Winnipesaukee Pier is one of those places where you can show up without much of a plan and somehow…read moreend up spending several hours there. There is a lot packed into one area, from shops and restaurants to arcades, ice cream, pizza, bars, and plenty of activities on the water. It has a fun, slightly old-school lakeside amusement atmosphere that works particularly well when you're visiting the Lake Winnipesaukee area.
The views are excellent, and being right on the lake gives the whole place a completely different feel than a typical shopping or entertainment area. You can take a boat cruise, rent a jet ski, or even take a boat or train ride, depending on what you're in the mood for. There is also a beach nearby, so you can easily make an entire day out of a visit.
I liked the mix of things to do. You can grab something to eat, wander through the shops, play some games, get ice cream, have a drink, and then head back outside to enjoy the lake. It has enough variety that everyone in a group can usually find something they want to do.
Parking is probably the biggest drawback. It is limited and you have to pay, although it turns over fairly quickly and being able to park right out front is certainly convenient. The public bathroom could also have been cleaner when we visited. Neither issue ruined the experience, but they are worth mentioning.
Overall, Winnipesaukee Pier is a fun place to spend some time when you're in Laconia. Great lake views, plenty of food and entertainment, shops, water activities, and that classic vacation-town atmosphere. It can get busy, but that's part of what gives the place its energy. I'd definitely come back.