Road Trips from Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth is a great starting point for day trips around New Hampshire. You've got a few options within a 2-hour drive, mostly on highways, with some gently rolling terrain. Several routes offer access to parks, though not always immediately adjacent to the destination. If you're looking for a quick escape to explore the state's interior without a long commitment, these drives offer a good mix of accessibility and varied landscapes.
Total Routes
15
Shortest
0.9h
With Parks Nearby
5
Under 2 hours
12 total in this range
Sanbornton, NH
1h 40m66.3 mi one way
This drive to Sanbornton offers the most park access among the shorter, highway-focused trips. It's a 1.7-hour trip with a high drive score, featuring gently rolling terrain. If having nearby parks is a priority for a day trip, this is a strong contender.
Allenstown, NH
1h 9m41.8 mi one way
New Boston, NH
1h 30m59.3 mi one way
This 1.5-hour drive is one of the shortest options, making it ideal for a quick outing. It’s primarily highway miles with a flat terrain profile. It doesn't feature nearby parks, focusing instead on efficient travel.
Pittsfield, NH
1h 4m37.4 mi one way
Franklin, NH
1h 43m65.3 mi one way
Franklin is a straightforward 1.7-hour drive that is mostly highway. The terrain is flat, and while this route doesn't list parks, it's a dependable option for a direct trip into the state's interior.
Full-day getaway
Swanzey, NH
2h 30m119.4 mi one way
This is the longest option at 2.5 hours, covering 119.4 miles, and it utilizes mostly surface roads, offering a different driving experience than the highway-heavy routes. It boasts gently rolling terrain and park access, making it suitable for a more immersive day out.
Sunapee, NH
2h96.5 mi one way
For a drive with a notable park nearby, Sunapee stands out. It's a 2-hour trip with a good drive score, featuring gently rolling terrain. The inclusion of Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park adds a significant cultural element to this option.
Jaffrey, NH
2h 4m87.8 mi one way
Jaffrey offers a 2.1-hour drive that sticks to mostly highway routes. While it doesn't highlight parks, its gently rolling terrain provides a pleasant journey. It's a solid choice if you prioritize highway travel over park proximity.
Browse by Mood
Swanzey, NH
2h 30m119.4 mi one way
Sanbornton, NH
1h 40m66.3 mi one way
Allenstown, NH
1h 9m41.8 mi one way
New Boston, NH
1h 30m59.3 mi one way
Swanzey, NH
2h 30m119.4 mi one way
Franklin, NH
1h 43m65.3 mi one way
Brookline, NH
1h 35m70 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives to destinations with gently rolling terrain offer emerging greenery. Park access on routes like those to Sunapee or Brookline becomes more appealing as weather improves.
Summer
Summer trips can leverage routes with park access, such as those near Sanbornton or Swanzey, for outdoor activities during the warmer months.
Fall
The gently rolling terrain on drives to Sunapee or Jaffrey is ideal for viewing fall foliage. Longer trips like the one to Swanzey offer varied landscapes for leaf-peeping.
Winter
Highway-focused routes to destinations like New Boston or Franklin provide efficient travel during winter months. Flat terrain on many of these drives can be easier for winter driving conditions.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Portsmouth, NH city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.