Portsmouth, New Hampshire: 10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips from Portsmouth, NH (That Take You Out of Rockingham County)

If you love living in or visiting Portsmouth, New Hampshire but you’ve already hit all the local spots, it might be time to hop in the car and explore a little farther. The good news? You’re surrounded by some amazing places in nearby counties across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. All of these short road trips from Portsmouth are out of Rockingham County, but still close enough for a relaxing day trip or easy weekend escape. Below you’ll find 10 fun ideas in:
  • York County, Maine
  • Essex County, Massachusetts
  • Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
  • Merrimack County, New Hampshire
  • Strafford County, New Hampshire

1. York, Maine: Classic Coastal Charm Just Up the Road (York County, ME)

Head about 25–35 minutes north of Portsmouth and you’ll hit York, Maine, one of the easiest and most popular coastal road trips in the area. Here you’ll find:
  • Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light) – One of New England’s most photographed lighthouses. You can’t walk out to the actual lighthouse island, but the views from the park are incredible.
  • Short Sands & Long Sands Beaches – Perfect for a walk, a quick dip in the summer, or just sitting with a coffee and watching the waves roll in.
  • York’s Wild Kingdom – A small zoo and amusement park that’s great if you’re traveling with kids.
On a sunny day, I like to grab a lobster roll from a local shack, drive up to Nubble Light, and just sit on the rocks watching the surf. It’s simple, but it never gets old.

2. Ogunquit, Maine: Beach Day and Cliff Walk Combo (York County, ME)

Another quick drive north (about 35–40 minutes), Ogunquit is ideal if you’re craving a classic beach town with a little bit of everything. Don’t miss:
  • Ogunquit Beach – A long, wide sandy beach that’s perfect for walking at low tide. In the summer, the sand feels warm and soft under your feet.
  • Marginal Way – A scenic, paved coastal path about 1¼ miles long that hugs the rocky shoreline. It’s easy and beautiful, with benches all along the way.
  • Perkins Cove – A tiny harbor with shops, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Great for grabbing a drink or some fried clams after your walk.
If you like the idea of a place where you can park once and enjoy a full day of walking, eating, and people-watching, Ogunquit is a perfect day trip from Portsmouth.

3. Kennebunkport, Maine: Presidential Coastline and Cute Shops (York County, ME)

About an hour north of Portsmouth, Kennebunkport feels a bit more upscale but still very relaxed. It’s a great pick if you want a slightly longer, but still easy, coastal drive. Highlights:
  • Dock Square – The heart of town, full of boutiques, galleries, and places to grab ice cream or chowder.
  • Ocean Avenue – A scenic coastal drive where you can see the famous Bush family compound at Walker’s Point and some stunning ocean views.
  • Boating & Cruises – In warmer months, you can find whale-watching, sailing, and lobster boat tours.
It’s the kind of town where you stroll, snack, browse, and repeat. If you like a mix of scenery and shopping, this one checks all the boxes.

4. Salem, Massachusetts: Witches, History, and Harbor Views (Essex County, MA)

About 45–55 minutes south of Portsmouth, Salem, MA is famous for its witch trials, but there’s much more to it than spooky stories. Things to do:
  • Salem Witch Museum and other witch-related sites – Yes, they can be touristy, but they’re also a big part of the city’s identity. Especially fun in October.
  • Peabody Essex Museum – A surprisingly large and impressive art and culture museum with rotating exhibits.
  • Historic waterfront – Walk Derby Wharf, see historic ships, and enjoy harbor views.
If you enjoy a mix of history, museums, and quirky shops, Salem makes an easy and unique road trip from Portsmouth—especially in the fall when the leaves are changing.

5. Newburyport, Massachusetts: Harbor Town with Small-Town Vibes (Essex County, MA)

Just under an hour from Portsmouth, Newburyport is a charming harbor town that’s perfect for a laid-back day. Check out:
  • Downtown Newburyport – Brick streets, historic buildings, and plenty of restaurants and cafés.
  • Waterfront Park – A pretty spot to watch boats and enjoy the river.
  • Plum Island – Just a short drive from downtown, offering long sandy beaches and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge with birdwatching and walking trails.
This is a nice choice if you want something less crowded than some of the bigger coastal towns but still full of character.

6. Manchester, New Hampshire: Urban Energy and Riverfront Views (Hillsborough County, NH)

If you’re craving more of a city feel, head about 50 minutes west to Manchester, NH. It’s one of the largest cities in northern New England and offers a different vibe than the coastal towns. What to do:
  • Currier Museum of Art – A solid art museum with works by big names, plus special exhibits.
  • Millyard Museum & Riverwalk – Learn about the city’s mill history, then stroll along the Merrimack River.
  • SNHU Arena – Check the schedule for concerts, shows, or sports events.
If you’ve been living on seafood shacks and beach towns, a few hours in Manchester’s downtown restaurants and bars can be a fun change of pace.

7. Nashua, New Hampshire: Shopping, Trails, and River Parks (Hillsborough County, NH)

A little farther south (about 1 hour 10 minutes from Portsmouth), Nashua has a mix of big-box shopping and surprisingly nice outdoor spaces. Consider:
  • Mine Falls Park – Over 300 acres of woods and water with easy walking and biking trails. It feels much more remote than it really is.
  • Downtown Nashua – Independent shops, cafés, and restaurants with a local feel.
  • Shopping areas – If you need a “practical” road trip for outlet runs or big purchases, Nashua is a tax-free shopping hub.
This is a good option when you want to get out of Portsmouth, stretch your legs on a trail, and also knock out some errands or shopping.

8. Concord, New Hampshire: Small Capital City with Big History (Merrimack County, NH)

About an hour and 10 minutes from Portsmouth, Concord is New Hampshire’s capital city and makes for a relaxed, educational day trip. Try:
  • New Hampshire State House – You can often join tours and walk the grounds to see the golden dome up close.
  • Downtown Main Street – Easy to stroll, with local shops, cafés, and bookstores.
  • Museum of New Hampshire History – Great if you like learning about the state’s past in a compact, approachable way.
Concord is a nice choice for a mellow day where you’re not rushing around, just exploring a bit of history and enjoying a laid-back downtown.

9. Dover, New Hampshire: Riverfront Walks and Family Fun (Strafford County, NH)

Only about 25–30 minutes northwest of Portsmouth, Dover is close, friendly, and easy. Some ideas:
  • Children’s Museum of New Hampshire – A big hit with younger kids, with lots of hands-on exhibits.
  • Henry Law Park – A green space along the Cochecho River, great for picnics and letting kids run around.
  • Downtown Dover – A growing mix of restaurants, breweries, and small shops in old mill buildings.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the car, Dover is one of the easiest short road trips from Portsmouth with plenty to do.

10. Durham & the University of New Hampshire: College Town Energy (Strafford County, NH)

About 20–25 minutes from Portsmouth, Durham is home to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and has that classic college town feel. While you’re there:
  • UNH Campus – Walk the grounds, check out the library, and explore the mix of old and new campus buildings.
  • Mill Pond and Oyster River – Peaceful spots for a short walk or some quiet time by the water.
  • College sports & events – Depending on the season, you might catch a hockey game, football game, or a performance on campus.
If you like youthful energy, cheap eats, and a casual atmosphere, Durham is a great quick getaway from Portsmouth.

Tips for Planning Your Portsmouth Road Trips

To make the most of these day trips from Portsmouth, keep a few simple things in mind:
  • Check drive times – Most of these spots are 20 minutes to about 1 hour 15 minutes from Portsmouth. Perfect for a day trip, but still worth checking traffic.
  • Consider the seasons – Coastal towns like Ogunquit and Kennebunkport shine in late spring, summer, and early fall. Salem is especially busy in October. Winter can be quiet but cozy.
  • Parking – Popular spots (especially beaches) can fill up fast in peak season. Arrive earlier in the day if you can.
  • Mix it up – Alternate between beach towns, city spots, and nature-focused trips so it always feels fresh.

Where Will You Go First?

Living in or visiting Portsmouth puts you in the perfect spot for exploring New England road trips without spending all day in the car. From the beaches of York and Ogunquit to the historic streets of Salem and the riverside trails of Nashua and Dover, you’ve got a lot of options within easy reach. Have you tried any of these short road trips from Portsmouth, NH? Which town is your favorite, or which one are you adding to your list? Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Portsmouth. Your shares and comments help more travelers discover fun things to do near this coastal New Hampshire gem.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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