Location: Portsmouth
Top Things to do in Portsmouth
10 Sights & Landmarks in Portsmouth That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Nathan Parker House
2. North Church Of Portsmouth
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. North Cemetery
4. Portsmouth Harbor Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
A scenic walking route that includes important historic landmarks in the Portsmouth area.
5. Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Originally built for a wealthy merchant family, and later the residence of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, this splendid home features an elegant 18th-century garden, interesting carvings, and much of the original furniture. Guided tours of the house are available June 1 through mid-October, Monday-Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sundays 1-5pm. Tours last 45-60mins and are $8 for adults, $2.5 for children (6-12) and children under 6 are free. To tour the garden on your own is just $2 per person.
6. Rundlet-May House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
7. St. John's Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
An historic stop on the Portsmouth Harbor Trail that contains America's oldest working Brattle organ and a rare copy of the Vinegar Bible.
8. Strawbery Banke Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,103 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 aneczypor - Seattle, United States
This historic park is fabulous. From the first video to all the various houses, it is non stop entertaining and beautiful. The structures range from very old homes, to stores and churches transporting you back to another world and time. The buildings are often staffed by volunteers dressed in vintage clothing who act out the person who lived or worked there. The gardens are beautiful and the garden tour is worth taking if you are a Gardner. Do not go to Portsmouth and miss this magical place.
9. Warner House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
The governor's mansion when Portsmouth was state capital in the 1700s, this historic 1718 house was the site of many important decisions about New Hampshires future.
Reviewed By proudrose - Ottawa, Canada
We had a fantastic tour, We had arranged to meet the director at the house as it was closed for the season for regular tours. He was amazing and so knowledgeable. We found out about the family who had built the house and everything in it. Just great for history buffs
10. Market Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 728 reviews
The heart of downtown, where several walking tours begin, Market Square is a center of activity with art galleries, bookstores, antique shops, ethnic restaurants and many original 17th-century buildings.
Reviewed By ajayrrs
This is a great place to visit for a quick bite, or take as long as you want with a cup of coffee or drink. The ambiance is great and the location is fantastic.
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