10 Best Things to Do Near Manchester, New Hampshire (Hillsborough County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Manchester, New Hampshire (That Locals Actually Love)

Looking for great things to do in and around Manchester, New Hampshire in Hillsborough County? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family visit, or just passing through on a New England road trip, Manchester is a surprisingly fun city with plenty of easy day trips nearby. I’ve spent time exploring this area, and it’s one of those places that feels both laid-back and full of hidden gems. Let’s dive into 10 things to do in and near Manchester that give you a real taste of southern New Hampshire.

1. Stroll Elm Street & Downtown Manchester

If you’re new to Manchester, start with Elm Street downtown. It’s the city’s main strip and a great way to get your bearings. You can:
  • Grab a coffee at a local café and people-watch.
  • Check out small shops, bakeries, and local restaurants.
  • Walk side streets to see old brick mill buildings along the Merrimack River.
On a sunny afternoon, I like to park once and just walk. The downtown area is compact, so you can easily explore on foot without feeling rushed. It’s also a good home base if you’re staying overnight and want restaurants and nightlife close by.

2. Discover the Millyard & the Millyard Museum

Manchester’s old mill district is one of the most interesting parts of the city. The huge brick buildings along the river once powered a booming textile industry. Today, many of them hold offices, apartments, restaurants, and the Millyard Museum. Inside the Millyard Museum, you’ll:
  • Learn how Manchester grew as a major industrial city.
  • See historic machines and tools from the old mills.
  • Get a real sense of how people lived and worked here in the 1800s and early 1900s.
Even if you’re not usually into history, the stories about immigrant families and factory life are pretty eye-opening. After the museum, take a walk along the riverfront for some nice views and photos.

3. Take the Kids (or Your Inner Kid) to the SEE Science Center

Right in the Millyard, you’ll find the SEE Science Center, one of the best family-friendly things to do in Manchester. Expect:
  • Hands-on science exhibits you can touch and play with.
  • A huge LEGO® model of the Manchester Millyard.
  • Fun science demonstrations on certain days.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is an easy way to burn off energy while sneaking in some learning. But honestly, even adults end up getting into the experiments and displays. It’s a nice rainy-day backup plan too.

4. Catch a Game or Show at SNHU Arena

If you like live events, check what’s happening at SNHU Arena while you’re in town. Depending on the time of year, you might catch:
  • Big-name concerts and touring shows.
  • College or minor league sports games.
  • Special events like ice shows or family performances.
The arena is right in downtown Manchester, so it’s easy to grab dinner nearby, walk to the event, and make a night of it. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking the schedule ahead of time—sometimes you’ll find a surprise show that makes your visit even better.

5. Relax at Lake Massabesic

Just a short drive east of downtown Manchester, Lake Massabesic feels like a totally different world. It’s peaceful, wooded, and a great escape from the city streets. Things to do around the lake:
  • Walk or bike the trails along the shoreline.
  • Enjoy a quiet picnic with water views.
  • Watch the sunset over the trees and water.
Because Lake Massabesic is part of the city’s drinking water supply, there are some restrictions, like no swimming in the lake itself. But the trails and views more than make up for it. If you like simple, low-key nature time, this is one of the best places near Manchester to unwind.

6. Spend a Day at the Currier Museum of Art

Art fans should not skip the Currier Museum of Art, located just a few minutes from downtown Manchester. It’s small enough to enjoy in a couple of hours, but big enough to feel special. Inside, you’ll find:
  • American and European paintings and sculptures.
  • Modern and contemporary art pieces.
  • Rotating exhibits that keep things fresh.
What really makes the Currier stand out, though, are its connections to Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum offers tours of two Wright-designed homes in the city (advance reservations are usually required). If you’re into architecture, this alone is worth the trip.

7. Hike and View the City from Mount Uncanoonuc

Want a little outdoors without driving all the way to the White Mountains? Head about 20–25 minutes west of Manchester to Goffstown and the Uncanoonuc Mountains. Here’s what to expect:
  • Short, fairly steep hiking trails.
  • Views looking back toward Manchester and the surrounding hills.
  • A nice mix of forest and rocky outcrops.
The trails aren’t extremely long, but they do give you a workout, so bring sturdy shoes and some water. On a clear day, the views from the top are a great reward. It’s a perfect half-day trip if you want to stretch your legs and still be back in Manchester for dinner.

8. Explore Charming Downtown Nashua

If you don’t mind a 25–30 minute drive south, Nashua is another lively city in Hillsborough County that pairs really well with a Manchester stay. In downtown Nashua, you can:
  • Walk along Main Street and check out shops and cafés.
  • Grab a bite from one of the many local restaurants.
  • Stroll by the river or relax in nearby parks.
Nashua has a slightly different feel than Manchester—still urban, but with its own flavor. If you’re in the area for a few days, splitting your time between these two cities gives you a fuller sense of southern New Hampshire life.

9. Step Back in Time in Peterborough

For a classic New England small-town experience, drive about 45 minutes west from Manchester to Peterborough, also in Hillsborough County. Peterborough offers:
  • A picture-perfect town center with older buildings and local shops.
  • Art galleries and small museums.
  • Easy access to nature, including trails and scenic drives.
Peterborough has that cozy, “storybook New England” vibe. It’s a nice contrast to the more urban feel of Manchester. This makes a great day trip if you’re visiting in the fall and want to see foliage, but it’s lovely year-round.

10. Visit a Local Brewery or Restaurant and Taste New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a growing craft beer and food scene, and Manchester is right in the middle of it. After a day of exploring, it’s hard to beat sitting down with a local pint or a hearty meal. You might:
  • Try a flight at a Manchester brewery or taproom.
  • Sample seasonal dishes made with New England ingredients.
  • Chat with locals at the bar for tips on what to see next.
If you’re not a beer drinker, don’t worry—there are plenty of coffee shops, bakeries, and family-friendly restaurants around the city. The food scene is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for everyday life in Manchester.

Planning Your Trip to Manchester, NH

Manchester is easy to reach from much of New England. It’s right off major highways and has its own airport, Manchester–Boston Regional Airport, which makes it a convenient base for exploring Hillsborough County and beyond. Here are a few quick tips:
  • Car recommended: You can walk around downtown, but a car makes day trips and lake or mountain visits much easier.
  • Best seasons: Fall for foliage, summer for lakes and hiking, winter if you love snow and cozy nights inside.
  • Trip length: A weekend works well, but 3–4 days lets you add more day trips.

Ready to Explore Manchester, New Hampshire?

From the historic Millyard and the Currier Museum of Art to Lake Massabesic, Mount Uncanoonuc, and charming nearby towns like Nashua and Peterborough, there’s a lot to see and do near Manchester, NH. If you’ve been wondering what to do in southern New Hampshire, this city makes a great starting point. You get a mix of:
  • Urban energy
  • Local history and culture
  • Easy access to lakes, trails, and mountains
Have you visited Manchester or anywhere in Hillsborough County? What was your favorite spot—or what are you most excited to see on your first trip? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a New Hampshire getaway. The more tips and stories we all trade, the easier it is for everyone to plan a great trip.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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