Have you ever wondered, “What are some fantastic day trips near me in New Hampshire?” If so, you’re in luck! We’ve set out to find some of the very best day trips you can take here in the Granite State. From cruises to hikes and just about everything in between, this list offers something for everyone. Now’s the perfect time to pack up your favorite people and take advantage of the great day trips that New Hampshire has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite New Hampshire day trips:

1. Cruise to the Isles of Shoals
Isles of Shoals, United States
Pauline Rosenberg/Flickr
This rocky outcrop of islands off the New Hampshire coast is a charming seaside village where you can get a taste for maritime life. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company has cruises that depart from Portsmouth and will give you plenty of time on the islands.

One of the best day trips in New Hampshire is a journey to the Isles of Shoals. Enjoy this beautiful flyover video of this unique area of New Hampshire:
2. Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill, NH, USA
Rob Weir/Flickr
Sugar Hill just might be the most beautiful town in New Hampshire, especially when the Lupine are blooming in early summer. As an added bonus, Sugar Hill is also home to Polly's Pancake Parlor, where you can get some of the best pancakes in the state!
3. Peterborough
Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
Marnie Vaughn/Flickr
Peterborough is nestled in the Monadnock Valley, so part of the day trip fun is the drive. Of course, the town has plenty to offer, from darling dining to a local theater troupe!
4. Explore Lost River Gorge
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, 1712 Lost River Rd, North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA
Lost River Gorge/Facebook
Lost River Gorge is a natural oasis, just waiting to be explored. Plus, the nearby towns of Woodstock and Lincoln are full of New Hampshire activities and tourist favorites!

Another beautiful gem in New Hampshire is the Lost River Gorge. If you are looking for day trips from Portsmouth NH this one will take about two hours to reach. Enjoy this video from Rehana's Kitchen Corner as she explores the gorge and Boulder Caves:

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5. Hang out in Hanover
Hanover, NH, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Hanover is home to Dartmouth College, as well as some of the most delicious and diverse dining in the state. Plus, as the crown jewell of the Upper Valley, Hanover offers spectacular views over the west of the state and into neighboring Vermont.
6. Portsmouth
Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Only a small percentage of New Hampshire residents live near the seacoast, so taking a day trip to New Hampshire's biggest coastal city is well worth the drive. Here you can enjoy beautiful gardens, some of the oldest architecture in the state and the salty ocean air.
7. Tamworth
Tamworth, NH, USA
Tamworth Distilling/Google Reviews
Charming Tamworth is right between the Lakes Region and The White Mountains, so no matter which way you drive to it you're sure to see some gorgeous sites.
8. The New Hampshire Waterfall Loop
DJM Photos/Flickr
New Hampshire has lots of amazing waterfalls, but finding them all (and hiking to them!) can be tough. Luckily this loop lets you see many waterfalls in one day, and you can even see a few of them from the comfort of your car.

Let's take a journey to Arethusa Falls for another one of favorite New Hampshire day trips in this video from World Nomac:
9. Check out the New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail
Naughty Nellie's Ice Cream Bar, 46 Main St, Andover, NH 03216, USA
Naughty Nellie's Ice Cream Bar/Facebook
This ice cream trail makes the perfect road trip. It will wind you through some gorgeous rural towns in the state, and along the way you'll get to taste some of New Hampshire's best treats.

So the next time you ask yourself, “What are some day trips near me in New Hampshire,” we hope this list comes in handy! While you’re planning, be sure to check out these nine under-appreciated New Hampshire state parks.

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day trips near me in New Hampshire

Beth C. | June 03, 2023

What are some must-visit places in New Hampshire?

Some must-visit places in New Hampshire include:

 

No matter if you're a resident or a visitor of New Hampshire, you'll quickly discover just how much there is to do here. From unforgettable outdoor adventures to meaningful historic sites and bustling towns, the Granite State won't disappoint. And while you're in town, be sure to check out some of the following must-visit places in New Hampshire: Sculptured Rocks Natural Area in Groton, the covered bridges of Sullivan County, Bethel Farm Yoga and Living Arts Center in Hillsborough, Munroe's Family Restuarant in Twin Mountain, Lockes Hill Trail in Gilford, Northern Rail Trail in Lebanon, Bernie's Beach Bar in Hampton, and Laromay Lavender Farm in Hollis. For more information about each of these destinations, check out our previous article about the very best places to go in New Hampshire.

What are the best day trips in New Hampshire?

Some of the best day trips in New Hampshire include:

 

You've now discovered the answer to the ever-pressing question, "What are some day trips near me in New Hampshire?" The truth is, there are just so many day trip opportunities in this corner of the U.S. Another New Hampshire day trip that belongs on your bucket list is Franconia Notch State Park. Complete with waterfalls, a river, a lake, and breathtaking mountain views, this is one New Hampshire park that seems to have it all. Learn more about this jaw-dropping state park that's unlike anything else in New Hampshire.

Does New Hampshire have any hidden gems?

Some of New Hampshire's hidden gems include:

 

While many of New Hampshire's most popular attractions are quite famous, there are just as many that are seriously underrated. If you're someone who appreciates looking for treasure off the beaten path, you'll find the following destinations to be downright fascinating: Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, Benson's Park in Hudson, Hood Museum in Hanover, American's Stonehenge in Salem, Redstone Rocket in Warren, and the U.S.S. Albacore in Portsmouth. Did you know about any of these hidden gems in New Hampshire?

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