5 Places To Visit In Portsmouth NH

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has long been known as a summer destination hotspot. Perched on the edge of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth is home to gorgeous public parks, an enviable waterfront setting, and a bustling downtown. With its top-notch restaurants, venerable history, and cultural strength, the city is a coastal gem. The area has several historic houses with storied pasts, many of which can be toured. 

If you want a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of city life, then there are many unique places this picturesque city has to offer. Take a look at these five places to visit in Portsmouth:

Strawbery Banke Museum

There’s a lot to discover in this charming coastal city, and one such place is Strawbery Banke Museum. This indoor-outdoor museum showcases local life from the late 1600s until the 1950s. A group of local residents founded the Strawbery Banke in 1958 to preserve many of Portsmouth’s historic buildings. They purchased the 10-acre redevelopment parcel from the city and began its historic preservation. In 1965, Strawbery Banke opened as a museum that was home to 42 historic buildings and gardens, bringing the history of Portsmouth to life. Portsmouth's array of Colonial, Federalist, and Neo-classical styles are sure to mesmerize you.

Here are some houses open for discovery:

  • Goodwin Mansion (1872)

  • Pitt Tavern (1775)

  • Rider-Wood House (1780)

  • Shapiro House (1919)

  • Thomas Bailey Aldrich Memorial (1908)

  • Chase House

  • Jackson House

  • Marden-Abbott Store and House (1943)

  • Shapley Drisco House (1795 & 1955)

  • Sherburne House (1695)

Market Square

Market Square in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, gives you a taste of New England coastal life. Home to several historical buildings from the bygone era, the area around Market Square, has been the city's commercial center since the 1700s. Most of the red brick buildings here date back to the early and mid-1800s. Today, the area is filled with a beautiful array of shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants. Every year, the area comes to life during the annual Market Square Day festival. During this festival, nearly 60,000 - 80,000 people walk through downtown Portsmouth and enjoy food, entertainment, and browse tent after tent of local artists sharing their passions. The major attraction of the day is a 10K Road Race, followed by live music.

USS Albacore Museum

The USS Albacore, a research submarine, was built during the Cold War to test new capabilities underwater. The submarine was equipped with experimental features such as underwater parachute brakes and the "viscous polymer fluid coatings" on its hull. Its hydrodynamic shape offered better speed and efficiency underwater. This remarkable submarine has been retired since 1972 and now open to the public to explore. Visitors at the USS Albacore can take part in hands-on activities. You’ll be surprised to know that this experimental submarine never carried any weapons. When the museum is open, visitors can explore the control room, look through the periscope, and see the bunk rooms.

Prescott Park

In 1940, two sisters, Josie and Sarah Prescott donated the Prescott Park to the city of Portsmouth. Now it is a beautiful 10-acre park open to visitors, especially during the summer months. The popular waterfront park features lovely flower gardens, water fountains, walking paths, and an outdoor theatre which showcases live music and musicals all summer long. You can borrow a beach chair or blanket and head over for some fun summer entertainment. 

Peirce Island

Like Prescott Park, Peirce Island is also a great getaway. The 27-acre island is owned by the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In the mid-1800s, ships were built on the island, and during World War II, it served as a recreation center for coastal artillery troops. On the island, you’ll find walking paths, playgrounds, and a boat launch area. The island boasts diverse wildlife, vegetation including Northern climax forests, sandy beaches, steep rocky cliffs, and a salt marsh. There are five waterfront overlooks that offer amazing views of the south end of Portsmouth and the Naval Shipyard.

About Water Street Inn

Located on the picturesque Piscataqua River banks in Kittery, Maine, Water Street Inn offers six beautifully decorated lodging luxury hotel rooms for guests. We offer all the amenities you need to make your stay a comfortable one. The Inn is perfect for couples, families, or a group of friends who are seeking a New England getaway adventure.

To learn more about the Kittery Maine hotels' rooms and services that we offer, call us at (207) 994-9735. You can also drop us an email at hello@waterstinn.com for any queries.

Amanda McSharry