5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Manchester, My Favorite Included

New Hampshire is one of the smaller states in the United States, and that's part of what makes it such a charming spot to visit. Everything about the place feels quaint and relaxing, with even the biggest cities boasting lots of laid-back charm. It also means that if you're sticking to the state for your vacation, there's probably nowhere in the Granite State that you can't get to with relative ease. Manchester, the state's largest city, is roughly central and is the perfect home base to explore everything New Hampshire has to offer. The best day trips near Manchester, New Hampshire, let you explore vintage railroads, dense state parks, stunning mountain resorts, charming beach towns, and even an acclaimed amusement park. None of them are more than two hours from your home base, making New Hampshire the perfect place to discover hidden gems that help to make this state a little slice of heaven.

1. Franconia Notch State Park (Lincoln)

For a relatively small state, New Hampshire is jam-packed with nature destinations, with a whopping 93 state park properties. You could spend weeks here exploring them, but if you have to pick one, Franconia Notch State Park is among the best, and it's located a little over an hour outside of Manchester. With 48 hiking trails and a cable car offering an incredible view, it's easy to see why Robert Frost once had a home here.

2. Hampton Beach (Hampton)

As a New Jersey resident, I'm a sucker for a good beach boardwalk. Hampton Beach is located in Hampton, just over half an hour outside of Manchester, and it's a great spot for a summer vacation. The water here is beautiful, and the surrounding beach town is packed with great food, quirky attractions like arcades, and plenty of waterfront walking paths.

3. Gunstock Mountain Resort (Gilford)

It's no surprise that New Hampshire is an amazing spot for ski resorts, but it's rare to see one that's open year-round. During the winter, Gunstock Mountain Resort is packed with skiers and tubers testing their courage on the slopes. During the warmer seasons, it's an amazing spot for hiking and ziplining, with some incredible views and great on-site dining, less than an hour from Manchester.

4. Mount Washington Cog Railroad (Mount Washington)

I love a good vintage railroad, and the seasonal rail trip at Mount Washington Cog Railroad is one of the best I've encountered. Just under two hours away from Manchester, this heritage railroad takes you on a steep trip past the western side of Mount Washington. In fact, it's the second steepest railroad in the world! You'll have an hour of free time to explore the mountain before your return voyage. This is a must-do adventure for both nature-lovers and trail buffs.

5. Santa's Village (Jefferson)

One of the main reasons I travel is to visit regional theme parks, and I haven't been as surprised by one in a long time like I was by Santa's Village. This tiny park in Jefferson, around two hours outside of Manchester, is themed to the North Pole and offers encounters with classic Christmas characters. You can meet Santa, help Ebenezer Scrooge fend off some Christmas humbugs, or take a thrilling roller coaster ride with reindeer. The park limits entry daily to ensure crowds don't get overwhelming, so every day is a good day to visit.

Have you taken any of these unique day trips near Manchester, New Hampshire yet? If not, tell your favorite travel buddy about this article and see which ones will turn your next trip into a vacation to remember! If you plan to make New Hampshire your home base, The Grand at the Bedford Village Inn is a fantastic luxury hotel with retro charm and on-site dining.