Looking for an affordable road trip in NH? Road trips are great ways to see parts of our countryside or even a portion of our state. In New England, we are fortunate to be so close to other states, but sometimes we just want to explore what’s in our own backyards. On this affordable road trip in NH that we put together, you will get to see five incredible sites and attractions you may not have thought of visiting before.
Before you go, gas up the car and check out the interactive map with directions. Feel free to add any stops you would like along the way!
Google Maps
- Andres Institute of Art
M J/Google View stunning sculptures set throughout the natural landscape at Andres Institute of Art. Take a hike through the 140-acre property and marvel at the beauty that surrounds you as you breathe in the fresh mountain air. Not only is this an incredible place to see, but it’s also one of many free things to do in NH! 106 Rte 13, Brookline, NH 03033, USA
- Currier Museum of Art
Peichao Zhang/Google This museum has a vast collection of both historical and contemporary art. Two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses are also part of the museum and open to the public. Ticket prices vary by age and membership. Although this isn’t a free place to visit in NH, it’s certainly pretty affordable. Learn more about what’s in store for a visit to the Currier Museum of Art. 150 Ash St, Manchester, NH 03104, USA
- Prescott Park
Doug Peabody/Google Set on 10 idyllic acres along the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, Prescott Park is quite a scenic place to spend some time. Stroll through its many gardens and take in the river views. This park is accessible to all and a free thing to do in NH. 105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
- UNH Observatory
Stephanie L/TripAdevisor If you enjoy learning about astronomy, our next stop on this affordable road trip in NH is at the UNH observatory. There are public sessions available or you can even book a free private session. Learn more about scheduling your visit to the UNH Observatory. UNH Observatory, Durham, NH 03824, USA
- The Old Country Store and Museum
The Old Country Store and Museum/Google 1011 Whittier Hwy, Moultonborough, NH 03254, USA
Ron Bigh/Google Step back in time at The Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonborough. The store first opened in 1781, so it’s obviously quite historic! Over the course of time, it was the site for town meetings and even served as a post office and a library. Today you can still pick up provisions, including old-fashioned candies. 1011 Whittier Hwy, Moultonborough, NH 03254, USA
Google Maps
M J/Google
View stunning sculptures set throughout the natural landscape at Andres Institute of Art. Take a hike through the 140-acre property and marvel at the beauty that surrounds you as you breathe in the fresh mountain air. Not only is this an incredible place to see, but it’s also one of many free things to do in NH!
106 Rte 13, Brookline, NH 03033, USA
Peichao Zhang/Google
This museum has a vast collection of both historical and contemporary art. Two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses are also part of the museum and open to the public. Ticket prices vary by age and membership. Although this isn’t a free place to visit in NH, it’s certainly pretty affordable. Learn more about what’s in store for a visit to the Currier Museum of Art.
150 Ash St, Manchester, NH 03104, USA
Doug Peabody/Google
Set on 10 idyllic acres along the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, Prescott Park is quite a scenic place to spend some time. Stroll through its many gardens and take in the river views. This park is accessible to all and a free thing to do in NH.
105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
Stephanie L/TripAdevisor
If you enjoy learning about astronomy, our next stop on this affordable road trip in NH is at the UNH observatory. There are public sessions available or you can even book a free private session. Learn more about scheduling your visit to the UNH Observatory.
UNH Observatory, Durham, NH 03824, USA
The Old Country Store and Museum/Google
1011 Whittier Hwy, Moultonborough, NH 03254, USA
Ron Bigh/Google
Step back in time at The Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonborough. The store first opened in 1781, so it’s obviously quite historic! Over the course of time, it was the site for town meetings and even served as a post office and a library. Today you can still pick up provisions, including old-fashioned candies.
Are you ready to head out on this affordable road trip in NH? What other free things to do in NH would you add to this route? What are your ideas for affordable vacations in NH? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for more free places to visit in NH? Check out these NH free museums.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring New Hampshire February 05, 2023 Rachel Raimondi What is New Hampshire known for? Curious about the Granite State? Here are just a few things New Hampshire is known for: Maple Syrup: With about 100,000 gallons produced annually, New Hampshire accounts for four percent of the maple production within the US. There are more than 300 sugarhouses within the state. Portsmouth: This 16.82-square-mile seaside city boasts a quaint and historic ambiance with a healthy amount of unique shopping and dining throughout. Mount Washington: At 6,288 feet, this is the highest peak in the Northeast. If that isn’t enough, it is also extremely well-known for its peculiar weather. In 1934, it recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour. What are the best restaurants in New Hampshire? If you are looking for a great place to chow down after taking in some of the awesome free things to do in NH, check out some of the best restaurants in New Hampshire: Jesse’s Steaks, Seafood, & Tavern: This log cabin-style steakhouse is located in Hanover. Grab some baby back ribs or fish and chips. Firefly American Bistro & Bar: This American restaurant is over in Manchester. Grab a firefly burger or beef stroganoff for dinner or stop by for Sunday brunch and its selection of omelets, benedicts, and more. Polly’s Pancake Parlor: Located in Sugar Hill, this restaurant serves up homemade pancakes, with all sorts of unique choices, including your choice of batter. There are also other classic items like eggs Benedict and French toast at this breakfast-only spot. What are the most memorable hotels in New Hampshire? Consider turning your affordable road trip in NH into an overnight. Here are some of the most memorable hotels in New Hampshire: The Manor on Golden Pond: Not only are there some lovely rooms here that sport fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, but there’s also a spa and restaurant on the premises. It is located in Holderness in the White Mountains. The Lyme Inn: This inn located in Lyme is a perfect spot for outdoor lovers as there is easy access to hiking, biking, and fishing. The 19th-century building has 14 rooms.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring New Hampshire
February 05, 2023
Rachel Raimondi
What is New Hampshire known for? Curious about the Granite State? Here are just a few things New Hampshire is known for: Maple Syrup: With about 100,000 gallons produced annually, New Hampshire accounts for four percent of the maple production within the US. There are more than 300 sugarhouses within the state. Portsmouth: This 16.82-square-mile seaside city boasts a quaint and historic ambiance with a healthy amount of unique shopping and dining throughout. Mount Washington: At 6,288 feet, this is the highest peak in the Northeast. If that isn’t enough, it is also extremely well-known for its peculiar weather. In 1934, it recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour. What are the best restaurants in New Hampshire? If you are looking for a great place to chow down after taking in some of the awesome free things to do in NH, check out some of the best restaurants in New Hampshire: Jesse’s Steaks, Seafood, & Tavern: This log cabin-style steakhouse is located in Hanover. Grab some baby back ribs or fish and chips. Firefly American Bistro & Bar: This American restaurant is over in Manchester. Grab a firefly burger or beef stroganoff for dinner or stop by for Sunday brunch and its selection of omelets, benedicts, and more. Polly’s Pancake Parlor: Located in Sugar Hill, this restaurant serves up homemade pancakes, with all sorts of unique choices, including your choice of batter. There are also other classic items like eggs Benedict and French toast at this breakfast-only spot. What are the most memorable hotels in New Hampshire? Consider turning your affordable road trip in NH into an overnight. Here are some of the most memorable hotels in New Hampshire: The Manor on Golden Pond: Not only are there some lovely rooms here that sport fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, but there’s also a spa and restaurant on the premises. It is located in Holderness in the White Mountains. The Lyme Inn: This inn located in Lyme is a perfect spot for outdoor lovers as there is easy access to hiking, biking, and fishing. The 19th-century building has 14 rooms.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Curious about the Granite State? Here are just a few things New Hampshire is known for:
Maple Syrup: With about 100,000 gallons produced annually, New Hampshire accounts for four percent of the maple production within the US. There are more than 300 sugarhouses within the state.
Portsmouth: This 16.82-square-mile seaside city boasts a quaint and historic ambiance with a healthy amount of unique shopping and dining throughout.
Mount Washington: At 6,288 feet, this is the highest peak in the Northeast. If that isn’t enough, it is also extremely well-known for its peculiar weather. In 1934, it recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour.
What are the best restaurants in New Hampshire?
If you are looking for a great place to chow down after taking in some of the awesome free things to do in NH, check out some of the best restaurants in New Hampshire:
Jesse’s Steaks, Seafood, & Tavern: This log cabin-style steakhouse is located in Hanover. Grab some baby back ribs or fish and chips.
Firefly American Bistro & Bar: This American restaurant is over in Manchester. Grab a firefly burger or beef stroganoff for dinner or stop by for Sunday brunch and its selection of omelets, benedicts, and more.
Polly’s Pancake Parlor: Located in Sugar Hill, this restaurant serves up homemade pancakes, with all sorts of unique choices, including your choice of batter. There are also other classic items like eggs Benedict and French toast at this breakfast-only spot.
What are the most memorable hotels in New Hampshire?
Consider turning your affordable road trip in NH into an overnight. Here are some of the most memorable hotels in New Hampshire:
The Manor on Golden Pond: Not only are there some lovely rooms here that sport fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, but there’s also a spa and restaurant on the premises. It is located in Holderness in the White Mountains.
The Lyme Inn: This inn located in Lyme is a perfect spot for outdoor lovers as there is easy access to hiking, biking, and fishing. The 19th-century building has 14 rooms.
