Things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- The city was originally settled in 1630 as Strawbery Banke, named for the abundant wild strawberries found along the riverbanks.
- Portsmouth hosted the 1905 signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth, which officially ended the Russo-Japanese War.
- The city has served as the home base for the United States Navy's oldest operating shipyard, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, since 1800.
- It is the only city in New Hampshire that features a significant deep-water port capable of handling large commercial vessels.
- The African Burying Ground Memorial honors the final resting place of enslaved and free Africans who lived in the city during the 18th century.
About Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a historic deep-water port situated on the Piscataqua River that served as a critical shipbuilding hub during the American Revolution. The city is defined by its preserved colonial architecture and maritime heritage, showcased at sites like the Strawbery Banke Museum. Visitors often explore the regional history at the Seacoast Science Center or walk across the iconic Memorial Bridge to view the harbor. The city serves as the cultural center of the New Hampshire Seacoast with a dense concentration of 18th-century homes like the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden.
Highlights of Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Walk through centuries of history in a restored neighborhood featuring authentic colonial-era architecture.
Places of interest
Traverse this vertical lift bridge for an elevated view of the busy Piscataqua River shipping channel.
Museums
Examine local marine life and coastal ecosystems in a facility located directly on the edge of the Atlantic.
Museums
Tour the USS Albacore, a retired research submarine designed for cold-war era naval advancements.
Museums
Explore the original terraced gardens and the ornate interior of a merchant's mansion dating back to 1763.
Historical places
Reflect at this public memorial dedicated to the city's early African community.
Parks
Access miles of rugged coastline and tide pools located at the tip of a prominent peninsula.
Historical places
Inspect the stone ruins of a 19th-century coastal fortification situated across the river from Portsmouth.
Top things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The 37 highest-rated places in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, ranked by travellers.
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Museums
Albacore Park houses the USS Albacore (AGSS-569), a research submarine built in 1953 that served as a prototype for mode...
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Parks
Odiorne Point State Park is a 330-acre coastal park located at the site of the former Seacoast defense installation, For...
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Parks
Water Country is New England's largest water park, spanning over 26 acres in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It features a di...
4
Zoos
York's Wild Kingdom is a combined zoo and amusement park located in York, Maine. The facility integrates animal exhibits...
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Museums
Strawbery Banke Museum is a 10-acre outdoor history museum situated in the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood of Portsmou...
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Historical places
Fort McClary State Historic Site is a coastal defensive installation situated on a peninsula overlooking the Piscataqua...
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Beaches and ponds
Long Sands Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline in York, Maine, characterized by a steady slope and sand-ba...
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Museums
The Seacoast Science Center is situated within Odiorne Point State Park, focusing on the ecology of the Gulf of Maine. T...
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Parks
Jenness State Beach is a popular coastal destination located along New Hampshire's narrow 18-mile coastline. The beach f...
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Venues
The Seacoast Repertory Theatre is a professional nonprofit regional theater located in the historic Bow Street district...
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Museums
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Late June through early September, when the weather is mild for coastal walking tours and outdoor access to parks.
2-3 days to cover the historic district and coastal state parks.
The downtown core is highly walkable, though a car is necessary to visit coastal state parks and outlying historic sites.
Stay in the Downtown district for immediate access to historic sites and dining, or choose the South End for quiet, period-style residential charm.
Mid to expensive, as Portsmouth is a popular year-round tourist destination with premium demand for lodging.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 37 curated attractions in and around Portsmouth, New Hampshire, ranked by traveller ratings.
Albacore Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Portsmouth, New Hampshire right now.
The largest category is museums, with 13 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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