can grab lunch out on the pier at Dox, challenge the family to a round of Skee-Ball at the Half Moon, and spend an hour cooling off on the sand at Weirs Beach Park before walking right back to the ship.
🚗 Are you driving in to board from Weirs Beach? Arrive early! Parking at the Weirs puts you at the absolute heart of the lake. We highly recommend coming 1 to 2 hours before your cruise departure to walk the boardwalk, snap some photos of the mountains, and grab a coffee or ice cream. When your cruise returns in the late afternoon, stick around for a great dinner and live music at Tower Hill Tavern.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
In the late 19th century, train passengers from Boston would step off the steam locomotive right onto this very boardwalk to transfer directly onto our ships. By spending your day at Weirs Beach today, you are keeping a historic New York and New England tradition alive. Skip the highway traffic, embrace the nostalgia, and let the lake take you back in time.