10 Easy Road Trips From Klondike Corner, New Hampshire (All Out of County!)
If you’re based in or near
Klondike Corner, NH in Hillsborough County and feel like you’ve “done it all” close to home, this guide is for you.
Let’s hit the road and explore
10 short out-of-county road trips to nearby spots in:
- Essex County, MA
- Middlesex County, MA
- Worcester County, MA
- Cheshire County, NH
- Merrimack County, NH
- Rockingham County, NH
- Sullivan County, NH
All of these make great
day trips or
easy weekend getaways from Klondike Corner. So fill up the gas tank, grab a coffee, and let’s go.
1. Stroll the Historic Streets of Portsmouth, NH (Rockingham County)
Portsmouth is one of New England’s classic seaside towns and a perfect escape from inland New Hampshire.
Why go:
Think brick sidewalks, old sea captains’ houses, cute shops, and good seafood. It’s walkable and has that cozy coastal feel.
Top things to do:
- Wander through the Strawbery Banke Museum (outdoor history museum with restored homes).
- Walk the waterfront and watch the tugboats in the harbor.
- Grab fish and chips or a lobster roll at a local spot.
- Browse the boutiques and bookshops downtown.
If you like towns with character and history, Portsmouth makes a simple, satisfying day trip.
2. Relax at Hampton Beach, NH (Rockingham County)
When you want the classic beach-town vibe—arcades, fried dough, and a long sandy shoreline—head to
Hampton Beach.
What to expect:
- A wide, sandy beach that’s great for swimming in summer.
- Boardwalk-style strip with arcades, ice cream, pizza, and souvenir shops.
- Often live music and events at the Sea Shell Stage in season.
Bring:
- A beach chair
- A light jacket (this is New England, after all)
- Cash for snacks and arcade games
It’s busy in July and August, but that’s part of the fun. If you prefer it quieter, aim for late spring or early fall.
3. Discover College-Town Energy in Durham & Newmarket, NH (Rockingham County)
Looking for something low-key but fun? The
UNH (University of New Hampshire) area offers coffee shops, riverside paths, and that relaxed college-town feel.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk around the UNH campus in Durham — green lawns, classic brick buildings.
- Head over to Newmarket, just a few minutes away, for a small downtown on the Lamprey River.
- Enjoy a cozy café or grab a casual bite at a local pub or diner.
It’s a simple, uncrowded kind of outing — perfect when you just want a change of scenery without a big city rush.
4. Explore Keene, NH’s Charming Downtown (Cheshire County)
Keene is a friendly small city with a classic New England main street and a laid-back vibe.
Highlights:
- Stroll Main Street with its shops, bakeries, and cafés.
- Check out the old brick architecture and pretty church steeples.
- If you like nature, look for nearby hiking trails like Goose Pond or easy walks in local parks.
On a cool fall day, Keene’s tree-lined streets and coffee shops make it a perfect mini-road trip from Klondike Corner.
5. Hike, Paddle, or Just Unplug in Sunapee Area, NH (Sullivan County)
Want mountains, lakes, and quiet all in one place? The
Lake Sunapee region delivers.
What you can do:
- Head to Mount Sunapee area for hiking in the warmer months.
- Relax by Lake Sunapee — look for public beaches and boat rentals.
- Drive around small nearby towns for scenic photo stops.
In winter, this area becomes a ski and snowboarding spot. In summer and fall, it’s all about hikes, picnic areas, and water views.
6. Step Back in Time in Concord, NH (Merrimack County)
Concord is the
capital of New Hampshire, but it still feels approachable and friendly, not overwhelming.
Things to check out:
- Take a walk around the New Hampshire State House area and admire the golden dome.
- Explore downtown shops and restaurants along Main Street.
- Look for local museums or historical markers if you enjoy learning about state history.
If you enjoy calm city streets, local bookstores, and a bit of history, Concord makes a nice half-day or full-day visit.
7. Wander the Colonial Streets of Salem, MA (Essex County)
Salem is famous for the
Salem witch trials, but the town is more than just spooky stories.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Learn about early American history and the witch trials at museums and historic sites.
- Walk the waterfront and see old sailing ships and harbor views.
- Browse quirky shops — especially around Halloween season.
If you like a mix of history and slightly spooky fun, Salem is a must-do road trip from Klondike Corner.
8. Enjoy Beaches and History in Newburyport & Plum Island, MA (Essex County)
For a softer, quieter coastal feel, head to
Newburyport and nearby
Plum Island.
Newburyport:
- Walk the brick downtown with boutiques, galleries, and waterfront parks.
- Grab lunch at a café or waterfront restaurant.
Plum Island:
- Relax on long sandy beaches.
- Look for wildlife and birds in a nearby refuge area.
It’s a great spot for couples’ day trips, relaxed friend hangouts, or a quiet solo drive when you need ocean air.
9. Soak Up City Life in Cambridge, MA (Middlesex County)
If you’re craving a more urban vibe,
Cambridge brings energy, culture, and famous universities.
What to do:
- Walk through Harvard Square — street performers, bookstores, coffee shops, and people-watching.
- Stroll parts of the Harvard University or MIT campus.
- Grab a global bite — there’s everything from burgers to international cuisine within a few blocks.
Cambridge is great if you want to trade quiet country roads for something a little more buzzing and colorful for a day.
10. Visit Worcester, MA for Museums and Food (Worcester County)
Worcester has grown into a lively small city with an artsy side, good food, and plenty of things to do.
Ideas for your road trip:
- Check out local museums or galleries (art, science, or history options are around town).
- Sample the city’s food scene — from diners to more creative kitchens.
- Look for public parks or walking paths if you need a stretch between stops.
If you like mixing casual city exploring with a bit of culture, Worcester is an easy pick from Klondike Corner.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Klondike Corner
To make the most of these out-of-county adventures, keep it simple:
- Time your drive: Try to avoid heavy rush hours when heading toward Massachusetts.
- Pack smart: A small cooler, water, light snacks, and a light jacket go a long way in New England.
- Check hours: Some museums and seasonal spots have limited schedules, especially in winter or early spring.
- Combine stops: For example, hit Newburyport and Plum Island in one day, or Durham and Newmarket on the same trip.
Over time, you can turn these short drives into your own personal list of “regular escapes” from Klondike Corner.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips from Klondike Corner
Now it’s your turn.
Do you have a favorite
day trip from Klondike Corner in any of these nearby New Hampshire or Massachusetts counties?
Maybe a hidden beach, a diner you always stop at, or a quiet trail you love?
- Drop a comment with your go-to spots.
- Share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
The more ideas we share, the easier it gets to turn a simple drive into a mini adventure.
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