Road Trip

5 min read

New York to New Hampshire: New England Road Trip!

Embark on a scenic New York to New Hampshire road trip! Explore vibrant NYC before hitting the coast to quaint New England towns & tasting local delights.

Tobi Miles
July 1, 2022

New York City Is vibrant, bustling city, a true melting pot for culture! After exploring its sights & attractions its the perfect launching pad for an epic road trip.

According to the US Institute for Economics and PeaceNew Hampshire ranks Number. 3 in the “Safest States to Live”, just behind its New England Neighbors Maine & Vermont!

So if your looking for a quaint, relaxing and astoundingly beautiful road trip then a visit to New Hampshire is ideal!

On a road trip to New Hampshire you will take the Atlantic coast stopping at a variety of places form New Haven to Providence & even Boston if you wish to experience a different city!

Those which don't mind a little detour can even visit the prestigious Marthas Vineyard and even Cape cod!

If that's not enough, when you arrive in New Hampshire you should try their mouth watering local foods from Apple Cider Donuts to sticky Maple Syrup and of course clam chowder!


delish-apple-cider-donuts-new hampshire. Ideal road trip snack!

New Hampshire is also the home/former home to many comedians from Adam Sandler to Seth Myers and even Sarah Silverman!

Thus smiles are standard in this part of the USA!

So Start your engines, wind down the windows and lets hit the road!

How long will a road trip take from New York to New Hampshire?

Driving direct between New York City and Portsmouth, New Hampshire will take you approximately 4hrs and 30 minutes. Via I-95.

You will cover 263miles, this makes it ideal for a weekend escape or long day trip!

Of course you can also carry on the journey to quaint cities such as Manchester, New Hampshire!


NYC to New Hampshire Road Trip

Best driving route between New York & New Hampshire?

Route 1: Fastest (Not as Scenic)

There are a variety of driving routes you can take to New Hampshire from New York. If you wish to drive direct you can take the I-95 then the I-91 at New Hampshire, which is the fastest but not the most scenic.

Route 2: Scenic Detour

If you have a little longer then take the I-95 and stick to it via Rhode Island, Providence and of course the beautiful atlantic coast.

Where you get close to Boston you can choose whether to swerve around it to avoid the traffic or delve into the city to experience all it has to offer.


chocoura-lake-New Hampshire

Route 3: Road Trip loop via Niagara falls!

If your feeling really adventurous and have a few more days, you should definitely consider a road trip loop via Niagara Falls!

Continue the journey past Manchester, New Hampshire before heading through Albany, Cooperstown and the beautiful Finger Lakes Region!

Continue the drive on till Niagara Falls before looping back around.


Finger Lakes New York

All three routes are outlined in our Interactive map below!

New York to New Hampshire: Road Trip Map

Dive into our Interactive Map below!

User guide: Use the +/- buttons to zoom in and out of the attractions.

Top Tip: Many visitors choose to share the post on Facebook to inspire friends and help plan their road trip.

Hit the link below to share!


New York to New Hampshire: Road Trip Itinerary

  1. New York City
  2. New Haven, CT
  3. Providence, RI
  4. Marthas Island - Optional
  5. Cape Cod - Optional
  6. Nantucket - Optional
  7. Boston, MA - City Stop or detour around it.
  8. Portsmouth, NH
  9. Concord, NH
  10. Manchester, NH


New Hampshire in the winter

Road Trip Loop:

  1. Ostego County, NY
  2. Finger Lakes, NY
  3. Niagara Falls, NY

Road Trip Highlights:

A. New Haven, CT

New Haven, CT is definitely one of the most underrated cities in the USA and definitely in New England. The town has a great culture, history and even a thriving culinary scene!

Top 5 Things to do?

5. Yale University – FREE TOURS!

Take a Free tour of the historic campus, Yale has educated some of the most powerful and prominent figures in the United States. These include:

  • George W Bush
  • Meryl Streep
  • Sigourney Weaver
  • James Franco


yale-university-1604159_640

4. Visit the Peabody Museum of New Haven

Peabody Museum of Natural History  includes, the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, Egyptian antiquities and a hands-on Discovery Room. This place is great for families.

Insider Tip:

Visit on a Thursday afternoon when admission is by pay-as-you-wish donation

3. Rope Adventure Park

With the family? Have some Adventurers should at the LARGEST rope adventure park in the world! This is a great place for kids and adrenaline junkies it includes a plethora of zip lines, rope birdges, and climbing walls.

2. East Rock Park

Check out the epic views of New Haven from East Rock Park. You can drive right up to the summit and take in the breath taking scenery. This is especially beautiful during the fall.


New Haven Connecticut. Source: Getty Images

1. Take part in the Pizza wars!

In 1925, an Italian immigrant named Frank Pepe created New Haven’s signature style of pizza, with the thin-crust, coal oven–baked tomato pie topped sprinkled with grated cheese.

Since then his pizzeria is still going strong Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Havens, Wooster Square Italian neighborhood.

You should also try their rival Sally’s Apizza, founded in 1938,  this pizzeria was owned by the same family for nearly 80 years!

B. Providence, RI

Drive along Benefit Street the most famous street in Rhode Island!

Founded back in 1636, Providence is one of the most historic cities in the USA and benefit street is the one mile of history to prove it!


Providence, RI

This is the perfect place to park up and take a stroll past the historic Victorian homes and federal mansions such as  John Brown House,.

Other National Historic Landmarks include Governor Stephen Hopkins House.

C. Cape Cod, MA - Optional

From Cape Cods beautiful beaches to its National Seashore & quaint beach town Chatham, there is something for everyone.

Top 4 Things to do at Cape Cod:

1. Relax on Cape Cods Beaches

2. Visit Cape Cods Lighthouses

3. Be awestruck by the Pilgrims Monument

4. Go Whale Watching at Cape Cod


Cape Cod Road Trip Itinerary

Best Tours in Cape Cod?

If you would prefer to have all the best places organised for you to save you any stress, check out the list of my favorite tours in Cape Cod

From day trips, private tours to kayak explorer adventures, HERE

Where to Stay in Cape Cod?

For a full list of my recommended places to stay in Cape Cod, Follow this link HERE

For our full Cape Cod Road Trip Itinerary, check out: New York to Cape Cod Road Trip Itinerary: Weekend Escape!

D. Martha’s Vineyard -- Optional

Martha’s Vineyard is the largest island of Massachusetts and lies just south of cape cod.

The Obamas recently purchased a Mansion here for $14.85 million from Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck….so it must be a nice place!


Marthas Vineyard Massachusetts USA Oak Bluffs Cottages Road Trip. Source: KenWiedemann/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Marthas Vineyard is famed for it’s quaint lighthouses, Idyllic scenery, beaches & gothic cottages in Oak Bluff. Here are the top things to do there.

  • Check out Gingerbread Houses of Oak Bluff.
  • Take a ride on the Iconic Flying Horse Carousel.
  • Greet the Island Alpacas.
  • Visit the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Check out Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse.
  • Eat at Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Café & Bakery.


Edgartown Lighthouse. marthas vineyard

How to get to Marthas Vineyard?

Marthas Vineyard can only be reached by boat or air. Take the 30 minute drive from Newport to Quonset Point. From there you can catch the Vineyard fast ferry, to Marthas Vineyard.

Where to stay at Marthas Vineyard?

Marthas Vineyard can be quite expensive to stay, so depending upon your budget either take the ferry back or check out this list of recommended accommodation.

Mansion House Inn on Martha’s Vineyard or the Harbor view hotel are both favorites to stay.

E. Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is an historic harbor city known for its waterfront scenery, great food, atmosphere and even tax free shopping!

Top 4 Things in Portsmouth?

4. Portsmouth Harbor

Portsmouth is perched in a ideal location overlooking the mouth of the stunning Piscataqua River, which divides New Hampshire & Maine.

Take a stroll along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, which covers over 70 historic sites and gives you a real insight into the local culture.

3. Tax FREE Shopping!

Head to Downtown Portsmouth where you will find a plethora of charming boutiques & local shops. Take a stroll down Congress Street and the little side street where you will find everything from art & clothing to antiques and jewellery.

Market Square in central downtown offers many local walking tours. Explore the 17th century buildings and check out Tugboat Alley which offers many traditional nautical gifts and collectables.

The Book and Bar is the Old Custom House, which now offers a relaxed, no-tech atmosphere with a wide selection of used books and a cafe. Oh and did i mention…No sales tax!

2. Incredible Local foods!

From Casual treats to fine dining Portsmouth has alot to offer. For the laid back foodie head to  Lexie’s Joint  which offers a  make-your-own burger option!

If you just want something quick for the road check out, Friendly Toast. It is located on Congress Street & is a family-friendly restaurant which serves breakfast all day and a  selection of  mouth watering dishes and sandwiches to go.

For something a even more eastern, head to Shio a classic Japanese restaurant with great sushi.

Insider Tip:

You can also take guided tours of this trail or even hop on board one of the daily Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, which offer narrated tours about the local wildlife, folklore, and history of the waterways.

1. Visit Whaleback Light

Whaleback Light is an historic lighthouse constructed in 1872.

This lighthouse punctuates the mouth of the Piscataqua River between New Castle, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine.

It stands proud at 75 feet tall on a rocky outcrop offshore southwest of Fort Foster.

For more on New Englands beautiful lighthouses check out: Ultimate Maine Lighthouse Road Trip

Where to stay in Portsmouth?

For a special selection of our recommended Hotels in Portsmouth including a comparison of the best rates, follow the link HERE.


New Hampshire is a real showcase of nature! From Beautiful waterfalls to lakes & forests.

If you plan on carrying on the road trip to Niagara Falls, Coopertown and  the Finger Lakes Region then check out:

New York City to Niagara falls Road trip!

5 Essential Road Trip Tips:

(You HAVE to know before planning!)

5. Book Your Hotels in Advance!

To avoid having to drive around looking for hotels when your tired (My wife hates this!)

& to get the best prices, Check out our: How to find the Best Hotel Deals??


Jefferson Hotel Richmond Virginia

4. Get the Best deal on Car Rental

For some vital tips to know before renting a car & to get the best deals check out, Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!


car rental travel hacks

3. Need an RV?

If you fancy an RV adventure, you have to check RV Share

It’s an RV share platform, like airbnb where you can rent someones RV at a fraction of cost compared to normal!


Bring your RV to Tiden Park.

2. Bring a Great Travel Camera!

Want to capture those vacation memories? For friends, Facebook or even Instagram!

A phone just doesn’t compare with a high quality travel camera, they are well worth the investment!

Check out our Recommended Travel Photography Gear


Make sure you are equip with some great Photography Gear![/caption]

1. Need Help Planning!?

Do you find planning a trip time consuming and stressful?

An organised tour or vacation could be a great option for you!

They organize Flights, Hotels, Car Rental, Activities and much more!

With expert local travel knowledge & bespoke vacation planning you can’t go wrong.

Check out our reviews here: Which are the Best travel Tours?


Orlando Tours

Tobi Miles
Article updated:
March 28, 2024
A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.
Find me on Twitter

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