Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Center Harbor, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine
Center Harbor, NH - The small picturesque town of Center Harbor, New Hampshire is a perfect place to start a road trip through the scenic countryside of northern New England. The town offers several attractions for visitors, including the Center Harbor Historical Society Museum and one of the most photographed spots in the state, the Moultonborough Bay Gazebo. After enjoying the beautiful sites of Center Harbor, the halfway point of this road trip, visitors can venture to Portland, Maine and explore all the town has to offer.
Cornish, ME - Cornish, Maine is the halfway point of this scenic road trip that spans about 70 miles between Center Harbor, NH and Portland, ME. This small town offers a perfect place to stop for a break and indulge in its charming country atmosphere. One of the must-see attractions is the Cornish Winery and Vineyard, which offers locals and visitors the chance to taste delicious wine made with local in-season fruits.
Top 5 Things to do on a Road Trip from Center Harbor, NH to Portland, ME
1. Old Orchard Beach, ME
Old Orchard Beach is one of the most popular coastal destinations in Maine, offering a seven-mile stretch of sandy beach, an amusement park, and a variety of activities. The town's iconic Pier is a must-see attraction offering an arcade, a Ferris wheel, and mouth-watering seafood. Visitors can take a stroll along the Pier and enjoy the sunset, grab a lobster roll from Pier French Fries, or simply enjoy a classic game of skee ball in the arcade.
Fun Fact: The Old Orchard Beach Pier is over 100 years old and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
2. White Mountain National Forest, NH
The White Mountain National Forest is a breathtakingly beautiful landscape covering 800,000 acres in New Hampshire. The scenic drive through the forest features mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, and stunning views that take visitors back to nature. The forest also offers more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife watching opportunities.
Fun Fact: Mount Washington, the highest peak of the White Mountains, is home to some of the world's most extreme weather conditions ever recorded.
3. Kittery, ME
The town of Kittery, Maine, located just a few miles from Portsmouth, NH, offers visitors a chance to explore the history of the town and indulge in shopping for antique treasures and modern-day outlets. The town's main attraction is the Kittery Premium Outlets, featuring over 120 shops offering discounted prices on designer brands.
Fun Fact: Kittery, Maine is known as "The Gateway to Maine" and is one of the areas where early settlements were established in the 1600s.
4. Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a charming small city offering visitors a glimpse into the area's colonial history and contemporary culture. Visitors can explore the Strawbery Banke Museum, featuring an outdoor living history museum with restored buildings, gardens, and exhibits, celebrating over 400 years of history. Besides strolling around the local town, visitors can take a relaxing boat tour along the Piscataqua River to discover some of the hidden gems in the surrounding area.
Fun Fact: Portsmouth, NH was one of the busiest ports in colonial America and was established in 1653.
5. Fort McClary State Park, ME
Fort McClary State Park is a must-visit location while on a road trip to Portland, ME. The historic fort, dating from 1689, played a critical role in defending the area from invasion during the French and Indian Wars and the American Revolution. The fort's museum and interpretive center allow visitors to imagine what life was like for soldiers and the area's Colonial-era settlers. The park also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Piscataqua River.
Fun Fact: Fort McClary State Park is one of the oldest forts in the United States.
Conclusion
The road trip from Center Harbor, NH to Portland, ME is a perfect way to explore and experience the beauty of New England's coastal region. Visitors can take their time, explore the five destinations above to see some of the most iconic attractions of this region. The whole journey spans about 70 miles and can take around 2 hours. However, with the stunning views and beautiful attractions along the way, visitors should plan to spend the day enjoying the trip.