Portsmouth, New Hampshire: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Portsmouth, New Hampshire (Rockingham County)

If you’re dreaming about a classic New England getaway, Portsmouth, New Hampshire is an amazing place to start. This small seaside city in Rockingham County packs in a lot of charm—historic streets, ocean views, fresh seafood, and easy day trips all around the Seacoast. Whether you’re planning a long weekend from Boston, a stop on your way to Maine, or a full New England road trip, here are 10 fun things to do in and around Portsmouth, NH that give you a real feel for the area.

1. Stroll the Historic Streets of Downtown Portsmouth

Downtown Portsmouth is compact, walkable, and made for wandering. You can easily spend a few hours just exploring the brick sidewalks and old buildings. You’ll find:
  • Market Square – the heart of downtown with shops, cafés, and street performers.
  • Plenty of independent bookstores, boutiques, and art galleries.
  • Cozy coffee shops perfect for a break on a cold day.
Grab a coffee, wander down side streets, and just see where you end up. On my last visit, I planned to “just look around for 20 minutes” and ended up browsing used books and chatting with a shop owner for almost an hour. If you love walkable downtowns with history and character, Portsmouth will feel like a smaller, friendlier version of Boston.

2. Step Back in Time at Strawbery Banke Museum

Just a short walk from downtown, Strawbery Banke Museum is a must-see. It’s an outdoor history museum built around Portsmouth’s oldest neighborhood, dating back over 300 years. You can:
  • Walk through restored homes from different time periods.
  • Talk with costumed “role players” who act as people from the past.
  • See historic gardens and old-fashioned crafts.
It’s the kind of place that makes history feel real instead of like something in a textbook. Kids tend to love it because they can roam around, and adults appreciate how much they learn without even trying. In winter, there’s often a charming ice-skating rink, which makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a New England postcard.

3. Enjoy Ocean Views at Prescott Park & the Waterfront

If you walk toward the river from downtown, you’ll end up at Prescott Park, a peaceful waterfront park that’s great for a slow, relaxing break. Here you can:
  • Stroll along flower-filled gardens in spring and summer.
  • Sit by the water and watch boats on the Piscataqua River.
  • Enjoy outdoor concerts and plays during the Prescott Park Arts Festival in warm weather.
On a warm evening, the park fills with locals spread out on blankets, listening to live music. If you’re visiting in summer, check the festival schedule before you go—it’s a very local Portsmouth experience.

4. Take a Harbor or Lighthouse Cruise

One of the best ways to experience Portsmouth is from the water. Several local companies offer harbor cruises, lighthouse tours, and even sunset cruises. Depending on the tour, you might:
  • Glide past the working waterfront and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
  • See historic forts and the rugged New Hampshire coastline.
  • Pass by nearby lighthouses, like Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
If you’re visiting in summer or early fall, booking a late afternoon or sunset cruise can be a highlight of your trip. Bring a light jacket, even in July—the sea breeze can feel cooler than you expect.

5. Explore the Beaches of Rye & Hampton

Portsmouth itself sits on the river, but the open ocean is only a short drive away. Head south along the coast, and in about 15–25 minutes you’ll hit some classic New Hampshire beaches in Rye and Hampton. Some local favorites:
  • Rye Beach – Quieter and more relaxed, great for walking the shore.
  • Wallis Sands State Beach – Family-friendly, with restrooms and lifeguards in season.
  • Hampton Beach – Livelier, with arcades, fried dough, live music, and a boardwalk vibe.
Pack a beach chair, sunscreen, and maybe a light hoodie if you’re staying for sunset. Even on cooler days, a walk along the sand with a hot coffee in hand is hard to beat.

6. Visit Fort Constitution & Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

For a mix of history and coastal scenery, drive about 15 minutes from downtown Portsmouth to New Castle, another small town in Rockingham County. At the mouth of the harbor, you’ll find:
  • Fort Constitution State Historic Site – A historic fort with views of the harbor and ocean.
  • Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse – A classic white lighthouse right on the water.
You can walk around the fort grounds and look out over the rocky shoreline. On certain days, volunteers open the lighthouse for tours, so check ahead if you’d like to climb up for a better view. New Castle itself is worth a slow drive—narrow roads, old homes, and that quiet coastal New England feel.

7. Sample Local Flavor on a Portsmouth Food & Brewery Trail

Portsmouth may be small, but it has a big food and craft beer scene. If you like trying local places instead of chains, you’ll be in heaven. Around town you’ll find:
  • Seafood shacks serving lobster rolls, fried clams, and chowder.
  • Farm-to-table restaurants focused on local ingredients.
  • Craft breweries and brewpubs with tasting flights and seasonal beers.
Consider planning your own mini “Portsmouth food tour”:
  • Start with a coffee and pastry downtown.
  • Grab lunch at a casual seafood spot by the water.
  • Hit a brewery or two in the afternoon.
  • Finish with a relaxed dinner in a cozy tavern.
If you don’t want to plan it all yourself, look into guided food or brewery tours. They’re an easy way to discover local favorites without hours of research.

8. Hike, Bike, or Birdwatch at Great Bay

Just inland from Portsmouth, the Great Bay area offers a totally different side of Rockingham County—quiet trails, marsh views, and plenty of wildlife. A short drive brings you to spots like:
  • Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
  • Nearby conservation lands and walking trails
Here you can:
  • Walk easy, mostly flat trails suitable for casual hikers.
  • Look for birds and other wildlife—bring binoculars if you have them.
  • Enjoy peaceful views away from the crowds.
If you’re the kind of traveler who needs a break from busy streets and restaurants, Great Bay is a perfect half-day getaway from Portsmouth.

9. Drive the Scenic Route 1A Coastal Road

Sometimes the journey really is the destination. The stretch of Route 1A along the New Hampshire coast is short but beautiful, and it’s an easy side trip from Portsmouth. On this drive you’ll:
  • Pass rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and historic homes.
  • Get plenty of places to pull over for photos or a walk.
  • Catch sunrise or sunset views if you time it right.
Starting near Portsmouth and heading south through Rye toward Hampton, you can make a loop back using Route 1 or I‑95. It’s a great option if you only have a few hours but want to see more of Rockingham County beyond the city.

10. Take Easy Day Trips Around Rockingham County

One of the best things about staying in Portsmouth is how central it is. In under an hour, you can reach:
  • Exeter, NH – A classic small New England town with historic buildings and a riverfront downtown.
  • Dover, NH – Just across the river region, with museums and a growing food scene.
  • Kittery, Maine – Right over the bridge, with outlet shopping, breweries, and more coastal views.
If you’re staying a few days, mix in one or two of these side trips. You’ll get a better sense of the whole Seacoast area, not just Portsmouth itself.

Planning Your Portsmouth, NH Getaway

Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
  • Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers the most to do—outdoor dining, harbor cruises, beaches, and festivals. Fall foliage adds extra color.
  • Winter visits: Quieter, but cozy. Think historic streets with snow, warm pubs, and fewer crowds.
  • Getting around: Downtown Portsmouth is very walkable. For beaches and Great Bay, you’ll want a car or rideshare.
  • Parking: There are garages and metered spots downtown. In peak summer, arrive earlier in the day if you can.

Ready to Explore Portsmouth, New Hampshire?

Portsmouth may be small, but it delivers a lot: history, ocean views, great food, live music, and easy access to the best of Rockingham County. Whether you’re into beaches, breweries, museums, or just wandering pretty streets with a coffee in hand, you’ll find plenty of things to do near Portsmouth, NH. Have you visited Portsmouth or the New Hampshire Seacoast yet? What was your favorite spot? Share your experiences in the comments below—your tips might help someone else plan their trip. And if you found this guide helpful, go ahead and share it with a friend who’s dreaming about their next New England getaway.
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