Dover, New Hampshire: 10 Scenic Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Dover, New Hampshire (All Out-of-County Adventures!)

If you live in or around Dover, NH and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’ve got a lot of options. The cool part? You don’t have to drive all day or hop on a plane. There are plenty of fun, easy road trips near Dover New Hampshire in the nearby counties of York (Maine), Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack, and Rockingham. All of these ideas take you outside Strafford County, so it’s a true “out-of-town” adventure, even if you’re only gone for a few hours.

1. York Beach & Nubble Lighthouse – Classic Coastal Escape (York County, ME)

If you only have time for one short road trip from Dover, this might be the one. In under 40 minutes, you can be walking along the sand in York Beach, Maine, listening to the waves roll in. Park the car, kick off your shoes, and just stroll. It’s simple, but it never gets old. Then, drive a few minutes up to Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse. It’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England, and when you get there, you’ll see why. The white lighthouse perched on its own tiny island looks like a postcard come to life.
  • Pack: a light jacket (the ocean breeze can be cool), a camera, and maybe a thermos of coffee.
  • Fun idea: grab an ice cream from a local stand and sit on the rocks near the lighthouse at sunset.
Looking for things to do near Dover NH for couples? A sunset stop at Nubble is hard to beat.

2. Portsmouth Harbor & Market Square – Food, History, and Harbor Views (Rockingham County, NH)

Just a quick drive from Dover, Portsmouth feels like a mini vacation without the hassle. It’s one of the best day trips from Dover NH if you like food, history, and walkable downtowns. Start in Market Square and wander the brick sidewalks. There are shops, cafés, and plenty of spots for people-watching. If you love history, check out the historic buildings and churches scattered around the city. Then head down toward the water for harbor views. You can:
  • Walk around Prescott Park and sit by the river.
  • Join a harbor or river cruise in warmer months.
  • Duck into a seafood restaurant for hot chowder or a lobster roll.
If you’ve ever said, “I want somewhere close with good food and a fun vibe,” Portsmouth is your answer.

3. Hampton Beach – Boardwalk Fun and Ocean Air (Rockingham County, NH)

For a classic New England beach day, aim your car toward Hampton Beach. It’s usually about a 35–45 minute drive from Dover, depending on traffic. Hampton Beach has that old-school boardwalk feel:
  • Arcades full of flashing lights and games.
  • Fried dough, saltwater taffy, and seafood shacks.
  • A long stretch of sandy beach that’s great for walking, sunbathing, or playing with the kids.
In the summer, there are often fireworks, concerts, and festivals. Even in the off-season, a quiet walk on the beach on a cool day can be surprisingly peaceful. Tip: If you don’t love crowds, try going early in the morning or on a weekday.

4. Funspot & Lake Winnipesaukee – Retro Games and Lakeside Views (Belknap County, NH)

If you’re willing to drive about an hour and 15 minutes, head up to Weirs Beach in Laconia, right on Lake Winnipesaukee. Here’s the big draw: Funspot, known as one of the world’s largest arcades. It’s loaded with:
  • Classic arcade games (think Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, pinball machines).
  • Candlepin bowling.
  • Family-friendly vibes that feel a little like stepping back in time.
After playing games, take a walk near the lake or grab lunch with a water view. On a sunny day, the sight of boats on the lake with the mountains in the background is worth the drive all by itself. This is a great option for families, groups of friends, or anyone chasing a bit of nostalgia.

5. Meredith & the Winnipesaukee Waterfront – Relaxed Lakes Region Charm (Belknap County, NH)

If you like things a bit calmer, drive a little farther around the lake to Meredith. This small town on Lake Winnipesaukee has a slower, more relaxed feel. You can:
  • Walk along the lakefront boardwalk and enjoy the views.
  • Explore the local shops and galleries at the Mill Falls marketplace area.
  • Grab lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Meredith is perfect if you’re looking for an easygoing New Hampshire lake day trip from Dover without a lot of planning. Just drive up, park, and wander.

6. North Conway & the White Mountain Outlets – Mountains and Shopping (Carroll County, NH)

Want a mountain feel without heading deep into the wilderness? North Conway is a great pick in Carroll County, usually about 1.5 to 2 hours from Dover depending on your route. North Conway has a mix of:
  • Outlet shopping (deals on clothes, shoes, and more).
  • Mountain views that make even a trip to the grocery store feel scenic.
  • Plenty of cafés and restaurants to take a break in.
If you’re up for a little adventure, you can add:
  • A short waterfall or scenic hike nearby.
  • A drive along parts of the Kancamagus Highway (you’ll cross counties, but it’s worth it for the views).
It’s a fun mix of shopping, scenery, and fresh air—a nice change if you’ve been sticking to the Seacoast.

7. Mount Major – A Short But Rewarding Hike (Belknap County, NH)

If you’re craving a little exercise with a big payoff, drive about an hour from Dover to Mount Major in Alton Bay. This is one of the most popular hikes near Dover NH because:
  • The trail is short enough for a half-day trip (many people finish in 2–3 hours).
  • The summit view over Lake Winnipesaukee is stunning on a clear day.
You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but it does climb steadily, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water. On busy weekends, the parking lot can fill up, so going early helps. If you’ve ever wanted that “I just climbed a mountain” feeling without making it an all-day expedition, Mount Major is a solid pick.

8. Canterbury Shaker Village – Step Back in Time (Merrimack County, NH)

For something a little different, head about an hour inland to Canterbury Shaker Village near Concord. This historic site gives you a glimpse into the simple, peaceful life of the Shakers who lived here long ago. You’ll find:
  • Historic buildings you can explore.
  • Beautiful open fields and stone walls.
  • Guided tours and exhibits about Shaker culture, crafts, and music.
It’s a quiet, thoughtful kind of road trip—good for a slower day when you want to learn something new and get away from traffic and screens.

9. Downtown Concord – New Hampshire’s Capital City (Merrimack County, NH)

About 45–60 minutes from Dover, you’ll find Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. It’s not huge or overwhelming, which actually makes it a nice, easy day trip from Dover. In Concord, you can:
  • Walk Main Street and browse local shops and bookstores.
  • Check out the view of the New Hampshire State House with its gold dome.
  • Grab a coffee and just wander around the downtown area.
If you like a little history, you can also look up walking tours or small museums. It’s a simple trip that still feels like a change of pace from the Seacoast.

10. Ogunquit & the Marginal Way – Coastal Walk with Big Views (York County, ME)

Just over the border in Maine, about 45 minutes from Dover, is the artsy beach town of Ogunquit. The star here is the Marginal Way, a paved oceanside path that runs along rocky cliffs between Ogunquit and Perkins Cove. It’s an easy walk, and the ocean views are fantastic almost the entire way. While you’re there, you can:
  • Spend time on Ogunquit Beach, which has soft sand and wide open space.
  • Explore small galleries and shops in town.
  • Have lunch or dinner in Perkins Cove, where you can watch boats come and go.
If you’re looking for a scenic but low-effort outing, this is a perfect pick—especially in late spring, summer, or early fall.

Tips for Planning Your Dover Road Trips

To make these short road trips from Dover NH even smoother, keep a few things in mind:
  • Check parking rules, especially at beaches and popular trails.
  • Bring layers – coastal Maine and higher elevations can feel cooler than Dover.
  • Pack snacks and water so you’re not stuck hungry between stops.
  • Look up seasonal hours for museums, historic sites, and tours before you go.
A little planning goes a long way, especially on busy summer weekends or during foliage season in the fall.

What Will Your Next Dover Day Trip Be?

You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve gotten away. From York County’s beaches to the Lakes Region, the White Mountains, and New Hampshire’s capital city, there are plenty of things to do near Dover NH without crossing half the country. Now I’m curious: which of these spots are you most excited to visit first?
  • Are you more of a beach person or a mountain person?
  • Do you prefer a quiet historic site or a busy boardwalk?
Share your favorite day trips from Dover in the comments—and if you’ve discovered a hidden gem in York, Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack, or Rockingham County, I’d love to hear about it. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. You might just inspire someone’s next easy getaway from Dover, New Hampshire.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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