10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Nashua, New Hampshire

on

10 Easy Road Trips from Nashua, NH: Fun Day Trips Just Outside Hillsborough County

Living in or visiting Nashua, New Hampshire and itching to get out of town for a bit? You’re in luck. Within about a 1–2 hour drive, you’ve got beaches, small towns, covered bridges, and classic New England views waiting for you. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 short out-of-county road trips from Nashua—so nothing in Hillsborough County itself. Instead, we’ll head into nearby counties like Rockingham, Merrimack, Cheshire, Sullivan (NH) and Essex, Middlesex, and Worcester (MA). These are simple, low-stress trips you can do in a day or turn into a relaxed weekend. Grab some coffee, fill up the tank, and let’s go.

1. Portsmouth, NH – Seaside History and Harbor Views (Rockingham County)

Portsmouth is one of those places you can visit over and over and still find something new. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Nashua and feels like a mini-vacation by the sea. Why go? It’s a picture-perfect coastal New England town with walkable streets, great food, and harbor views.
  • Stroll the waterfront and watch boats in the harbor.
  • Explore Market Square with its shops, cafés, and galleries.
  • Check out the Prescott Park gardens and riverfront paths.
  • Visit the Strawbery Banke Museum to step back into 300+ years of local history.
If you like food, plan your day around lunch and dinner—Portsmouth has everything from classic seafood shacks to trendy restaurants. On a warm summer evening, sitting outside with fish and chips while the sun sets over the water is tough to beat.

2. Hampton Beach, NH – Classic New England Beach Day (Rockingham County)

Want sand, surf, and boardwalk vibes? Hampton Beach is just over an hour from Nashua and makes a great simple day trip.
  • Walk the long sandy beach and dip your toes in the Atlantic.
  • Grab fried clams, pizza, or ice cream along the boardwalk.
  • Cruise Ocean Boulevard for a classic summer-at-the-shore feel.
  • In summer, look out for fireworks nights and outdoor concerts.
If you’re visiting in the off-season, don’t worry. The crowds thin out, parking is easier, and a quiet walk along the beach with a hoodie and a hot coffee has its own charm.

3. Concord, NH – Small Capital City with Big New England Feel (Merrimack County)

About 45–60 minutes from Nashua, Concord, the capital of New Hampshire, offers a nice blend of history, culture, and small-city comfort.
  • Walk Main Street and check out local shops, bookstores, and cafés.
  • Stop by the New Hampshire State House and admire the golden dome.
  • Catch a show or concert at the Capitol Center for the Arts if your timing works out.
  • Head just outside town for walking trails and views along the Merrimack River.
If you like low-key days, Concord is ideal. Park once, wander, grab lunch, maybe pop into a local bakery, and just enjoy the relaxed pace.

4. Keene, NH – College Town Charm and Covered Bridges (Cheshire County)

About a 1.5-hour drive from Nashua, Keene feels like a classic New England small city, with a big town green, historic streets, and a friendly vibe.
  • Walk around the downtown square with its shops and restaurants.
  • Check out the view of the Keene Central Square church steeple—very postcard-worthy.
  • Drive a bit outside town to look for covered bridges in the area.
  • Visit local breweries or coffee shops and people-watch.
In the fall, Keene really shines. The trees around town explode with color, and the drive from Nashua becomes part of the fun. If you enjoy fall foliage road trips, this one should be on your list.

5. Sunapee & Lake Sunapee – Lakeside Escape (Sullivan County)

If you’re craving water views but want something calmer than the ocean, head about 1.5 hours northwest to the Lake Sunapee region in Sullivan County.
  • Relax by the water at Lake Sunapee and enjoy the mountain backdrop.
  • Take a boat cruise in season for a laid-back tour of the lake.
  • Stroll through nearby Sunapee Harbor and grab a bite to eat.
  • In winter, check out Mount Sunapee for skiing or snowboarding.
This is the kind of place where time slows down. Bring a picnic, a good book, and let the day unfold. It’s also a good spot if you’re looking for a romantic day trip from Nashua.

6. Lowell, MA – Canals, Mills, and Industrial History (Middlesex County, MA)

Just about 30–40 minutes from Nashua, Lowell, Massachusetts is a quick hop over the state line and a very different kind of New England experience.
  • Explore the Lowell National Historical Park, with its restored mills and canal walks.
  • Take a guided tour (in season) to learn how the city helped kick off the Industrial Revolution.
  • Walk along the canals and check out the mix of old brick mills and modern studios.
  • Sample food from a wide range of cultures—Lowell is known for its diverse community.
If you enjoy photography, you’ll find lots of interesting textures and angles here—brick, water, old machinery, and murals. It’s a great place for a short, educational road trip from Nashua.

7. Salem, MA – Witches, Waterfront, and Walkable History (Essex County, MA)

Salem is one of the most iconic day trips in New England, and it’s only about an hour and 15 minutes from Nashua, depending on traffic. Yes, it’s famous for its witch trial history, but there’s a lot more going on.
  • Visit the many witch museums and historic sites if you’re into spooky stories.
  • Walk the waterfront and check out the historic ships and harbor views.
  • Explore downtown for quirky shops, tarot readings, and themed cafés.
  • Visit the Peabody Essex Museum for art, culture, and global exhibits.
October is wild here—busy, crowded, and a little chaotic. If you like that Halloween energy, it’s fantastic. If not, visit in spring or early summer when it’s quieter but still full of character.

8. Rockport & Gloucester, MA – Coastal Art Towns and Rugged Shoreline (Essex County, MA)

If you’re up for about a 1.5-hour drive from Nashua, the Cape Ann area—especially Rockport and Gloucester—makes a beautiful escape.
  • In Rockport, wander Bearskin Neck, a narrow peninsula lined with shops, galleries, and ocean views.
  • Check out Motif No. 1, a famous red fishing shack that shows up in tons of paintings and photos.
  • In Gloucester, visit the Fishermen’s Memorial and learn about the area’s fishing history.
  • Find a rocky spot along the shore and just listen to the waves crash.
This area is ideal if you love photography, painting, or just being by the water. It feels a little like stepping into a classic New England postcard.

9. Worcester, MA – Museums, Food, and a Growing City Scene (Worcester County, MA)

About an hour and 15 minutes from Nashua, Worcester (pronounced “WUSS-ter” or “WOO-ster” depending on who you ask) has been quietly reinventing itself.
  • Visit the Worcester Art Museum for a surprisingly large and varied collection.
  • Walk around the revamped downtown and Canal District with its restaurants and bars.
  • Catch a minor league baseball game if the season is on.
  • Look for street art and murals scattered around the city.
If you’re a foodie, Worcester has a mix of old-school diners and newer spots with creative menus. It’s an easy city escape without the stress and parking drama of Boston.

10. Newburyport, MA – Riverfront Charm and Coastal Walks (Essex County, MA)

Just over an hour from Nashua, Newburyport sits along the Merrimack River near the ocean and feels like a relaxed mix of seaside town and historic village.
  • Stroll the waterfront boardwalk and watch boats on the river.
  • Explore the brick-lined downtown streets with boutiques and cafés.
  • Head out to nearby Plum Island for beaches and wildlife viewing.
  • Grab a coffee, sit on a bench, and just soak in the views.
Newburyport is a nice choice if you want coastal scenery without the big crowds you might hit at more famous beaches.

Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Nashua

To make the most of these short road trips from Nashua, NH, a little planning goes a long way:
  • Check driving times: Most of these spots are within about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours of Nashua.
  • Watch the seasons: Fall brings foliage; summer brings beaches; winter brings skiing and quieter towns.
  • Parking and traffic: Weekends, holidays, and summer afternoons can get busy, especially in coastal towns.
  • Pack smart: Think layers, sunscreen, water, snacks, and maybe a small cooler if you plan to picnic.
If you’re traveling with kids, pick places with room to run and simple attractions—beaches, parks, and walkable downtowns are your best friend.

Where Will You Go Next from Nashua?

From historic mill towns and mountain lakes to busy beaches and quiet harbors, there are a lot of fun things to do near Nashua, NH once you step outside Hillsborough County. These 10 road trips into Rockingham, Merrimack, Cheshire, Sullivan, Essex, Middlesex, and Worcester counties are just the beginning. Have you tried any of these day trips? Do you have a favorite hidden gem within a couple hours of Nashua? Share your experiences in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are also looking for easy New England road trip ideas. Your stories and tips might inspire someone else’s next adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment