New Hampshire road trip

• This five-day scenic route connects Manchester to Concord through 10 must-see stops, including Mount Washington, the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, and Lake Winnipesaukee.
• Major highlights feature New Hampshire's iconic White Mountains, coastal attractions in the Seacoast Region, and the state's most picturesque drives through quintessential New England landscapes.
• The best time to visit depends on your interests: October for fall foliage, July for coastal activities, or February for skiing in the White Mountains.

The drive from Manchester, NH, to Concord

The journey from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Concord takes 22 minutes or so to drive the 18.5 miles directly, mainly along the I-93 North. This route has tolls; this is where a Hertz Platepass could benefit you, providing you with an all-inclusive tolling option.

The scenic long way round trip through the various stops listed in this guide can take up to five days, helping you to traverse the gorgeous landscape as you drive your Hertz car rental. Forget buses and trains; having your own vehicle puts you in charge to drive at your own pace, on a schedule that suits you best. 

Starting point: Manchester, NH

Kicking off your trip is a visit to New Hampshire’s largest city. Manchester is home to several intriguing attractions, including Zimmerman House, Currier Museum of Art, and Weston Observatory, in Derryfield Park. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the top-rated Sunny Cafe, which serves comfort food, before checking out a glittering production at the Palace Theater.

Once you’ve absorbed the epicenter of New Hampshire’s arts and culture scene, take NH-101 east and venture through the verdant Rockingham County countryside, towards the coast. Manchester has two Hertz locations at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and South Willow Street; Nissans and Fords are popular here.

Stop 2: Seacoast Region

New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region is the country’s smallest, but one of its most beautiful. Eighteen Miles of white sand include Hampton Beach, voted one of America’s cleanest beaches, with fantastic accommodations in its many lodging houses.

Continue north along NH-A to admire nonstop views of the Atlantic and reach Portsmouth. Experience this port city with a stroll down its cobbled streets and join an immersive outdoor history experience at the Strawbery Banke Museum. Port City Air FBO, North Hampton - Lafayette Street branches are based in this part of New Hampshire, with Fords and Mazdas being popular here.

Stop 3: NH-153 Scenic Route

After bidding farewell to New Hampshire’s seaside delights, take the NH-153 Scenic Route. Along this 50-mile drive, you’ll travel through some of the most picturesque countryside and villages imaginable.

With Pocket Mountain visible to the west, take in the sweeping views across Sunrise, Lovell and Province Lakes – where you’ll briefly cross into neighboring Maine. As you journey north along the peaceful, tree-lined highway, you’ll encounter quintessential New England forestry and scenery, en route to Conway and the White Mountain National Forest. SUVs can be good vehicles to drive here, providing ample space to carry people and luggage alike.

Stop 4: Conway

Conway is one of America’s top-rated ski destinations and also features a Downtown Farmer’s Market. There are several lakes such as the nearby Conway Lake and Echo Lake (North Conway), offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. SUVs and pickup trucks can be wonderful for transporting people and items for things like hiking, fishing, and camping.

For a cozy dining experience while in town, stop off at May Kelly’s Cottage. This distinctive Irish pub serves wholesome country cooking, with enviable mountain views from the patio. Need someplace to stay? Check out Cranmore Mountain Resort, seven miles north, for skiing and thrilling off-slope pursuits – including the Soaring Eagle Zip Line and mountain rollercoasters. Want to drive through Conway with the wind in your hair and sun kissing your skin in the milder months? You can do so with convertibles.

Stop 5: Kancamagus Scenic Byway

From Conway, you’ll now head along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, cutting a swathe directly through the White Mountain National Forest in this pretty New Hampshire spot. At nearly 35 miles long and 2,855 feet at its highest point, this designated American Scenic Byway delivers stunning mountain range views. The White Mountains are one of the top attractions in the state, providing ample hiking opportunities on your vacation.

Majestic waterfalls lie just a short hike from the highway at the Sabbaday Falls Observation Site. There are also plenty of campsites along the way. In the fall, tourists flock to admire the changing New Hampshire fall foliage of the lush forests, witnessing brilliant reds and golds, before continuing through the scenic drive of the White Mountains, a perfect setting for a road trip. Want to drive without affecting the environment? Rent an EV.

Stop 6: Franconia Notch State Park

After following the I-93 mountain pass for eight miles, winding through the peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia Mountain ranges, you’ll reach Franconia Notch State Park. Famously the home of the Old Man of the Mountain, the park also contains Echo Lake, glacier walking at Flume Gorge, alongside falcon and hawk watching at Cannon Cliff.

There’s also the chance to fly fish at Profile Lake and hike the famous Appalachian Trail, before setting off on NH-16 towards Mount Washington. Want to drive around New Hampshire in style? Rent a luxury car.

Stop 7: Mount Washington

Perhaps the centerpiece of the trip, Mount Washington is the highest peak of the White Mountain range. Reaching a dizzying height of 6,288 feet, the peak is accessible seasonally by car, via the famous Auto Road that winds up the mountain’s east side.

As you ascend through the clouds to the summit, you’ll be rewarded by spectacular views of the forest – and a “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” bumper sticker. Nearby accommodation includes The Glen House, situated just before you reach the start of the Auto Road. Also, check out the White Mountain National Park exploration guide.

Stop 8: Mountain Trail Scenic Drive

The epic North Conway to Conway section of the White Mountain Trail is your next scenic drive, taking you along one of New Hampshire’s most picturesque roads.

Rugged peaks rise on each side of the byway, including Wildcat Mountain, whose resort has nearly 50 skiing trails, with forests enveloping the landscape. There are a couple of trailheads that line the route too, including at Winniweta Falls and Rocky Branch North, while the Iron Mountain Trail is one for more adventurous hikers.

Stop 9: Conway Scenic Railroad

Before heading back into Conway, be sure to stop off at the Conway Scenic Railroad. Step into a 19th-century railroad car and take a trip back in time as you explore more of the wonders of the Mount Washington Valley.

While you’re here, you can enjoy excursions through the Saco River Valley, experience premium dining in first-class, 1950s-style with the Mountaineer dining package. Even if you’re not riding the rails, you can pause to admire the Victorian-style station and outbuildings.

Finish point: Concord

You’ll conclude your New Hampshire road trip with a visit to the state capital, Concord.

You can experience interactive space exhibits at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, shop at the antiques gallery, visit presidential homes and burial grounds and pick apples at the Carter Hill Orchard.

After a busy day, you can relax at the Granite Restaurant and Bar for fine dining or enjoy a more relaxed evening at the Draft Sports Bar & Grill, serving a selection of all-American comfort food.

New Hampshire road trip, let’s go!

Hertz can make road trips fun and easy to get around. Now that you’ve got inspiration for your New Hampshire road trip itinerary, why not start planning your own escapade? Simply choose a vehicle from the vast fleet and be on your way to quenching your thirst for adventure with Hertz. Make a reservation