Springtime and summertime in New Hampshire are perfect for getting outdoors – even during meal times. But outdoor dining doesn’t have to mean big price tags and fancy restaurants. It can be as easy as packing a few PB&Js, a blanket or sheet, and heading out into the wilderness for a truly unforgettable picnic in New Hampshire.
- Prescott Park, Portsmouth
In Awe of God’s Creation/flickr Prescott Park combines man-made beauty (absolutely stunning gardens) with natural beauty (views over Portsmouth Harbor). The result is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, surrounded by the sites and sounds of seaside New Hampshire.
- Garvins Falls Dam, Concord
PSNH/flickr This dam on the Merrimack River has a picnic area that is popular with fishermen. Despite being in the big city and close to interstate 93 and route 3, Garvins Falls Dam is the perfect place to sneak in a dose of nature.
- Massabesic Lake, Manchester
HuTDoG83/flickr Massabesic Lake, which provides the drinking water to Manchester is a popular hiking spot. However, because there are miles and miles of shoreline and trails, it’s easy to find a secluded spot for a private picnic.
- Crawford Notch, Hart’s Location
Jasperdo/flickr This is a popular spot, but once you’re here you’ll understand why. The waterfront location and beautiful views of the White Mountains make it a perfect place to enjoy a picnic.
- Wildcat Falls, Jackson
Mike Freedman/flickr Also known as Jackson falls, these bubbling waterfalls on the Ellis River are a popular picnic spot for hikers in the White Mountains.
- Star Island, Isle of Shoals
In Awe of God’s Creation/flickr On the Isle of Shoals you don’t have to do much to have a great time. Enjoying a picnic and drinking in the surroundings makes for a great afternoon, and the ferry ride to and from the island elevates a picnic lunch from mundane to magnificent.
- Your Town Green
Jyllish/flickr Many New Hampshire towns have traditional town commons – green space etched out in the middle of the town. If you don’t have a lot of time, a picnic on the town common is a great choice. Although it might not be as breathtaking as other picnic areas in the state, you’ll have a new appreciation for your home and might even see a few people you know.
- Kingston State Park
Topslakr/flickr For those of you in Southern New Hampshire, Kingston State Park is a great place to sneak away for a day drip. You can picnic in the woods or on the beach, and picnic tables abound throughout the park.
- Kezar Lake, Sutton
Mwms/1916/flickr Just off Route 89 and often overlooked in favor of the more popular Lake Sunapee, Kezar Lake is a great place for a quiet picnic. Access the lake through Wadleigh State Park for a great afternoon.
- Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Newington
Not on your nelly/flickr This picnic spot combines the privacy of the New Hampshire woods with the sights, sounds, and smells of the seacoast. Walk along the salt marsh, looking for birds and other wildlife, and enjoy the smell of the salt breeze as you eat.
Where is your favorite place to picnic in New Hampshire?
In Awe of God’s Creation/flickr
Prescott Park combines man-made beauty (absolutely stunning gardens) with natural beauty (views over Portsmouth Harbor). The result is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, surrounded by the sites and sounds of seaside New Hampshire.
PSNH/flickr
This dam on the Merrimack River has a picnic area that is popular with fishermen. Despite being in the big city and close to interstate 93 and route 3, Garvins Falls Dam is the perfect place to sneak in a dose of nature.
HuTDoG83/flickr
Massabesic Lake, which provides the drinking water to Manchester is a popular hiking spot. However, because there are miles and miles of shoreline and trails, it’s easy to find a secluded spot for a private picnic.
Jasperdo/flickr
This is a popular spot, but once you’re here you’ll understand why. The waterfront location and beautiful views of the White Mountains make it a perfect place to enjoy a picnic.
Mike Freedman/flickr
Also known as Jackson falls, these bubbling waterfalls on the Ellis River are a popular picnic spot for hikers in the White Mountains.
On the Isle of Shoals you don’t have to do much to have a great time. Enjoying a picnic and drinking in the surroundings makes for a great afternoon, and the ferry ride to and from the island elevates a picnic lunch from mundane to magnificent.
Jyllish/flickr
Many New Hampshire towns have traditional town commons – green space etched out in the middle of the town. If you don’t have a lot of time, a picnic on the town common is a great choice. Although it might not be as breathtaking as other picnic areas in the state, you’ll have a new appreciation for your home and might even see a few people you know.
Topslakr/flickr
For those of you in Southern New Hampshire, Kingston State Park is a great place to sneak away for a day drip. You can picnic in the woods or on the beach, and picnic tables abound throughout the park.
Mwms/1916/flickr
Just off Route 89 and often overlooked in favor of the more popular Lake Sunapee, Kezar Lake is a great place for a quiet picnic. Access the lake through Wadleigh State Park for a great afternoon.
Not on your nelly/flickr
This picnic spot combines the privacy of the New Hampshire woods with the sights, sounds, and smells of the seacoast. Walk along the salt marsh, looking for birds and other wildlife, and enjoy the smell of the salt breeze as you eat.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
