Things to Do in Portsmouth NH: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Portsmouth is one of America's oldest port cities, founded in 1623 at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. Its brick downtown, colonial houses and lively restaurant scene make it a favourite weekend escape in New England.
The city is small and walkable, and the coast of New Hampshire and southern Maine is right on its doorstep.
Top things to see in Portsmouth
Strawbery Banke Museum
An outdoor museum of restored houses spanning four centuries, with costumed interpreters and heritage gardens.
Market Square
The heart of downtown, lined with cafés, bookshops and the North Church spire.
Prescott Park
Waterfront gardens hosting a summer arts festival and outdoor theatre.
USS Albacore
A pioneering experimental submarine you can walk through.
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
Boat trips to lighthouses and the Isles of Shoals.
Fort Constitution and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
In nearby New Castle, a historic fort with sea views.
Odiorne Point State Park and Seacoast Science Center
Tide pools and trails on the rocky coast.
Portsmouth in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Old Portsmouth
Strawbery Banke, Market Square, Prescott Park and a harbourside dinner.
2Day 2 · Harbour and islands
Morning cruise to the Isles of Shoals, then the USS Albacore.
3Day 3 · Coastal loop
New Castle's fort and lighthouse, Odiorne Point tide pools and Rye beaches.
Portsmouth in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Maine side
Kittery's outlets and Fort McClary, then York's Nubble Lighthouse.
5Day 5 · Ogunquit
The Marginal Way cliff walk and Perkins Cove.
Portsmouth in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Heritage day
The Black Heritage Trail, the Moffatt-Ladd House and the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion.
7Day 7 · Slow seacoast
Bike along the coast, a brewery tour and a final lobster roll.
What to do in Portsmouth on a weekend
Saturday: Strawbery Banke, downtown and a harbour cruise. Sunday: New Castle and the Rye coast.
What to do in Portsmouth in the evening
Portsmouth has an excellent dining scene, craft breweries and live music. The Music Hall, a restored 1878 theatre, hosts concerts and films.
Portsmouth for couples
Dinner on a harbour deck, a sunset cruise and a night at a historic inn make Portsmouth an ideal romantic getaway.
Portsmouth with kids
Strawbery Banke's activities, the submarine, tide pools and the Seacoast Science Center are great with children.
Practical tips for Portsmouth
Best time to visit
June to October; late September and early October bring foliage. Winters are cold but festive.
Getting around
Boston Logan is about an hour away. Downtown is walkable; a car is useful for the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Is Portsmouth NH worth visiting?
Yes, for history, food and the coast.
How far is Portsmouth from Boston?
About an hour by car.
Can you visit the Isles of Shoals?
Yes, by seasonal ferry or cruise.