The NASWA Resort
4.4(877)google
3.2(128)yelp
FamilySummer RetreatOutdoorLuxuryLakeBeach
Overview
The NASWA Resort, located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia, New Hampshire, is a historic lakefront resort that has been welcoming guests for more than 90 years. Featuring a private sandy beach, lakeside rooms and cottages, and a variety of recreational activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, the resort offers an authentic New England vacation experience. Guests can also enjoy waterfront dining, live entertainment, and breathtaking lake views, making The NASWA a popular destination for families, couples, and travelers seeking relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration1-2 days
Best TimeIdeal during the peak summer lake season from June to August, with the golden hours from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The low sunset rays paint the vibrant lakefront beach docks beautifully; sit at the legendary NazBar & Grill right on the sand and enjoy live tropical music as the sun fades over Paugus Bay.
Getting ThereSituated right on the waterfront strip in Laconia at 1086 Weirs Boulevard. Driving is simplest: follow US-3 N north straight along the Weirs channel; the iconic colorful resort is prominent on the lake side. The property provides extensive, free surface asphalt spaces throughout its private dockside loops.
Travel Tips
- Private marina dock slips are strictly constrained; guests navigating Lake Winnipesaukee must register and secure a slip allocation during room booking.
- The on-site NazBar beach venue gets overcrowded on summer weekends; non-residents face strict capacity screening, and outside alcohol is illegal.
- The lakeside shoreline is an environmentally sensitive zone; feeding wild waterfowl from decks or sand is barred and incurs heavy clean-up fines.
Reviews
Positive
- A lakeside holiday dream! The resort boasts an excellent private sand beach where you can rent boats or lounge by the calm water.
- The famous NazBar sits right on the sand, pouring colorful tropical cocktails alongside live music for a premium vacation vibe.
- The colorful cabins are clean and tidy; opening the curtains rewards you with striking open views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Highly family-friendly with shallow wading zones for kids; front desk runners are warm, delivering genuine home-like hospitality.
Heads up
- Summer rates carry heavy markups, and they tack on a mandatory nightly resort fee, making the total tab quite expensive.
- Because the beach bar is highly popular, late-night music and diner noise echo on weekends, bothering light sleepers.
- Some older vintage chalets have compact footprints; bathrooms feel cramped, and water pressure can fluctuate during peak shower hours.
- The central parking lot gets overcrowded when the resort is at full capacity, forcing you to navigate tight property lanes for a spot.