The Exeter center is approximately 7 miles northwest of Seabrook Nuclear Station and 9 miles southwest of Pease International Tradeport Airport.
New England is beautiful in the fall. The changing leaves turn the hillsides into an exciting kaleidoscope of oranges, yellows, and reds. This is the most popular time to visit Exeter, and the hotel prices and availability reflect the demand. Make your plans early if you plan on visiting at the height of leaf season.
If you're looking for a deal and love winter sports, Exeter can be a perfect choice. Rates throughout January tend to be lower, and there are some great cross-country skiing trails in the area. Depending on where you choose to stay, you might not even need to drive. The 30-mile Phillips Exeter Trail starts and ends in downtown Exeter right behind Phillip Exeter Academy.
Summer rates are reasonable, and the town has plenty of activity all summer long, including a summer concert series, a 5k race, and the American Independence Festival held in mid-July. With two rivers right in the backyard, Exeter is also a great place for fun on the water. Enjoy fishing and boating in either the Exeter or the Squamscott rivers.
If you're a AAA member looking for a great discount, there are several great options in the Exeter, New Hampshire, area. There are hotels with these welcome discounts right in Exeter as well as options just outside the city.
The Hampton Inn is a great choice for AAA members looking to stay in Exeter. This hotel is located close to the American Independence Museum and is less than 2 miles from the historic area of Exeter. The friendly staff at the Hampton is ready to welcome you and your family with free breakfast and clean rooms.
If you're looking for some great amenities, the Hampton Inn is ready to accommodate you. It offers an area shuttle to take you to all the happenings in Exeter, a dry-cleaning service to keep you looking great, and a 24-hour fitness facility to keep you feeling great. If you're towing a camper or boat, this hotel offers convenient RV and large vehicle parking.
Another great option for AAA members is the Holiday Inn & Suites just outside of Exeter in the town of Seabrook. Business travels will love the desk area provided in each room, along with the free Wi-Fi to keep you connected. Other amenities include an indoor pool and a free breakfast. The hotel is located just off I-95 and is close to some of the best seafood dining in the area at the Tuna Striker Pub.
A great value is something everyone wants in a hotel, but some hotels offer a bit more than others when it comes to value. The Residence Inn Portsmouth is one of those hotels. Portsmouth is a bigger town than Exeter and offers a few more options for dining and activities, and it's just a short 10-mile jaunt down I-95 from Exeter.
The Residence Inn is made up entirely of small suites, complete with kitchenettes. Stretch your dollar even further by visiting the inn's grocery store instead of a convenience store for snacks and lunches. A great room is not all that is offered here; there is also a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, and a free breakfast. Your furry friends are even welcome at this reasonably priced home away from home.
The Quality Inn is another good value choice. It's also located in Portsmouth and offers great group rates if you are traveling with a crowd. The hotel provides plenty of RV and bus parking, free breakfast, and an indoor pool. The staff is friendly, and the location is close to the John Paul Jones House Museum and the Portsmouth Brewery. Get some history and a drink when you stay at this easy-on-the-wallet hotel.
History buffs will love Exeter. The American Independence Museum is one of the top attractions in the area and boasts some incredible exhibits. One of the favorites is the Dunlap Broadside, one of only 26 remaining copies of the first printing of the Declaration of Independence. This would be an incredible document to see firsthand. The museum also offers educational opportunities and even a Beer for History tour.
If you're more into the outdoors than history, Exeter has some amazing opportunities. The Phillips Exeter Trail and the Swasey Parkway are both great places to get out and enjoy nature. The Phillips Exeter Trail is a 30-mile loop trail that starts and ends just behind the Phillips Exeter Academy. The trail is groomed year-round and is great for mountain bikers and hikers. For anglers, there are several good fishing holes accessible from the trail.
The Swasey Parkway is a walking trail along on the Squamscott River. The parkway was a gift from a local named Ambrose Swasey in 1931. The walking trail is lined with benches where you can take a rest and watch the sunset over the river. It's also the location of the annual Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival. Enjoy the scenery, a beer, and some delicious chili while you are surrounded by the peace of nature.
Exeter is a beautiful historic town full of classic New England charm. From the walkable downtown area to the many seafood restaurants in the area, this quaint little town is the perfect place to visit. There are hotel options for any budget, and if you get a little creative, you might be able to save big on your hotel accommodations.
Below are reviews of the city of Exeter, NH from an actual visitor's perspective.
Exeter typifies New England charm. Lots of homes circa the 1700s. Lots of churches. A picturesque lineup of stores along its prime downtown commercial drag. A private boarding school adds panache.
Exeter town center was great. Good restaurants and shopping.
I like Exeter NH because it's cooler and quieter than Boston. We'll see you again soon.
Loved it. Restaurants everywhere , walkable city
It's a lovely quaint town. I really liked it.
Cannot recommend Vino et Vivo enough.
Found some great places to eat!
A historic place.
A historic place.
Unfortunately, we only went to the funeral home in Newmarket. I will say that the one meal we ate out was wonderful. It was a restaurant across the street and the fried chicken barbecue salad was outstanding. They prepared it just as I asked.
St. Michael Catholic Church is beautiful and the nearby shops are lovely.
Just fine!
Exeter is quaint with a great choice of restaurants.
The room was clean and comfortable. I live in Exeter and let our kids and their children have our house while we had a quiet refuge for naps and for the kids to go swimming.
A 15 minute drive to Exeter Center was great! Lots of little stores and a good walking town.
Nice area!
Shops and the Salt Cave!
Exeter is a beautiful town to shop and explore