Location: Portsmouth
Top Things to do in Portsmouth
What to do and see in Portsmouth, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Portsmouth is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 95,535. It is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.
Restaurants in Portsmouth
1. Children's Museum of Virginia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By James G
After the beach at Virginia Beach, we wanted our 2 year-old grandson to have some more fun so I located this museum in Portsmouth. At 10-11 dollars per person, this became and outstanding value. Our grandson spent hours in the bubble room; pretended to be a fireman, bus driver, and many other jobs. The planetarium was even included which showed a 20 minute film on the solar system, and our grandson sat through the entire presentation. There have a great train setup that anyone can admire. And, of course, there is a gift store on the way out. Lots of exhibits that will engage children of all ages. I can't wait to return next year. After, walk down to the port and watch the ships being built.
2. Chrysler Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5 based on 817 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingCat22 - Tucson, Arizona
Fabulous museum which presents original pieces of art from all over the world, spanning eight hundred years, interesting for all ages. We started by a curious chess game with Christians and Jewish people, still flowers preserved in glass, magnificent vases, Tiffany lamps, Gallé and Lalique works on the ground floor. On the first floor they had at least one of each famous painter Rubens, Monet, Degas, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley, a bust by Rodin, pottery by Picasso, etc. A real mummy, African masks, Chinese silk, a Tibetan dharmapala, Greek mosaics, etc. And very innovative modern pieces. Cannot be missed! An hour is a minimum, two or three if you are interested.
3. Battleship Wisconsin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided tour or, with an additional charge, one of our guided tours that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during WW II
Reviewed By DKBristow - Bristow, Virginia
Standing on the dock looking up at the ship, you think you understand it's size. But not until you're half lost in a berthing compartment do you really comprehend it. Just wandering the interior of the ship is incredible--well-signed so you know where you are and what each area was used for--from the armory to the XO's cabin. Take a tour with older kids--the guides are Navy vets and know the ship's history and inner workings in depth. Both the command & control tour and engineering tour were excellent, in terms of the guides, what you see, and what you learn. My son likes vets history and military history, so we did both tours (90 and 60 minutes) and still spent more than 5 hours onboard.
4. Portsmouth City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By fireflaim - Portsmouth, Virginia
I've been going to Ports. City park since I was a child, I rode on the "Pokey Smokey", the park has changed much over the years but it's shaped up into a really nice park. If you just want a good place to cook out with family and friends, feed the ducks, let the kids play in the playground, walk in the friendship garden or sit overlooking the river, so many great spots, I'm sure I'm leaving out other things (tennis courts, golf course,....) worth looking into.
5. MacArthur Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Memorial to the five-star US Army General who served in three major wars: WWI, Korea and WWII.
Reviewed By 323Julie - Leonardtown, Maryland
The whole span of Gen. MacArthur's life is thoughtfully displayed. I learned a lot about this amazing American. Plan to spend at least 3 hours. Recommend to anyone who wants to understand the sacrifices made for freedom.
6. Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 44 reviews
Selected by customers as the world's most unique and diverse nautical store & marine art gallery! Located in the historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia, a part of the greater Hampton Roads area including Norfolk, virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News and the Outer Banks of North Carolina are all nearby.
Reviewed By LeeannLikesFood
Really enjoyed visiting this awesome little shop. Owners were very pleasant and helpful. I bought a piece of jewerly to honor my lab - Schooner. Beautiful artsmanship on jewerly piece. The store is filled with history so give yourself plenty of time to explore. Would definitely recommend visiting shop.
7. Nauticus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 856 reviews
Explore the Nautical, Naval And Natural wonders of our world. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reviewed By John K - Norfolk, Virginia
Covers the many eras of maritime history in the Hampton Roads area. Fascinating exhibits, knowledgable guides and excellent bookstore. About one block away from the many restaurants on Granby Street and parking. Plan on a minimum of 2-3 hours, more if you include a tour of the battleship.
8. Lightship Portsmouth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By globaltrekster - Virginia Beach, Virginia
This lightship was built in 1915 and until 1964, was called Stonehorse, Charles, and Overfalls before it was named Portsmouth (for its last port of Portsmouth, VA). In 1964, it was made into a museum. In 1989, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
You can tour the main floor, but not the top deck. Also, look up visiting times, because they are limited. It is not stroller or wheelchair friendly and it is surrounded by a hotel and an apartment building. Parking is odd.
9. The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
Overall Ratings
5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Dave S - Chicago, Illinois
If you are interested in glass blowing they have free demonstrations daily and this is an ideal add on to the Chrysler Museum in the main building across the street. The studio is a separate building, probably smart to keep the furnaces across the street from the artwork. My senior parents and cousins small kids both enjoyed it so it is a good activity for all ages.
• Noon demos are 45 min to 1 hour long
• Limited seating so good to get there a bit early
• Glass studio and parking are both free
• Main museum building across the street
• Shops and restaurants on Colley Av / 21st Streets are just a few minutes away
If you are a local they offer classes in glass blowing and studio time, including classes for small kids. They don't let the kids mess with the molten glass but they can create their own glass art with the instructors doing the hot stuff. And if you do want to get your hands dirty, so to speak, the adult classes range for beginners to advanced glass making. The classes and demos are run by resident artist who also display and sell works in the museum gift shop.
10. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
History museum displays a wide range of water craft, from pleasure to aircraft carriers, including artifacts related to the armed forces.
Reviewed By RussM66
A fantastic presentation of Portsmouths history with probably two of histories most famous ships Victory and the enigmatic Mary Rose.The newly opened Mary Rose museum gives a fascinating insight into Henry Viii flagship with 4 floors of artifacts the part remains of the ship at its centre.The Victory is stunning with full walk round available although could be challenging for less able bodied.Victorian Battleship Warrior follows on the same path as Victory with all access to most areas.Staff are happy to answer any question we even discovered why the Army and Navy salute is Different.You can spend best part of day here.
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