10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Laconia, New Hampshire
If you live in or around
Laconia, NH, you probably love the lakes, the mountains, and that small-town New England feel. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, put on a good playlist, and explore somewhere new for the day.
The good news? You don’t have to drive far. Within about an hour or so from Laconia, you can find waterfalls, cute downtowns, mountain views, covered bridges, and more.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Laconia that take you into nearby
Carroll, Grafton, Merrimack, and Strafford Counties—all perfect for a day trip or a simple weekend escape.
1. Meredith & The Scenic Drive Along Lake Winnipesaukee (Merrimack County Side)
Yes, Meredith is just next door, but most of it sits in
Merrimack County, which makes it fair game for this list. And it’s absolutely worth the short drive.
You can be in Meredith in around
20–30 minutes from Laconia, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
- Stroll the waterfront: Wander the boardwalk, watch the boats, and soak in views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Browse local shops: Cute boutiques, gift shops, and seasonal craft markets pop up throughout the year.
- Scenic drives: Take Route 3 and the roads that hug the lake for classic New Hampshire views.
If you’ve ever said, “I want something relaxing, but I don’t want to spend all day in the car,” this is the perfect outing.
2. Concord, NH – History, Coffee, and Easy City Vibes (Merrimack County)
About
45 minutes southwest of Laconia, New Hampshire’s capital city,
Concord, offers a nice change of pace without feeling overwhelming.
- Walk Main Street: Grab a coffee, window-shop, and check out the murals and local art.
- Visit the State House: The gold dome is hard to miss, and the grounds are great for a short stroll.
- Museums and culture: Look for small galleries, historical markers, and local events.
Concord makes a good day trip if you’re craving a small “city day” with more dining options but still want to be home by dinner—or maybe just after dark.
3. Canterbury Shaker Village – Step Back in Time (Merrimack County)
Just outside of Concord, about
40–45 minutes from Laconia, you’ll find
Canterbury Shaker Village, a peaceful historic site tucked into rolling countryside.
- Explore historic buildings: Learn how the Shakers lived, worked, and organized their communities.
- Walk the grounds: Open fields, gardens, and dirt paths make it feel like a different era.
- Hands-on exhibits: Depending on the season, you may find demos of old-time crafts and skills.
If you like quiet places with a bit of history, this trip is calming and surprisingly moving. It’s a nice contrast to the more crowded lake areas around Laconia.
4. Plymouth, NH – College Town Energy with Mountain Views (Grafton County)
Head
northwest about 40–45 minutes and you’ll reach
Plymouth, a friendly college town in
Grafton County.
- Downtown Plymouth: Small shops, cozy cafés, and a laid-back vibe from the university crowd.
- Walk along the river: Depending on the season, you can enjoy riverside paths and quiet viewpoints.
- Events and shows: College towns often have live music, theater, and seasonal festivals.
Plymouth is a great choice when you want something low-key but not sleepy. It has just the right amount of energy without feeling hectic.
5. Franconia Notch State Park – Classic White Mountains Day Trip (Grafton County)
If you’re willing to drive a bit longer—about
1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from Laconia—
Franconia Notch State Park is one of the most iconic spots in New Hampshire.
- Flume Gorge: A boardwalk trail through a narrow granite gorge with waterfalls and wooden walkways.
- Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: Ride to the top for sweeping mountain views (when in season).
- Hiking and photography: There are trails for all levels and plenty of scenic pull-offs.
If you’ve ever seen those classic New England fall photos with deep red and orange leaves framing a highway through the mountains, there’s a good chance they were taken somewhere near here.
6. Lincoln & Woodstock – Gateway to the Kancamagus Highway (Grafton County)
About
1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Laconia, the towns of
Lincoln and Woodstock sit at the western end of the famous
Kancamagus Highway.
- Explore Main Street: Gift shops, ice cream, and casual dining with a mountain-town feel.
- Start the Kancamagus drive: Even if you don’t go the full distance, the first few overlooks are worth the trip.
- Outdoor fun: Depending on the season, you can find hiking, swimming holes, or winter activities.
This is a good option if you want a mix of short walks, nice views, and places to grab a bite—without committing to a hardcore hiking day.
7. North Conway – Classic New England Shopping & Scenic Views (Carroll County)
About
1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes northeast of Laconia is
North Conway, one of the most popular destinations in
Carroll County.
- Outlet and village shopping: From brand-name outlets to small local stores, there’s plenty to browse.
- Scenic railroads: Seasonal train rides offer an easy way to enjoy the mountain scenery.
- Mountain views everywhere: Just driving around town gives you postcard-worthy looks at the White Mountains.
If you like combining shopping, scenery, and good food in one trip, North Conway delivers. It’s especially fun in fall and around the holidays.
8. Mount Washington Valley & Crawford Notch Overlooks (Carroll County)
From Laconia, you can head north and weave your way into the
Mount Washington Valley area in
Carroll County. Expect about
1.5 hours, depending on your exact route and stops.
- Scenic pull-offs: Stop at overlooks to take in sweeping views of mountains and valleys.
- Short hikes: Many trails are under a couple of miles and offer big rewards in terms of scenery.
- Photo stops: Bridges, streams, and rugged peaks make this a photographer’s dream.
This is one of those drives where the
journey really is the main attraction. Even if you don’t plan a long hike, the ride itself is worth the gas.
9. Dover, NH – Rivers, History, and a Walkable Downtown (Strafford County)
Head about
1 hour southeast from Laconia and you’ll reach
Dover in
Strafford County, one of New Hampshire’s older mill cities.
- Downtown Dover: A walkable area with brick buildings, local restaurants, and small shops.
- River views: The Cochecho River offers scenic spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the water.
- Historic feel: Old mills and preserved buildings give you a sense of the area’s past.
Dover is a good pick if you want a relaxed city feel with plenty of food options but don’t want the busier pace of somewhere like Boston.
10. Durham & The UNH Campus – College Town Green Spaces (Strafford County)
Just a bit farther south from Dover—about
1 hour 15 minutes from Laconia overall—you’ll find
Durham, home to the
University of New Hampshire.
- Walk the UNH campus: Wide lawns, brick buildings, and shaded paths make it great for a simple stroll.
- Grab a bite in town: Cafés, pizza spots, and casual eateries serve both students and visitors.
- Seasonal energy: When school is in session, the town has a fun, youthful buzz.
If you like people-watching, green spaces, and an easygoing vibe, Durham offers a different side of New Hampshire than the lakes and mountains around Laconia.
Tips for Enjoying These Short Road Trips from Laconia
To make the most of your
day trips from Laconia, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check the season: Some attractions, like mountain tramways or scenic railroads, are seasonal.
- Watch the weather: Mountain and coastal conditions can change fast—especially in fall and winter.
- Bring layers: Even in summer, it can be cooler near the water or at higher elevations.
- Have a loose plan: Pick 1–2 main stops, then allow extra time for random viewpoints or side roads that catch your eye.
One of the best things about living near Laconia is how many different landscapes you can reach in under two hours—lakes, rivers, rolling fields, and serious mountains.
Where Will You Go Next?
From
Meredith and Concord to
North Conway and Franconia Notch, there’s no shortage of
things to do near Laconia, NH once you’re willing to cross a county line.
Which of these road trips sounds most like your style?
- Relaxed lake views and small towns?
- Big mountain scenery and short hikes?
- Walkable downtowns with good food and local shops?
I’d love to hear about your favorite out-of-county day trip from Laconia.
Drop a comment with your go-to spot, your favorite route, or any secret overlooks you’re willing to share. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a New Hampshire getaway—it might just inspire their next road trip.
Comments
Post a Comment