Things to do in Portsmouth

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Portsmouth which includes a bay or harbor
Portsmouth showing a house
Portsmouth which includes a house
Portsmouth featuring a house and wildflowers
Portsmouth featuring a bay or harbor

Portsmouth Attractions

They say good things come in small packages, and this alluring city is no exception to the rule. From popular tourist attractions to thrilling adventures, there are so many fun things to do in Portsmouth.

If you're ready to hit the streets of Portsmouth, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an expert show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {7 fun activities in Portsmouth fun activities in Portsmouth} are also worth checking out.

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What to do in Portsmouth

Free Things to Do in Portsmouth

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to visit the following around Portsmouth:

Hill House Museum - You'll feel like you've gone back in time while exploring this historic attraction.

Tidewater Yacht Marina - This lively place is a favorite of both locals and visitors.

Portsmouth City Park - If you're into working in your garden, this attraction will appeal to your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Portsmouth with Kids

There's nothing better than spending time together as a family. Portsmouth offers a fantastic range of family friendly experiences that the entire gang will be into:

 

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

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

Dive into coastal Virginia’s naval history at this expertly curated waterfront museum with ship models and artifacts from the 1700s through the 1900s.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
Children\'s Museum of Virginia

Children's Museum of Virginia

4/5(81 reviews)

Toddlers through tweens can imagine, explore, discover and play at this hands-on museum complete with antique train exhibit and full-dome planetarium.

Children's Museum of Virginia
Commodore Theatre featuring signage

Commodore Theatre

See the latest blockbuster in art deco style at this historic movie theater, complete with state-of-the-art digital projection equipment and a full dining menu.

Commodore Theatre

Rivers Casino Portsmouth

Why not try your luck with a visit to Rivers Casino Portsmouth during your visit to Portsmouth? While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Park

Portsmouth City Park is just one of the places to see in Portsmouth, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Portsmouth City Park

United States Lightship Portsmouth

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at United States Lightship Portsmouth during your travels in Portsmouth. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its great live music.

United States Lightship Portsmouth

Tidewater Yacht Marina

Explore the waterfront in Portsmouth with a trip to Tidewater Yacht Marina. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Tidewater Yacht Marina

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Portsmouth. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in the area.

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Hill House Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Hill House Museum in Portsmouth. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in the area.

Hill House Museum

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Portsmouth

Churchland showing a garden and a house

Churchland

The breweries and shopping are just a few features travelers like about Churchland. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Chesapeake Square Mall and Rivers Casino Portsmouth are a few top places to visit.

Churchland
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

Norfolk which includes a garden

Norfolk

Chesapeake Square Mall

Chesapeake

Suffolk

Suffolk

Newport News which includes night scenes, theater scenes and modern architecture

Newport News

Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?
Portsmouth offers an interesting mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or regional cuisine, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Portsmouth?
Kick your day off with a visit to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Children's Museum of Virginia. Then, explore different parts of Portsmouth for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth?
The top tourist attraction in Portsmouth is Children's Museum of Virginia, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Portsmouth?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Children's Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Portsmouth City Park with a three-day escape to Portsmouth. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Norfolk - Virginia Beach.
What are some activities to do in Portsmouth with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Portsmouth with kids.

What to do in Portsmouth for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in Portsmouth. Whether you're into history, art, adventure or just love exploring new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Portsmouth?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Portsmouth. If you need new ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Portsmouth City Park is a must for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.