Day Trips from the Lakes Region

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Posted Monday, Mar 11, 2019

One unique aspect of the Lakes Region is its close proximity to large cities. This provides the best of both worlds for Lakes Region locals, second homeowners and seasonal visitors. In addition to people being able to enjoy ALLthat the Lakes Region has to offer, they also have the convenient opportunity to take day trips to some of the best cities in New England.

Whether you’re a local seeking an exciting day trip, new to the area or visiting from afar and attempting to experience as much of New England as possible, here are all of the amazing places that you can visit from the Lakes Region in just a couple of hours or less.

Boston, Massachusetts

Approximately a 2 hour drive from the Lakes Region

Image: bostonmagazine.com

Boston is a city know for its rich history, sports teams, educational institutions, culture and more. There are a wide variety of activities and experiences for people to enjoy while visiting Boston. If you're not able to do everything that you want to in one day, it's close enough that you can go back anytime you want. Here are some of the things we like to do when we visit Boston.

Visit Harvard

Harvard is one of the oldest and most respected Ivy League universities in the country and is fascinating to visit. Visitors can take various tours of the campus, visit one of the several museums on campus, or partake in exciting daily eventsoffered by the university. If anything, just go to walk around the campus and admire the architecture of Harvard, it's stunning!

Visit the Boston's Children Museum

The Boston Children's Museum is one of the most well known museums in the world. The private, non-profit educational institution features exhibits focused on science, culture, environmental awareness and more. The museum also offers program and activities that address everything from math and science to literacy. Check out their daily events.

Visit The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a unique Boston Experience. Visitors can walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail, which is a 2.5 mile red line with 16 nationally significant historic sites on its path. There are a variety of tours to choose from depending on your preferences.

Visit Fenway Park

Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox. Visitors can tour the ballpark or catch a game.

Kittery, Maine

Approximately a 1 hour 20 minute drive from the Lakes Region

Image: mainguide.com

Known as "The Gateway to Maine", Kittery is a popular tourist destination in the summers. Kittery is a great day trip from the Lakes Region. Here are some of the things that we like to do when we go to Kittery.

Visit The Kittery Trading Post

The Kittery Trading Post has been at its location since 1938 and over the years, has become a popular tourist attraction. There are three levels to the store full of everything from clothes, to sports equipment and games.

Visit Fort McClary

Visit the the Fort McClary site and its museum at its beautiful location to learn about interesting facts pertaining to five past wars, including the Revolutionary War.

Visit the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum

Learn all about the interesting history of Kittery at this museum.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Approximately a 1 hour 20 minute drive from the Lakes Region

Image: portsmouthnh.com

Portsmouth is across the river from Kittery, yet has its own uniqueness worth experiencing. Here are some things that we like to do while we're in Portsmouth.

Visit The Strawbery Bank Museum

The Strawbery Bank museum is an outdoor history musucem located in downtown Portsmouth. The 10 acre property is open for guests to explore historic houses (including the oldest house in New Hampshire), gardensand more.

Vist Prescott Park

Prescott park is a gorgeous waterfront park in downtown Portsmouth. The park is also known for The Prescott Park Arts Festival, which hosts exciting eventsfor music, theater and more.

Vist the U.S.S. Albacore

Originally built in Portsmouth, the U.S.S. Albacore was a research submarine used by the Navy for approximately 20 years. Take a self guided tour of the submarine and visit the museum to learn about this fascinating piece of history.

Eat Food and Walk Around Downtown

Downtown Portsmouth offers amazing restaurants and shops. We recommend exploring!

Portland, Maine

Approximately a 1 hour 45 minute drive from the Lakes Region

Image: visitportland.com

Portland offers everything from scenic views and beaches, to great food and art. Here are some things that we like to do when we visit Portland.

Visit the Portland Head Lighthouse and Fort Williams Park

Chances are, you've seen this lighthouseon a calendar before. It's one of New England's most popular lighthouses for a reason, it's stunning! The grounds of Fort Williams Parkoffers 90 acres of recreational space and makes for a wonderful place to have a picnic, take walks and more. Its location at Cape Elizabeth is beautiful and definitely worth seeing.

Visit the Portland Museum of Art

Located in the heart of downtown, The Portland Museum of Art features nationally recognized, extensive art collections from around the world. Click hereto check out some of their current collections and click hereto check out their current and upcoming exhibitions.

Eat

Portland is known to have some of the best food in the country.

Visit the Portland Observatory

The Portland Observatory is a great place to take in incredible views and learn about the last remaining signal station in the U.S.

Walk around Downtown

Downtown Portland is full of great shops that are fun to explore.

Manchester, NH

Approximately a 1 hour 30 minute drive from the Lakes Region

Image: visitnh.gov

Manchester is the most populous city in Northern New England and is known for its higher education and growing industries. Here are some places that we like to do when we visit Manchester.