Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Manchester, NH
Manchester sits on the Merrimack River with access to the Amoskeag Fishways, the Currier Museum of Art, and the Derryfield Trail.
The Currier Museum and the Amoskeag Fishways offer culture and nature near the river.
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or browse all12 destinations near Manchester
Pemigewasset Overlook
Albany, NH 03818
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 32 min from Manchester · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Albany, NH 03818
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 48 min from Manchester · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
CL Graham Wangan Overlook
Bartlett, NH 03812
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 32 min from Manchester · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Brook Walk (Waterfalls) – Castle In The Clouds Conservation Area
Moultonborough, NH 03254
Why this destination?
Recommended because: highly rated (4.8 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 22 min from Manchester
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Sabbaday Falls Trail
Campton, NH 03223
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 40 min from Manchester · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
NH 03818, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 38 min from Manchester · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Castle Rock
Marblehead, MA 01945
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 17 min from Manchester · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Franconia Notch State Park
Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 7.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 15 min from Manchester · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Madame Sherri Forest
NH 03466, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 32 min from Manchester · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Stoneham, MA 02180
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 5.5k+ visitors) · 46 min from Manchester · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Lincoln, MA 01773
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.0k+ visitors) · 56 min from Manchester · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Minute Man National Historical Park
MA 01773, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.2k+ visitors) · 50 min from Manchester · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Manchester, NH?
The best day trips from Manchester include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Manchester?
Most great day trips from Manchester are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Manchester?
Many of the best day trips near Manchester are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Manchester?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Manchester, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Manchester?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Manchester make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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