3 Days in Portsmouth NH to See Fall Foliage: Itinerary for a Perfect Autumn Getaway
Planning a fall foliage getaway? This 3-day itinerary is your guide to exploring Portsmouth, New Hampshire in the fall — with scenic drives, historic streets, cozy cafés, and stunning foliage views around the Seacoast and beyond. Whether you're staying for a long weekend or adding Portsmouth to a larger New England foliage tour, you'll find plenty of charm and color in this historic coastal town.
Day 1: Arrival in Portsmouth, NH + Downtown Fall Exploration
Morning: Enjoy a pastry and specialty coffee at Elephantine Bakery.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local spot on Portsmouth’s waterfront like Geno’s Chowder & Sandwich Shop for a lobster stew, egg salad or the perfect blueberry pie.
Afternoon: Explore downtown Portsmouth and its charming boutiques, galleries, and historic buildings. A stroll through Prescott Park offers riverside views framed by fall colors.
Check-in: Settle into your room at The Sailmaker’s House, a boutique inn with historic character and a walkable location.
Dinner: Dine at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe, a local favorite for fresh seafood and cozy atmosphere.
Day 2: Coastal Foliage Drive from Portsmouth to Rye & Hampton
Morning: Step back in time at Strawbery Banke Museum, where centuries-old homes and heritage gardens offer glimpse into Portsmouth’s past, especially scenic autumn.
Late Morning: Take a scenic drive along Route 1A towards Rye, North Hampton, and Hampton Beach, enjoying coastal views and vibrant foliage.
Lunch: Grab lunch at The Beach Plum for fresh seafood with ocean views.
Afternoon: Lounge at Wallis Sands State Beach, or continue your scenic cruise along the coastline. Keep an eye out for lighthouses and marshland dotted with fiery maple trees.
Dinner: Back in Portsmouth, head to Moxy for creative New England tapas using seasonal ingredients in a modern, intimate setting.
Day 3: Inland New Hampshire Foliage + Lakes Region Day Trip
Morning: Check out of The Sailmaker’s House and enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Friendly Toast, a funky diner with a beloved fall brunch menu.
Late Morning: Start your inland foliage tour with a drive toward New Hampshire's Lakes Region, passing colorful backroads and forested hills.
Lunch: Stop at Moulton Farm in Meredith, where you can enjoy fresh baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and maybe even a cider donut or two.
Afternoon: Continue winding through scenic routes around Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, or the Belknap Mountains, taking time for photo stops and leaf-peeping detours.
Dinner: On your way south, plan a cozy dinner in Newburyport, Massachusetts, a charming seaside town full of historic homes, bookstores, and inviting restaurants.
Evening: Depending on your travel plans, either check into a local inn in Newburyport or return home after a satisfying day.
Day 4 (Optional): Massachusetts Fall Foliage Extension
If you have extra time, spend another day exploring Massachusetts fall foliage in towns like:
Ipswich — home to Crane Beach and apple orchards
Essex — known for antiques and salt marsh views
Salem — rich in fall color and spooky October charm
Tips for Planning Your Fall Foliage Trip
Check local foliage reports (e.g. Yankee Magazine or New Hampshire Foliage Tracker) to time your visit for peak color.
Book lodging early — fall is one of the most popular seasons in New England.
Be flexible — colors vary year to year based on weather, so having alternate routes or extra time can help you chase the best views.
Experience fall in Portsmouth, NH with historic charm, scenic drives, and unforgettable colors. Start planning your autumn getaway today.
