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

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Rochester, NH (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)

If you live in or around Rochester, New Hampshire in Strafford County, you know it’s a great home base. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see something new. The good news? Within about an hour or so, you’ve got beaches, lakes, mountains, and cute downtowns waiting for you in the surrounding counties:
  • York County, Maine
  • Belknap County, New Hampshire
  • Carroll County, New Hampshire
  • Merrimack County, New Hampshire
  • Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Below are 10 short road trips from Rochester that take you out of Strafford County but keep you close enough to be home by bedtime.

1. Ogunquit, Maine – Beach Day & Coastal Strolls (York County)

Ogunquit is about a 55–60 minute drive from Rochester, and it feels like a little slice of vacation without the long haul. Why go:
  • Walk the famous Marginal Way coastal path (about 1.25 miles with ocean views the whole way).
  • Relax on Ogunquit Beach, a wide sandy beach that’s great for families.
  • Explore shops and ice cream spots in the small but lively downtown.
If you time it right, grab an early dinner and stay for sunset over the water. On a warm evening, it’s hard to beat sitting in the sand listening to the waves.

2. Portsmouth, NH – Historic Waterfront & Great Food (Rockingham County)

Just about 35–40 minutes from Rochester, Portsmouth is perfect when you want options but don’t want to drive far. Things to do:
  • Stroll the waterfront and watch the tugboats and bridges in action.
  • Shop and snack your way through Market Square and the side streets.
  • Pack a picnic and stretch your legs at Prescott Park.
  • History buff? Visit Strawbery Banke Museum for a walk through 300+ years of local history.
I like Portsmouth for those days when the weather’s “iffy.” There’s enough indoors and outdoors that you can adjust on the fly.

3. Hampton Beach, NH – Classic Boardwalk Fun (Rockingham County)

In the mood for fries, arcades, and ocean air? Hampton Beach is about a 50–55 minute drive from Rochester. Don’t miss:
  • The wide sandy beach for swimming or just lounging.
  • The arcades and boardwalk for classic seaside fun.
  • Summer concerts and events at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom.
Parking can fill up on summer weekends, so going early in the day or later in the afternoon can make things easier.

4. Lake Winnipesaukee & Weirs Beach – Lakeside Escape (Belknap County)

Head northwest about 50–60 minutes and you’ll hit Weirs Beach in Laconia, one of the most popular spots on Lake Winnipesaukee. Road trip highlights:
  • Walk the boardwalk and enjoy lake views and people-watching.
  • Swim at the sandy public beach.
  • Hop on a boat cruise (like the MS Mount Washington) for a scenic ride.
  • Let the kids (or your inner kid) loose in the arcades.
If you prefer something quieter, drive a bit farther and find one of the many smaller town beaches or scenic pull-offs around the lake.

5. Meredith, NH – Charming Lakeside Downtown (Belknap County)

Just a bit farther up the lake from Weirs, Meredith is about an hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Rochester and has a calmer, more relaxed feel. What to do in Meredith:
  • Wander the waterfront and watch boats come and go.
  • Browse the Mill Falls marketplace shops.
  • Grab ice cream and sit by the water on a bench.
  • Drive the shoreline for scenic overlooks and photo spots.
Meredith makes a great low-key Sunday drive when you just want to slow down and breathe a little.

6. Wolfeboro, NH – “Oldest Summer Resort in America” (Carroll County)

About a 50–60 minute drive from Rochester, Wolfeboro sits on the eastern side of Lake Winnipesaukee and has serious small-town charm. Why it’s worth the trip:
  • Stroll Main Street’s local shops and cafes.
  • Walk along the water and watch the boats on the lake.
  • Visit museums like the Wright Museum of World War II if you’re into history.
Wolfeboro is a great option if you like the lake vibe but want something quieter than the busier tourist spots.

7. North Conway, NH – Mountains, Outlets & Scenic Drives (Carroll County)

If you’re up for about a 1.5-hour drive, North Conway gives you a true White Mountains feel without being too far from Rochester. Top things to do:
  • Shop the outlet stores along Route 16.
  • Enjoy the views from Cathedral Ledge or nearby lookouts.
  • Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad for a relaxed way to see the scenery.
  • Hike one of the many short local trails if you want a little exercise.
This is a great fall road trip from Rochester, with foliage along the way and mountain views at the end.

8. Concord, NH – State Capital Day Trip (Merrimack County)

Looking for something a bit more urban but still low-key? Concord, New Hampshire’s capital, is about a 50–60 minute drive from Rochester. What to check out:
  • Walk around the New Hampshire State House and its grounds.
  • Explore downtown Main Street with shops, coffee spots, and restaurants.
  • Visit the New Hampshire Historical Society or other small museums.
Concord works well for cooler days or when you’d rather stroll a downtown than sit on a beach.

9. Manchester, NH – Art, Food & City Energy (Hillsborough Adjacent via Merrimack Route)

While Manchester is actually in Hillsborough County, you’ll likely pass through or near Merrimack County on the way, and it still makes a solid day trip from Rochester at about 1 hour away. City-style fun:
  • Visit the Currier Museum of Art for a mix of classic and modern works.
  • Walk Elm Street for restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
  • Catch a game or show if something’s happening at the arena.
If you’ve been craving a little more “city buzz” without heading all the way to Boston, Manchester is an easy option.

10. York, Maine – Nubble Light & Classic New England Coast (York County)

York is about a 50–55 minute drive from Rochester and packs a lot into a small area. York highlights:
  • Drive out to Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse for one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England.
  • Relax on Short Sands or Long Sands Beach.
  • Check out the small downtown near Short Sands with its shops and snack spots.
You can easily pair York with Ogunquit in one longer day trip if you’re in full coastal-exploring mode.

Tips for Planning Your Rochester, NH Road Trips

To make these short road trips from Rochester smoother:
  • Check the weather first, especially for beach or mountain days.
  • Start early on weekends to beat crowds and find easier parking.
  • Bring a simple day bag with water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
  • Have a loose plan, but stay flexible so you can follow those “hey, what’s down that road?” moments.

Where Will You Go Next?

Living near Rochester, NH means you’re in a sweet spot: in about an hour or less, you can hit lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, mountains, or lively downtowns in York, Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack, and Rockingham Counties. Which of these 10 out-of-county road trips are you thinking about trying first?
  • Already have a favorite day trip from Rochester?
  • Discovered a hidden gem in one of these towns?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments so other Rochester locals (and visitors) can try them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are always asking, “What is there to do near Rochester this weekend?”
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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