10 Fun Things To Do Near Dover, New Hampshire (Strafford County)
Looking for an easy New England getaway?
Dover, New Hampshire in
Strafford County is a small city with a friendly vibe, historic charm, and quick access to the coast, lakes, and mountains.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from Boston, driving up from Maine, or just exploring your own backyard, you’ll find plenty of things to do in and around Dover.
Below are
10 fun things to do near Dover, NH that work for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
1. Explore Downtown Dover’s Historic Mill District
One of the best things to do in Dover is simply to
walk around downtown. The heart of the city still shows off its mill town roots, with red-brick buildings along the Cochecho River.
Stroll the streets and you’ll find:
- Locally owned coffee shops and bakeries
- Cozy pubs and casual restaurants
- Small boutiques and gift shops
- Views of the old mill buildings and river
If you like to mix history with your latte, this area is perfect. Many of the old mills have been turned into apartments, offices, and restaurants, but the character is still there.
Grab a coffee, wander the sidewalks, and don’t forget to peek down the alleys toward the water—you’ll usually find a quiet bench or two where you can sit and just watch the river roll by.
2. Visit the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
Traveling with kids? Put the
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire at the top of your Dover to-do list.
This hands-on museum is right downtown and offers:
- Interactive science exhibits
- Art and craft spaces
- Play areas designed for toddlers
- Seasonal special events and programs
Everything is meant to be touched, moved, built, and explored. You don’t have to keep saying, “Don’t touch that!”—which is a relief on any family trip.
It’s an easy walk from nearby parking, and after a couple of hours inside, you can head out to the riverfront park next door to let the kids run around.
Tip: Check their website for hours and any timed-ticket requirements before you go, especially on weekends or school vacations.
3. Walk or Bike the Dover Community Trail
If you’re looking for some fresh air but don’t want to tackle a big mountain, the
Dover Community Trail is a great choice.
This multi-use trail stretches through town, offering:
- Easy, mostly flat walking and biking
- Sections that run by the Cochecho River
- Shady spots and open areas
- Access points from different parts of Dover
It’s perfect for:
- A morning jog before brunch
- A casual bike ride with kids
- A relaxing evening walk after dinner downtown
Bring a water bottle, throw on comfortable shoes, and enjoy seeing a different side of Dover away from the traffic.
4. Step Back in Time at the Woodman Museum
If you like quirky local history, you’ll love the
Woodman Museum. It’s one of Dover’s classic attractions and feels a bit like walking into an old-time curiosity cabinet.
Spread across several historic buildings, you’ll find:
- Local history exhibits and artifacts
- Natural history displays (think taxidermy, minerals, and more)
- Military items and old photographs
- Historic house interiors set up as they were long ago
It’s the kind of place where you start saying, “We’ll just pop in quickly,” and end up spending much longer than planned. If you enjoy learning how a New England city grew up over the centuries, this museum gives you that story in a very close-up way.
5. Kayak or Paddle the Cochecho River
On a warm day, one of the most relaxing things to do in Dover is to
get out on the Cochecho River.
You can:
- Bring your own kayak or paddleboard
- Look for local outfitters and rental options nearby
- Launch from public access points along the river
Once you’re on the water, the city feels far away. You’ll paddle past trees, small coves, and the occasional riverside home. Go early in the morning for calm water and a good chance of spotting birds and other wildlife.
If you’ve never tried kayaking before, the slower sections of this river are a gentle introduction. Just be sure to wear a life jacket and check the weather before you head out.
6. Take a Short Drive to Portsmouth for Coastal Charm
One of the perks of staying in Dover is how close you are to the New Hampshire coast. In about
20 minutes by car, you can be in
Portsmouth, one of the most popular coastal cities in the state.
Portsmouth offers:
- Waterfront dining and harbor views
- Boutique shopping and art galleries
- Historic homes and walking tours
- Easy access to harbor cruises and boat tours
It makes a great half-day or full-day trip from Dover. Spend your morning exploring Dover’s mills, then head to Portsmouth for an afternoon by the water and dinner at one of the harbor-side restaurants.
If you enjoy photography, the combination of brick buildings, narrow streets, and working waterfront makes Portsmouth a dream — and you get all of that while still using Dover as a quieter, often more affordable home base.
7. Relax at the Beaches of Rye and Hampton
Want sand between your toes? From Dover, you can be at the beach in around
30–40 minutes, depending on which spot you choose.
Popular nearby beaches include:
- Rye Beach – A bit quieter, great for walking and just relaxing.
- Wallis Sands State Beach – Family-friendly with facilities and nice ocean views.
- Hampton Beach – Lively and classic, with a boardwalk feel, arcades, shops, and concerts.
Pack a cooler, beach chairs, and a good book. On a hot July or August afternoon, the cool Atlantic breeze feels especially nice after exploring inland Strafford County.
Tip: Summer parking can fill up fast, especially on weekends. Try to arrive earlier in the day if you can.
8. Head into the Woods at Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area
If you’d rather trade saltwater for quiet forest trails, check out the
Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area, located just a short drive from Dover.
This protected area offers:
- Wooded walking paths
- Marsh and river views
- Opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife
It’s a low-key, peaceful place to stretch your legs and escape the noise. Bring bug spray in spring and summer, and maybe a pair of binoculars if you enjoy bird-watching.
This is the kind of simple, back-to-nature outing that makes New Hampshire so appealing—nothing fancy, just fresh air and quiet trails.
9. Taste Strafford County at Local Breweries & Eateries
Dover has quietly built up a
solid food and drink scene, and nearby towns in Strafford County add to the options.
Around Dover, you can find:
- Craft breweries with tasting rooms
- Casual spots for burgers, wings, and pizza
- Cozy cafes for breakfast and brunch
- Ethnic restaurants offering global flavors
If you enjoy trying new beers, look up local breweries ahead of time and plan a mini “brewery crawl” you can do on foot or with a designated driver. Many places also host live music, trivia nights, or food trucks, especially on weekends.
Even if you’re not a beer fan, exploring Dover through its restaurants is a fun way to end a busy day of sightseeing.
10. Take a Scenic Drive to New Durham or Milton for Lakes & Hills
When you’re ready to see more of Strafford County beyond Dover, hop in the car and head northwest toward towns like
New Durham and
Milton.
On the way, you’ll find:
- Rolling hills and classic New England backroads
- Small lakes and ponds perfect for a picnic or quick swim
- Trailheads and quiet spots to pull over and take photos
While these small towns may not have big tourist attractions, that’s exactly the point. You get a taste of rural New Hampshire life—white churches, old farmhouses, and winding two-lane roads that are especially beautiful in fall.
If you’re visiting in October, a leaf-peeping drive through Strafford County countryside can easily become the highlight of your trip.
Planning Your Visit to Dover, NH
Here are a few quick tips to make your Dover trip smoother:
- Getting here: Dover is about 1.5 hours from Boston by car, and there’s also an Amtrak Downeaster train station right in town.
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall offers the most outdoor options, but winter has its own charm, especially if you enjoy snowy walks and cozy cafes.
- Where to stay: You’ll find hotels and inns in Dover itself, plus more options in nearby Portsmouth.
Because Dover is less crowded than some coastal hotspots, it works nicely as a home base for exploring southeast New Hampshire, southern Maine, and even a bit of Massachusetts.
Final Thoughts: Why Dover, New Hampshire Deserves a Spot on Your List
Dover might not be the first name you think of when planning a New England getaway, but that’s part of what makes it special. It has:
- Walkable historic streets
- Family-friendly attractions
- Easy access to beaches, trails, and lakes
- A growing food and craft beer scene
You can spend your morning in a museum, your afternoon on a trail or at the beach, and your evening enjoying a good meal downtown—all without driving for hours.
If you’ve been to Dover or anywhere else in Strafford County, what was your favorite thing to do? Share your experiences in the comments below. Your tips might help someone plan their next trip.
And if you found this guide to
things to do near Dover, New Hampshire helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media. It might just inspire someone’s next New England adventure.
Comments
Post a Comment