8 Romantic Getaways in New Hampshire

With the majestic White Mountains and the scenic Seacoast region being just two hours apart, it’s no wonder that options for weekend getaways in the Granite State are plentiful. Here’s a roundup of notable romantic getaways in New Hampshire, focusing on its two most popular regions, to help you plan the perfect escape for two.

Romantic Getaways in the White Mountains

Love the crisp mountain air and dramatic scenery of the White Mountains? There are plenty of romantic getaways in New Hampshire for you and your significant other. For activities, try one of our favorite White Mountain day hikes, meander through the photo-friendly Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park, take a selfie in front of Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson, check out a summer show at the Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth, or bundle up for a winter jaunt through the Ice Castle in North Woodstock (formerly in Lincoln).

Adair Country Inn | Bethlehem

For the full effect, arrive in the evening, when this stately home is aglow with lights, welcoming you and your partner as warmly as its wealthy former owners once greeted their guests. Their antiques and collections still grace its rooms, which retain the intimacy of the original country home. The dining room offers some surprises, as the chef draws on occasional influences beyond New England for a sophisticated yet approachable dinner menu; breakfast begins with popovers fresh from the oven. Take a stroll in the romantic Olmsted gardens below the house, painstakingly restored by new owners. 

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa | Whitefield

One of the grandest of the grand hotels that still dot the landscape of northern New England, this Victorian-era retreat has been generously updated for the 21st century. Relax in the infinity tub while soaking up White Mountain views, surrender to a hot-stone massage in the “tower spa,” and enjoy a refreshing round of drinks on the sprawling veranda. You’ll feel like so many of the A-listers before you who found refuge and relaxation at this special mountainside retreat. 

The Wentworth | Jackson Village

Built in 1869, the Wentworth sits in the heart of Jackson Village, just a short drive from major ski resorts like Wildcat and Cranmore. Its rooms are divided among the elegant main building and a number of neighboring cottages that offer sleigh beds, hot tubs with mountain views, and fireplaces. Guests can dip into the hotel’s heated outdoor pool or sign up for a relaxing spa session. The award-winning dining room is the icing on the cake.

The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa | Jackson

This 1895 mansion offers 16 rooms in the main house, including a deluxe beauty named for Stanford White, the renowned architect who designed this romantic retreat. With a wraparound porch, swimming pool, and award-winning dining, the most stressful moment could be choosing between a warm-stone or deep-tissue massage to kick off your spa treatment. Named a 2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Luxury Getaway.”

Notchland Inn | Hart’s Location

Surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, this granite mansion in New Hampshire’s smallest town truly feels like an escape from reality. Hoping to hunker down? All 12 guest rooms, plus two pet-friendly cottages, have their own wood-burning fireplace. Love the great outdoors? There are multiple hiking trails and swimming holes nearby. The single-seating, five-course dinner (open to both guests and the public) is of special note, served in the cozy dining room with views of Mount Crawford and Mount Hope.

Romantic Getaways on the New Hampshire Seacoast

Love the fresh ocean air and historic charm of the Seacoast region? There are plenty of romantic getaways in New Hampshire for you, too. The Granite State may have the shortest coastline of any U.S. state bordering an ocean (anywhere from 13 to 18.57 miles, depending on who you ask), but it lacks for nothing when it comes to fun and relaxation. For activities, lounge the day away at Wallis Sands or Jennes State Beach (two of our favorite New Hampshire beaches), take in an outdoor concert in Portsmouth’s Prescott Park, admire the ocean views and trails of Odiorne Point State Park, tour Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, or enjoy cocktails and a sunset cruise with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises.

Wentworth by the Sea | New Castle

Few sights are more impressive than New Hampshire’s remaining turn-of-the-century “grand hotels,” especially the glorious oceanside giant known as the Wentworth. Dating back to 1874, it boasts three massive mansard-roofed towers that were part of the original structure. And who wouldn’t want to have their very own Turret Suite overlooking the Atlantic? In these two-level suites, with 600 to 725 square feet (and 360-degree views from the central turret), guests can lounge like true Victorian gentlefolk.

The Inn Down Town | Portsmouth

Want to hunker down and tune out the world? The Inn Down Town offers boutique apartment-style accommodations for your romantic getaway, which offer an extra dose of independence and homely comfort rarely found while traveling. This “apart-hotel” offers ten fully equipped contemporary studio apartments in a newly-renovated, historic 1809 home. Oh, and they’re smack-dab in the middle of downtown Portsmouth, so you can venture out for a cozy meal or two.

The Hotel Portsmouth | Portsmouth

When boutique specialist Lark Hotels acquired the Hotel Portsmouth in 2015, it may have seemed there was little room for improvement. Ideally located a few blocks from Market Square, the 1881 Queen Anne mansion had been renovated and reopened just the year before, its 32 guest rooms smartly overhauled to blend Victorian courtliness with modern crispness, and its common areas (including a cozy parlor with gas fireplace and a cheerful sunroom decked out in witty parakeet wallpaper) made freshly inviting. It’s the perfect home base for your romantic Portsmouth escape.

This post was first published in 2018 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE:
12 Coastal Weekend Getaways in New England
Most Beautiful Places in New Hampshire
Best 5 New England Honeymoon Destinations