Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a type of nice little New England coastal cities that ranks proper up there with Portland, ME and Providence, RI, making it ultimate for a weekend getaway. Portsmouth is thought for its nice meals, historic buildings, and tax-free buying. While many merely move by on a New England highway journey as much as the Maine coast, there are sufficient issues to do in Portsmouth NH (and nice meals to eat) that it deserves its personal journey!
I’m a type of folks that used to only move by Portsmouth on my strategy to Maine in the summertime months, pondering it was a type of “blink and you will miss it” cities. After lastly stopping a couple of occasions for lunch and a wander by Market Square, I found how completely charming downtown Portsmouth was. We had been lastly capable of spend a weekend in Portsmouth NH not too long ago and I obtained to see that it was simply as cool within the low season.
If you’ve been contemplating a weekend in Portsmouth, or perhaps a day journey, cease contemplating and begin planning! It is time to uncover this New Hampshire gem! In this information I’ll share the greatest issues to do in Portsmouth and the close by Seacoast, the place to remain in Portsmouth, the greatest time to go to, and a few of the tastiest native eating places within the metropolis of Portsmouth.
Best Time to Visit Portsmouth, NH
If you might be on the lookout for historic houses, museums, and out of doors actions akin to visiting the Isles of Shoals, you might be higher off coming within the hotter months, particularly if you’re bringing the entire household. During the summer season the climate is good and all of the sights are open for the season. Prime season is May by October.
The winter months might deliver shorter days and colder climate however additionally, you will discover cheaper lodge charges and fewer vacationers, and loads of locations to heat up and get cozy even when a few of the museums are closed or have shorter hours. You might even get to see how the small-town allure of Portsmouth when it snows. With most of the particular vacation occasions round city, I believe it is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go for Christmas on the East Coast.
Getting to Portsmouth, NH
Getting to Portsmouth, New Hampshire could be very simple, as it’s a direct exit off of Interstate 95. If you might be flying in, the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) presents service between Portsmouth and Florida, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Savannah by Allegiant Air. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is situated about 50 miles west of Portsmouth, however the largest airport is Boston‘s Logan Airport (BOS), which is about an hour south of Portsmouth, offering service from main nationwide and worldwide cities.
Most guests to Portsmouth NH will drive in from the Northeast or close by New England states. Portsmouth is lower than one hour north of Boston, MA, one hour south of Portland, ME, and fewer than 5 hours from New York City. While it’s best to remain in a single day, we did even meet some fellow Rhode Islanders from Providence who had been visiting Portsmouth on a day journey. Portsmouth is definitely a well-liked day journey from Boston.
Where to Stay in Portsmouth, NH
Note: Our keep was hosted by AC Hotel Portsmouth Downtown and Colwen Hospitality. All opinions are my very own. This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee.
With the rising recognition of Portsmouth NH for weekend getaways, new accommodations have popped up in recent times, offering some nice choices for enterprise vacationers, households, and {couples} on a romantic getaway. We not too long ago stayed on the AC Hotel Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront and we liked it. The location close to the waterfront is a 5-10 minute quick stroll to Market Street, making it simple to get round on foot and never should cope with discovering avenue parking.
The lodge opened in late 2019 and has a contemporary, trendy look with stunning public areas, together with a two-sided glass fire within the foyer and bar and cozy enterprise work areas. The trendy, city design is unquestionably well-suited for {couples}, mates, or enterprise vacationers. It additionally has a pleasant 24-hour health room that includes a studio the place you possibly can take part in on-demand on-line lessons.
Those touring with households might want the Residence Inn Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront or the Hampton Inn Portsmouth Downtown.
We stayed in a spacious suite with a king mattress and a separate dwelling space. The room supplied a number of sensible TVs with streaming apps, a piece space, and a snug sofa for stress-free. One of my favourite issues concerning the AC Hotel is the Hydration Stations on every ground for simple entry to ice and filtered water to refill bottles. There was additionally infused water within the foyer for company.
The AC presents a full European-style breakfast buffet for comfort in the event you don’t need to stroll into city (not included.) The actual gem is the Rooftop at The Envio, which serves dinner, mild bites, and cocktails from a rooftop setting. This indoor/out of doors house options a big bar and a rooftop patio with harbor views. In the winter the out of doors house is dwelling to heated igloos with couches and cozy chairs, which could be rented out for a enjoyable evening with mates or a romantic date evening.
Best Things to do in Portsmouth, NH
Whether you might be on the lookout for historic landmarks, artwork galleries, cute boutiques, stay leisure, or nice eating places, Portsmouth has you lined. Just strolling alongside the cobblestone and brick-lined streets and alleys, previous Seventeenth-century historic landmarks such because the North Church and Portsmouth Athenaeum is a delight. Start with these enjoyable issues to do in Portsmouth:
1. Eat on the Best Restaurants in Portsmouth
With a whole lot of eating places, Portsmouth is a foodie vacation spot. And no, it isn’t all New England seafood. The first time we stopped in Portsmouth we didn’t make it too far past the Old Harbor eating places just like the Old Ferry Landing that line the Piscataqua River and supply your typical seafood choices in a touristy setting. It was okay, however then I discovered in the event you wandered round downtown, you will discover superb meals from a wide range of ethnicities — far more and a lot better than only a fried fish plate from a vacationer restaurant.
Breakfast Spots in Portsmouth
Colby’s
Expect to discover a line outdoors the door at Colby’s on the weekend. This breakfast and lunch joint is small however in style, particularly within the morning (gotta attempt that cinnamon swirl French toast.) If the road is simply too lengthy otherwise you simply desire a easy breakfast, head subsequent door to Kaffee Vonsolin for espresso and a German-style strudel. Colby’s is situated at 105 Daniel Street, Portsmouth NH
The Friendly Toast
The Friendly Toast is a New England chain serving up scrumptious, made-from-scratch brunch choices. You will usually see a line outdoors or folks ready on painted benches, however here’s a professional tip: be part of the waitlist on Yelp to keep away from the wait. The Friendly Toast is situated at 113 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH
Popovers on the Square
Serving up its signature popovers with maple butter and all-day brunch, this spot in the course of downtown is one other nice breakfast spot. Popovers on the Square is situated at 8 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH
Lunch Spots in Portsmouth
Shalimar India
If you might be on the lookout for a hearty and warming meal, Shalimar India serves up a scrumptious and filling lunch particular with Mulligatawny soup, Basmati rice, the primary course, and chutneys. As the oldest Indian restaurant within the area, Shalimar is an establishment for these searching for genuine Indian delicacies. Shalimar is situated at 80 Hanover Street, Portsmouth, NH
The Works Cafe
If you need scrumptious sandwiches, quinoa bowls, soups, and salads, The Works Cafe is the place to go. While that is one other New England chain, it has an area vibe and is ideal for a fast and informal lunch. The Works Cafe is situated at 9 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH
Flatbread Company
Flatbread Company is one other New England chain (we frequent the one right here in Providence), serving up artisanal wood-fired pizzas that incorporate substances from native farmers. Flatbread Company is situated at 138 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH
If you want a mid-afternoon snack or pick-me-up, cease into the French-style Elephantine Bakery for breakfast, lunch, bread, or espresso. La Maison Navarre is a Parisian-style patisserie and wine bar with a stunning show of macarons.
Where to go for Dinner in Portsmouth
Row 34
We have truly had lunch at Row 34, however it works even higher for dinner. They serve up contemporary oysters and seafood in a glossy and trendy setting, with a fantastic native craft beer choice. The contemporary, native oysters and seafood are scrumptious and that is the place to go if you’re craving seafood. Row 34 is situated at 5 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
Sol Southern Kitchen & Bar
I’ve by no means had such good southern meals this far north. For a restaurant that does every part from a low nation boil to New Orleans cajun and Alabama white bbq, I don’t understand how they handle to do all of it so nicely and authentically. Sol Southern is situated at 111 State Street, Portsmouth, NH
Toscana Chop House
If you might be craving scrumptious steak or Italian meals, head to Toscana. Located in a historic financial institution constructing, Toscana is a good alternative for a special day or date evening. Toscana is situated at 3 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth, NH
2. Go Shopping
Portsmouth is brimming with cute boutiques, beckoning tax-free consumers. Of course, cut price consumers flock throughout the Maine border to the Kittery Outlets, however you will discover these nearly anyplace. Portsmouth has some acquainted manufacturers, like Maine Sea Bags and Stonewall Kitchen, in addition to native favorites just like the Portsmouth Soap Company.
Most of the buying is centralized round Market Square, the place Daniel Street turns into Congress Street, and Pleasant Street angles throughout to Market Square. This space has been the middle of commerce in Portsmouth because the Seventeenth century. This can also be the place strolling excursions start. Nearby you can see artwork galleries, bookstores (together with Portsmouth Book & Bar), vintage retailers, clothes boutiques, salons, and shops promoting pure magnificence merchandise.
A couple of distinctive retailers to not be missed embody:
- Off Piste – this quirky present store is dwelling to every part irreverent, satirical, and statement-making together with video games, books, socks, mugs, and different enjoyable dwelling merchandise.
- Jane Gee – options magnificence merchandise made in-house by a licensed Master Holistic Esthetician together with lotions and tub salts, created from pure merchandise.
- Gus & Ruby Letterpress – this practice design and print studio is a delight to browse and the right place to choose up a particular card. Their customized designs are printed by hand on an vintage press.
- Cork & Curds – this small wine and cheese store has a fantastic choice of specialty native cheeses and high-quality wines.
- La Cascade du Chocolat Chocolate Room – this chocolatier presents truffles and chocolate bars that use high-quality substances sourced from sustainable, accountable merchandise
3. See Live Music
There are two venues on the town identified for bringing in high-quality artists for stay leisure. Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club on Congress Street is situated in a beautifully-restored 1905 constructing that serves up jazz and blues together with southern-inspired delicacies. Meanwhile, The Music Hall brings in performers from musicians to comedians to on-screen programming. Another spot for arts and tradition is 35 Artspace, which is an interactive efficiency middle, artwork gallery, and restaurant house rolled into one.
4. Try Local Craft Beer
Portsmouth isn’t a giant brewery city the way in which that Portland is, however that doesn’t imply you will discover good beer. Many guests go to Portsmouth Brewery, which is New Hampshire’s unique brewpub. While they brew their very own beer, additionally they serve up different native favorites. While Portsmouth Brewery has vacationer pub vibes, Earth Eagle Brewings has the craft brewery ambiance that locals like (plus good beer and an incredibly scrumptious scorching pretzel.)
5. Tour the Strawbery Banke Museum
The Strawbery Banke is a dwelling historical past museum that brings to life 300+ years of historical past to the current day. You can tour an English settlement with costumed interpretative guides demonstrating genuine crafts and items in traditionally correct gardens. While this museum has seasonal hours, within the winter you possibly can get pleasure from out of doors ice skating on the Puddle Dock pond and join candlelight strolls.
If you get pleasure from stunning gardens, you also needs to go to the Prescott Park Flower Garden in the summertime, which options native vegetation and flowers.
6. Take a Guided Tour
Depending on while you go to, you possibly can both stroll the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail on a guided strolling tour to study the historical past of the African-American neighborhood in New Hampshire or take a self-guided or Bus/Trolley tour. Another strategy to discover Portsmouth’s native historical past is to find out about its darkish aspect on a New England Curiosities ghost tour. In season you possibly can even take a motorcycle tour with Port City Bike Tours. Lastly, the Portsmouth Historical Society presents every day guided strolling excursions in season, which cowl the streets, buildings, tales, and structure of downtown Portsmouth.
7. Take a Boat Cruise
If you might be visiting in the summertime, you possibly can take a ship cruise within the Portsmouth Harbor previous Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse for a sundown and lights cruise, or within the fall you possibly can take an Inland River and Fall Foliage cruise. The Isle of Shoals Steamship Company additionally takes guests out so far as the 9 islands of the Isle of Shoals, simply off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine.
8. Visit the USS Albacore Museum
Anyone excited about navy or maritime historical past would possibly need to try the USS Albacore Museum and climb aboard an actual submarine. The USS Albacore is the primary Navy-designed vessel with a real underwater hull of cylindrical form that has change into the usual for right this moment’s submarines. Built within the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the USS Albacore Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Albacore served as a sea-going take a look at platform from 1953 to 1972.
9. Prescott Park
Prescott Park on the Piscataqua River close to the Strawbery Banke Museum presents fairly views of Memorial Bridge, which you’ll stroll throughout into Maine if you need. You can even stroll over to Peirce Island for a have a look at the “My Mother the Wind” statue or views of the harbor from the Cliff Overlook.
10. Tour Historic Homes
There are plenty of historic houses in Portsmouth, together with the John Paul Jones House, which was inbuilt 1758 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can tour the house from Memorial Day Weekend by Indigenous Peoples Day. During this time you may as well tour the Moffatt-Ladd House, one other National Historic Landmark.
Things to do Near Portsmouth, NH
Kittery Outlets
The Kittery Outlets in Maine have over 120 in style brand-name outlet shops and naturally the well-known Kittery Trading Post. Nearby is my favourite spot for fried clams and lobster rolls — Bob’s Clam Hut.
Fort Constitution Lighthouse
You can tour the historic grounds of New Castle Island and consider the Fort Constitution Lighthouse. Once dwelling to an organization of U.S. artillery, right this moment it makes a pleasant spot for a picnic on a pleasant day.
Seacoast Science Center
The Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne Point State Park is a pleasant cease for households visiting Portsmouth. Here guests can expertise first-hand the earth’s many various ocean and coastal environments together with sandy seashores, rocky shores, tidal estuaries, various freshwater habitats, and woodlands.
Fort McClary State Park
Fort McClary is a former defensive fortification of the United States navy situated on the coast south of Kittery Point. Today you possibly can climb on the outdated fort and get nice views of the Harbor and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Portsmouth is a captivating small metropolis on the Seacoast that gives nice meals, buying, and historic landmarks. It makes for a very good weekend getaway, day journey, or cease on a highway journey for households and vacationers. If you want Portland, Maine and Providence, Rhode Island, additionally, you will get pleasure from visiting Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
If you solely have in the future to spend in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, begin off by stopping into one of many many bakeries, such because the Elephantine Bakery, for a light-weight breakfast. Then be part of a every day strolling tour to study the historical past of Portsmouth. After a lunch of contemporary oysters at Row 34 or southern meals at Sol Southern Cuisine, stroll alongside the harbor entrance to Prescott Park. For the remainder of the afternoon, benefit from the boutiques and galleries round Market Square. Stop into Earth Eagle Brewing for an area craft beer earlier than having dinner on the town. For a particular date evening, I’d recommend a meal at Toscana Chophouse.
No. While Portsmouth is a Seacoast metropolis that’s bordered by water, it doesn’t have a seaside or a boardwalk. Hampton Beach, about 20 minutes south of Portsmouth, is a New Hampshire seaside resort city with a boardwalk.
If you need to get a style of Portsmouth, you possibly can spend a day exploring the retailers and have a fantastic meal. However, I might strongly recommend spending at the very least a full day in Portsmouth.
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