Location: Portsmouth
Top Things to do in Portsmouth
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Portsmouth, United States
Don your walking shoes, breathe in the ocean air and set out to discover this picturesque maritime town. You can join one of several organized walking tours or explore on your own. Portsmouth is filled with old homes and museums, and you'll have your pick of fascinating historic sites. Climb aboard the USS Albacore, a retired U.S. Navy submarine offering tours and exhibits. View an 18th-century garden, striking stairway and period furniture at the Moffatt Ladd House, the home of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, or follow a costumed guide through the John Paul Jones House, home of the Revolutionary War naval hero. For a broader look at the city's history, visit Strawbery Banke Museum, where over 40 buildings have been assembled to depict Portsmouth life from 1695 to 1950, complete with costumed actors. If you know architecture, Portsmouth's array of Colonial, Federalist and Neo-classical styles will dazzle you. Weary of walking? Sit down for a meal at one of Portsmouth's fine eateries or relax on a narrated harbor or whale-watching cruise.
Restaurants in Portsmouth
1. Discover Portsmouth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Start you visit at Discover Portsmouth. We offer a 12 minute film on the city's history, a beautiful museum shop, changing exhibitions, walking tours (Memorial Day - Columbus Day), city map, and public rest rooms. We are open April 1-December 23/
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Discover Portsmouth, a welcome center operated by the Portsmouth Historical Society, is the first place visitors should go to find all you need to know about Portsmouth, New Hampshire, its history, arts and culture. If you are planning to stay for one, two, three or more days, you will be able to obtain information on historical sites, tourist attractions, plays, movies, art exhibits, hotels, restaurants and tours. View 400 years of Portsmouth history via a 13-minute video. Obtain a map of the downtown area and plan a route to meet your interests. Take a 75-minute walking tour with an experienced Discover Portsmouth guide. Explore the Museum Shop, which offers a great selection of history books, cards, prints, unique jewelry and apparel made by local artists and craftsmen. Located at 10 Middle Street, the welcome center provides visitors with an opportunity to fully explore historic Portsmouth, the hub of the New Hampshire seacoast.
2. When Pigs Fly Company Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
When Pigs Fly is an all natural bread bakery featuring over 25 flavors of breads baked fresh each day. We also bake Bavarian pretzels, a variety of cookies and we are making fresh donuts on weekends. We sell olive oils, Vinegars , jams , artisanal butter and other items that accompany bread. Come in and check out our sampling table where you can sample all of our breads
Reviewed By Noreen M - Poughkeepsie, New York
We go to this bakery every time we are in the area 2-3 times a year. Everything is always spectacular! And delicious! They seem to have seasonal items as well as regular items we can get all the time. I am always amazed at how well their staff knows the products and ingredients. There is usually a line to get your bread sliced, but that makes it easier to snack on during the ride home. Some of their breads are so good, they make wonderful desserts. There is a pizza restaurant next door, but we have never been in.
3. Stoneface Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Nate080411 - Nashua, New Hampshire
Going in I already knew I enjoyed Stoneface beer but this was my first trip to their location. They have a clean industrial set up with their own food on site. On a busy day, like when we were there, it can get crowded so you should be prepared to stand and sample your beers. They don't do flights, but the 6 oz pours are essentially samples by themselves so you can order up as many of those as you would like to sample their varieties. They have a nice shop on site for merchandise and canned beer or growlers to go. Overall, while this is outside the Portsmouth central area, you should take the few minutes and drive out to it.
4. Odiorne Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
A 330-acre park on the coastline.
Reviewed By Karen Z - Chicago, Illinois
We took the beach trail (the trails aren't really marked, and we didn't see any trail maps, so we just walked towards the beach). It was very quiet, not many people around. The beach is pretty and the trails we took through the woods were very easy.
5. Isles of Shoals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Nine isolated, barren islands off the coast of New Hampshire.
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
My wife and I thought we had done our homework when preparing for our long vacation trip to New England. But we quickly learned that we overlooked a lot of must-see attractions. One of the foremost is the Isles of Shoals, a group of small islands and tidal ledges situated about six miles off the east coast of the United States, straddling the border of New Hampshire and Maine. Board a tour boat at the dock on the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, cruise through the picturesque harbor, past five historic fortifications, lighthouses, the Navy Yard and a host of beautiful colonial houses on your way to Star Island, the only island served by a commercial boat from the mainland. It is a religious and educational conference center owned by the Star Island Corporation, which is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. Visit the Oceanic Hotel, the Gosport House and the 150-year-old chapel. Star Island also is a popular destination for sailboats wishing to tie up overnight in Gosport Harbor. At 46 acres, it is the second largest island in the group. Don't forget your camera. The ocean views are spectacular. English explorer Captain John Smith sighted and named these islands in 1614. A lot of history is associated with the islands. For example, 25-acre Smuttynose Island, the third largest island, is allegedly the site of the pirate Blackbeard's honeymoon, the wreck of the Spanish ship Sagunto in 1813 and the site of the notorious 1873 murders of two young women. Uninhabited today, Smuttynose is home to the Samuel Haley House, once believed to be the oldest structure in Maine.
6. Kittery Trading Post
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 452 reviews
Visitors entering our store will enjoy shopping a vast selection of brand name recreational gear, clothing, footwear and specialty gifts for the entire family. Walk upstairs and immerse yourself in outdoor gear & sport-specific apparel for a wide range of outside activities-camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing & more! Our upper level is also home to one of the most recognized & extensive shooting sports department in New England. Downstairs, an entire level of fresh/saltwater fishing tackle & accessories awaits! You'll find rods, reels, lines, lures, fly fishing & fly tying gear to capture the attention of avid fishers everywhere. We invite you to browse & shop our family store in Kittery; where no matter the season or reason, you can count on our staff for the resources, knowledge and personal service to make your outdoor adventures enjoyable, successful & memorable.
Reviewed By machhh - Trade, Tennessee
After over 20 years of buying most of my hunting, fishing and camping equipment here including numerous guns, I’m done. I live in a neighboring state and they refused to sell me a bolt action rifle without shipping it to an FFL dealer in my state even though it was legal in my state for me to purchase the rifle and walk out with it and I had all appropriate credentials. I went as far as to call the firearms unit in my state and had a supervisor advised them that it was legal in my state to buy the bolt action rifle without it being shipped to and FFL dealer in my state. They still refused to do it ...it’s sad to say but I will take my business somewhere else. This is a very sad day.
7. USS Albacore Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Kids will love exploring this retired 1953 U.S. Navy submarine which served as a test bed for other submarine systems and now gives visitors a feel for the tight quarters, tiny berths and general submarine lifestyle.
Reviewed By pitterpat000 - Gainesville, Georgia
We stopped in this little park to see the Albacore. The gentleman running the museum was especially friendly and talkative - helped us know how the sub got there and what else there was in the area to enjoy.
Unfortunately, NOTHING else in the area is open the first week of April!
But, the Albacore was wonderful. You can sit in the chairs and touch everything - not like some subs where they've got it all behind plexiglass. It was so much fun to be able to touch and see up close. We really enjoyed this tour! They did a great job with the audio tour and it was great to be able to push the buttons and hear as we walked through.
Plan to spend an hour or so here. There is a little shop and restrooms as well as a little video/museum area.
8. Fort McClary State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By PAWildheart - Bucks County, PA
I love history anyway, so it was no far stretch for me to visit this old fort. But what was unusual was how long my young niece stayed interested and engaged, and how much we talked about the history as we read the interpretive signs together. And how many other young people of all ages I saw while we were there. No surprise, really, though, because especially in the octagonal building, it's so easy to imagine soldiers guarding this critical approach to the coast during the long-ago wars. Great learning experience! This is also a picturesque place, perfect for family photos and even selfies, so bring your camera.
9. Strawbery Banke Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 929 reviews
Museum houses open in December only for Candlelight Stroll: Saturdays Dec 12 and 19, 5-9 pm and Sundays, December 13 and 20, 4-8 pm. Guided Holiday House Tours offered Dec 26-31, 10 am to 2 pm with last tour starting at 2 pm. Labrie Family Skate outdoor ice rink at the museum is open daily 9 am to 9 pm (except for occasional private rentals).
Reviewed By Patrick F - Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Strawbery Banke is an open air museum consisting of numerous old, historical houses - a few of which were always there, most of which were moved there. In the space of an afternoon one can experience over 300 years of life in Portsmouth, with houses from each era faithfully restored and filled with period pieces. One will also find guides often dressed in period clothing and they are all very knowledgeable. The grounds themselves are a nice stroll too.
10. Yummies Candy and Nuts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By bsk_10 - Framingham, Massachusetts
Isles and isles of old time candy just waiting for you. From sky bars to gum you will find the kid in you again. If you bring your children watch how much fun they will have.
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