10 Easy Road Trips From Manchester, NH (All Outside Hillsborough County)
Looking for fun
day trips from Manchester, New Hampshire that get you out of town without spending hours in the car? If you’ve already done all the usual Manchester spots and want something new, you’re in luck.
Within about an hour or so, you can reach beaches, mountain views, classic New England towns, and even a couple of quirky museums. And don’t worry—everything here is
outside Hillsborough County, just like you asked.
Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Manchester, based in these nearby counties:
Rockingham, Merrimack, Cheshire, Sullivan (NH) and Essex, Middlesex, Worcester (MA).
1. Portsmouth, NH – Seaside Charm and Historic Streets (Rockingham County)
If you only have time for one road trip from Manchester,
Portsmouth is hard to beat.
It’s about a 45–50 minute drive east, but it feels like a different world: brick streets, old sea captain homes, and salty air from the harbor.
- Stroll around Market Square – packed with local shops, cafes, and galleries.
- Walk along the Prescott Park waterfront and watch the boats come and go.
- Tour the Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum with restored homes and costumed guides.
- Grab seafood by the water – clam chowder and lobster rolls taste better when you can see the harbor.
On my last visit, I spent almost an hour just people-watching on a bench downtown. Portsmouth is one of those places where you can do a lot… or happily do almost nothing.
2. Hampton Beach, NH – Classic New England Beach Day (Rockingham County)
About 50 minutes from Manchester,
Hampton Beach is where you go when you just need ocean, fried dough, and a boardwalk vibe.
- Relax on the long, sandy beach—great for families, couples, or solo travelers.
- Walk the Hampton Beach boardwalk lined with arcades, pizza joints, and ice cream stands.
- Catch a show at the Sea Shell Stage in summer—many concerts are free.
- Visit in the evening for neon lights, games, and that lively summer-night energy.
Tip: On busy weekends, arrive before 10 a.m. to snag easier parking and a good spot on the sand.
3. Concord, NH – New Hampshire’s Capital with Small-Town Vibes (Merrimack County)
Less than 30 minutes north of Manchester,
Concord is an easy half-day or full-day trip packed with history and simple pleasures.
- Walk Main Street for local shops, bookstores, and coffee spots.
- Visit the New Hampshire State House and its gold dome. You can often walk the grounds even if you skip a tour.
- Check out Red River Theatres for indie or foreign films you might not catch at home.
- Stretch your legs at nearby trails like the Winant Park loop, with nice wooded views.
Concord has that “big small town” feel: enough going on to keep you busy, but calm enough that you never feel rushed.
4. Keene, NH – College Town Energy and Covered Bridges (Cheshire County)
Head west about an hour and you’ll land in
Keene, a classic New England college town with lots of character.
- Explore the broad Central Square and Main Street with cafes, bakeries, and unique shops.
- Visit nearby covered bridges, like the Cresson Covered Bridge in Swanzey, just south of town.
- Walk the Ashuelot Rail Trail or other local paths for an easy taste of New Hampshire nature.
- If you time it right, enjoy seasonal festivals and farmers markets.
Keene is great if you like lively but not hectic places—think students, artists, and locals all mixing together.
5. Claremont & Lake Sunapee Area – Small Towns and Big Views (Sullivan County)
Looking for something quieter? Head about 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest toward
Claremont and the
Lake Sunapee area.
- Check out Claremont’s downtown mills and the scenic Sugar River and its old bridges.
- Drive around Lake Sunapee for classic lake views, boat docks, and photo stops.
- Visit nearby towns like New London or Sunapee Harbor for small shops and lakeside walks.
- In fall, this area turns into a postcard of foliage—bright reds, oranges, and golds everywhere.
This is the kind of trip where you roll down the windows, slow down, and just enjoy the ride.
6. Salem, NH – Shopping, Fun Parks, and Easy Entertainment (Rockingham County)
About 30 minutes south of Manchester,
Salem is perfect when you want something low-stress and simple.
- Shop and eat around the large Rockingham Park retail area.
- Spend a fun family day at Canobie Lake Park (check seasonal schedules—usually open spring through fall).
- Walk around a local pond or grab ice cream and just cruise around.
This is a good “no-plan” road trip: you can decide what to do once you get there.
7. Lowell, MA – Mill History and River Walks (Middlesex County, MA)
Drive about 35–40 minutes south into Massachusetts and you’ll hit
Lowell, a former mill city that’s turned its history into a major attraction.
- Visit the Lowell National Historical Park and learn how the city helped power the Industrial Revolution.
- Walk along the Merrimack River and its canal system for some interesting views.
- Explore downtown’s brick mill buildings converted into museums, galleries, and studios.
- Stop in at one of Lowell’s many ethnic restaurants for something different from your usual spots in Manchester.
If you like a mix of history, culture, and city energy—but on a smaller scale than Boston—Lowell is a nice fit.
8. Salem, MA – Witches, Waterfront, and Walkable Streets (Essex County, MA)
About an hour from Manchester (traffic can vary),
Salem, Massachusetts is famous for its witch trials, but there’s more here than spooky stories.
- Walk through the historic downtown filled with museums, shops, and quirky witch-themed attractions.
- Visit the Peabody Essex Museum for art, culture, and maritime history.
- Stroll along the Derby Wharf and enjoy ocean views and sea breezes.
- Come in October for full-on Halloween mode—costumes, street performers, haunted happenings—but expect crowds.
If you like places with a strong vibe and lots of personality, Salem is a must-see.
9. Worcester, MA – Museums, Food, and Urban Exploring (Worcester County, MA)
About an hour southwest of Manchester,
Worcester (locals say “WOO-ster” or “Wuh-sta”) is a growing city with a surprising amount to do.
- Visit the Worcester Art Museum with its impressive mix of old and modern art.
- Grab a meal in one of the city’s emerging food neighborhoods—there’s a wide range of cuisines.
- Walk around the Canal District for shops, coffee, and craft beer spots.
- Check out parks and green spaces if you need a break from city streets.
Worcester makes a great choice if you’re in the mood for a more urban-style day trip without going all the way to Boston.
10. Newburyport, MA – Harbor Town Perfection (Essex County, MA)
About 50–60 minutes from Manchester,
Newburyport is a polished little harbor town that’s perfect for a relaxed, pretty day out.
- Wander through the brick-lined downtown full of boutiques, cafes, and seafood restaurants.
- Watch boats in the harbor and walk along the boardwalk area.
- Head over to nearby Plum Island for beaches and birdwatching at the wildlife refuge.
- Enjoy a slow meal outdoors when the weather warms up—this town was made for patio dining.
Newburyport has that “vacation town” feel without being too far from home.
Tips for Planning Your Manchester, NH Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Manchester:
- Check traffic if you’re heading toward Massachusetts, especially at rush hour.
- Look up seasonal hours—some parks, museums, and attractions are only open certain months.
- Pack layers. New England weather loves to surprise you, even in spring and fall.
- Bring snacks and water so you can spend more time exploring and less time hunting for a convenience store.
You don’t have to drive far from Manchester to feel like you’re in a totally different place—beach, city, small town, or mountain edge, it’s all within reach.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip From Manchester?
Have you tried any of these
Manchester, NH day trips yet?
- Which spot is your favorite?
- Did I miss an amazing out-of-county gem?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your go-to escapes from Manchester.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do this weekend.”
Sometimes, the best adventure is just an hour down the road.
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