Granite State Summer Getaways

Whether you’re a sun-loving beach bum or adventure-seeking mountaineer, New Hampshire offers fun activities for just about everybody! Check out some of our favorite options for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Mountains

Whether you are hiking all 48 4,000-footers or taking a leisurely stroll through waterfalls and rock formations, the White Mountains are every bit as beautiful in the summer as they are during peak ski season. New Hampshire offers hiking trails for all types of experience levels.

Difficulty: Easy

  • Ripley Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Crawford Notch and is only a 0.6 mile walk from the parking area.

  • Mount Major is one of New Hampshires most beloved mountain by locals and out of staters with numerous trails to the summit. The hike offers views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Alton Bay, and the White Mountains.

  • Flume Gorge is a popular hike with a series of boardwalks that take you through the various series of streams and incredible rock formations, only 1.9 miles long. Be mindful you may need to book a reservation a day in advance online!

Difficulty: Moderate

  • Welch- Dickey Loop has two summits, plenty of scenic views, and rock scrambles. Totaling a distance of 4.5 miles long.

  • Mount Willard is a gradual climb to the top and is a 3.2 mile round trip with views of the Crawford Notch cliffs.

Difficulty: Challenging

  • Mount Flume + Mount Liberty Loop is a 9.8 mile long loop with 3,099 feet of elevation gain and hits two 4,000-footers with 360 degree views.

  • Presidential Traverse is for highly experienced hikers and is one of the classic treks on the East Coast. It spans 26 miles long! There are a variety of difference trails to choose from including 7 of the presidential peaks and 3 other optional peaks. This trip must be well-planned and prepared. Be sure to reserve your huts if you choose to rest your head at night.

Be prepared before your hiking adventure! Pack plenty of water and energy-packed snacks for the day. Wear comfortable sneakers/ hiking boots to get you through your journey. Educate yourself on the trail and read reviews of other hikers for tips specific to that trial. Hike in pairs or groups and be sure to tell someone outside of the group where you will be in case of an emergency. Be sure to always check the weather before your trip up north, there is big difference in temperature in the White Mountains than Bedford, MA. Lastly, enjoy all the beauty New Hampshire has to offer in the mountains!

Beaches

Are you looking for a more relaxing way to spend your summer day? Enjoy the sunshine laying out in the sand or on a boat in New Hampshire. New Hampshire has numerous beachside getaways to explore including freshwater lakes and the salty Atlantic.

Ocean Beaches

  • Jenness Beach located in Rye, NH is a coastal beach with plenty of action for surfers that are brave enough for the cold New England water. Be sure to get here early on a beautiful day because there is limited parking. The beach has a bathhouse and lifeguards during the summer months. Don’t want to pack your lunch? Just head across the street where you will have refreshment options!

  • Odiorne Point State Park is also located in Rye, NH with fantastic views of the rocky shoreline. This park has a lot of history to share with visitors including the Seacoast Science Center and the evidence of the area’a past miliary occupation.

Lake Beaches

  • Wellington State Park is located on the shore of Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH. This is the largest freshwater beach in the entire state! Visitors are allowed to bring their cookout gear to stay all day long. Visitors also have the option to rent kayaks and can use the parks bathhouse. Wellington has various hiking trials, welcomes fishing, and even has a public boat launch!

  • Echo Lake State Park is a 15.7-acre park located in North Conway, NH, including Echo Lake which is about a mile long in circumference. Beautiful scenic views of White Horse Ledge and Cathedral Ledge, and even hiking trials to the summits with views of the Saco River Valley. Visitors are welcomed to fish, picnic, hike, and swim.

Experience a classic New England city in New Hampshire this summer!

Portsmouth is a must see city to add to your 2022 summer bucket-list! You will be amazed at the amount of exploring there is to do. Take advantage of tax-free shopping in New Hampshire at the unique boutiques that line the streets of Portsmouth. Learn about all there is to know of the city’s history by a tour guide. Do not miss out on some of the best restaurants the Granite state has to offer from seafood to pizza! Start planning your trip to Portsmouth here.

Concord is one of the nations smallest state capitals, but has a strong love for the arts. Concord has an array of live performance venues from the Red River Theater to stages on Main street during Market Days! Keep your eye out for many sculptures throughout the Concord landscape. Enjoy local and fresh foods at the farmers market next to the State House lawn all summer long every Saturday morning. Your trip to Concord would not be complete without a stop at Carter Hill Orchard where you can pick your own fruit or buy homemade bakery items! Check out more activities for your next time in Concord here.

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