Things to do in Portsmouth
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Poco’s Bow Street Cantina
Southwestern dishes arrive with New England flair at this lively waterfront spot. Blackened red snapper, fish tacos and jerk chicken quesadillas are among the mouthwatering favorites.
reviewed
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Chiang Mai
For a break from seafood and New England fare, head to this simply furnished but locally popular Thai restaurant, which serves satisfying curries and noodle dishes.
reviewed
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John Paul Jones House
The John Paul Jones House was a boardinghouse when America’s first great naval commander resided in Portsmouth. Jones, who uttered, ‘I have not yet begun to fight!’ during a particularly bloody engagement with the British, is believed to have lodged here during the outfitting of the Ranger (1777) and the America (1781). The marvelous Georgian mansion with gambrel roof is now the headquarters of the Portsmouth Historical Society.
reviewed
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Prescott Park
- Portsmouth, USA
- Sights › Park
Overlooking the Piscataqua River, this small, grassy park makes a pleasant setting for a picnic. More importantly, it’s the leafy backdrop to the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which means free music, dance, theater and food festivals throughout the summer. Separate one-day music festivals showcase jazz, folk and Americana; other highlights include the clam-chowder and chili festivals.
reviewed
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Portsmouth Kayak Adventures
Portsmouth Kayak Adventures offers a range of peaceful kayaking tours out on the harbors near Portsmouth, including a sunset tour, a moonlight tour and a combined kayaking-yoga-on-the-beach experience. Those with experience can rent a kayak and explore the waterways on their own. To get there, take Miller Ave (1A) south and turn left onto Wentworth Rd. It’s the first building on the left.
reviewed
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Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
The 42-room Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, south of the town center, was home to New Hampshire’s first royal governor and served as the colony’s government center from 1741 to 1766. The lilacs on its grounds are descendants of the first lilacs planted in America, which were brought over from England by Governor Benning Wentworth.
reviewed
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Market Square
The heart of Portsmouth is this picturesque square, set neatly beneath the soaring white spire of the North Church. Within a few steps of the square are open-air cafés, colorful storefronts and tiny galleries with banjo-playing buskers entertaining the tourists and locals that drift past on warm summer nights.
reviewed
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Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company provides cruises aboard a replica 1900s ferry that harkens back to more leisurely times. Its Shoals and Harbor Cruise takes in three lighthouses, nine islands and countless harbor sights. On Fridays, the cruise includes a lobster clambake (adult/child $66/36).
reviewed
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Isis
Isis earns solid reviews for its excellent Sunday brunch (gingerbread pancakes, crabmeat Benedict, brie and portobello mushroom omelettes and other decadent fare). At other times, the stylish but minimalist dining room serves fresh eclectic food, including slow-roasted salmon and wild-mushroom ravioli.
reviewed
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Library
Within a palatial and opulent home built by a prominent judge in 1785, the Library is among New Hampshire’s top steakhouses, serving juicy prime rib and rack of lamb in a dapper wood-paneled dining room. There’s also a wood-paneled English pub where you can enjoy burgers and lighter fare.
reviewed
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Oar House
One of Portsmouth’s best seafood restaurants, this elegant place has a dark cozy interior with an inviting wine bar, as well as an outdoor deck (across the street) overlooking the harbor. Classic dishes like broiled haddock, sautéed scallops and baked stuffed lobster come expertly prepared.
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Red Hook Brewery
For the chance to see the crafting of a fine ale, book one of Red Hook’s free daily tours. On site is also the Cataqua Public House (open from noon to 10pm Monday to Saturday and noon to 8pm on Sunday), which serves pub fare alongside the signature brews. Call for tour schedule and directions.
reviewed
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Moffatt-Ladd House
Originally owned by an influential ship captain, the Georgian Moffatt-Ladd House was later the home of General William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The 18th-century chestnut tree and the old-fashioned gardens behind the house are delightful.
reviewed
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Wentworth Gardner House
The 1760 Wentworth Gardner House is one of the finest Georgian houses in the USA. Elizabeth and Mark Hunking Wentworth were among Portsmouth’s wealthiest and most prominent citizens, so no expense was spared in building this home, which was a wedding gift for their son.
reviewed
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Children's Museum of Portsmouth
Ensconced in an old meeting house, this exciting museum has changing exhibits, toys and experiments for children aged between one and 10 years old. As you might expect, many displays elucidate the region’s maritime history in an engaging way.
reviewed
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Portsmouth Gas Light Company
This multi-story complex gathers a youthful crowd on weekends, who come for live music on the outdoor patio, with DJs picking things up on the 3rd floor later in the night. There’s also an inviting pub and a basement brick-oven pizzeria.
reviewed
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Friendly Toast
Fun, whimsical furnishings set the scene for filling sandwiches, omelettes, Tex-Mex and vegetarian fare at this retro diner. The breakfast menu is huge and is served around the clock – good thing since weekend morning waits can be long.
reviewed
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Caffe Kilim
Portsmouth’s most atmospheric café is a short stroll from the historic center and features rich espresso, blends (try the Dancing Goats) and Turkish coffee. You can haggle over rugs while sipping hot tea, just like in Istanbul.
reviewed
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Green Monkey
This well-received newcomer to the dining scene serves expertly prepared fusion fare, including Moroccan bouillabaisse, macadamia-encrusted mahi-mahi (dolphin fish), and other sizzling grilled fish and meats in a stylish, downtown setting.
reviewed
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Strawbery Banke Museum
For the largest collection of historic sites, go straight to Strawbery Banke Museum, where an entire neighborhood of 40 period buildings comprise a living-history museum depicting the town's multilayered past.
reviewed
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USS Albacore
Like a fish out of water, the 205ft-long USS Albacore is now a beached museum on a grassy lawn. The decommissioned submarine, once the world's fastest, was launched from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1953.
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Old Ferry Landing
In a truly nautical setting overlooking the harbor, this place dishes up moderately priced seafood favorites like lobster rolls and haddock sandwiches. Several other no-nonsense seafood eateries clutter the same street.
reviewed
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Music Hall
For a small town theater, this venue hosts a surprising array of performances, including dance, theater, opera and other music. Musicians, comedians and theater companies from around the country make appearances here.
reviewed
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Savario’s
This tiny, family-run takeout pizza shop serves tasty pizzas and calzones, and remains something of a Portsmouth secret – despite winning ‘best in town’ awards for its homemade pies.
reviewed
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Tobias Lear House
The Tobias Lear House, next door to the Wentworth Gardner House, is a hip-roofed colonial residence that was home to the family of George Washington’s private secretary.
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