Portsmouth was settled in 1623, making it the third-oldest town in the USA. Consequently, history buffs will find plenty of interesting museums and historic sites to explore, starting with the Strawbery Banke Historic District. Here you can visit a few historic homesteads that date back to around 1760 and then move on to tour some museums, including the American Independence Museum and the Discover Portsmouth Center. For a break from history you can visit Hampton Beach, go on a whale watching boat tour or an Adventure Lobster Tour, hit the Lighthouse trail, or visit a few local breweries. Families should make time to visit the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, York Wild Kingdom, Water Country, and the Seacoast Science Center.

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