Photo of AI-Magellan
16 Mar 2025Updated last time
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

New Hampshire 3 Days Itinerary

3-Day Adventure in New Hampshire

Embark on a thrilling 3-day journey through the scenic splendor of New Hampshire, a destination that offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and adventure. Your trip begins with a visit to the White Mountain National Forest, where you can explore miles of hiking trails, encounter diverse wildlife, and breathe in the beauty of the expansive wilderness. Next, head to Franconia Notch State Park, known for its stunning natural attractions like the Flume Gorge, the Basin, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.

On the second day, challenge yourself with a trek up Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, famous for its panoramic views and the adventurous Mount Washington Auto Road. After conquering the heights, take a leisurely drive along the Kancamagus Highway, one of the most scenic byways in the region, especially renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage.

Your final day brings you to the serene waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire. Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming, or simply relax and take in the tranquil surroundings. Conclude your trip with a visit to the historic coastal town of Portsmouth. Explore its charming streets, delve into its rich maritime history, enjoy the vibrant arts scene, and savor some of the best dining experiences New Hampshire has to offer.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    White Mountain National Forest

    This expansive forest offers stunning landscapes, numerous hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Franconia Notch State Park

    Known for its breathtaking scenery, Franconia Notch State Park features natural attractions like the Flume Gorge, the Basin, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Mount Washington

    Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States and provides visitors with panoramic views, challenging hiking routes, and the exciting Mount Washington Auto Road.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Kancamagus Highway

    This scenic byway offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains, especially during the fall foliage season. It's a perfect route for a picturesque drive, hiking, and photography.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Lake Winnipesaukee

    Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and provides various recreational activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and island exploring.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Portsmouth is a historic coastal town known for its charming streets, rich maritime history, vibrant arts scene, and excellent dining options.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Polly's Pancake Parlor

    4.7
    $$$$

    Polly's Pancake Parlor

    A historic spot in the White Mountains, known for its homemade pancakes and unique maple offerings.
    4.7
    $$$$
    Picture for Polly's Pancake Parlor
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Common Man

    4.4
    $$$$

    The Common Man

    Located in Lincoln, this restaurant offers a rustic atmosphere and serves hearty New England cuisine.
    4.4
    $$$$
    Picture for The Common Man
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Little Red Schoolhouse

    4.7
    $$$$

    The Little Red Schoolhouse

    A charming eatery in Campton featuring traditional American dishes in a converted schoolhouse setting.
    4.7
    $$$$
    Picture for The Little Red Schoolhouse
  • Restaurant Icon

    Café Lafayette Dinner Train

    Café Lafayette Dinner Train

    Enjoy a unique dining experience aboard a vintage train that travels through the scenic White Mountains.
    Picture for Café Lafayette Dinner Train
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Black Trumpet Bistro

    4.6
    $$$$

    The Black Trumpet Bistro

    A cozy, upscale restaurant in Portsmouth that focuses on farm-to-table dishes and creative cuisine.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for The Black Trumpet Bistro

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Omni Mount Washington Resort

    The Omni Mount Washington Resort

    A historic grand hotel offering luxurious accommodations and stunning views of Mount Washington.
    Picture for The Omni Mount Washington Resort
  • Hotel Icon

    The Manor on Golden Pond

    4.6

    The Manor on Golden Pond

    A charming country inn located near Squam Lake, offering elegant rooms and gourmet dining.
    4.6
    Picture for The Manor on Golden Pond
  • Hotel Icon

    Adventure Suites, NH

    4.7

    Adventure Suites, NH

    A unique, themed hotel in North Conway with quirky rooms like 'The Cave' and 'The Jungle'.
    4.7
    Picture for Adventure Suites, NH
  • Hotel Icon

    The Wentworth

    The Wentworth

    This elegant inn in Jackson Village offers romantic accommodations and is set against a picturesque backdrop.
    Picture for The Wentworth
  • Hotel Icon

    The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

    4.3

    The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

    A luxurious resort in Whitefield with a rich history, modern amenities, and panoramic mountain views.
    4.3
    Picture for The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas

    Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas

    The event will take place at BankNH Pavilion in Gilford.
    Map IconBankNH Pavilion in Gilford (20.99 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Sep 2025
    Picture for Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
  • Event Icon

    2025 Premium Season Tickets Wait List

    2025 Premium Season Tickets Wait List

    The event will take place at BankNH Pavilion in Gilford.
    Map IconBankNH Pavilion in Gilford (20.99 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for 2025 Premium Season Tickets Wait List
  • Event Icon

    2025 Dirt Duels at The Flat Track at NHMS

    2025 Dirt Duels at The Flat Track at NHMS

    The event will take place at The Flat Track at NHMS in Loudon.
    Map IconThe Flat Track at NHMS in Loudon (36.3 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Sep 2025
    Picture for 2025 Dirt Duels at The Flat Track at NHMS
  • Event Icon

    Luxury Suite: Double Header Saturday

    Luxury Suite: Double Header Saturday

    The event will take place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.
    Map IconNew Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon (36.3 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Sep 2025
    Picture for Luxury Suite: Double Header Saturday
  • Event Icon

    NASCAR Infield Armbands

    NASCAR Infield Armbands

    The event will take place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.
    Map IconNew Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon (36.3 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Sep 2025
    Picture for NASCAR Infield Armbands
  • Event Icon

    Luxury Suite: NASCAR Cup Series

    Luxury Suite: NASCAR Cup Series

    The event will take place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.
    Map IconNew Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon (36.3 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Sep 2025
    Picture for Luxury Suite: NASCAR Cup Series
  • Event Icon

    NASCAR N4/Trackside Armbands

    NASCAR N4/Trackside Armbands

    The event will take place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.
    Map IconNew Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon (36.3 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Sep 2025
    Picture for NASCAR N4/Trackside Armbands

Travel Gems from Reddit


Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A relaxing track perfect for a scenic drive through the White Mountains.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license

    Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license

    An ideal song for contemplating the beautiful landscapes along the Kancamagus Highway.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license
  • Music Icon

    The Chicks - Wide Open Spaces

    The Chicks - Wide Open Spaces

    This song captures the feeling of freedom you'll experience in the expansive White Mountain National Forest.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Chicks - Wide Open Spaces
  • Music Icon

    Led Zeppelin - Ramble On - 1990 Remaster

    Led Zeppelin - Ramble On - 1990 Remaster

    A great track to energize your hike up Mount Washington.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Led Zeppelin - Ramble On - 1990 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    Judy Kuhn - Just Around the Riverbend

    Judy Kuhn - Just Around the Riverbend

    Perfect for the adventurous spirit, this song is great while exploring Franconia Notch State Park.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Judy Kuhn - Just Around the Riverbend
  • Music Icon

    Christopher Cross - Sailing

    Christopher Cross - Sailing

    A soothing melody that pairs well with the calming waters of Lake Winnipesaukee.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Christopher Cross - Sailing
  • Music Icon

    Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

    Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

    Capture the feeling of accomplishment after reaching the summit of Mount Washington.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World
  • Music Icon

    Styx - Come Sail Away

    Styx - Come Sail Away

    Enhance your boating experience on Lake Winnipesaukee with this classic tune.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Styx - Come Sail Away
  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    This energetic song is perfect for the open road and scenic drives through New Hampshire.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
  • Music Icon

    Katrina & The Waves - Walking On Sunshine

    Katrina & The Waves - Walking On Sunshine

    An upbeat track to keep your spirits high as you explore the vibrant town of Portsmouth.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Katrina & The Waves - Walking On Sunshine