Sunapee itinerary scene

Weekend itinerary

Two nights in Sunapee: harbor, lake, and mountain

Arrive for a harbor walk and dinner, choose a morning rental or launch or the fixed-afternoon narrated cruise on Saturday, then spend Sunday at Mount Sunapee, the state beach, or the Sugar River trail.

By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary

A two-night Sunapee trip combines one Lake Sunapee day with the harbor, Sugar River, and a mountain or state-beach half-day.

Best length

2 nights

Arrive Friday for the harbor, reserve Saturday for the lake, and keep Sunday for Mount Sunapee, the state beach, or the Sugar River walk.

Stay

Dexter's Inn

Dexter's Inn is in Sunapee with cottages, grounds, and mountain views. Harbor lodging shortens the first walk; Newbury is closer to Mount Sunapee; New London has more year-round dining.

Main activity

One Lake Sunapee boat option

Keep Saturday for one Lake Sunapee option. The harbor and Sugar River fit Friday evening; Mount Sunapee or the state beach fits Sunday morning.

Trip shape

Harbor, one lake day, one land outing

Saturday has room for one water choice. Friday covers the harbor, while Sunday fits the mountain, state beach, or river trail before departure.

Friday

Arrive in Sunapee Harbor and walk before dinner.

Park near the harbor, follow the Sugar River toward the Livery and dam, then return for a simple meal without adding another long drive.

4:00 PM

Saturday

Give the clearest day to Lake Sunapee.

Choose one water day: take a rental or private boat out in the morning, or keep the morning open and board the narrated cruise at the operator's posted afternoon departure.

9:30 AM

Main activity

Launch or collect a rental for a morning on the lake.

For a self-directed day, confirm the launch or rental, parking, weather, and posted lake restrictions. Do not combine this morning option with the narrated cruise unless the operator timing clearly allows it.

Compare

Open the Lake Sunapee boat guide

Compare the cruise, rentals, public launches, lighthouses, parking, and current-condition sources.

Compare

Browse more attractions and activities

See additional things to do around Sunapee.

1:15 PM

Afternoon

For the narrated trip, arrive before the operator's posted boarding time.

Cruise duration and departure time vary by date and trip. Confirm the vessel, boarding time, trip length, and weather policy with Sunapee Cruises.

Sunday

Follow one Sunday route before checkout.

For Mount Sunapee, leave after breakfast and spend the morning on an open hiking trail or winter terrain. For the state beach, go only when the park is operating and allow time for the Newbury drive. The compact alternative stays in Sunapee Harbor for the museum and Sugar River trail.

9:00 AM

Sunday morning

Start the mountain, beach, or harbor route by 9:00.

Mountain route: arrive near opening and check the resort's trail or lift report. Beach route: check New Hampshire State Parks access before driving to Newbury. History route: start at the public docks, then walk past the museum, dam, Livery, and mill sites.