Portsmouth, New Hampshire is one of the best small coastal towns in New England, packed with history, waterfront views, and walkable attractions. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a quick stop on a New England road trip, these are the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH — from historic sites and museums to food, shopping, and outdoor adventures.

Portsmouth was settled by English colonists in 1630, and it has remained a strategic port in both war and peacetime throughout its existence. 

It was such an important port for the colonists that Paul Revere rode to Portsmouth to tell them the British were coming with ships and to secure the harbor!

Today, Portsmouth is a bustling tourist town. The cobblestone sidewalks, highly rated restaurants, and picturesque downtown have made people flock to the city for an afternoon or weekend. 

How to Spend One Day in Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is compact enough that you can see quite a bit in one day without feeling like you are running from place to place. This is how I would plan a first visit.

Morning: Start at Strawbery Banke Museum and spend two or three hours exploring the historic homes and demonstrations. From there, walk through Prescott Park and enjoy the gardens and waterfront.

Lunch: Head into Market Square for lunch. Leave yourself a little extra time to browse the independent shops while you are downtown.

Afternoon: Visit the USS Albacore Museum for a quick self-guided tour of the submarine. If you would rather stay downtown, explore the historic streets, shops and galleries around Market Square.

Evening: Have dinner downtown and check the schedule at The Music Hall. Even if you do not attend a performance, Portsmouth is lovely in the evening when the shops are lit and the downtown crowds begin to thin.

 

Historic Things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is a tourist town, but don’t let that fool you. There are some wonderful historic buildings to visit, museums, lighthouses, submarines and more. Plus they are never quite as crowded as some other New England seaside towns.

Strawberry Banke Museum 

Photo Credit: DepositphotosDemonstrations include:

• Basket weaving
• Cooking
• Construction
• Iron work
• And more

Strawberry Banke is similar to other area living history museums like Plimoth Plantation, Sturbridge Village and Mystic Seaport. The main difference is size and proximity to other things to do. I really recommend Strawberry Banke for families with younger kids as it is a smaller and more compact size than the others I have mentioned.

My favorite time to visit the Strawberry Banke Museum is in December when they have their Christmas programming. Learn more about it and other Christmas in New England activities here.

Plan on 2-3 hours. 

USS Albacore Museum

The USS Albacore was commissioned in 1953 as an experimental research submarine. Its revolutionary teardrop-shaped hull was designed for greater speed and maneuverability underwater and influenced the design of later submarines. It was built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, decommissioned in 1972 and eventually returned to Portsmouth to become a museum.

You and your family will love visiting a real submarine on this self guided tour. The tour doesn’t take much more than 30 minutes and is really inexpensive. We were particularly struck by how little space was available for the sailors and how tiny their bunks were.

Plan on 1 hour.

Moffat-Ladd House

This historic home was the residence of William Whipple who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. You can even see a tree he planted when he returned from Philadelphia in 1776.

Like many historic homes this one is kept in immaculate condition with pieces of original furniture. There is a guided tour offered throughout the year that gives you insight into how the owners lived and what they valued. The entrance ticket also gives you access to a surprisingly lovely garden.

If you are traveling with kids and you have been to the Strawberry Banke Museum, I would skip this one. If you love history this is a must see!

Plan on an hour.

Explore Portsmouth on a Historic Walking Tour

Portsmouth’s compact downtown makes it easy to explore its history on foot. The Portsmouth Harbour Trail passes historic homes, Market Square, Prescott Park and the working waterfront. Seasonal guided tours are available, but you can also follow portions of the trail independently.

For a different perspective on the city’s history, follow the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. Its free self-guided map connects 24 Portsmouth sites and shares the stories of the Black residents who helped shape the city.

Both are excellent options if you want to see more of Portsmouth without adding another museum to your day.

Outdoor & Waterfront Activities

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

Portsmouth lighthouse is one of 11 lighthouses that were operational before the American Revolution and used by colonists during the war. Although the original lighthouse has been replaced and changed over the years, the location remains the same.

If you love beautiful New England light houses, you will want to make a stop to see this one.

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is open for tours during the summer months.

Plan on 30 minutes.

Prescott Park

Prescott Park is a small but beautiful park overlooking Portsmouth Harbor. It is a great place to wander through the flowers in the spring and summer, watch the boats come and go, and grab a bench to people-watch.

The park is near Strawberry Banke and Portsmouth shopping, so it is a perfect place to rest your feet and relax.

Throughout the year, there are plays, music, and more in the park!

Here is a schedule of events.

Go Kayaking in Portsmouth

Kayaking in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a fantastic way to experience the area’s natural beauty and maritime heritage. Here are some key points to consider if you’re planning to go kayaking in Portsmouth:

Popular Kayaking Spots:

1. Piscataqua River: This tidal river offers a mix of serene paddling and more challenging currents, depending on the tides. It’s a great way to see the historic waterfront and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
2. Great Bay: A large tidal estuary that provides a more tranquil paddling experience. It’s rich in wildlife, including various bird species and marine life.
3. Little Harbor: Located near the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, this area offers calm waters and beautiful scenery, making it ideal for beginners.

Kayak Rentals and Tours:

• Seven Rivers Paddling: Offers kayak rentals, guided tours, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. They provide all the necessary equipment and safety gear.
• Seacoast Paddleboard Club: While primarily focused on paddleboarding, they also offer kayak rentals and guided tours.
• Esther’s Marina: Offers kayak and paddleboard rentals from Pickering Avenue in Portsmouth.

Take a Portsmouth Harbor Cruise

One of the best ways to appreciate Portsmouth’s location is from the water. A harbor cruise gives you views of the working waterfront, lighthouses, forts and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard that you simply cannot see from downtown.

For a shorter outing, the Gundalow Company offers 1½-hour sails along the Piscataqua River aboard a reproduction of the flat-bottomed cargo boats that once traveled these waterways. Some sails even allow passengers to help raise the sails.

If you have more time, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company offers narrated cruises through Portsmouth Harbor and out toward the Isles of Shoals. Some trips include time to explore historic Star Island.

These cruises are seasonal, so check schedules and reserve tickets before your visit.

Things to Do in Downtown Portsmouth

The Music Hall

This midsized theater originally opened in 1878 and was a centerpiece of Portsmouth life in the late 19th century. It is the 14th oldest operating theater in the United States and the oldest in New Hampshire.

If you have the opportunity to see a play or concert here you are in for a treat as The Music Hall offers first rate entertainment in a historic building.

Check what is playing when you make your trip. 

If you visit at Christmastime, you can catch “A Christmas Carol” here. 

Shopping and Eating in Market Square

Market Square is the center of downtown Portsmouth and there is tons to do here! Shopping, restaurants, coffee and all kinds of specialty spots. The cobblestone sidewalks are reminiscent of Portland, Maine and the variety of shopping parallels what you will find in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Here are some of our favorite spots to explore:

LeRoux Kitchen Store

If you need something for your kitchen and can’t find it here, you don’t really need it! This store is packed with wall-to-wall gadgets, pots, pans, and utensils. Even if you don’t need anything, you will find something cool here.

This is one of our must visit stores in Portsmouth.

Corks and Curds

If you are a long-time reader, then you know that we are pretentious cheese people. We love cheese. Corks and Curds has some of the most exciting cheeses we have found.

They give out samples and are very knowledgeable about the cheeses. Our most recent favorites are Rogue River Bleu, Midnight Moon, and Ewephoria.

If you are in New England and are interested in cheese you need to make a stop in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Stonewall Kitchen

You have probably seen Stonewall Kitchen jams and sauces in local grocery stores, but you will find some delicious treats at their retail store. Try out some new and interesting flavors with free pretzels/crackers and take some new favorites home.

Irish and Celtic Store

I don’t know what it is about Irish stores, but they are like a magnet to me! I love traveling to Ireland but it is more than that, they have the most charming displays and traditional crafts. This Irish store is a good one, too! If you love Irish stores as much as I do, you won’t want to miss this one.

Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH with Kids

Portsmouth is a surprisingly family-friendly destination, especially for elementary-age kids who enjoy history, hands-on museums, and outdoor time.

Kid-approved activities include:

• Strawbery Banke Museum – Small, walkable, and interactive, making it ideal for younger kids

• USS Albacore Museum – Touring a real submarine is memorable and quick

• Prescott Park – Open space for running around with frequent seasonal events

• Ice cream and dessert stops around Market Square (a guaranteed win)

If you’re visiting with kids, Portsmouth works best as a day trip or weekend stop, especially when paired with nearby coastal towns.

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Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH This Weekend

Portsmouth also has a busy calendar of concerts, theater performances, festivals, markets and seasonal events. Check the local events calendar before your trip because what is happening can change considerably from one weekend to the next.

A simple weekend plan might include:

• Walk through downtown and browse shops in Market Square

• Visit Strawbery Banke Museum in the morning

• Lunch at a family-friendly spot like The Thirsty Moose

• Spend the afternoon at Prescott Park or along the waterfront

• Catch a concert, play, or film at The Music Hall

Because Portsmouth is compact and walkable, you can see a lot in a short amount of time without constantly moving your car.

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Free Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH

Not everything in Portsmouth requires a ticket, and some of the best experiences are completely free.

Free things to do include:

• Walking through Market Square and downtown neighborhoods

• Strolling Prescott Park and the waterfront paths

• Watching boats enter and leave Portsmouth Harbor

• Exploring historic streets and admiring colonial architecture

• Visiting shops and galleries (even if you don’t buy anything)

If you’re visiting on a budget, Portsmouth is easy to enjoy without spending much at all.

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Best Time to Visit Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a slightly different experience.

• Summer: Best weather, waterfront activities, and outdoor performances

• Fall: Fewer crowds, crisp air, and classic New England charm

• Winter: Quiet and festive, especially during December holiday programming

• Spring: Flowers bloom in Prescott Park and crowds are lighter

We’ve visited in multiple seasons, and there’s always something to do — which makes Portsmouth a great option no matter when you’re planning your trip.

Where to Eat in Portsmouth, NH (Family-Friendly Favorites)

If you love to eat, you will love all the fun options you can find in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. There are lots of themed restaurants, and a lot of great family friendly spots.

The Thirsty Moose

This restaurant/brewery is a fabulous place to grab lunch while exploring Portsmouth. It is right in Market Square and has food the entire family will enjoy. They have great burgers and appetizers.

I recommend the enormous pretzel appetizer!

Fezziwigs

If you are traveling with your kids, Fezziwigs is a must! You probably recognize the name as a nod to Mr. Fezziwig in “A Christmas Carol,” so it’s a great place to eat at Christmastime, too!

Fezziwigs is excellent for a light lunch or to grab a treat later in the day. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the concoctions are beautifully decorated as well! Grab a sundae or sweet treat, and you won’t be disappointed.

 

Best Places to Stay in Portsmouth, NH

There are plenty of hotels and inns to stay in when you visit Portsmouth, but these two recommendations for hotels are special! They both have long histories in Portsmouth and are both beautiful.

Wentworth by the Sea (Stay by the Sea)

This historic hotel is a little way from town on New Castle Island. This luxury hotel offers everything you will need for a relaxing stay!

It has a gorgeous indoor pool and hot tub, a great spa with an incredible selection of services, and a highly rated restaurant. If you visit in a warm month, you can watch the boats in the marina from the huge wrap-around porch!

Plus, the beds are so comfy! I usually wake up with a sore back when I sleep away from home, but these beds were terrific!

 

Ale House Inn (Stay Downtown)

This boutique hotel is right downtown in Portsmouth, so you never have to use your car! It is a mix of old and new with fabulous amenities. My favorite thing about this hotel is that you can use their fleet of bikes!

Take a bike ride down to Prescott Park or the USS Albacore, or head out on one of many bike trails in the area! Use this map to see where you can go.

Portsmouth is Beautiful All Year Round

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is one of those rare New England towns that works just as well for a quick day trip as it does for a full weekend getaway. With historic attractions, waterfront views, excellent food, and a walkable downtown, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Portsmouth, NH — no matter the season.

Getting to and Around Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is located just off Interstate 95, about an hour north of Boston and an hour south of Portland, Maine, without heavy traffic.

Once you arrive, the historic downtown is easy to explore on foot. Market Square, Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke Museum and The Music Hall are all close together. The USS Albacore Museum is a little farther away but still within walking distance for many visitors.

Street parking is available but can be difficult to find during summer weekends. The Hanover Street and Foundry Place parking garages are usually the easiest options if you plan to spend most of your day downtown. You will need a car or ride service to reach attractions outside the center, including Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and nearby beaches.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Is Portsmouth, NH worth visiting?

Yes — Portsmouth is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy historic towns, waterfront views, and great food. Despite its small size, Portsmouth packs in museums, historic homes, a lively downtown, and easy access to the coast, making it ideal for a weekend getaway or New England road trip stop.

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How many days do you need in Portsmouth, NH?

Most visitors need 1–2 days to see the highlights.

• One day is enough for downtown, Market Square, and one major attraction like Strawbery Banke Museum

• Two days allows time for museums, shopping, waterfront walks, and a show at The Music Hall

If you’re traveling with kids or visiting in summer, two days feels more relaxed.

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Is Portsmouth, NH walkable?

Yes — Portsmouth is one of the most walkable towns in New England. Downtown attractions, restaurants, shops, and waterfront parks are all close together, and you can easily explore without a car once you arrive. Staying downtown makes it especially easy to get around.

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What are the best free things to do in Portsmouth, NH?

Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth are completely free, including:

• Walking through Market Square and historic neighborhoods

• Visiting Prescott Park and the harborfront

• Watching boats in Portsmouth Harbor

• Exploring shops and galleries downtown

These free activities make Portsmouth a great destination even on a budget.

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Is Portsmouth, NH good for families?

Yes — Portsmouth is very family-friendly, especially for families with elementary-age kids. Attractions like Strawbery Banke Museum and the USS Albacore Museum are educational without being overwhelming, and the compact downtown makes sightseeing easy with kids.

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What is the best time of year to visit Portsmouth, NH?

Portsmouth is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for:

• Summer: Warm weather, outdoor events, and waterfront activities

• Fall: Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and classic New England charm

• Winter: Quiet, festive, and especially charming in December

• Spring: Blooming gardens and lighter crowds

There’s always something to do, no matter the season.

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Where should I stay when visiting Portsmouth, NH?

If you want to be within walking distance of shops and restaurants, staying downtown is the most convenient option. If you prefer a quieter, coastal setting, staying just outside downtown — such as near New Castle Island — offers beautiful views while still being close to town.

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Is Portsmouth, NH expensive to visit?

Portsmouth can be moderately priced, but it’s easy to control costs. Many attractions are affordable, downtown is walkable, and there are plenty of free things to do. Visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can also help reduce hotel prices.

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