The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Barnstable, Massachusetts to Milford, New Hampshire

The East Coast is filled with incredible destinations, each with its own unique charm and attractions, and when it comes to scenic drives, nothing beats the drive from Barnstable, Massachusetts to Milford, New Hampshire. This road trip is an incredibly scenic and breathtaking experience, passing through stunning landscapes, historic sites, and a multitude of charming little towns along the way. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend escape, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, this road trip has plenty to offer.

In this article, we’ll cover the top places to see when driving from Barnstable, Massachusetts to Milford, New Hampshire, and provide tips and recommendations to help you get the most out of your trip.

Cape Cod

No road trip from Barnstable, Massachusetts would be complete without a visit to Cape Cod. The Cape is a long, thin strip of land jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its sprawling beaches, charming towns, and excellent seafood. Cape Cod is home to several historic sites, lighthouses, and museums, making it an excellent destination for history buffs.

Visitors to Cape Cod can check out the Cape Cod National Seashore, a protected stretch of sand dunes, marshes, and beaches that features some of the country's best beaches, including Coast Guard Beach, which was named the sixth-best beach in the U.S by TripAdvisor. Other must-see attractions include the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, and the Edward Gorey House.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a historic seaport town that dates back to the early 1600s and is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and excellent seafood. Portsmouth's downtown area is filled with trendy shops, galleries, and restaurants, while the surrounding neighborhoods feature a mix of historic homes and modern developments.

One of the city's most popular attractions is the Strawbery Banke Museum, a 10-acre outdoor history museum that showcases the evolution of Portsmouth over the centuries and features more than 30 historic buildings, including homes, shops, and gardens. While in Portsmouth, visitors can also check out the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, the USS Albacore Museum, and the John Paul Jones House.

Exeter, New Hampshire

The town of Exeter, New Hampshire, is an idyllic little New England town that’s worth a stop on any road trip from Barnstable to Milford. This charming town boasts a thriving downtown area that’s filled with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants, as well as several historic sites and attractions.

Exeter is home to the Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the country’s most prestigious boarding schools, and the American Independence Museum, which showcases the town’s role in the American Revolution. Other popular attractions in Exeter include the Gilman Garrison House, the Rye Airfield Skatepark, and the Exeter Town Hall.

Concord, New Hampshire

Concord, New Hampshire, is the state capital and is an excellent destination for history buffs. This charming little city is home to several historic sites and attractions, as well as excellent museums, restaurants, and shops.

One of the city’s most popular attractions is the New Hampshire State House, a beautiful neoclassical building that houses the state’s government. Other must-see attractions in Concord include the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, the Mary Baker Eddy Historic House, and the White Park.

Lake Winnipesaukee

No road trip from Barnstable to Milford would be complete without a visit to Lake Winnipesaukee, one of New Hampshire's most popular lakes. This stunning lake covers more than 44,000 acres and features several islands, bays, and coves that can be explored by boat.

Visitors to Lake Winnipesaukee can check out the Lake Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, which offers scenic train rides along the lake's beautiful shorelines. Other popular activities on Lake Winnipesaukee include kayaking, fishing, hiking, and swimming.

Conclusion

The road trip from Barnstable, Massachusetts to Milford, New Hampshire, is one of the most scenic and breathtaking road trips in the East Coast. The route passes through stunning landscapes, historic sites, and charming little towns, making it an excellent choice for a romantic weekend escape, family vacation, or solo adventure.

From the picturesque Cape Cod and historic town of Portsmouth to the quaint town of Exeter and the state capital of Concord, there’s no shortage of incredible sites to discover on this road trip. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, this road trip has something for everyone. So pack your bags, buckle up, and hit the road for an adventure you'll never forget!