7-Day New Hampshire Travel Itinerary: Mountains, Lakes & Coastal Charm
The Ultimate New Hampshire Family Vacation: Lakes, Mountains & Kid-Friendly Fun
New Hampshire is a perfect destination for a family-friendly road trip, offering a mix of scenic landscapes, outdoor adventures, and engaging attractions that kids and parents alike will love. This 7-day itinerary ensures a kid-friendly blend of exploration, learning, and fun-filled activities across the state.
Start in Manchester, where families can visit interactive museums, explore local art, and enjoy farm-to-table dining. Then, head to Portsmouth, where kids can step back in time at Strawbery Banke Museum, walk scenic coastal trails, and play on sandy beaches.
The adventure continues in The Lakes Region, where families can take a boat cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, explore Castle in the Clouds, and enjoy homemade ice cream. In Franconia Notch and the White Mountains, kids can ride the Cannon Mountain Tramway, hike through Flume Gorge, and experience breathtaking views from Artist’s Bluff.
For outdoor-loving families, North Conway offers scenic train rides, kayaking, and shopping, while the Kancamagus Highway provides one of the most stunning fall foliage drives in the country. With easy scenic routes, engaging attractions, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, this New Hampshire road trip is perfect for families looking to mix nature, history, and fun into one unforgettable journey.
Pack your bags, hit the road, and experience New Hampshire’s best family-friendly destinations together! 🚗🏔️🏞️
🏔️ 7-Day New Hampshire Travel Itinerary – Mountains, Lakes & Coastal Charm
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.
This itinerary blends New Hampshire’s stunning mountains, charming coastal towns, and scenic lakes!