Things to do in Portsmouth

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Portsmouth showing a bay or harbor
Portsmouth featuring kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Portsmouth which includes street scenes
Portsmouth showing a city
Portsmouth featuring kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people

Portsmouth Attractions

It's no wonder so many travelers head to Portsmouth again and again. This charming city is overflowing with awesome things to do. Whether you're interested in exploring the local sights or attempting more exhilarating experiences, it's tough to be bored here.

Discover what makes Portsmouth tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Scroll through our {16 fun activities in Portsmouth fun activities in Portsmouth}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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What to do in Portsmouth

Free Things to Do in Portsmouth

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's a snap to have fun in Portsmouth without spending a cent.

Discover Portsmouth - Approach the friendly staff and learn more about the unique collections on exhibit here.

St. John's Cemetery - Feel like you've gone back in time while roaming around this historic site.

Market Square - Widely renowned among local residents, this site is worth a look.

St. John's Episcopal Church - Take some time for a bit of prayer or meditation at this revered religious site.

Adams Point - Escape the concrete jungle and get in touch with Mother Nature at this picture-perfect spot.

Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area - Grab your rug, pack some snacks and find a cozy spot to be at one with nature.

Things to Do in Portsmouth with Kids

There are lots of sensational experiences in Portsmouth that the entire gang will get a buzz out of. Here are some of the best family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Portsmouth? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Portsmouth

Market Square

Market Square

4.5/5(187 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Portsmouth with a visit to Market Square. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Market Square
harbor walk

Prescott Park

4.5/5(62 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Prescott Park, a lovely green space in Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Prescott Park
Portsmouth Athenaeum

Portsmouth Athenaeum

You can study the exhibits at Portsmouth Athenaeum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Portsmouth Athenaeum

Water Country

4/5(103 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Water Country during your stay in Portsmouth. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Water Country

The Music Hall

4.5/5(36 reviews)

Enjoy a performance at The Music Hall, a storied theater in Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

The Music Hall

Strawbery Banke Museum

4.5/5(12 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Strawbery Banke Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Strawbery Banke Museum

Portsmouth Brewery

4.5/5(146 reviews)

Find out about the history of Portsmouth with a stop at Portsmouth Brewery. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Portsmouth Brewery

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Though Portsmouth Regional Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Portsmouth while you are here.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Fox Run Mall

2.5/5(6 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Fox Run Mall during your visit to Newington. Wander the beautiful beaches and waterfront in the area.

Fox Run Mall

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Portsmouth

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Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
Portsmouth

West End

While West End might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like The Music Hall and Market Square.

West End
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Pease

While there might not be top attractions in Pease, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Red Hook Brewery and Fox Run Mall.

Pease
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Elwyn Park

Elwyn Park might not have many top sights, but Water Country and Wentworth by the Sea Golf Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Elwyn Park
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South End

While visiting South End, you might make a stop by sights like Wentworth Gardner and Tobias Lear Houses and Children's Museum of Portsmouth.

South End
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North End

Though North End might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery.

North End
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Portsmouth

Photo by Vamshi Krishna Korivi

Dover

Photo by George Foster

Durham

Kittery

Kittery

New Castle showing a river or creek and boating

New Castle

Rye

Rye

Fort McClary State Park showing signage

Kittery Point

Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?
Portsmouth offers an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Portsmouth?
Water Country and Strawbery Banke Museum are two excellent places to start your vacation adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Portsmouth while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth?
Water Country is one of the top tourist attractions in Portsmouth and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Portsmouth?
You can easily tick off popular sights like Water Country, Strawbery Banke Museum and Jenness State Beach with a three-day stay in Portsmouth. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Ogunquit - Wells.
Is Portsmouth a walkable city?
With leading attractions like Water Country in the area, Portsmouth is every bit a place to experience on foot. Up for visiting some exciting neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown? Pease is only 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Portsmouth with kids?
Planning what to do in Portsmouth with kids has never been so easy. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Portsmouth for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Portsmouth, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Great Bay Pottery or American Independence Museum.
Are there free things to do in Portsmouth?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Portsmouth. If you need new ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Jenness State Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.