Blazing sunsets reflected in crystal waters. Flavors worth driving for. Refreshing natural scenery and warm summer air rich with possibilities. You’ll find all this and more just an hour’s drive north of Boston. So when you’ve had your fill of the fan zone frenzy and want to explore beyond the city between matches, look north to New Hampshire.

Summer by the sea 

Just 53 miles north of Boston, New Hampshire’s seacoast unfolds where the scent of fried dough and sea salt drifts through the air along Ocean Boulevard, leading you toward the cobblestone streets and walkable charm of Portsmouth. A small city known for its density of restaurants serving mouthwatering cuisine, it’s the perfect escape on a warm summer evening to wander under the soft glow of street lanterns. Here, water-based adventures take center stage, where you can glide into the sunset on an evening cruise aboard the M/V Heritage, paddleboard under moonlit skies on a harbor glow tour, or spend the day island-hopping with the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. 

Flavors worth the drive  

Head inland to central New Hampshire and tap into the region’s rich local flavors, where craft breweries keep their taps primed for your next pour and farm-to-table restaurants highlight fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that turn familiar favorites into something distinctively New Hampshire. Follow along the NH Ice Cream Trail for sweet stops to punctuate the day’s adventures, where you’re bound to discover new favorite flavors along the way. 

Sunsets and sapphire lakes 

Another hour north and you’ll find hundreds of glistening bodies of water pooled across New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Where winding roads slow your pace, affording the time to gaze at Lake Winnipesaukee’s sapphire waters alive with jet skis, canoes, kayaks, and speedboats — all within easy reach for anyone wanting time on the big lake. Meanwhile, Gunstock Mountain lures you off shore to feel the wind in your hair on a high-flying zipline, aerial adventure course, or mountain coaster with unforgettable views to match. The M/S Mount Washington cruises the state’s largest lake every afternoon and evening, as the Sophie C. mailboat makes her daily passenger sail to deliver mail to the island residents of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Beyond the big lake, you’ll find treasures to explore like the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, where the live animal exhibit trail showcases wild coyotes, mountain lions, and native wildlife in their own natural habitat. You can even cruise with a naturalist on nearby Squam Lake to learn the rich natural history of the waterbody as you scout for Bald Eagles and view their nesting sites. 

Fresh mountain air 

For those seeking a true escape to nature, Waterville Valley — a hidden gem tucked in the White Mountains and just a two-hour drive from Boston — offers a refreshing summer retreat. Spend warm days swimming or paddling on Corcoran Pond, exploring miles of hiking and biking trails, browsing the charming town square, or diving into a variety of outdoor activities that make the valley feel like your own private getaway. 

Start planning your getaway to New Hampshire today at visitnh.gov.