Portsmouth New England: Discover History Culture and Nature

Portsmouth New England is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the Piscataqua River, it's a charming coastal city that's steeped in maritime history.

The city's rich history dates back to the 17th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1623. You can still see remnants of this era at the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum that showcases what life was like in the 17th and 18th centuries.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Portsmouth Harbor, a bustling waterfront area that's home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Take a stroll along the harbor and you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

From its maritime history to its vibrant arts scene, Portsmouth New England has something for everyone.

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Portsmouth is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, including the 17th-century North Church and Portsmouth Athenaeum.

Walking along the cobblestone and brick-lined streets and alleys is a delightful way to take in the city's charm.

You can tour the historic grounds of New Castle Island, which was once home to a company of U.S. artillery.

The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is a must-see, and it makes a nice spot for a picnic on a nice day.

Start your exploration of Portsmouth by strolling through its picturesque streets and taking in the city's rich history.

Portsmouth is a foodie's paradise, with a variety of delicious options to suit every craving.

For seafood lovers, Row 34 is a must-visit, serving up fresh oysters and seafood in a sleek and modern setting.

Toscana is a great choice for those craving steak or Italian food, located in a historic bank building and perfect for a special occasion or date night.

The Friendly Toast is a popular spot for breakfast, serving up delicious, made-from-scratch brunch options, and you can avoid the wait by joining the list on Yelp.

Popovers on the Square is another great breakfast spot, serving up signature popovers with maple butter and all-day brunch in the heart of downtown.

If you're looking for a local craft beer, Portsmouth Brewery is a great place to start, brewing their own beer and serving up other local favorites.

Earth Eagle Brewings has a more local craft brewery atmosphere, with good beer and a shockingly delicious hot pretzel.

Portsmouth is a city that seamlessly blends culture and history, making it a fascinating destination to explore. The city's premier performing arts center, The Music Hall, puts on daily events in its 900-seat theatre built in 1878.

You can catch a wide range of performances, from independent films to opera, music, comedy, theatre, and dance. The Music Hall's diverse roster includes acts like Bright Eyes and the Kronos Quartet.

If you're interested in touring historical houses, Portsmouth has plenty to offer. Some notable options include the Governor John Langdon House, a 1784 Georgian mansion with period furnishings and decor, and the Rundlet-May House, an 1807 Federal-style mansion with innovative features like central heating and indoor plumbing.

Point of Graves Burial Ground is Portsmouth's oldest known cemetery, dating back to the late 17th century. It's a small graveyard with artistic carvings worth exploring.

South Cemetery is one of the oldest in Portsmouth, established in 1671, but not used as a cemetery until 1830. It's made up of five separate burying grounds.

North Cemetery is a nice oasis and contemplative space, surrounded by modern bustle, despite its location next to North Mill Pond. You can find the burial site for two founding fathers, John Langdon and William Whipple, and two notable freed slaves, Prince Whipple and Pomp Spring.

Pleasant Street Cemetery was established in 1754 on land deeded by the Pickering family, originally known as Pickering's Neck. It's the burial site for some of Portsmouth's wealthiest people from the city's golden age of 1770 to 1860.

Ruth Blay, who was hung in 1768 for hiding her illegitimate stillborn baby, is buried in an unmarked grave in the Proprietor's Burying Ground.

Portsmouth is a city that's steeped in history, and one of the best ways to experience it is by touring historic houses. You could spend a few days just wandering through these incredible homes, each one a window into the past.

One of the most impressive historic houses in Portsmouth is the Governor John Langdon House, a stunning Georgian mansion built in 1784. The house is a testament to the elegance of the 18th century, with period furnishings and decor that will transport you back in time.

If you're looking for a house with a bit of a twist, the Rundlet-May House is a must-see. Built in 1807, this Federal-style mansion was the brainchild of textile merchant James Rundlet, who was obsessed with the latest innovations. The house features the first central heating in Portsmouth, an indoor well for running water, and a Rumford roaster and range in the kitchen - it's a true marvel of its time.

Here are some of the historic houses you can tour in Portsmouth:

Each of these houses offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Portsmouth's past residents, and they're all within walking distance of each other. So why not take a stroll through history and see what you can discover?

Walking Prescott Park Gardens is a must-do experience. The park spans 10 acres along the Piscataqua River.

You'll find beautiful flower gardens, fountains, sculptures, and green spaces to relax in. The park's layout is perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics.

The park's history is a poignant reminder of the past. It was once the site of Long Wharf, where Africans were sold as slaves.

Today, the park is a vibrant space thanks to the efforts of two sisters who used their inheritance to transform it. They turned a somber history into a thriving community hub.

During the summer months, the park comes alive with outdoor productions of Broadway plays, concerts, and movies. The Prescott Park Arts Festival is the driving force behind these events.

If you're looking for a fun and educational experience for the whole family, head to the Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne Point State Park. Here visitors can explore the earth's diverse ocean and coastal environments.

Portsmouth is surrounded by water, and getting out on it is a must-do. Consider sailing with the Gundalow Company for an afternoon or sunset outing in their authentic gundalow, the Piscataqua. Alternatively, take a narrated tour of Portsmouth harbor, the Isles of Shoals, and the New Hampshire Seacoast with one of the local cruise companies.

Market Square is the heart of Portsmouth, a vibrant place to spend a few hours popping in and out of shops, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply people-watching.

The Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne Point State Park is a great spot for families visiting Portsmouth. Here visitors can experience the earth's many different ocean and coastal environments.

The center offers a unique opportunity to explore sandy beaches, rocky shores, tidal estuaries, diverse freshwater habitats, and woodlands all in one place.

If you're looking to get up close and personal with the Memorial Bridge and the river, Harbor Walk Park is the perfect spot. It juts out into the river practically underneath the Memorial Bridge, giving you an outstanding view of its sheer size and fascinating mechanics.

The park is a memorial park, honoring all those who have fought for our freedom. With benches and tables, it's a great place to bring a picnic lunch and watch the river flow by.

You can get a close up view of the bridge and river from the park, and it's a great way to experience the area's history and natural beauty.

The USS Albacore is a research submarine that's open to the public for exploration. You can walk through its spaces and listen to audio recordings from former crew members sharing their stories of adventures and daily life on the submarine.

The submarine was designed by the US Navy to test experimental submarine features. It's a unique opportunity to see what life on a submarine is like.

A memorial garden is also part of the USS Albacore experience, offering a peaceful spot to reflect.

Peirce Island is a 27-acre gem accessed via the Peirce Island Bridge, offering a unique escape from the crowds of Prescott Park.

The island has a rich military history, having played a role in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and even served as a recreation center for coastal artillery troops during World War II.

You can build a sandcastle at the island's playgrounds or take a dip in the massive outdoor public pool, one of the largest in New England at 300 ft. long and 90 ft. wide.

The pool was constructed in 1937 and has undergone renovations and closures over the years, but it's still a great place to cool off on a hot summer afternoon.

Take a stroll along the walking trails or cast a line from the fishing pier, and enjoy the picturesque views of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Piscataqua River.

A historic building on the island has been repurposed into a restaurant, which is the go-to spot in Portsmouth for special occasions and a truly great meal.

If you're looking for a place to stay in Portsmouth, NH, you've got plenty of options to choose from. The AC Hotel Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront is a great choice, with its stylish design, beautiful public spaces, and modern amenities like a 24-hour fitness room.

The hotel's location near the waterfront makes it easy to get around on foot, and the rooftop bar at The Envio serves dinner, light bites, and cocktails with harbor views. In the winter, you can even rent out heated igloos for a fun night with friends or a romantic date night.

If you prefer to stay in a historic building, there are several options to choose from. The Sailmaker's House is a circa 1800 Greek Revival home that's been fully renovated and offers a lobby and lounge with a historic feel.

The Hotel Portsmouth is another historic option, built in 1881 as a Queen Anne Victorian boutique hotel. It's been carefully renovated to preserve its historic charm while still offering modern amenities.

The Hotel Thaxter, built in 1860, is a historic brick and wood building that's been converted into a hotel. It offers floor-to-ceiling windows, a cozy lobby and parlor, and luxuriously comfortable rooms.

If you want to stay in a unique 19th century brewery warehouse, the Ale House Inn is a great choice. The gathering room at the inn boasts old wood floors and brick walls, giving you a sense of the building's original history.

Here are some specific details to consider when choosing a place to stay in Portsmouth:

In terms of amenities, the AC Hotel Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront offers a full European-style breakfast buffet, while the Hotel Portsmouth offers a gourmet continental breakfast.