If you haven’t been to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, add this coastal city to your travel bucket list. Known for its cobbled streets, historic city center, and vibrant cultural and arts scene, there are plenty of fun things to do in Portsmouth. The city also has an amazing food scene, be sure to check out our roundup of the best restaurants in Portsmouth. If you're looking for things to do in Portsmouth, we've got you covered. If you are looking for more Check out this guide for the best places to visit in New England.
There really is no shortage of fun things to do in Portsmouth. Whether you're looking for beach days, shopping, historical monuments, museums or gourmet food, there's something for everyone. Here you'll find lots of fun, family-friendly, dog-friendly, and even free things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
15 things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Shopping in the market square
Market Street/Market Square is a lovely shopping destination close to the waterfront. It was conveniently located close to our hotel so we had the opportunity to walk around and peruse the shops and boutiques. In New Hampshire, you can shop tax-free. Some of our favorites are:
- tree house toys – Great place to bring kids. A fun range of children's toys, games, crafts, puzzles and more.
- Gus & Ruby Letterpresss – A lovely gift shop selling a great selection of merchandise, stationery and more.
- Nakota – Nahcotta is an art gallery and boutique with a carefully curated selection of handmade products, stationery, gifts and art. I don't want to leave this store!
Strawberry Bank Museum
strawberry bank is an outdoor museum featuring reenactments, historic homes, heirloom gardens, and more. Step back in time to see how this beautifully preserved neighborhood has evolved over more than 350 years. If you're familiar with the Point neighborhood in Newport, Rhode Island, you'll notice that it has a similar feel here.
14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Moffat-Ladd House and Gardens
The historic house is a museum and a National Historic Landmark. It was the home of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as well as many other free and enslaved people who lived there throughout history. Take a guided tour and learn about the rich history of Moffat-Ladd House. The house also has beautiful gardens and dates back to the late nineteenth century.
Prescott Park
Prescott Park It is a beautiful seaside park with gardens, fountains and harbor views. It's right next to Strawberry Banke, so you can do both activities in one morning.
New Hampshire Black Heritage Trail
Self-guided tour Portsmouth's Black Heritage Trail. The New Hampshire Black Heritage Trail increases awareness of New Hampshire's Black history and appreciation of New Hampshire's African American history and culture.
Watch a performance at the concert hall
concert hallBuilt in 1878, it is the oldest operating room in New Hampshire and the 14th oldest operating room in the United States. It's an intimate venue with less than 1,000 seats inside. The theater hosts musical performances, comedy shows, off-Broadway productions and more.
28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire
fort foster
Although Fort Foster is technically in Maine, it's only a short drive from Portsmouth. lie in KitteryFort Foster State Park is a huge park and beach with tons of camping spots, including rocky and sandy beaches, lots of open grassy areas for picnicking, playgrounds, and more. It’s also dog-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed (but not allowed in some areas). The water was crystal clear, but also cold. The good part is that it's much cooler there (compared to downtown Portsmouth). Approximately 15 minutes' drive from Portsmouth city centre.
Parking is $25 for a day pass when open (parking is free during the off-season when the park is open). There are restrooms on site, but you absolutely need to bring your own food and drinks. we stopped at Lil's Cafe On the way, stock up on snacks and sandwiches for the day.
Historical walking tour
Your knowledgeable Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour guide will introduce you to Portsmouth's rich history, including architecture, stories, shops, and more. Public tours are open from May to October, but Private tours can be booked year-round.
New Hampshire Children's Museum
Only a short drive from Portsmouth New Hampshire Children's MuseumLocated in Dover, this is a family-friendly activity. There are exhibitions, workshops, classes, story times and more.
