Outdoor Activities

Hiking & Walking

There are plenty of trails to enjoy in the UNH area! See a comprehensive list on the Durham town website.

Other nearby trails include the Great Bay Discovery Center (also a museum), Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine and the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, a component of Massachusetts Audubon.

For a shorter walk, visit what might be the world’s smallest suspension bridge, Wiggly Bridge, in York, ME. For some trails that include birding, visit the local Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Newington, NH and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge located on the northeast coast of Massachusetts. 

Mount Major provides a beautiful view of the lakes region and is one of the closest mountains to UNH! For a longer drive, visit the stunning White Mountains in northern New Hampshire.

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Kayaking & more:

Rent kayaks, paddleboards, and more at UNH’s Mendums Pond, located a mere 7 miles from campus. Or, take a kayak/paddleboard tour with Portsmouth Kayak Adventures.

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Beaches:

Visit NH state park beaches, experience superior surfing in Rye, NH, or explore nearby beach boardwalks in York, Maine and Hampton, NH, which feature a wide range of events.

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Cruises & Whale Watches:

Take a cruise out to the Isles of Shoals, or enjoy a traditional gundalow sailing experience, both departing from Portsmouth, NH.

Whale watching opportunities include Granite State Whale Watch and Al Gauron deep sea fishing & whale watching.

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Food

There are a wide variety of restaurants within UNH walking distance. See a comprehensive list on the Durham town website. 

Nearby Portsmouth is known for its culinary scene and features one of the highest densities of restaurants (per capita) in the US! Some noteworthy places include the Beach Plum, Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe, Bridge Street Bistro & Wine Bar, the Oar House, the Dolphin Striker, which features live music every night, and the Library Restaurant, famous for its steak.

For some delightful vegetarian or vegan eats, the Green Elephant is hard to beat. For more casual dining, visit the Friendly Toast, Popovers on the Square, or simply stroll the streets and encounter dozens of delicious restaurants.

In the surrounding area, Bob's Clam Hut and Warren's Lobster House both in Kittery, ME and the Atlantic Grill in Rye, NH offer some great seafood. Dover is known for La Festa pizza, the historic Harvey's Bakery, and recently-opened Garrison City Beerworks. Dover also features some wonderful coffee shops: Adelle's Coffeehouse and Flight Coffee Co.

Nearby Newmarket is famous for the Big Bean Cafe, which has won several awards. The Oak House, the Riverworks, and Bloom'n Cow Ice Cream & Gelato are other Newmarket notables. 

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Music & Arts

Portsmouth’s Prescott Park offers a wide range of events including music concerts, plays, and movies, all available for a suggested donation to the park. For other Portsmouth events, check out activities for Portsmouth visitors. Take advantage of the free Cocheco Arts Festival in Dover, NH for a variety of music, art, and even a children’s series. For a day at the museum, consider visiting the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH.

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