Portsmouth, NH, a charming coastal city, is rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it a prime destination for tourists. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, Portsmouth has something for everyone.
This guide highlights the top things to see in Portsmouth, NH, ensuring your visit is filled with memorable experiences.
Portsmouth, NH, is home to a wealth of historic sites that draw visitors from around the globe. One of the most prominent attractions is the Strawbery Banke Museum. This 10-acre outdoor history museum brings over 350 years of history to life through its preserved historic buildings and engaging exhibits.
Located in the Puddle Dock neighborhood, the museum offers visitors the chance to explore original homes, meet costumed roleplayers, and participate in traditional crafts. Key features include heirloom gardens and seasonal events like the "Candlelight Stroll" and "Ghosts on the Banke" tours, which provide immersive historical experiences.
Another significant site is the John Paul Jones House, operated by the Portsmouth Historical Society. This historic house museum commemorates John Paul Jones, a Revolutionary War naval hero who resided here in 1781.
The house showcases Georgian architecture and is filled with period furnishings and exhibits about Portsmouth's maritime history. The society also offers daily walking tours from May to October, which highlight the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage, covering notable sites like the Warner House and the Governor John Langdon House.
These historic locations collectively offer a deep dive into Portsmouth's past, providing educational and engaging experiences for all visitors.
Portsmouth, NH, is a cultural hotspot brimming with diverse attractions that appeal to art lovers, history buffs, and theater enthusiasts alike. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, with highlights including the Art 'Round Town gallery walk, which takes place on the first Friday of every month.
This event allows visitors to explore the works of both international and local artists within the historic backdrop of Portsmouth's early 19th-century brick buildings. Galleries such as A Pleasant Shoppe and the Ceres Gallery participate, showcasing a range of contemporary and traditional artworks.
Another cornerstone of Portsmouth's cultural landscape is The Music Hall, an elegant venue that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year.
This beautifully restored theater features a Beaux Arts lobby and an 895-seat auditorium, making it a prime location for concerts, Broadway shows, and special events like the annual production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas.
Additionally, the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and the Prescott Park Arts Festival offer a diverse array of performances and activities that enrich the local cultural scene.
These venues provide a mix of professional theater, innovative performances, and community engagement, ensuring there's always something exciting happening in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth, NH, offers a wealth of scenic outdoor activities that highlight its natural beauty and historical charm. One of the most popular attractions is Prescott Park, located along the Piscataqua River. This beautiful park features meticulously maintained gardens, picnic areas, and walking paths that offer stunning waterfront views.
It also hosts the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which includes outdoor theater performances, concerts, and movie nights throughout the summer, drawing both locals and tourists for memorable cultural experiences in a picturesque setting.
Another must-visit outdoor activity is the Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, offering various narrated cruises that explore the historical and ecological aspects of the Seacoast's waterways.
These cruises provide an informative and relaxing way to learn about the area's shipbuilding history, birdlife, and the folklore of the Isles of Shoals.
Popular options include the sunset and lighthouse cruises, which offer breathtaking views and a unique perspective on Portsmouth's maritime heritage. Additionally, the Urban Forestry Center provides extensive trails for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the local flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.
Portsmouth, NH, offers a variety of unique trails that showcase the natural beauty and historical significance of the area. One of the standout trails is the NH Seacoast Greenway, a developing project that will connect eight coastal communities from Seabrook to Portsmouth.
This 17.2-mile route follows the abandoned corridor of the former Boston and Maine Railroad, providing a scenic path for both cyclists and pedestrians. In Portsmouth, the trail runs for 3.6 miles from Barberry Lane to the Greenland town line, with plans to create safe connections to the city's West End and Downtown areas.
The trail offers a mix of forested sections, historic railroad bridges, and expansive views of the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary, making it a diverse and engaging experience for trail users.
Another notable trail is the Little Harbor Loop Trail, located at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historic Site. This 1.8-mile loop trail is popular for its easy accessibility and picturesque views of Portsmouth Harbor.
The trail meanders through coastal woodlands and along the shoreline, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the serene maritime landscape. It's an ideal trail for families and casual hikers, offering a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Portsmouth.
Additionally, the trail's proximity to the historic Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion allows visitors to combine a scenic hike with a touch of local history.
Portsmouth, NH, is a city renowned for its blend of historic and modern architectural marvels, offering a fascinating journey through time for visitors and residents alike. One of the key highlights is the Portsmouth Athenaeum, a historical and cultural gem dating back to the early 19th century.
This building serves as a library and museum, preserving valuable documents and artifacts that chronicle the rich history of Portsmouth.
The Athenaeum’s Federal-style architecture, with its elegant façade and meticulously preserved interiors, provides a window into the city's past and its longstanding commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Another architectural marvel is the Spinnaker Tower, a striking modern structure that stands 170 meters tall, offering panoramic views of Portsmouth and the Solent.
This contemporary landmark, designed to resemble a sail, symbolizes the city’s maritime heritage and its forward-looking vision. The tower features an observation deck, a restaurant, and a glass floor walkway, providing visitors with an exhilarating experience and a unique perspective on the city.
The Mary Rose Museum is another notable site, housing the remains of the 16th-century warship Mary Rose. The museum’s innovative design and interactive exhibits make it a must-visit for those interested in naval history and conservation efforts.
Portsmouth, NH, offers a variety of family-friendly attractions that make it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day with kids. One of the top spots is the Children's Museum of New Hampshire, located in nearby Dover, NH.
This museum features interactive exhibits like the Yellow Submarine and Dino Detective, which engage children’s curiosity and encourage learning through play.
The Cochechosystem series of nature exhibits featuring a gundalow, a giant osprey nest, and a beaver’s dam, is particularly popular. The museum provides an excellent indoor option, ideal for rainy days, ensuring kids can enjoy themselves regardless of the weather.
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is adding two new exhibits in a big construction project, due to premiere to the public in 2025. Learn more here: https://childrens-museum.org/exhibits/exhibits/2025-exhibit-expansion
Another fantastic family-friendly location is Prescott Park. This beautiful park, located along the Piscataqua River, offers various walkways, stunning gardens, and plenty of open space for kids to run and play.
It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, where families can relax and enjoy the scenic waterfront views. Prescott Park also hosts the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which features live performances, including music, theater, and dance, throughout the summer.
This festival not only entertains but also engages children with various activities designed just for them, making it a great way to experience Portsmouth’s vibrant cultural scene.
Portsmouth, NH, boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that has made it a favorite destination for beer enthusiasts. One of the standout breweries is Great Rhythm Brewing Company, known for its relaxing atmosphere and scenic views of North Mill Pond.
Located on Bartlett Street, this brewery specializes in IPAs and stouts, with popular offerings like "Squeeze" and "Tropical Haze." The brewery's location and casual ambiance make it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a high-quality brew.
Another notable brewery is Earth Eagle Brewings, which offers a unique twist with its historical gruit beers, a type of herbal beer that predates the use of hops.
Located on High Street, Earth Eagle Brewing also features a variety of IPAs and amber ales, making it a must-visit for those looking to explore different beer styles. Additionally, Liar’s Bench Beer Company on Islington Street provides a cozy taproom experience, focusing on German lagers and a fun beer garden atmosphere.
For a more extensive brewery experience, Smuttynose Brewing Company in nearby Hampton offers a large facility with a disc golf course and a wide range of beers, from IPAs to porters, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the New Hampshire craft beer scene.
Portsmouth, NH, with its rich history, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty, offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of visitors.
From historic sites and outdoor adventures to family-friendly attractions and vibrant local breweries, there are countless things to see in Portsmouth, NH. Plan your visit to explore all that this charming city has to offer, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for its unique heritage.
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