Five Amazing Day Trips: New Hampshire

The New England state of New Hampshire is a year-round destination filled with beautiful scenic landscapes across each of its seven travel regions. To experience the classic New Hampshire trip, travel north on the scenic roads, stopping at unique points of interest and staying at charming inns and impressive resorts in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, and finally the Great North Woods. During the summer months, thousands of people visit and camp at the 93 state park properties, one of which includes the tallest peak in the northeast— Mount Washington. The major cities, filled with historical museums, performing arts, and entertainment, are located primarily along the southern border with Massachusetts. The must-visit seacoast city of Portsmouth is full of hidden gems, from historical sites to culinary delights, boutique stores, and galleries. Our day trips take you along jagged mountains into the scenic valleys with a quick stop at the coast, highlighting some of the best destinations across the state.

Here are five great day trip destinations across the Granite State:

Hampton Beach (Parks & Recreation)

Located about 40 miles east of Manchester, you’ll find the town of Hampton and Hampton Beach. The seaside village attracts thousands of visitors every weekend during the summer months. The main attraction is Hampton Beach State Park, and, more specifically, the long stretch of sand that is perfect for a day in the sun. A short walk across Ocean Boulevard, historic Hampton Casino is surrounded on either side with family fun centers, arcades, mini-golf, shops selling beach gear, and plenty of traditional boardwalk food. After a day with the family on the beach, a piece of fried dough from Blink’s Fry Doe, and a few games of Skee-Ball at Funarama Arcade, see who’s headlining at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom that evening. From April to November the intimate venue (only 3,000 seats) continues to draw major artist every year. The village also hosts a few major events during the year including the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Competition (June) and the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival (September).

Lincoln (Parks & Recreation)

Located about 90 miles north of Manchester, Franconia Notch State Park affords visitors with a long list of outdoor activities from hiking and biking to swimming and rock climbing. Within the park you’ll find The Flume Gorge, Echo Lake Beach, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram, and Franconia Notch Bike Trail. Start the day at the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram for a seven-minute ride to the 4,080-foot summit where you might be able to see well beyond New Hampshire to Maine, Vermont, New York, and Canada. The area is full of natural beauty— the spectacular flume gorge is someplace you have to see to believe. Start your self-guided walk at the Flume Visitor Center before traversing a forested area that leads to the gorge with walls of granite that rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and get as narrow as 12 to 20 feet apart. The casual walk will take about 1.5 hours. During the summer months, Echo Lake Beach is perfect for cooling off or renting a kayak to enjoy the beautiful mountain landscapes in every direction. After a full day in the White Mountains, visit one of the local restaurants or brewpubs in downtown Lincoln before heading home.

North Conway (Museums & Attractions)

The year-round resort area of North Conway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains region is located about 100 miles north of Manchester. From June to November, depart on the Conway Scenic Railroad from the 1874 North Conway Station for a scenic train ride through the picturesque White Mountains. We recommend choosing the Mountaineer to Crawford Notch Excursion with the class options of coach, first, or premium for a seat in 1950s-era art deco styled dome cars that afford passengers with panoramic views. The 5.5-hour rail journey travels through the beautiful Mount Washington Valley and over the rugged Crawford Notch. Before leaving the area, visit the historic downtown area full of unique stores, bakeries, coffee shops, and local restaurants. During the winter months, North Conway is packed with ski enthusiasts heading to the slopes at Cranmore Mountain Resort and Attitash Mountain Resort, two popular New England ski resorts.

Rumney (Museums & Attractions)

For almost a hundred years tourists have been exploring the Polar Caves, one of New Hampshire’s most popular family tourist attracts. The caves are located in the town of Rumney, about 65 miles north of Manchester on the southern edge of the White Mountain National Forest. This family-friendly adventure includes nine nontraditional caves that were formed during the last Ice Age with assistance from a glacier. Today, you can walk along manmade boardwalks and stairs, through passageways and between the giant granite boulders. It might sound easier than it is— each cave has a creative nickname, like Polar Pinch, Fat Man’s Misery, or The Lemon Squeeze. Before you leave the park, purchase a bag of corn and feed the herd of Fallow Deer in the animal park.

Wolfeboro (Small Town Experience)

Coined “America’s Oldest Summer Resort,” the small town of Wolfeboro on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee is a scenic 50 miles from Manchester. This summer day trip is all about the outdoors and a bucket list experience on the lake. The New Hampshire Boat Museum offers vintage boat rides on the lake aboard the Millie B. This is your chance to experience the golden age of boating, cruising around one of New England’s most famous lakes on a replica 28-foot, mahogany triple-cockpit 1928 Hacker-Craft. After the 45-minute tour, stroll along the charming downtown and chose one of the local restaurants for lunch before exploring the unique shops.