Portsmouth Attractions

Settled in 1623, Portsmouth prides itself on being one of the nation’s oldest cities and sits just 60 miles north of Boston. The city is well known for its stunning waterfront, historic homes, and flourishing restaurant scene. You’ll find dozens of excellent restaurants featuring just about every cuisine imaginable. Walk down Congress Street and Market Street for a variety of stores featuring art, antiques, clothing, books, fine jewelry, and much more. Hop on board one of the daily scheduled Portsmouth Harbor cruises for a great way to take in the area’s folklore and waterway history.

Across the river in Maine, you’ll find the country’s first naval shipyard, The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The USS Albacore Museum is a retired 1953 US Navy submarine offering visitors a glimpse of life on the water. The Strawbery Banke Museum is a popular family site which traces Portsmouth’s earliest English settlement’s history. Portsmouth is a coastal gem providing hours and hours of entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Featured Attractions

Market Square & North Church

Market Square stands in the center of downtown Portsmouth. Market Square boasts open-air cafes, colorful storefronts, and New England art galleries. This square was once a military training site and today it still holds the feel of a bustling port. Explore the area’s numerous museums and historic houses for a glimpse of time gone by. Street lanterns line the streets to guide you to quaint New England restaurants. Additionally, you’ll see the 1854 North Church on the southwest side of the square with its dominating white spire.

Strawbery Banke Museum

Strawbery Banke Museum, in the heart of historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is an authentic 10-acre outdoor history museum dedicated to bringing 300+ years of American history to life. The Museum is a place for visitors of all ages to gather to explore eight heritage gardens, 32 historic buildings and traditional crafts, preservation programs, and hands-on activities. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time while listening to stories told by costumed role-players. and the changing exhibits that offer hours of fun and discovery. The historic houses are open May 1st through Oct 31st, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, daily.

Strawbery Banke Museum

Strawbery Banke Museum, in the heart of historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is an authentic 10-acre outdoor history museum dedicated to bringing 300+ years of American history to life. The Museum is a place for visitors of all ages to gather to explore eight heritage gardens, 32 historic buildings and traditional crafts, preservation programs, and hands-on activities. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time while listening to stories told by costumed role-players. and the changing exhibits that offer hours of fun and discovery. The historic houses are open May 1st through Oct 31st, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, daily.

Prescott Park

Prescott Park is located in Portsmouth, NH, on the banks of the Piscataqua River, about 6 blocks from downtown and the Market Square. The Park grounds lie over ten acres of riverside lawns, gardens and walkways, three boardwalk piers, two public docking areas with space for up to 26 vessels, and Four Tree Island offers picnic tables, shelters, and grills. Prescott Park is open to the public year-round. It's also is the site of one of New England’s most popular outdoor summer events, the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which during July and part of August presents a musical and dozens of performances by musicians and theater groups.

All Attractions

Things to Do

Restaurants

Shopping