Portsmouth

Portsmouth has a lot to offer visitors, and there are several must-see attractions to add to your itinerary. The USS Albacore Museum and Park is a popular destination for those interested in naval history. The Strawbery Banke Museum is a living history museum that showcases life in the area from the 17th century to the present day. Prescott Park is another popular attraction, with beautiful gardens, fountains, and outdoor concerts in the summer. If you're looking for a unique experience, the Seacoast Science Center is a great spot to learn about marine life and conservation efforts in the area.

Portsmouth is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can take a kayak or paddleboard tour of the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor with Portsmouth Kayak Adventures. The Great Island Common is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Wagon Hill Farm Trail. In the winter, the nearby mountains offer skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.

Portsmouth is a great destination for families. Some of the top family-friendly attractions in the area include the Children's Museum of New Hampshire, which offers hands-on exhibits and interactive programs, and Water Country, a water park with slides, pools, and other attractions. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company offers family-friendly cruises to the nearby Isles of Shoals, which are a group of small islands located off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. If your family is interested in history, the Strawbery Banke Museum is a great spot to learn about life in the area throughout the centuries.

Portsmouth is a food lover's paradise, with a wide range of dining options available. Some of the top restaurants in the area include The Black Birch, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, and Moxy, a modern American tapas restaurant that offers creative small plates and craft cocktails. For seafood, try Surf Restaurant or Row 34, both of which offer fresh oysters and other seafood dishes. Don't miss out on the local craft beer scene, with top breweries including Portsmouth Brewery and Smuttynose Brewing Company.

Portsmouth is a great destination for shoppers, with a range of boutiques, specialty shops, and other retail destinations. Market Square is the heart of downtown Portsmouth and is home to many shops and boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, and other accessories. The Kittery Outlets, located just a short drive from Portsmouth, offer a range of designer and brand-name outlets, including Coach, J.Crew, and Nike. For a unique shopping experience, check out the Portsmouth Farmers' Market, which features local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and other handmade goods.

Portsmouth is a city rich in history and culture, and there are several top cultural attractions to check out during your visit. The Music Hall is a historic theater that has been in operation since 1878 and hosts a range of performances, from concerts to theater productions. The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden is a historic home that has been preserved to showcase life in the area during the 18th century. The Portsmouth Athenaeum is a private library and museum that features a collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials related to the history of Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

There are several great options for accommodations in Portsmouth, whether you're looking for a luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast. The Wentworth by the Sea, a Marriott Hotel & Spa, is a historic hotel that offers stunning views of the harbor and modern amenities like a full-service spa and fitness center. The Ale House Inn is a boutique hotel located in a renovated 19th-century brewery and features unique rooms with exposed brick and other historic details. If you're looking for a bed and breakfast, consider the Martin Hill Inn, which offers comfortable rooms and a delicious homemade breakfast each morning.

Portsmouth is located in a beautiful part of New England, and there are several great day trips you can take from the city. The nearby town of New Castle is a charming seaside village with historic homes and beautiful views of the harbor. The White Mountains, located a few hours' drive from Portsmouth, offer stunning scenery and opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The city of Boston is also just a short drive or train ride away, with world-class museums, restaurants, and shopping destinations.

Portsmouth is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. The summer months, from June to August, are the busiest time of year and offer the warmest weather, with average temperatures in the mid-70s. This is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, like swimming, hiking, and kayaking. The fall months, from September to November, offer stunning foliage and cooler temperatures, with average highs in the 60s. This is a great time to enjoy fall festivals, like the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival. The winter months, from December to February, offer the opportunity to enjoy winter sports in the nearby mountains, and the city is decorated for the holidays. The spring months, from March to May, offer milder temperatures and the opportunity to see spring blooms at local gardens and parks.

Portsmouth is a walkable city, and many of the top attractions are located within walking distance of each other. If you want to explore further afield, there are several options for transportation. The Coast bus system offers affordable and convenient transportation throughout the Seacoast region, including Portsmouth. There are also several taxi and ride-sharing services available in the area. If you're driving, there are several public parking garages located throughout the city, as well as metered street parking.

Portsmouth is a city that loves to celebrate, and there are several top events and festivals throughout the year. The Prescott Park Arts Festival is a summer-long event that features outdoor concerts, movies, and theater productions in the beautiful Prescott Park. The NH Film Festival is a popular event that showcases independent films from around the world. The Portsmouth Halloween Parade is a beloved tradition that takes place each October and features creative costumes and floats. Other top events include the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, the Market Square Day Festival, and the Strawberry Festival.