Need a charming waterfront escape with historic charm? Head to Portsmouth, Virginia! Stroll through centuries of history, enjoy scenic harbor views, and explore a walkable Olde Towne packed with dining, shopping, and culture. Portsmouth blends maritime heritage with modern fun for all ages.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Portsmouth is during the spring and fall (April–June and September–October) when temperatures are mild and ideal for outdoor walking tours, harbor cruises, and festivals.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Portsmouth is easily accessible via I-264 and is connected to Norfolk via the Downtown Tunnel. It’s about 1.5 hours from Richmond.
- By Air: Fly into Norfolk International Airport (ORF), just 25 minutes away by car.
- By Ferry: The Elizabeth River Ferry provides scenic and convenient service between Portsmouth and downtown Norfolk.
Where I like to stay
- Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel – Upscale hotel with harbor views and easy access to Olde Towne and ferry rides.
- The Glencoe Inn – Cozy, historic bed-and-breakfast located in a restored Victorian home in the heart of Olde Towne.
- Budget Inn Portsmouth – Affordable lodging option with easy access to major roads and attractions.
Top Attractions
1. Climb Aboard Maritime History at the Lightship Portsmouth Museum
Lightships were started in 1820 as a portable lighthouse to be used as a navigational aid for ships near the coast. The Lightship Portsmouth was constructed in 1915 and served for almost five decades off the Virginia, Delaware, and Massachusetts coasts. The ship was retired in 1964 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. The ship is now a museum depicting the quarters of the ship crew, and unique artifacts related to the ship’s time in service.
Water and London Streets, Portsmouth, Virginia, 23704, Phone: 757-393-8591
2. Browse Coastal-Inspired Art at Skipjack Marine Gallery
Skipjack Marine Gallery is a unique shop that is every sailor or marine lover’s haven. Skipjacks offer home décor, Marine Salvage and Hardware including ships bells, doors, flags, and more. Sailors can find nautical sailing instruments, ship models, toys, antique furniture, jewelry, pet collars, and military memorabilia at the Nautical store. The Marine Gallery, located inside the retail store, exhibits the Herb Jones Maritime Collection and The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Collection. Marine art is also for sale in store and online. You can reach Skipjack on foot, car, or boat!
620 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, 23704, Phone: 757-399-5012
3. Explore Naval Heritage at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
More than 250 years of Naval history is explored at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the oldest in the United States, as well as the largest and was used in the Revolutionary War. Enemy armies have tried to burn down the Shipyard three times and many historic ships, including the CSS Virginia, and the nation’s first battleship: the TEXAS, as well as the first aircraft carrier: the LANGLEY. Portsmouth Shipyard once employed more than 43,000 Virginians and offered a detailed history lesson from Colonial times through the Civil War as well as the modern use through the 20th century.
2 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, 23704, Phone: 757-393-8591
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
4. Hike, Paddle, and Birdwatch at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve spans 142 acres at the mouth of the James River. Hoffler Creek borders the preserve, and the area has deep historical significance dating back to the colonies, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812. Virginia Department of Transportation owned the acreage from the 1960s through the ’90s when a group of citizens petitioned for the area to be turned into a recreational area and nature preserve. The city took ownership of the property, and the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation was a citizen-formed group tasked with taking care of the land. Visitors to the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve can enjoy hiking, walking, fishing, oyster gardening, kayaking, and birdwatching.
4510 Twin Pines Road, Portsmouth, Virginia, 23703, Phone: 757-686-8684
5. Step into 19th-Century Life at The Hill House Museum
The Hill House Museum is a historic property in Portsmouth that is furnished with original family artifacts from the 1800s and 1900s. The home was built in 1825 by a slave owner and entrepreneur, John Thompson, a captain during the War of 1812. Thompson and his wife could not have children of their own, but they adopted an orphaned nephew, John Thompson Hill. The house was given to the adopted son and was passed down through the Hill family for generations. Descendants of the Hill family founded the Portsmouth Police department and served in the Civil War. In remaining Hill, Sisters donated the property to the Portsmouth Historical Foundation along with all the family artifacts and furnishings amassed within the house.
221 North Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, 23704, Phone: 757-393-0241
6. Learn Local Heritage at the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center
The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center was opened in 2008 after being restored by the Friends of Chevra T’helim. First constructed in 1917 as a Jewish Synagogue by four Portsmouth families, Chevra T’helim was the centerpiece of the immigrant Jewish Community in and around Portsmouth for decades. The synagogue closed in 1985 and sat unused until being restored and becoming a museum that celebrates Eastern European Jewish Orthodox history and culture. The museum displays priceless religious artifacts such as a 19th century Torah Scroll that was nearly destroyed in the Holocaust. Visitors can enjoy a summer music series, guest lectures, and auctions at the museum.
607 Effingham Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, 23704, Phone: 757-391-9266
7. Feast on Classic Catch at Lobscouser Seafood Restaurant
Lobscouser Seafood Restaurant is a sibling owned restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood with fine dining dishes in a casual atmosphere. The full-service restaurant is decorated with watercolor paintings that reflect the ambiance of cozy Portsmouth and newspaper columns highlighting renovation projects in the town. The name, Lobscouser, refers to sailor’s dishes of seafood and stewed vegetables with a biscuit or crackers. Lobscouser is also the nickname for a ship’s chef. The seafood restaurant serves lunch and dinner.
337 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, 23704, Phone: 757-397-2728
If you are traveling with kids:
8. Spark Imagination at the Children's Museum of Virginia
Created and designed specifically for kids, the Children’s Museum of Virginia is known for being a place where both education and learning are spelled as F-U-N. Children of all ages and needs are ensured a fascinating visit to the Children’s Museum of Virginia thanks to a ton of fun and interesting permanent as well as visiting exhibits. The STORYLAND exhibit, for example, allows children to enter the realm of picture books, while the Lancaster Antique Train and Toy Collection feature a huge diorama with functioning toy trains that chug through beautifully decorated terrains. Among the many other exhibits, there most popular has to be the Bubbles exhibit, while other experiences like Wegman’s, My Backyard and Beyond, and even the Beazley Planetarium are just waiting to be discovered.
221 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704, Phone: 757-393-5258
9. Grab a Bite and Unwind at Longboards
Longboard's Lounge, formerly Longboard’s Hawaiian Grill, is a Leutner-ranhorn Restaurant that is inspired by Island cuisine and Hawaiian dishes. Longboards Lounge was established in 2008 and featured Burgers, Wings, and Seafood. They are known for their homemade soups, traditional and boneless wings, and delicious fresh seafood entrees such as blackened yellowfin tuna, and classic fish and chips. If you love burgers, you’ll find some of the best, handcrafted burgers on the coast here along with fantastic fish tacos, and pork bbq.
440 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, 23704, Phone: 757-399-4010
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Olde Towne Historic District – Walk charming brick streets lined with 18th- and 19th-century homes and shops.
- Commodore Theatre – Catch a movie with dinner and drinks in this restored 1945 Art Deco cinema.
- Self-guided walking tour – Stroll past landmarks and monuments spanning over 300 years.
More Places to Eat
- Café Europa – Elegant European-inspired cuisine in a cozy Olde Towne setting.
- Humboldt Steel Corporation – Great spot for craft beer, burgers, and live music in a trendy industrial-style space.
- Stella’s – Neighborhood favorite for brunch, gourmet sandwiches, and relaxed dining vibes.
My favorite local events:
- Seawall Art Show (August) – Annual juried art show along the Portsmouth waterfront featuring local artists and live music.
- First Fridays (May–October) – Monthly block party in Olde Towne with food trucks, vendors, and live performances.
- Ghost Walk (October) – Historic walking tour of Portsmouth’s haunted spots and local legends.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Portsmouth, Virginia:
- Norfolk (5–10 min) – Visit the Virginia Zoo, Chrysler Museum of Art, or catch a show at the Scope Arena.
- Virginia Beach (30 min) – Enjoy the beach, boardwalk, and oceanfront dining just a short drive away.
- Chesapeake (15–20 min) – Paddle the Dismal Swamp Canal or hike scenic nature trails.
- Suffolk (25–30 min) – Explore Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge or sample local peanuts and brews.
- Hampton (25–30 min) – Tour Fort Monroe or visit the Virginia Air & Space Science Center.
- Smithfield (30 min) – Discover small-town charm, antique shops, and Smithfield’s famous hams.
Plan Your Trip