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.

This beautiful Georgian House located on Pleasant Street boasts an impressive facade reminiscent of American colonial architecture. Occupied by Governor John Langdon till his death in 1819, the house passed on to several wealthy families before it was restored to its past glory by Langdon's descendants. Salient features of the house include stunning wood-carved interiors in Rococo style and its ornately decorated ceremonial halls. The house was also praised to the skies by one-time visitor George Washington, who dropped by for a visit in 1789. Exhibits in the house include slices of New Hampshire's colonial history, including the Colonial Revival movement that came to the fore in the early twentieth century.

Since 1969, The Stone Church has been bringing renowned performers to Newmarket and continues to do so. This popular music venue showcases different genres of music and invites artists/bands from all over to perform here. Offering a mix of professional entertainers and amateur performers, every concert staged here is well-attended. To increase the fun quotient, the Stone Church also serves variety of drinks and short eats. For event line-up and booking requests, check website.

Opened in 1991, the American Independence Museum is located on a quiet street off the Squamscott River. It preserves the glorious past of the United States through its exhibits. The historic museum spans an area of one acre (0.40 hectares), within which it houses two separate buildings - the Ladd-Gilman House that was built in 1721, and the 1775-dated Folsom Tavern. In 1985, a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence called the Dunlap Broadside was procured from within the floorboards of the house. The American Independence Museum was then declared open to the public, with the Dunlap Broadside serving as the focal exhibit, while the rest of the collection consists of 18th century weaponry, letters and period furniture. Each year, the museum hosts the Revolutionary War, where the past reading of the Declaration is re-enacted for the public.

The museum, located by the Newburyport marina, takes visitors through the rich maritime history of this city, a thriving commercial port of its time. The museum occupies the historic United States Customhouse, a striking Classical Revival building constructed in 1835. Exhibits at the museum touch upon various topics ranging from ancient navigation systems and model ships to displays of notable historic events such as shipwrecks. Along with that, there's also a diverse collection of maritime art and artifacts. The museum store offers an excellent range of souvenirs as well as books. Check the website for more.

One of Newbury's most iconic buildings, the Cushing House, was built in 1808, accommodating its owner at the time, Captain William Hunt. A specimen of Federal-era architecture featuring arched entrances, tall windows, and four chimneys at each corner of the roof. The former family home is now a museum, boasting a massive collection of wonderful artifacts and exhibits collected over the years depicting the life of Old Newbury. Visitors are offered tours around the entire property, including a beautiful flower garden. Admire the well-preserved collection in the museum that showcases the rich heritage.