Looking for a Gorgeous Day Trip in NH?

The Granite State really does have it all in terms of outdoor beauty and recreation. No matter where you live you are only a drive away from amazing mountain views or breathtaking beaches. So whether you are planning a weekend get-away or a day trip, there are several must-visit spots in New Hampshire to head to this summer.

• The top of Loon Mountain, Lincoln: Take a gondola up to the peak and lookout over the presidential range. Climb a few flights to a lookout tower for the ultimate view you will never want to leave behind. Grab lunch at the little restaurant that offers sandwiches, salads and breathtaking views from the summit.
  
  
• Distant Hill Gardens, Walpole: This is an environmental learning center where you can get up close with plant and animal species from around New Hampshire and around the world. Breathtaking and puts you in touch with all that nature has to offer.
  
  
• Fuller Gardens, North Hampton: This amazing attraction is a public botanical garden that was once part of the summer estate of Alvan T. Fuller. It’s a delightful oasis situated a stone’s throw from the ocean. The gardens feature horticulture at the highest level, with thousands of rose bushes and hundreds of varieties that bloom all season long. Formal English perennial borders, a Japanese Garden and a tropical conservatory are all framed by sculpted hedges. Bring your camera and come breathe in the sea air, explore our world-class gardens, and enjoy a timeless garden retreat!
  
  
• The Strawbery Banke museum, Portsmouth: This is more than a museum. It is like a small town that allows you to stroll back in time to show you what life has been like in New Hampshire since the earliest settlers arrived. On the grounds are some of the original buildings and the gardens are amazing.
  
  
• Beaver Brook Cascades, Kingsman Notch: This is where you will discover a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall that makes for the perfect picnic spot.
  
  
• Scenic stops along the Kancamagus Highway, Route 112 which stretches 34 miles from Lincoln (with easy access to interstate 93), to Conway: This is a highway like no other where you can wind through the White Mountain National Forest, and along the ways stop for easy access to crystal clear rivers, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas. Bring your camera and a picnic lunch!
  
  
• Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough: Take a historic tour of Lucknow mansion or hike the 28 miles of hiking trails maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. Take a leisurely walk along cascading waterfalls, ending at the largest waterfall, Falls of Song, or opt for a more experienced hike to take in amazing views of the Ossipee Mountains. With over 5,200 acres and trails of all variations, you can spend the day hiking with the entire family!

These are just a few beautiful stops you can make around the Granite State this summer. It is easy to make a day of it or create a memorable “staycation” in New Hampshire.