In today’s busy day and age, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to experience all the best of what’s around us. Luckily enough, New Hampshire has plenty of great attractions that make perfect short adventures. If you ever find yourself wondering “Where can I find the coolest New Hampshire day trips?”, take a peek at our list below and explore all that your state has to offer! You’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

1. New Hampshire's Mountain Coaster
Attitash Mountain Resort, 775 US-302, Bartlett, NH 03812, USA
Facebook/Attitash Ski Resort
See one of New Hampshire's biggest ski slopes in a whole new way on this alpine slide. You'll travel nearly 3,000 feet at up to 25 miles per hour - but you control the speed, and it's not too scary for kids. You can read more about it by checking out this article about One of the state's best mountain coasters. For a bonus, there is a hidden trail behind the resort across the street leading to a lovely hidden river filled with smooth rocks. Check it out in this video from Adventuring in the Moment:


2. Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia, NH, USA
Courtesy of Sarah Dodge
Franconia Notch State Park truly has everything - from mountains to a river, to a lake, to gorgeous waterfalls. There are plenty of easy trails and a remarkable number of sights to see. See what there is to discover! Our number one recommended trail in the state park has to be the very popular Artist Bluff. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment to inspire you to see this amazing view:


3. Gilmanton Winery and Vineyards
Gilmanton Winery and Restaurant, 528 Meadow Pond Rd, Gilmanton, NH 03237, USA
Gilmanton Winery & Vineyard/ Facebook
This picture-perfect winery in Gilmanton is the perfect place to spend a day strolling through the vineyard and sampling some delicious wines. This place is paradise!
4. Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, 139 St Gaudens Rd, Cornish, NH 03745, USA
Flickr/putneypics
This incredible Cornish spot features beautiful sculptures and gardens. Don't forget to bring your camera when you explore. Take a peek at how pretty it is and you'll fall in love.
5. Mount Washington Observatory
Mount Washington Observatory, Sherman Adams Building, Mt Washington Auto Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
Flickr/ppdiaporama
Whether you drive, hike, or take the railway up Mount Washington, the Observatory is worth a visit. A tour of the weather station will leave you in awe of the power of nature, and of course, the views can't be beat.

Plus, you can even stay the night if you plan ahead! Want to have an idea of what it's like driving up this crazy mountain?

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6. Charmingfare Farm
774 High St, Candia, NH 03034, USA
TripAdvisor/Charmingfare Farm
Much more than a farm, this remarkable place is more like a zoo. In addition to farm animals like cows and horses, you can get up close and personal with wolves and bears! See what this cool place has to offer and plan your trip.
7. Loon Mountain Gondola Ride
Loon Mountain Resort, 60 Loon Mountain Rd, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
TripAdvisor/Loon Mountain
Another ski slope that offers up plenty of surprises in the summer, Loon Mountain has a fantastic gondola ride that will give you incredible views and also give you a chance to explore hidden caves. What a breathtaking view! Since you are already on the same road continue East on the Kangamangus Highway but first watch this video from Adventuring in the Moment of a couple of great places to stop along the way:


8. Sculpture Rocks Natural Area
Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, 251 Sculptured Rocks Rd, Hebron, NH 03241, USA
Facebook/New Hampshire State Parks
This stunning gorge in Groton is the result of thousands of years of running water sculpting stone, and it's absolutely worth a visit. You'll be speechless when you see this New Hampshire natural wonder.
9. Mount Washington Cog Railway
The Mount Washington Cog Railway, 3168 Base Station Rd, Mount Washington, NH 03589, USA
Flickr/Dennis Jarvis
People come from far and wide to ride the Cog Railway - if you haven't done it yet, you need to add it to your New Hampshire bucket list. It truly is a unique and magical experience. It's such a fun ride to the top.
10. Benson Park
Benson's Wild Animal Farm Museum & Park Store, 27 Kimball Hill Rd, Hudson, NH 03051, USA
Benson's Wild Animal Farm/ Facebook
This Hudson town park used to house a small zoo and amusement park. Now it's a much quieter place, but you can still see some of the old structures and animal enclosures. Keep an eye out for the live music performances they host. History and nature - a dream pair.
11. Jackson
Jackson, NH, USA
Flickr/James Walsh
A list of day trips wouldn't be complete without some suggested towns to spend the day in. Of course, there are plenty to choose from in New Hampshire, but Jackson is a great place to start.

You'll never want to leave! One of the best places to visit in Jackson is, of course, Glen Elis Falls. Check out this awesome waterfall but watching this Adventuring in the Moment video:


In New Hampshire, any of our seasons can be the perfect time to make some new memories – so gather your family and pencil some New Hampshire day trips in on your calendar.

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Kim Magaraci | July 15, 2021

What are some must-visit places in New Hampshire?

Two must-see places in New Hampshire are The Flume Gorge in the summer and Wildcat Mountain in the winter.

New Hampshire is a gem of a state, and luckily, we don't take it for granite. With towering mountains, gorgeous lakes, remarkable hikes, and the best skiing on the East Coast, there are so many great places for a day trip in New Hampshire. Along with the places listed above, be sure to add a couple of other natural wonders and charming towns to your Granite State bucket list. The Flume Gorge is a beautiful spot in the summer, sure, but it transforms in the winter, and it's truly worth visiting. Wildcat Mountain is known as a great place to ski with views of Mount Washington, and in the summer, it offers scenic hiking, too.

Which season is the best for taking scenic day trips in New Hampshire?

The best time of year to take a scenic day trip in New Hampshire is in the fall.

Fall and winter are the best seasons for scenic day trips in New Hampshire. If you love snow, you'll love exploring in the winter! Most people, though, prefer to travel around New England in the fall. The autumn colors appear like a fireworks show on the mountainside, and there's nothing prettier than a view from a gondola, summit, or train bridge when the colors start to pop. Plan a beautiful byway drive that ends with a lakeside picnic, or take an easy (well, easy for the White Mountains) hike to the top of Mount Willard for some bucket-list-worthy trips.

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