Sanbornville, New Hampshire: 10 Scenic Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips From Sanbornville, New Hampshire (All Outside Carroll County)

If you live in or around Sanbornville, New Hampshire and you’re craving a little adventure, you’re in a great spot. In less than an hour or so, you can hit mountains, lakes, historic towns, and even the Maine coast—all without hopping on a plane. The best part? Every idea on this list is outside Carroll County, just like you asked for, so you’ll really feel like you got away for the day. Below are 10 short road trips from Sanbornville into nearby counties:
  • Oxford County, ME
  • York County, ME
  • Belknap County, NH
  • Coos County, NH
  • Grafton County, NH
  • Strafford County, NH
Pick one, fill your tank, and go.

1. North Conway Scenic Area (Oxford County Side & Just Beyond)

Yes, North Conway itself is in Carroll County, so we’ll skip the town center—but the scenic routes that cross into Oxford County, Maine are fair game and absolutely worth the drive. Head east and you’ll soon find:
  • Evans Notch (Oxford County, ME) – A lesser-known entrance to the White Mountain area, with quiet trailheads and beautiful overlooks.
  • Short hikes like Hastings Trail and riverside pull-offs perfect for a picnic.
From Sanbornville, you can reach the area in about 1–1.5 hours depending on your route. It’s a peaceful alternative to the busier New Hampshire passes. If you like foliage, aim for early to mid-October—those hills light up in red and gold. Looking for a relaxed day? Pack sandwiches, stop at a country store on the way, and just tour the backroads. Sometimes the best part of a road trip is the drive itself.

2. Fryeburg & The Saco River (Oxford County, ME)

If you’ve never floated down the Saco River in summer, you’re missing out. Fryeburg, in Oxford County, Maine, is a laid-back small town that turns into a warm-weather playground. Things to do:
  • Tubing or kayaking the Saco River – Shallow stretches, sandy banks, and lots of spots to pull over and relax.
  • Scenic drives along Route 113 and backroads into the foothills.
  • Fall visit to the Fryeburg Fair (one of Northern New England’s most famous agricultural fairs).
From Sanbornville, plan on roughly an hour’s drive, depending on your exact route. It’s close enough for a half-day trip but fun enough to fill a whole day.

3. Ogunquit & Perkins Cove (York County, ME)

When you feel like trading the forest for the ocean, head to Ogunquit in York County, Maine. It’s one of the most charming coastal towns in New England. Highlights:
  • Ogunquit Beach – Long, wide, and perfect for walking or just sitting with your toes in the sand.
  • Marginal Way – A paved oceanside path (about 1.25 miles) with dramatic views of the Atlantic and benches to sit and watch the waves.
  • Perkins Cove – A tiny harbor packed with shops, seafood spots, and the iconic footbridge.
From Sanbornville, you’re usually looking at about a 1–1.5 hour drive. Go early if you’re heading there on a summer weekend—the parking lots fill up fast. Road trip tip: On the way back, grab ice cream or a lobster roll at a roadside shack. It’s kind of a rule on the Maine coast.

4. Portsmouth & The Waterfront (Strafford + Rockingham Border)

While Portsmouth itself sits in Rockingham County, the roads from Sanbornville run right through Strafford County, NH, and make a great out-of-county day trip. On your way down:
  • Stop in Dover (Strafford County) for coffee or lunch.
  • Walk around the small downtown area, check out local shops, or stroll along the riverfront.
Then continue to Portsmouth for:
  • Brick-lined streets full of history and character.
  • Harbor views, parks, and good food.
From Sanbornville, you can be in the Dover/Portsmouth area in about 45–60 minutes. It’s an easy all-day outing when you want a mix of city energy and waterfront scenery without a huge drive.

5. Lake Winnipesaukee Area (Belknap County, NH)

You can’t talk about New Hampshire road trips without mentioning Lake Winnipesaukee. Head southwest from Sanbornville and aim for Belknap County, where several classic lake towns sit right on the shore. Good spots to explore:
  • Laconia – A larger town with shops, restaurants, and access to the water.
  • Gilford – Home to gunstock area (for skiing in winter and hiking or ziplining in summer).
  • Weirs Beach – Arcades, boardwalk, beach area, and an old-school summer vibe.
The drive takes around an hour from Sanbornville. The route itself is half the fun: rolling hills, lake glimpses, and small-town main streets. In summer, it feels like driving into a postcard.

6. Franconia Notch & Cannon Mountain (Grafton County, NH)

If you’re up for a slightly longer but very doable day trip, head north to Franconia Notch State Park in Grafton County, NH. It’s one of the most iconic mountain areas in the state. Once you’re there, you can:
  • Walk the Flume Gorge – A boardwalk trail through a narrow granite gorge with waterfalls.
  • Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for sweeping views over the White Mountains.
  • Stroll around Echo Lake with its perfect backdrop of cliffs and peaks.
From Sanbornville, plan on about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and your exact route. It’s a great place for families, couples, photographers—really anyone who likes fresh air and big views. If you’re not into long hikes, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the park with short walks, scenic overlooks, and easy stops right off the highway.

7. Berlin & Moose Country (Coos County, NH)

For a more rugged, “north country” feel, point your car toward Coos County, NH, and head to the Berlin area. The drive itself is a big part of the experience—quiet roads, tall forests, and that feeling of really being “up north.” Things to look for:
  • Moose sightings near dawn or dusk along the highways and backroads. (Stay in your car and give them lots of space.)
  • Trailheads for hiking and ATV routes (if you’re into off-road exploring).
  • Views of the northern Presidential Range from overlooks and side roads.
It’s a longer day trip—often about 2 hours each way—but if you leave early, you can still make it there and back with plenty of time to explore. This is a good choice if you want something that feels completely different from home without crossing a state line.

8. Littleton & The Ammonoosuc River (Grafton County, NH)

Another strong option in Grafton County is the small city of Littleton, set right along the Ammonoosuc River. It has a lively but laid-back downtown and great mountain scenery all around. What to do:
  • Walk the riverfront trail and the pedestrian bridge.
  • Browse local shops and grab coffee or dessert on Main Street.
  • Use it as a base to explore small side roads with mountain views and old barns.
From Sanbornville, expect around a 2-hour drive. If you like cute downtowns but also want quick access to outdoor spots, Littleton gives you both.

9. Rochester & Dover Day Trip (Strafford County, NH)

If you’re looking for something closer and easy, aim straight for Strafford County. Towns like Rochester and Dover are perfect for a low-stress day out. In Rochester, you can:
  • Check out local diners and cafés.
  • Walk the downtown area and poke into a few shops.
Then continue to Dover for:
  • Riverside parks and walking paths.
  • More shops, breweries, and restaurants.
You can reach Rochester from Sanbornville in around 30–40 minutes, and Dover a little beyond that. It’s a simple route for those days when you want to “go somewhere,” but not spend half your time in the car.

10. York Beach & Nubble Light (York County, ME)

If you only have time for one coastal road trip from Sanbornville, it’s hard to beat York, Maine in York County. Here’s what’s waiting for you:
  • Short Sands Beach – Compact, lively, and surrounded by shops and snack spots.
  • Long Sands Beach – A wider stretch of sand, great for walking at low tide.
  • Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light) – One of the most photographed lighthouses in New England.
From Sanbornville, York is usually about a 1–1.5 hour drive. On a clear day, you can sit on the rocks near Nubble Light, listen to the ocean, and forget completely about your to-do list back home. If you like sunrise or sunset, time your visit for those golden hours—the photos practically take themselves.

Tips For Planning Your Sanbornville Road Trips

To make your New Hampshire and Maine road trips smoother:
  • Check the weather before you go, especially in mountain and coastal areas.
  • Bring layers – It can be cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon, even in summer.
  • Fuel up in town – Gas stations can be few and far between on some backroads.
  • Pack snacks and water so you can stop whenever a pretty view catches your eye.
One thing I love about driving out from Sanbornville is how quickly the scenery changes. In under an hour, you can go from quiet backroads to wide-open lakes or ocean views. It makes even a simple Sunday drive feel like a mini vacation.

Where Will You Drive Next?

Sanbornville sits in a sweet spot—close to Belknap, Strafford, Grafton, Coos, Oxford, and York counties, with endless options for easy day trips. Whether you’re in the mood for:
  • Mountain views
  • Lake life
  • Coastal towns
  • Small-city downtowns
you can find it all with just a short drive. Which of these road trips sounds best to you? Have you already done any of them, or do you have your own favorite spot outside Carroll County? Please share your ideas and experiences in the comments—local tips are gold for anyone planning their next escape. And if you found this guide helpful, go ahead and share it with friends and family who are looking for fun things to do near Sanbornville, NH. It might just inspire their next day on the road.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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