Traveling through New Hampshire means seeing some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you love the short, but lovely coast, or getting lost in the depths of the forests, enjoying the state is an easy thing to do. We love the idea of exploring without any real destination, but if you’re more of a planner here’s a fantastic road trip to take leading to some of the most interesting landmarks in New Hampshire. You can access the full driving directions by clicking here.
Google Maps
- Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth
leewrightonflickr / Flickr Your first stop is one of the most visited historical spots in the state. This “museum” is really more of an experience, complete with actual buildings from the state’s first settlement. Visit in the summer to meander through the gardens and in the winter for their annual holiday celebration. Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
- Canterbury Shaker Museum, Canterbury
Canterbury Shaker Village / Google This designate National Historic Site offers another chance to get a peak inside what life was like years ago. A thriving village of Shakers, a simple religious group in New Hampshire, this museum includes buildings and gardens showing how people lived as recently as the 1960s. Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd, Canterbury, NH 03224, USA
- The Epic of American Civilization, Hanover
Jennifer Mei / Flickr This is likely to be a quick stop, but one that’s definitely worth your time. At the Baker Memorial Library at Dartmouth College, this painting by Jose Clemente Orozco explores societal issues, including immigrations and war. Baker-Berry Library, 6025 Main St, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, Cornish
quid-tum / Flickr The state’s only National park property feels totally appropriate for New Hampshire. The park was home to sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and visiting means seeing his studio and meticulously cared for English Gardens. Stick around and enjoy the incredible views of the Connecticut River and Vermont. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site, 139 St Gaudens Rd, Cornish, NH 03745, USA
- Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site, Hillsboro
Gene R J / TripAdvisor America’s 14th President, Franklin Pierce, comes from right here in New Hampshire! Your next stop is in Hillsboro where you’ll find his home and museum. This is a must-see for those who love both New Hampshire history and the history of the United States. Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site, 301 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike, Hillsboro, NH 03244, USA
- Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, Derry
Management / TripAdvisor On a road trip focused on history, the next stop is one that literary history buff will appreciate. The home of beloved America poet, Robert Frost, is a lovely place to spend the afternoon. It offers a chance to learn more about Frost’s work and life in New Hampshire in the 1900s. Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, 122 Rockingham Rd, Derry, NH 03038, USA
- USS Albacore Museum, Portsmouth
Ditdew / TripAdvisor And then it’s back to where you started with one last stop at a spot that always makes us smile due to its sheer oddity. This submarine is located just off the highway, making it a bit of a surprise. But those who enjoy naval history will appreciate that the USS Albacore was one of the most advanced submarines around during the Cold War. USS Albacore Museum, 600 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
Have you been to any of these spots? If you have any pointers, or things you’d add, let us know in the comments!
Google Maps
leewrightonflickr / Flickr
Your first stop is one of the most visited historical spots in the state. This “museum” is really more of an experience, complete with actual buildings from the state’s first settlement. Visit in the summer to meander through the gardens and in the winter for their annual holiday celebration.
Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
Canterbury Shaker Village / Google
This designate National Historic Site offers another chance to get a peak inside what life was like years ago. A thriving village of Shakers, a simple religious group in New Hampshire, this museum includes buildings and gardens showing how people lived as recently as the 1960s.
Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd, Canterbury, NH 03224, USA
Jennifer Mei / Flickr
This is likely to be a quick stop, but one that’s definitely worth your time. At the Baker Memorial Library at Dartmouth College, this painting by Jose Clemente Orozco explores societal issues, including immigrations and war.
Baker-Berry Library, 6025 Main St, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
quid-tum / Flickr
The state’s only National park property feels totally appropriate for New Hampshire. The park was home to sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and visiting means seeing his studio and meticulously cared for English Gardens. Stick around and enjoy the incredible views of the Connecticut River and Vermont.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site, 139 St Gaudens Rd, Cornish, NH 03745, USA
Gene R J / TripAdvisor
America’s 14th President, Franklin Pierce, comes from right here in New Hampshire! Your next stop is in Hillsboro where you’ll find his home and museum. This is a must-see for those who love both New Hampshire history and the history of the United States.
Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site, 301 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike, Hillsboro, NH 03244, USA
Management / TripAdvisor
On a road trip focused on history, the next stop is one that literary history buff will appreciate. The home of beloved America poet, Robert Frost, is a lovely place to spend the afternoon. It offers a chance to learn more about Frost’s work and life in New Hampshire in the 1900s.
Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, 122 Rockingham Rd, Derry, NH 03038, USA
Ditdew / TripAdvisor
And then it’s back to where you started with one last stop at a spot that always makes us smile due to its sheer oddity. This submarine is located just off the highway, making it a bit of a surprise. But those who enjoy naval history will appreciate that the USS Albacore was one of the most advanced submarines around during the Cold War.
USS Albacore Museum, 600 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
If you love exploring the state we have another fun way to do it! You can spend the day exploring dozens of waterfalls in New Hampshire’s Coos County.
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