Top Rated Attractions in Portsmouth

The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden is considered to be one of the historic landmarks. Constructed in the 18th century - the house was designed in Georgian Style with an imposing three-floored structure. Guided tours are provided where a visitor can admire the remarkable interiors decorated with restored period furniture and ceramics. Marvel at the exhibits and architectural detailing inside the house. Visit the wonderful garden and gift shop that offers rare historic collections and plant saplings. To know more, check the website.

Nestled in the historic recesses of Portsmouth, Strawbery Banke is one of the city's much favored outdoor museums. Sheltering an ensemble of antiquated buildings, this sprawling museum is like a canvas of living history centered around the lives and times of those who formerly inhabited the neighborhood (Strawbery Banke, or Puddle Dock, is the name of the neighborhood that encompassed this area from 1630 to the 1950s). The courtly Bailey House is one of the many museum's many structures, bearing intermingling of colonial, Federal and Georgian architectural styles. The area was named for the delicious, bright red fruit which grew on the banks of the Piscataqua River. Today, the museum is home to thousands of artifacts, exhibits and activities which further throw light on the rich and flourishing culture which once was. A centerpiece of history, architecture, culture and traditions, Strawbery Banke reminisces the heritage of the erstwhile Puddle Dock neighborhood.

Offering an insight into the culture and history of the earliest African Americans who settled in the region, this trail makes for an educational outing wherein you can glean information about an important part of New Hampshire history. Learn how the African Americans contributed to the prosperity of the region as you visit the historic sites dispersed across this route.

New Hampshire's inaugural Royal Governor, Benning Wentworth was a prominent personality in the 1700s. Wentworth–Coolidge Mansion soon became a local landmark and a hub of social, political and cultural activity in the region. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved colonial-era mansion and learn about its rich history. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens that overlook the river, providing a serene backdrop for strolls and picnics. With its captivating history, stunning architecture, and picturesque surroundings, the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion invites guests to step into the past and appreciate the legacy of this historic estate on the New Hampshire seacoast.

A historic lighthouse situated on the mainland of New Hampshire, the only lighthouse accessible by land, the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is a local landmark. Having stood guard over the coastline since it was built in 1877, using cast iron which was a relatively rare phenomenon at the time, on the foundation of the original wooden lighthouse that had existed there previously, the lighthouse has a long and interesting history. Situated within Fort Constitution State Historic Site, the lighthouse can only be visited through the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses organization. Open house and tours are organized regularly and group visits can be arranged on request. The lighthouse is also known by several alternative names including New Castle Light, Fort Constitution Light and Fort Point Light. For additional details, visit the website.

The USS Albacore Museum is dedicated to the vessel, USS Albacore. Visitors can have a look at the history of the submarine, gain an insight into its significance and know how it served the nation. It is located in the Albacore Park.