Location: Portsmouth
Top Things to do in Portsmouth
Things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (NH): The Best Nature & Parks
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. 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.
2. Celia Thaxter's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Step back in time, and experience the unique beauty of Celia Thaxter's Island Garden! Restored and maintained by the Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island in the Isles of Shoals, the garden is accessible to the public during pre-arranged Garden Tours each summer (June-August, see website for dates). The tour includes time in the flower garden - perfect for avid horticulturalists! - as well as a walkabout to view and learn about the numerous historic sites on Appledore Island. The island's rich cultural history dates back to the late-19th and early-20th centuries, when it was home to the Appledore House Hotel. The current island garden is an accurate recreation of the garden that Celia Thaxter documented in her book, "An Island Garden." Thaxter was a renowned poet, author, gardener, and daughter to the hotel's founder. Celia Thaxter's Garden Tour participants (34 people per tour) will be transported to and from beautiful Appledore Island aboard the vessel "R/V Gulf Challenger." Passengers should plan to meet the vessel at the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex adjacent to the US Coast Guard Station on New Castle Island (5 minutes from downtown, Portsmouth, NH). Limited, free parking is available at the New Castle dock location. A gourmet, buffet lunch is included during the tour. Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated.
3. Isles of Shoals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Nine isolated, barren islands off the coast of New Hampshire.
Reviewed By PartyTheNightAway - New Jersey, United States
Great trip! We arrived at approximately 10:30 am and made our way towards the front of the boat. We handed our tickets to the employee and headed to the top floor of the boat. We bought the Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour, and the entire trip lasted roughly 2 and a half hours. The tour guide was very good and told us about the history of the Portsmouth harbor, as well as pointing out important landmarks as we passed them, including an old abandoned prison. The weather was a little rough- as it was cloudy and windy- but we had a nice trip regardless. Tip: I recommend spending 2.5 hours here if you truly want to see everything
4. Prescott Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 687 reviews
Reviewed By 721gretchenw
Last night we went for an evening stroll around Portsmouth NH. This town is lovely in the summer. It is full of restaraunts, breweries, clothing boutiques, art galleries, a book store, funky gift shops, etc. On one side of Portsmouth there is a historical village called Strawberry Banke, which has many restored period houses from Portsmouth's fishing village days. Prescott Park has an outdoor performance event in the evenings where families can bring their children(check for the days of the performances). One of our favorite things to do is to walk through the two big flower gardens. One garden is a sunken brick-paved area complete with three fountains and fabulous old curving trees. The other location is a large flat lawn near the harbor and bridge. The flowers are arranged in creative combinations to highlight their colors and shapes. They are also labelled, in case you want to get some of your own! Portsmouth is a haven in summer! So much to experience in a large but walk-able area, with ample parking.
5. Urban Forestry Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By debbythec
We came here for a beautiful fall walk. We spent about 2 hours walking the forest loop which had lots of fall leaves, pretty level path and lots of beautiful views.
