Portsmouth, New Hampshire: (Updated 2024)
Portsmouth
A busy port city in the middle of New England
Tiny Even though only 20,000 people live in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, it has a huge draw for tourists. Located at the start of the Piscataqua River, this busy and historic port town offers a wide range of activities on land and water. Learn about Portsmouth’s maritime and colonial past at one of the many museums, monuments, and ornate houses that line the charming streets. After your history lesson, stop by a gallery, bookstore, antique shop, or restaurant serving food from around the world. Visit the beaches, lighthouses, and sea life along the coast when the weather is nice. You can also go on a special boat tour or a ferry ride.
The History of Portsmouth Over the Years
Many homes in the city center have been turned into museums where you can learn about Portsmouth’s changing past. One of the best is the Strawbery Banke Museum, where costumed docents show people around restored homes, some of which were built when the city was first founded 400 years ago. At houses like the John Paul Jones House and the Langdon House, you can see inside the homes of famous Americans and local businesspeople. These classic examples of colonial buildings have displays and artifacts that are connected to the men they are named after. As you walk or ride a boat along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, you can see these houses and over 70 other important sites in a great way.
How to Get to Water Fun
Because Portsmouth is at the mouth of a big river, there are lots of fun things to do on the water. The retired submarine USS Albacore has been turned into a museum where you can learn what it’s like to live underwater. After that, take a harbor boat or the ferry to the Isles of Shoals for a picnic lunch. After lunch, walk around the island and look at the buildings. Charter boats can take you deep-sea fishing, whale-watching, or even on a lobster tour. There are also six beaches just a short drive from Portsmouth where people can swim, kayak, or float, though the water may be chilly!
Shopping, eating, and the charming things about the area
Spend an afternoon in Portsmouth’s art galleries, bookstores, antique shops, and craft shops that sell things made in the area to find a souvenir. If you get hungry, you can go to one of the many international restaurants in town. After that, take a walk through Prescott Park, which has a beautiful flower garden and a pier that goes out into the river. Watch a show at The Music Hall in the evening; it’s the best place for concerts in the area.