Concord, New Hampshire: 10 Short Road Trips for Scenic Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips from Concord, NH (That Take You Beyond Merrimack County)

If you live in or around Concord, New Hampshire and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can hit lakes, mountains, covered bridges, coastal towns, and classic New England villages—without hopping on a plane. This guide focuses on fun, short road trips from Concord that take you outside Merrimack County into nearby spots in:
  • Belknap County
  • Grafton County
  • Hillsborough County
  • Rockingham County
  • Strafford County
  • Sullivan County
Think of these as easy weekend or day-trip ideas when you want something new but don’t want to drive all day.

1. Laconia & Weirs Beach – Classic Lake Winnipesaukee Vibes (Belknap County)

About a 45–50 minute drive north of Concord, Laconia and Weirs Beach give you that old-school lake town feeling.
  • Walk the Weirs Beach Boardwalk with arcades, ice cream, and views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • Take a scenic cruise on the MS Mount Washington (seasonal, but worth planning for).
  • Relax on the sandy beach or rent a kayak or paddleboard.
If you grew up going to lakeside arcades, this place feels like stepping back in time—in a good way. On a hot July day, it’s hard to beat grabbing a soft-serve cone and watching the boats roll in. Approximate drive from Concord: 30–40 miles, under 1 hour.

2. Meredith – Charming Lakeside Town for Food & Views (Belknap County)

Just up the road from Laconia, Meredith is a slightly quieter, more polished lake town—perfect if you like browsing shops and enjoying the water without huge crowds.
  • Stroll along the Meredith Bay boardwalk and snap photos of Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • Explore local boutiques and galleries around the village center.
  • Grab lunch or dinner at a waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating.
If you want a low-key date day or a relaxed Sunday drive, Meredith is an easy win. Even just parking and sitting by the water for an hour can reset your mood. Approximate drive from Concord: 40–45 miles, about 1 hour.

3. Franconia Notch State Park – Big Mountain Scenery in a Day (Grafton County)

If you’re craving some serious mountain views, head north to Franconia Notch State Park in Grafton County. It’s a bit farther, but still very doable as a long day trip. Here’s what you can do there:
  • Walk through the Flume Gorge, a beautiful narrow granite gorge with boardwalks and waterfalls.
  • Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for sweeping views of the White Mountains.
  • Hike around Artist’s Bluff or Echo Lake for stunning foliage in the fall.
Bring water, good shoes, and layers. Weather can change pretty quickly in the mountains, even in summer. If you time it right in October, the foliage here is unreal—like driving through a postcard. Approximate drive from Concord: 75–90 miles, about 1.5 hours.

4. Hanover & Dartmouth College – College Town Walkabout (Grafton County)

Looking for a mix of culture, food, and a relaxed vibe? Drive west to Hanover, home of Dartmouth College.
  • Wander across the Dartmouth Green and around the historic campus.
  • Duck into bookstores, cafés, and bakeries along Main Street.
  • Walk a stretch of the nearby trails or along the Connecticut River.
Hanover has that classic Ivy League charm without feeling stuffy. It’s a great place to just park, walk, and see where the day takes you. Approximate drive from Concord: 55–65 miles, around 1 hour, 15 minutes.

5. Peterborough – Artsy Small Town Escape (Hillsborough County)

To the southwest, Peterborough offers a cozy small-town feel with a creative streak. If you like browsing local shops and lingering in coffee spots, this one’s for you.
  • Explore downtown bookstores, galleries, and antique shops.
  • Walk along the Contoocook River and enjoy the small bridges and river views.
  • Check out local events or performances (seasonal, but worth checking ahead).
On a gray, rainy day, Peterborough is one of those towns where you can sip a latte, browse a used bookshop, and feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene. Approximate drive from Concord: 40–45 miles, about 1 hour.

6. Milford Oval & Nearby Farms – Classic New England Town Center (Hillsborough County)

Just over an hour from Concord, Milford gives you a traditional New England town square feel, with easy access to nearby farms and back roads.
  • Stroll around the Milford Oval with its small shops and cafés.
  • Visit local farms (seasonally) for apple picking, pumpkins, or fresh cider.
  • Take a leisurely drive on country roads, especially pretty in late September and October.
If you’ve ever wanted that “small town fall festival” vibe, aim for autumn in Milford and the surrounding area. It’s also a nice half-day trip when you don’t want to be in the car too long. Approximate drive from Concord: 45–55 miles, around 1 hour, 10 minutes.

7. Portsmouth – Seaside History & Great Food (Rockingham County)

Ready for the coast? Head east to Portsmouth, one of New Hampshire’s most popular seaside cities. It’s packed with history, restaurants, and waterfront views.
  • Walk the downtown waterfront and Prescott Park.
  • Browse boutiques, record shops, and local art galleries.
  • Grab fresh seafood—lobster rolls, fried clams, or chowder are all on the menu.
On a nice summer evening, wandering around Portsmouth, hearing live music from open doors, and watching boats on the river feels like a mini-vacation—even if you only drove an hour. Approximate drive from Concord: 50–60 miles, about 1 hour.

8. Hampton Beach – Boardwalk Fun on the Atlantic (Rockingham County)

If you’re craving sand between your toes, drive a bit farther to Hampton Beach. It’s one of New Hampshire’s most famous ocean beaches and has a full-on boardwalk scene.
  • Swim or relax on the long, sandy Hampton Beach shoreline.
  • Play games at the arcades or grab pizza and fried dough along the strip.
  • Check out concerts or fireworks in the summer (schedule varies).
It can be busy in July and August, so try going early in the day or on a weekday if you can. Even a quick walk along the water in the off-season is refreshing. Approximate drive from Concord: 65–75 miles, around 1 hour, 15 minutes.

9. Dover – Riverfront Walks & Low-Key Downtown (Strafford County)

For a quieter alternative to the bigger coastal spots, head to Dover, one of New Hampshire’s older mill towns with a growing downtown.
  • Walk near the Cocheco River and check out the old brick mill buildings.
  • Explore cafés, breweries, and small shops downtown.
  • Use Dover as a base to explore other parts of Strafford County or nearby coastal areas.
If you like places that feel lived-in and local, not overly touristy, Dover is a nice choice for a relaxed day trip from Concord. Approximate drive from Concord: 45–55 miles, about 1 hour.

10. Sunapee Region – Lake Views & Ski Country Charm (Sullivan County)

To the northwest, the Sunapee area in Sullivan County is a four-season favorite, especially if you love being outdoors.
  • In summer, visit Lake Sunapee for swimming, boating, or just sitting by the water.
  • In fall, take a scenic drive around the lake and nearby hills—foliage is stunning.
  • In winter, Mount Sunapee (just over the county line) is popular for skiing and snowboarding.
If you only have half a day, even a simple drive around the lake, with a stop for coffee and a walk near the water, feels like a real getaway. Approximate drive from Concord: 35–50 miles, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Tips for Planning Your Concord, NH Road Trips

To make the most of these short trips from Concord:
  • Check the season: Some attractions, like cruises and mountain trams, are seasonal.
  • Pack a “road trip bag”: Water, snacks, a light jacket, phone charger, and maybe a small blanket for impromptu picnics.
  • Leave a little unplanned time: Some of the best moments happen when you stop at a random farm stand or viewpoint.
New Hampshire is compact, which means you can see a lot in just a day or a weekend. You don’t have to go far from Concord to feel like you’re somewhere completely different.

What’s Your Favorite Day Trip from Concord?

Have you tried any of these road trips from Concord, NH? Do you have a hidden gem in Belknap, Grafton, Hillsborough, Rockingham, Strafford, or Sullivan County that you love?
  • Which spot would you visit first?
  • Are you more of a lake person, mountain person, or beach person?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy New Hampshire day-trip ideas. Your tips and stories can help other travelers plan their next adventure beyond Concord.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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