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Portsmouth, NH: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Portsmouth builds the prototype first and then lets everyone else copy it afterwards. The USS Albacore was designed to test experimental features for the submarine fleet. Earth Eagle Brewings makes gruits, which are beers using herbs in place of hops. And the Seacoast Repertory Theatre is known for its innovative productions instead. Every one of those started out as somebody testing an idea right here.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a small coastal city full of history, culture and things to do. History buff, someone who eats well, art lover or outdoor person: Portsmouth has a version of each. From the architecture of the city to sailing the Piscataqua River, there is plenty to fill the days.

One of the strongest things about Portsmouth is its history. You can walk through the past of the city at historical sites like the Strawbery Banke Museum and the Portsmouth Harbor Trail. For the maritime side, take the USS Albacore Museum and see what life aboard a submarine was actually like. And for the arts, there is a working music and theater scene, along with galleries and art studios.

Key Takeaways

• Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a charming coastal city with a rich history and plenty of things to do.
• Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s unique architecture, sailing the Piscataqua River, or checking out its vibrant music and theatre scene, there’s something for everyone in Portsmouth.
• From historical sites like the Strawbery Banke Museum to the USS Albacore Museum and the city’s many galleries and art studios, Portsmouth is a great destination for anyone looking for a fun and interesting vacation.

A Walk Through Portsmouth’s History

History travelers should walk the historic sites of Portsmouth. You get put back in time as you go. Here are the historic sites worth finding in Portsmouth:

• Strawbery Banke Museum: This living history museum is a time capsule of Portsmouth’s past. You’ll see over 40 restored buildings, including homes, shops, and gardens, that date back to the 17th century. You’ll also get to interact with costumed interpreters who will bring the past to life.
• Portsmouth Historical Society: Located in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, the historical society is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Portsmouth’s past. You’ll learn about the city’s maritime history, its role in the American Revolution, and much more.
• Warner House: This beautiful Georgian mansion was built in 1716 and is one of the oldest brick houses in New England. It’s now a museum that showcases life in the 18th century. You’ll see period furnishings and artwork, as well as learn about the Warner family who lived there.
• John Paul Jones House: This historic home was built in 1758 and was once the residence of Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones. You’ll see artifacts from Jones’ life, as well as learn about his contributions to the American Revolution.

Walking the historic sites of Portsmouth, you notice how well-preserved they are. It reads like stepping back. So put on the walking shoes and go through the history of Portsmouth.

Sailing the Piscataqua River

For an unusual way to see Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sail the Piscataqua River. There is no better way to take the river and its surroundings than by boat.

The strongest way to sail the Piscataqua River is to book with the Gundalow Company. The educational company runs morning, afternoon and sunset sails from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. You get the sights and sounds of the river alongside its history and ecology. And with luck you catch one of their weekly specialty sails, which run music, guest speakers and local tastings.

But if you are more of a DIY type, rent a boat and sail the river alone. Just make sure you have the experience and the equipment first. And check the weather forecast before heading out, because a storm is not what you want.

For something bolder, sail to the Isles of Shoals, a group of nine small islands about 6 miles off the coast of Portsmouth. The islands run deep on history and natural setting, and there is hiking, fishing and walking. Bring sunscreen and bug spray.

So what are you waiting for? Take the captain’s hat and set sail on the Piscataqua River. Seasoned sailor or landlubber, this waterway will hold you.

Discover The Downtown Delights

Downtown Portsmouth is the heart of the city, and there is plenty in it. Shopping through to dining, there are things to do in this busy area.

Start with Market Square. It is the hub of downtown, where everything happens. There are shops, restaurants and cafes across the square. It suits watching people go by with a coffee or an ice cream.

On shops, downtown Portsmouth is where anyone who shops should be. There are boutiques and shops with unusual gifts, handmade crafts and stylish clothing. A new outfit or a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, both are in there.

But shopping is not the only thing downtown Portsmouth does. There is a walk along the waterfront, or the art galleries in the area. And for something more active, rent a bike and take the city on two wheels.

Local or just visiting, work through the downtown side of Portsmouth. It holds up.

The Foodie’s Guide to Portsmouth

Anyone who eats well will do fine in Portsmouth. With restaurants and breweries across the range, you will not run out of options. Here is a guide to the culinary scene in Portsmouth.

Restaurants

Portsmouth runs some of the strongest restaurants in New Hampshire. Here are a few worth finding:

• Black Trumpet: This cozy restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
• The Friendly Toast: If you’re looking for a fun, quirky restaurant, The Friendly Toast is the place for you. The menu features classic breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and burgers, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.
• Moxy: This small plates restaurant is perfect for sharing with friends. The menu features a variety of dishes, from seafood to charcuterie.

Portsmouth Brewery

No trip to Portsmouth is finished without the Portsmouth Brewery. The local brewery has been serving beer since 1991. There is a rotating selection alongside a menu of pub favorites like burgers.

Earth Eagle Brewings

For an unusual brewery, take Earth Eagle Brewings. The small brewery specializes in gruits, which are beers made with herbs instead of hops. There is a rotating selection as well, plus a small menu of snacks and sandwiches.

Dine Outdoors

In the warmer months, many restaurants in Portsmouth run outdoor dining. Here are some of the stronger places to eat al fresco:

• Martingale Wharf: This waterfront restaurant has a large outdoor patio with stunning views of the harbor.
• The River House: This casual restaurant has a large outdoor deck overlooking the Piscataqua River.
• Surf: This seafood restaurant has a small outdoor patio with views of the harbor.

A dressy dinner or a casual meal, Portsmouth covers both. So bring the appetite and work through the food of this New Hampshire town.

A Day at the Park

Looking for something family-friendly in Portsmouth, NH? Go to Prescott Park. The park suits a day with family, dogs included.

The moment you enter the park you get flowers and greenery. Take a walk through the gardens and let the quiet do its work. And take some photos for Instagram while you are there.

If you have kids, the playground is the draw. There are swings, slides and climbing structures that will hold them for hours. And it burns off the energy.

And the dogs are welcome too, because Prescott Park is dog-friendly. Bring yours for a walk or a game of fetch. Just clean up after them.

Hungry? Pack a picnic and eat in the park. There are tables and benches, or you can put a blanket on the grass. It pairs the food with the setting.

And if you are in town over the summer months, catch one of the concerts or events in the park. Live music through to theater performances, something is usually on at Prescott Park.

So what are you waiting for? Take the family, the kids and the dogs to Prescott Park for the day.

Start at the water, because everything else in this town follows on from it. The Gundalow Company runs morning, afternoon and sunset sails on the Piscataqua River. The Isles of Shoals sit about 6 miles off the coast of Portsmouth. And Albacore Park then holds the submarine that was built in this town. Leave the breweries until the light goes and the day works out well.

The Vibrant Music and Theatre Scene

Portsmouth knows how to put on a show. The music and theater scene here will hold you whatever your interests are.

The Music Hall is the center of the performing arts in Portsmouth. The historic venue has been running concerts, plays and other events since 1878. Anyone who follows live music or theater should see it. The talent on the stage is the reason.

But the Music Hall is not the only place for live music or theater in Portsmouth. There are other venues around town running good entertainment. The Seacoast Repertory Theatre is the other one for theater people. The small venue is known for its innovative productions and its actors.

For something more laid back, take some of the bars and clubs in Portsmouth. Many run live music on weekends, so you get a drink and a set together. The Press Room is the popular one for live music, and there are plenty of other bars and clubs around town.

Whatever your taste in music or theater, Portsmouth will have it. So head out and take the arts scene of the city. You may come away with a new favorite performer.

Exploring Portsmouth’s Unique Architecture

Portsmouth runs deep on history and culture, and its architecture shows it. Walking the streets of Portsmouth, you notice the houses and buildings mix architectural styles, Colonial, Georgian and Federal among them.

One of the more distinctive features of the architecture in Portsmouth is the brick. Many houses in the city are brick, often painted in bright colors like yellow, pink and blue. It reads like a giant LEGO set with more history in it.

Historic houses people should be in Portsmouth. The city holds a number of well-preserved historic homes, the Governor John Langdon House, the Moffatt-Ladd House and the Wentworth-Gardner House among them. All are open to the public and show life in Portsmouth during the 18th and 19th centuries.

But it is not only the historic houses. Portsmouth also holds modern architecture worth looking at, the Portsmouth Public Library and the Portsmouth Music Hall among it. Those buildings are newer, but they hold their own.

Historic architecture or modern design, Portsmouth covers both. Take a walk through the streets of the city and look at the architecture that makes Portsmouth what it is.

The Artistic Side of Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a hub for artists and for anyone who follows art. There are galleries and exhibits to work through, and you may come away wanting to make something yourself. Here are the ways into the artistic side of Portsmouth:

Visit the Art Galleries

Portsmouth holds several art galleries, the Kennedy Gallery and Custom Framing, Nahcotta, and the Banks Gallery among them. The galleries run everything from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media. You can spend hours in them looking at work by local and national artists.

Attend Art Exhibits

Portsmouth runs several art exhibits through the year, the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the annual exhibition of the New Hampshire Art Association among them. The exhibits run art forms and styles across the range, contemporary through to traditional. And there are artist talks and workshops on the creative process.

Meet the Artists

Portsmouth holds many working artists, and you may meet them. Some galleries run meet-and-greets where you can hear about their inspiration and process. And there are art events and festivals where you can meet artists and see the work up close.

Create Your Own Art

Feeling inspired? Portsmouth has plenty of ways to make your own art. Take a painting or pottery class at the Portsmouth Art Exchange or the Clayroom, or try glassblowing at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. You may find you can do it.

The artistic side of Portsmouth is worth the time for anyone who follows art. Seasoned art enthusiast or just starting out, there is a version of each here.

The Maritime Marvel: USS Albacore

Ready for the maritime history of Portsmouth? Take the USS Albacore, a submarine that served as the prototype for the modern submarine fleet.

Built in Portsmouth, the USS Albacore was the leading Navy submarine before the atomic boats. It was designed to test experimental features used in modern submarines, which led to the high-speed silent operation those submarines use now.

Now decommissioned, the USS Albacore sits in Albacore Park in Portsmouth, open to the public for tours. You can go through the inside of the submarine and pick up its history.

Guided tours run year-round, and there are group rates if you bring a crew. Do not miss the chance to see life aboard a submarine and the role it played.

So hoist the anchor and set out for the USS Albacore.

The Seacoast City’s Breweries

You are in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and you want a good night. You are in luck, because this seacoast city holds some of the strongest breweries in the region. Beer connoisseur or just after a night out, the breweries here cover it.

First is the Portsmouth Brewery. Founded in 1991, this downtown staple suits any kind of night out. Look through the glass to see where the work happens and take one of the beers, all made on site.

Next is Bad Lab Beer Co., in Somersworth, a short drive from Portsmouth. The brewery is known for its experimental brews and unusual flavor combinations. So if you want something different, give Bad Lab a try.

For something more laid back, go to Deciduous Brewing Co. The taproom is a comfortable room for a cold one. And the rotating selection of small-batch beers means there is always something new.

Last is Cisco Brewers, just outside downtown Portsmouth. The brewery is known for its outdoor patio and its live music events. So take a beer, sit in the sun and listen.

The breweries in Portsmouth are a good night out for anyone. So gather friends, take a pint, and drink to a good night in this seacoast city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend any free activities in Portsmouth, NH?

Of course. Portsmouth has plenty of free activities. Walk through Prescott Park, a waterfront park that runs concerts and events through the year. Or take the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum that lets in kids under 5 and active military personnel at no cost. And there is the historic downtown area, full of unusual shops, art galleries and museums.

What are some fun things to do in Portsmouth, NH with kids?

There is plenty to do in Portsmouth with kids. If they like animals, take the Blue Ocean Discovery Center, where they can learn about marine life and touch live creatures. There is also a family-friendly cruise to the Isles of Shoals, a group of small islands off the coast of Portsmouth. Or take the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, where kids get hands-on exhibits and activities.

Looking for something to do at night in Portsmouth, NH? Any suggestions?

Portsmouth runs a busy nightlife, so there is plenty to do after dark. For live music, take The Music Hall, a historic theater running concerts and performances through the year. Or take a drink at one of the many bars and pubs in Portsmouth, The Press Room or The Thirsty Moose Taphouse among them. And if you feel lucky, there is the Ocean Gaming Casino for blackjack, poker and the rest.

What are the best restaurants in Portsmouth, NH?

Portsmouth is known for its food, so you are in luck. For seafood, go to Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe or Row 34. For Italian, take Ristorante Massimo or Cava Tapas and Wine Bar. And for something different, take The Black Birch, a gastropub doing small plates and craft cocktails.

Where’s the best place to stay in Portsmouth, NH?

There are plenty of good places to stay in Portsmouth, depending on budget and taste. For something luxurious, take the Wentworth by the Sea, a historic hotel on the waterfront. For something more affordable, there is the Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central or the Residence Inn Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront. And for something different, book the Ale House Inn, a boutique hotel in a former brewery.

Frequently asked questions about Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Which Portsmouth museum covers the maritime history of the city?

The USS Albacore Museum. The submarine was built in Portsmouth, designed to test experimental features, and it now sits in Albacore Park where guided tours run all the year round for anyone who books ahead. Strawbery Banke Museum is then the living history museum in the city. The Portsmouth Harbor Trail then walks you past the rest of it. Book the submarine tour first, because the group rates need some warning.

Which Portsmouth park suits a full day with children?

Prescott Park, comfortably. It runs gardens, a playground with swings, slides and climbing structures, picnic tables and benches, and it is dog-friendly, with concerts and theater right through the summer months. The Blue Ocean Discovery Center then lets children touch live marine creatures. The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire then runs the hands-on exhibits instead. Prescott Park costs nothing at all, which decides most of it for you.

Which Portsmouth brewery is the strangest one to try?

Earth Eagle Brewings. The small brewery specializes in gruits, which are beers made with herbs instead of hops, and it keeps a rotating selection alongside a small menu of snacks and sandwiches. Portsmouth Brewery has been pouring in the downtown since the year 1991. Cisco Brewers then has the outdoor patio and the live music events. Try the gruits first, because nothing else in town tastes like them.

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