7-Day New Hampshire Itinerary

Theme: A mix of scenic drives, outdoor adventures, charming small towns, and historic sites across New Hampshire.

Best Time to Visit: Fall (September-October) for incredible foliage or Summer (June-August) for hiking and lake activities.

Day 1: Arrive in Manchester & Explore

Fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT).

Top Things to Do in Manchester:

Visit the Currier Museum of Art – Featuring works by Monet and Picasso.

Explore the Millyard Museum – Learn about Manchester's industrial past.

Try Local Brews at Stark Brewing Company.

Dinner at The Foundry – Farm-to-table cuisine.

Overnight in Manchester.

Day 2: Portsmouth – New Hampshire's Historic Seaport

Drive from Manchester to Portsmouth (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Portsmouth:

Visit Strawbery Banke Museum – A living history museum.

Walk the Portsmouth Harbor Trail – Great coastal views and historic sites.

Relax at Hampton Beach (Seasonal).

Seafood Dinner at Surf or Row 34.

Overnight in Portsmouth.

Day 3: The Lakes Region – Lake Winnipesaukee & Meredith

Drive from Portsmouth to the Lakes Region (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in the Lakes Region:

Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Relax at Weirs Beach.

Explore Castle in the Clouds – A historic mansion with stunning views.

Try Homemade Ice Cream at Kellerhaus.

Overnight in Meredith or Wolfeboro.

Day 4: White Mountains & Franconia Notch State Park

Drive from the Lakes Region to Franconia Notch (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Franconia Notch:

Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.

Walk Through Flume Gorge – A stunning natural gorge.

Hike Artist's Bluff for Breathtaking Views.

Overnight in Lincoln or Franconia.

Day 5: Mount Washington & The Kancamagus Highway

Explore the White Mountains & Drive New England's Most Scenic Road.

Top Things to Do:

Drive to the Summit of Mount Washington (or take the Cog Railway).

Hike in the Presidential Range.

Drive the Kancamagus Highway – One of the best fall foliage routes in the U.S.

Overnight in North Conway.

Day 6: North Conway – Shopping & Outdoor Fun

Top Things to Do in North Conway:

Take a Ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad.

Shop at Settlers Green Outlet Village.

Go Kayaking on the Saco River.

Dinner at Flatbread Company.

Overnight in North Conway.

Day 7: Return to Manchester & Depart

Drive from North Conway to Manchester (2 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way:

Visit Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves.

Explore Canterbury Shaker Village (Near Concord).

Fly out of Manchester (MHT).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 12-15 hours of driving across New Hampshire.