Weekend Getaways in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to some of the best weekend getaways in New England, and it’s become one of my favorite states for cozy escapes and outdoor adventure.
From charming small towns to mountain trails and peaceful lakes, New Hampshire delivers the best mix of scenery and relaxation, often in unique and sometimes underrated spots that make every trip special.
Whether you’re hiking the best trails in the White Mountains, exploring the unique coastal charm of Portsmouth, or discovering the underrated beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire has something for every traveler. That’s why it’s consistently ranked among the best places for weekend trips in New England, and why so many of its destinations have become my favorite escapes.
The best part is the variety: scenic drives, historic villages, and outdoor adventures. Think autumn days with the best foliage, unique skiing trips in winter, and underrated lakeside getaways in the summer. These details are what make New Hampshire’s weekend getaways both unique and some of the best in the Northeast.
With most destinations just a few hours from Boston or Portland, it’s easy to plan the best kind of stress-free weekend trip. Whether you’re after relaxation, outdoor fun, or a little of both, New Hampshire offers the best settings for a memorable getaway.
Which New Hampshire escape will you choose? If you’re searching for the best mix of charm, scenery, and adventure, these weekend getaways deliver. They’re not just trips, they’re the best, sometimes underrated, always unique, and forever some of my favorite escapes in New England.
Best Weekend Getaways in New Hampshire:
Historic charm at Omni Bretton Arms Inn - 2 hours 15 minutes from Portland, Maine
We drove from Boston 2.5 hours north into the White Mountains, arriving at tiny Bretton Woods, an unincorporated village within the town of Carroll (population under 1,000). History runs deep here, it’s where the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference created the World Bank and IMF.
Tucked into the White Mountains, the Omni Bretton Arms Inn felt like an old soul, quiet, warm, and steeped in grace. We arrived just as the sun dipped behind Mount Washington, casting everything in gold.
Nestled on the grounds of the iconic Omni Mount Washington Resort, this elegant retreat offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere while still giving you access to all the luxuries of a grand resort.
I admired the inn’s Victorian charm, the wraparound porch, classic architecture, and beautifully manicured grounds instantly transported me to another time.
Inside, the inn has a warm and inviting feel, with antique accents, period details, and cozy sitting rooms that capture the essence of a bygone era.
My guest room was charming and comfortable, with plush bedding, elegant furnishings, and windows that framed the stunning mountain scenery.
I especially loved curling up by the fireplace in the lounge with a glass of wine after a day of exploring, it felt like the perfect balance of history and relaxation.
Breakfast at the Bretton Arms was one of my favorite parts of the stay. The menu combines refined New England flavors with hearty, comforting dishes that made each morning special.
For me, the Omni Bretton Arms Inn is the best of both worlds: historic charm paired with modern luxury. It’s a timeless romantic escape that feels both intimate and grand.
To book, check availability or prices for Omni Bretton Arms Inn.
What I loved best:
And while the inn itself feels peaceful and private, I loved that I could still enjoy resort amenities such as the spa, golf course, and outdoor adventures, just a short walk away.
Whimsical comfort at The Christmas Farm Inn & Spa - 3 hours from Boston
We drove about 3 hours north from Boston into Jackson, a storybook New England village of just over 1,000 people tucked in the White Mountains. Known for its red-covered Honeymoon Bridge (built in 1876), Jackson feels frozen in time. I explored the small downtown, admired and took in the historic Jackson Falls, a series of cascades right in the middle of town.
Even in the off-season, The Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in Jackson made everything feel festive. Maybe it was the fairy lights strung across the beams, or the scent of pine and cinnamon in the air, but I couldn’t stop smiling.
The Christmas Farm Inn & Spa is one of my favorite hidden gems in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and I think it’s one of the most underrated romantic escapes in New England.
Tucked into the storybook village of Jackson, this historic inn has been welcoming guests for over 200 years, and it radiates the kind of charm that makes you instantly feel at home.
From the moment I pulled up to the red-painted farmhouse and saw the white steeple church across the road, I felt like I had stepped into a classic New England postcard.
Inside, the inn balances history with comfort. Guest rooms and cottages are warm, cozy, and unique, some with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and rustic beams that make the spaces feel especially romantic.
My favorite part was staying in a room with mountain views; waking up to the sight of snowy peaks in winter or lush greenery in summer was unforgettable.
I also loved the hearty breakfasts and dinners at the inn’s restaurant, where classic New England dishes are served with warmth and care.
What makes The Christmas Farm Inn & Spa even better is its location. Just minutes from hiking trails, waterfalls, and ski slopes, it offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
For me, this inn is a true year-round romantic escape, a historic, cozy, and welcoming gem.
To book, check availability or prices for The Christmas Farm Inn & Spa.
What I loved best:
The on-site spa is a true highlight. After a day of hiking, skiing, or exploring covered bridges, indulging in a massage or soaking in the steam room felt like pure bliss.
Peaceful countryside at Chesterfield Inn
We drove just about an hour west from Keene, NH, into West Chesterfield, a village of around 3,000 people on the Connecticut River. The area blends quiet countryside with quirky history, I explored the ruins at Madame Sherri’s Forest, where a 1920s stone staircase stands alone in the woods. Then we checked out the rugged cliffs of Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area.
Chesterfield Inn felt like we were stepping into a dream where the only sounds were wind, birds, and the clinking of silverware on ceramic.
Nestled between the Connecticut River and the rolling hills of the Monadnock region, this country inn has white farmhouse exterior, sweeping lawns, and peaceful gardens.
Inside, the inn radiates warmth. Each guest room is uniquely styled, with touches like four-poster beds, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies.
Dining at the inn is another highlight. The on-site restaurant serves inventive, locally inspired dishes in a candlelit setting, making dinner feel like a special occasion every night. Breakfast, with homemade pastries and hearty New England classics, set the tone for relaxed, lingering mornings.
What makes the Chesterfield Inn especially appealing is its location. Just minutes from Keene and Brattleboro, you can explore charming downtowns, antique shops, and hiking trails by day, then retreat back to the inn’s quiet countryside comfort by night.
For me, the Chesterfield Inn is the perfect mix of historic charm, modern comfort, and romance. It’s a true New Hampshire gem I’d recommend for anyone seeking a peaceful, memorable getaway.
To book, check availability or prices for Chesterfield Inn .
What I loved best:
My room had big windows that framed the surrounding countryside, and waking up to that view with a cup of coffee in hand quickly became my favorite ritual. It was cozy, romantic, and serene all at once.
Colonial romance at Inn by the Bandstand - 1 hour from Boston
We drove about an hour north from Boston to Exeter, a historic New England town of roughly 16,000 people. Founded in 1638, Exeter was once the capital of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War. I walked around its brick-lined downtown, toured the American Independence Museum in a 1721 home, and strolled past the Georgian and Federal-era houses along Water Street
In the heart of Exeter, Inn By The Bandstand brought history to life. Our suite had four-poster beds, gilded mirrors, and the kind of wallpaper you only see in stories. But nothing felt stuffy, just well loved.
The Inn by the Bandstand is one of my favorite boutique inns in New Hampshire. I think it’s one of the most underrated romantic getaways in New England.
Tucked right in the heart of Exeter, this historic 1809 mansion has been beautifully transformed into an elegant and intimate inn that feels both timeless and welcoming.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by its stately architecture, charming location by the town’s iconic bandstand, and the warm hospitality that made me feel instantly at home.
Inside, the inn is a perfect blend of history and luxury. Each room is individually decorated with period antiques, fine art, and plush linens, creating a sense of romance and sophistication.
My room had a grand canopy bed, a cozy sitting area, and a spa-like bathroom, details that made my stay feel both indulgent and deeply personal.
I also loved the inn’s connection to local art and culture, its curated décor and thoughtful design made it feel like more than just a place to sleep.
The location is another highlight. Being in downtown Exeter meant I could stroll to charming shops, cafés, and galleries, all while enjoying the historic beauty of the town.
To book, check availability or prices for Inn By The Bandstand.
What I loved best:
Breakfast was one of my favorite parts of the experience. Served in a sunlit dining room, it felt refined yet relaxed, with seasonal ingredients and creative touches that made every morning special.
Lakeside warmth at Squam Lake Inn
We drove about 2 hours north from Boston to Holderness, a tiny village of just over 2,000 people nestled on the shores of Squam Lake. Known for its old summer camps and lakefront cottages, Squam gained fame as the filming location for the 1981 movie On Golden Pond.
I visited the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, strolled on the historic village green, and admired views of the foothills of the White Mountains.
Squam Lake Inn was the kind of place where you instantly breathe deeper. Tucked near the water with pine trees all around, it made every moment feel like a retreat.
This historic farmhouse, lovingly transformed into a boutique inn, has a way of making you slow down and savor the simple pleasures.
From the moment I stepped onto the wraparound porch, framed with blooming flowers and rocking chairs, I knew this was the kind of place designed for rest, romance, and a little indulgence.
Each guest room is unique, with its own cozy personality. I loved the crisp linens, soft lighting, and rustic-meets-modern décor that made my space feel both stylish and welcoming.
The thoughtful touches like eco-friendly bath products and locally inspired artwork, added to the sense that this was more than just a room, but a carefully crafted experience.
Dinner at the inn’s own Kitchen + Bar was a highlight of my stay. With creative menus built around fresh, local ingredients, it felt like a true farm-to-table celebration of New Hampshire flavors. Sharing a cocktail and lingering over dinner in such a warm setting was one of my favorite moments of the trip.
Squam Lake Inn is the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, an intimate lakeside gem I’ll always recommend for a romantic getaway.
To book, check availability or prices for Squam Lake Inn.
What I loved best:
The location couldn’t be better. Just minutes from the lake itself, I spent my days kayaking, hiking nearby trails, and soaking in the serene natural beauty of the area. Returning to the inn each evening felt like coming home.
Mountain luxury at White Mountain Hotel and Resort
We drove about 3 hours north from Boston to North Conway, a lively village of about 2,300 people in the Mount Washington Valley. Once a 19th-century resort town, North Conway still shows its historic character with the 1895 Conway Scenic Railroad Station and classic New England storefronts. I browsed Main Street’s shops, stepped inside the Eastern Slope Inn (built in 1937), and capped the evening with a slow walk through Schouler Park, framed by mountain views.
With the cliffs of Echo Lake State Park just beyond the windows, the White Mountain Hotel and Resort felt like a true alpine escape.
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and sweeping mountain views, the White Mountain Hotel & Resort feels like a retreat carved right into the heart of New Hampshire’s most scenic landscape.
Just minutes from North Conway, this resort combines classic New England hospitality with resort-style amenities, making it an ideal spot for a romantic weekend or a peaceful escape into nature.
The rooms are comfortable and inviting, many with stunning views of the Presidential Range. Waking up to that scenery was unforgettable, and it set the tone for days filled with both adventure and relaxation.
I loved the balance here, you can head out to explore nearby hiking trails, waterfalls, or charming Conway Village, and then return to the resort for spa treatments, cocktails, or a dip in the heated outdoor pool with panoramic views.
Dining at the resort’s on-site restaurant was another highlight. The menu features a mix of classic New England flavors and refined dishes, and enjoying dinner while looking out at the mountains felt truly special. Even breakfast here had a way of making the mornings linger a little longer.
What stood out most to me was how the resort feels both expansive and intimate. It offers the amenities of a full resort but still retains that personal, cozy New England feel.
To book, check availability or prices for White Mountain Hotel and Resort.
What I loved best:
From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the setting, the mountains seem to wrap around the property, creating a private, breathtaking backdrop.
Conclusion
By the end of the weekend, I didn’t feel like I’d escaped anything, I felt like I’d reconnected. With nature. With quiet. With us. Whether we were sipping cider by a fire or walking hand-in-hand through a covered bridge, New Hampshire gave us space to be present. And that, more than anything, is what I’ll remember when the days start to feel too fast again.
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how New Hampshire gives you the best of everything, Portsmouth’s seaside charm, the unique adventure of the White Mountains, the underrated tranquility of Lake Winnipesaukee, and the peaceful beauty of the Monadnock Region. Each feels special and has quickly become one of my favorite weekend memories.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
