If you’re planning a trip to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, there are plenty of things to do in this charming coastal town. Even if you only have one day, there’s something here for everyone!
If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to check out Fort Adams State Park. This decommissioned military fort is a unique and lovely attraction to visit during your stay in the Ocean State.
The Governor John Langdon House is one of the finest Georgian residences in America. Built in 1784 by John Langdon - a merchant, shipbuilder, Revolutionary War general, signer of the United States Constitution and three-term governor of New Hampshire - it was praised for its beauty by George Washington when he visited in 1789.
The house is a National Historic Landmark and is operated by Historic New England. Visitors can tour the house on weekends from June to October.
This Portsmouth landmark is renowned for its spectacular interior woodwork, all carved from Eastern White Pine. This was a significant species of lumber in the region during Langdon’s time and has been a focus of a recent artist residency at the house by regional sculptor Amanda Fisk.
The USS Albacore is a one of a kind submarine that was built here at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. She was commissioned in December 1953 and designed to maximize underwater speed.
When you visit this submarine, you can look through the periscope, check out the control room, bedrooms (which are quite teeeeny weeeeeeny), and hear stories about how she operated during her time at sea.
She was a very successful sub during World War II and earned nine battle stars and four Presidential Unit Citations for her service. The USS Albacore was decommissioned in 1972 and placed in reserve in Philadelphia.
A walk on the beach is a great way to unwind and relax. Besides being a fun activity, it also offers many health benefits.
The first and most important is that it is a low impact exercise. This means that it does not put any pressure on your joints and can be a good choice for people who have joint problems or arthritis.
Another benefit is that it can help you burn a lot of calories, especially if you take a long walk.
However, it is important to remember that walking on the beach can be challenging if you have arthritis or are suffering from back or knee pain. The uneven terrain can cause stress and strain on your joints.
The Strawbery Banke Museum is a popular attraction in Portsmouth and features 32 historic buildings dating back to the late 17th century. You can take a tour through each building to experience life in this neighborhood during this time.
The 10-acre campus is filled with dozens of historic houses on original foundations, recreated gardens and landscapes, costumed role players, and traditional craft artisans. Archaeological studies of this tidal inlet waterfront community, plus an extensive collection of decorative arts objects with specific Portsmouth connections, help interpret the neighborhood's history as accurately as possible.
The historic buildings on the grounds are surrounded by lush greenery that is also home to a variety of animals. The baby chicks in the spring were a sight to behold! The museum also has a boat shop that helps educate visitors about the maritime culture of Portsmouth.
Located in historic downtown Portsmouth, Seacoast Repertory Theater is a professional regional theater with a bold, innovative vision to enrich the culture of the local community through shared experiences of live theatre.
This theatre is home to the recently staged production of Billy Elliot The Musical and a number of other shows including Into The Woods, Steel Magnolias, and West Side Story. It is also committed to removing barriers for the underserved in all areas of its work.
It packs a small performing space better than most and has cleverly choreographed scene changes that don't miss a beat. 240 patrons are able to watch the action without getting cramped.
