Need a coastal New England escape with historic charm and foodie flair? Head to Portsmouth! Nestled along the Piscataqua River near the Maine border, Portsmouth offers cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, boutique shopping, and excellent seafood. Whether you’re exploring maritime history or enjoying waterfront sunsets, this walkable seaport town blends old-world charm with modern delights.
Portsmouth, NH Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak the Piscataqua River – Paddle past bridges, tugboats, and waterfront homes in this scenic tidal river.
- For History Buffs: Explore Strawbery Banke Museum – Walk through centuries of restored homes and costumed interpreters in this living history village.
- For Shoppers: Browse Market Square – Discover independent bookstores, art galleries, and local boutiques in the bustling downtown.
- For Couples: Enjoy sunset drinks at Prescott Park – Stroll flower gardens, catch live music, and watch boats from this scenic riverfront park.
- For Families: Visit the Children's Museum of New Hampshire – Located nearby in Dover, it's packed with hands-on exhibits and STEM play zones.
Best Time to Visit Portsmouth, NH
The best time to visit Portsmouth is from May through October, when warm weather brings outdoor dining, harbor cruises, and vibrant street life. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer is ideal for festivals and beach excursions.
How to Get to Portsmouth, NH
- If you are traveling by car: Portsmouth is off I-95, about 1 hour from Boston and 1 hour from Portland, Maine.
- By Air: Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) has seasonal flights; Boston Logan International (BOS) offers more options and is about 1 hour away.
- By Bus: C&J Bus Lines provides direct service from Boston and NYC to downtown Portsmouth.
Where to Stay in Portsmouth, NH
- Recommended for Families: Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown – Centrally located with a pool, free breakfast, and walkable access to shops and museums.
- For Couples: The Hotel Portsmouth – A beautifully restored historic inn with romantic rooms and boutique style.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: The Ale House Inn – Located in a former brewery warehouse with modern décor and a hip vibe.
Best Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH
⮕ Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH
Stroll waterfront gardens and enjoy outdoor shows on a relaxing summer trip.
Prescott Park is a ten-acre urban green space posed on the edge of the Piscataqua River just blocks from downtown Portsmouth. The Park is composed of manicured gardens, wide lawns, three boardwalk piers, and two public boat docks with 26 public slips. Paved walkways weave their way throughout the space, and picnic tables, grills, and shelters are dotted throughout the grounds.
The park is open year round, and in warmer months, Prescott Park is home to the Prescott Park Arts Festival. During the warm months of summer and spring, this expansive space is host to various music performances, theatre shows, big screen movies, and other special events.
Prescott Park, 105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH Phone: 603-431-8748
⮕ Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden
Tour colonial rooms and admire heirloom plants on an educational historic visit.
The DoMoffatt-Ladd House is a historic mansion-turned-museum located in downtown Portsmouth across from the Old Harbor. The home, originally built in 1763, is now a National Historic Landmark, and it was opened to the public in 2011.
The home showcases period era décor and architecture and elegant gardens, along with original artifacts such as papers, letters, and photographs belonging to several of the home’s original inhabitants.
The Moffatt-Ladd House is one of the best things to do in Portsmouth NH. Interestingly, some of these inhabitants include Revolutionary War figures, signers of the Declaration of Independence, and esteemed members of early East Coast society.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, 154 Market St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-436-8221
⮕ The Music Hall
Catch live performances and admire vintage charm on an exciting evening outing.
The Music Hall is a nearly 1,000-seat venue in Portsmouth considered to be the oldest theater in New Hampshire and the 14th oldest theater in America. For nearly five generations, the Music Hall has been graced with performances by many notable characters, including multiple Tony, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize winners.
The Music Hall is known for hosting and featuring a variety of performance mediums, including musical performances, dramatic, interpretive, or author readers, dance recitals, and cinema exhibits. Currently, the venue welcomes nearly 90 thousand visitors a year. The Hall offers a calendar on its website that outlines upcoming performances as well as ticket purchasing options. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas, watch a performance at the Music Hall.
The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-436-2400
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Portsmouth Athenaeum
Explore rare books and discover local history on an unusual cultural trip.
The Portsmouth Athenaeum is a locally run and independently managed, non-profit library, gallery, and museum located in the downtown core of the city. The Portsmouth Athenaeum dates back to the early 1800s when the citizens of Portsmouth mutually joined their educational resources in order to elevate other members of the community.
This system of resource distribution, once the norm, now represents a tiny portion of national libraries, and as such, it is a unique representation of the earliest system of libraries. Today, guests can tour the library, museum, and gallery to view authentic Portsmouth artifacts and utilize the facility’s various resources.
Portsmouth Athenaeum, 9 Market Square, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-431-2538
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Seacoast Repertory Theatre
See engaging plays and support local talent on an affordable weekend event.
The Seacoast Repertory Theatre is a year-round, community-based professional performance company based in Portsmouth. The Seacoast Repertory Theatre puts on multiple performances throughout the year. The company provides an annual scheduled calendar of upcoming events, and they also offer classes, private lessons, workshops, and camps to all age groups.
For a full calendar of Seacoast Repertory Theatre’s upcoming performances, events, camps, and classes, visitors can access the yearly schedule on the theater’s website.
Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-433-4793
⮕ Warner House
Visit a Georgian mansion and learn early American stories on a quiet retirement trip.
Dating back to 1716, the Warner House is the earliest urban brick-built house in northern New England. The house was built for wealthy seafaring Capt. Archibald Macpheadris, an Irish/Scottish immigrant, by a British builder who followed the early Georgian style which was then popular in England. The home has housed six generations of the original Macpheadris family and is today used as a museum, filled with many original furnishings and fittings. These include several original murals and a comprehensive collection of family memorabilia. Warner House is open to the public during the summer months. If you would like to join a guided tour of this grand old home you can check their website for details.
Warner House, 150 Daniel Street, Portsmouth, NH 03802, 603-436-5909
Where to Eat in Portsmouth, NH
- Recommended for Families: The Friendly Toast – Retro diner serving breakfast all day with quirky decor and kid-approved choices.
- For Fine Dining: Black Trumpet – Seasonal farm-to-table cuisine in an intimate, historic brick building.
- For a Casual Meal: River House – Waterfront restaurant known for chowder, lobster rolls, and harbor views.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Culture Lovers: Prescott Park Arts Festival (June–August) – Free concerts, outdoor theater, and movies by the river.
- For Foodies: Portsmouth Chowder Festival (June) – Taste competing local chowders with live music and river views.
- For Holiday Fans: Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth (December) – Carriage rides, decorations, and winter events across downtown.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Portsmouth, NH:
- For Beaches: Rye and Hampton Beach (15–30 min) – Enjoy sunbathing, boardwalk fun, or a peaceful beach day.
- For Nature: Great Bay National Estuarine Reserve (30 min) – Hike scenic trails, birdwatch, and learn about local ecology.
- For Lighthouse Views: Nubble Light in York, Maine (25 min) – One of New England’s most photographed lighthouses on a rocky island.
- For Hiking: Pawtuckaway State Park (45 min) – Climb fire tower trails or explore boulder fields and peaceful forest.
- For Small-Town Charm: Exeter, NH (30 min) – Historic architecture, riverside dining, and a cozy New England atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What makes Portsmouth a great travel destination?
- Portsmouth is a beautiful coastal destination offering a mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern attractions.
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What outdoor attractions can visitors enjoy in Portsmouth?
- Visitors can explore beaches, a charming harbor, and green urban parks.
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What cultural and historical sites are in Portsmouth?
- The city is home to diverse museums and historic mansions that showcase its rich history.
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What dining and entertainment options are available?
- Portsmouth offers a variety of restaurants and unique attractions for visitors to enjoy.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
The Hotel Portsmouth – A charming boutique hotel in a historic mansion.
Explore Prescott Park – Enjoy scenic waterfront gardens and outdoor performances.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for coastal activities.
AC Hotel by Marriott Portsmouth – A modern stay near the downtown waterfront.
Take a cruise to the Isles of Shoals – Experience stunning ocean views and island history.
Fall (September-November) – Vibrant foliage and fewer crowds.
Wentworth by the Sea – A luxury resort with ocean views and top-tier amenities.
Stroll through Market Square – Discover unique shops, restaurants, and colonial-era charm.
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