Attractions Nearby Concord, Day Trips and Excursions

(Concord, New Hampshire - NH, USA)

The state capital, Concord, is well-placed for those planning to explore the towns and attractions of southern New Hampshire. Many possible day trips present themselves in all directions, thanks to the comprehensive network of highways and interstates. Nature abounds within the Lakes Region and the White Mountains, while for something altogether more urban, numerous towns and cities can be reached by road.

Interstate I-93 heads southwards to the neighboring New Hampshire city of Manchester, which can be reached in approximately 30 minutes and is home to a highly developed cultural scene. Manchester is therefore an extremely popular excursion for visitors staying in Concord, with some of its principal attractions including the Currier Art Museum, the Millyard Museum and the Palace Theater.

For something a little more lively and exciting, take a drive northwards along Interstate I-393 and Highway US-106 (the Rocky Pond Road) to Loudon, possibly stopping off at the Taylor State Forest or the Soucook River State Forest along the way. The reason that day trips to Loudon are so popular is that this is where you will find the New Hampshire International Speedway. Annual NASCAR racing and the IndyCar weekend are certainly major draw cards for the speedway.

General Information

As well as heading southwards, Interstate I-93 (Styles Bridges Highway) also runs in a northerly direction, connecting Concord to attractions such as Contoocook Park, Penacook, Boscawen and the Merrimack River State Forest, in that order.

A little further north is the tiny New Hampshire city of Franklin, which sits at the confluence of the Pemigewasset River and the Winnipesaukee River. Franklin was settled in the 1760s and this area therefore boasts a number of historical attractions, such as the Daniel Webster Birthplace State Historic Site.

If you have a whole day spare and want to immerse yourself in the past, then consider an excursion to the cultural city of Boston, Massachusetts. From Concord, the attractions of Boston are surprisingly close, being less than 70 miles / 113 km away and reached by simply following Interstate-93 all the way.

If you are staying in Concord and planning a day trip to Boston, then do pencil in a good half-day to stroll along the Freedom Trail, sightseeing along the way and passing by landmarks such as the State House, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, the Bunker Hill Monument and the USS Constitution. An early start to the day is recommended, so that you make the most of your time in this harborside metropolis.