Itinerary for Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth is one of my favorite coastal towns in New Hampshire. It is classy, yet welcoming, and the perfect destination for families. It has it all… beaches, art galleries, lobster boats, seafood restaurants. It holds a special place in my heart since we were married here. Every time I come back; the memories come floating back. Here is an itinerary for 2 perfect days in Portsmouth, NH.
DAY 1
On the way to Portsmouth, stop in the beautiful town of New Castle.
Head over to the picturesque 32-acre park, Great Island Common.
The park has 2 lighthouses…
The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
And Whaleback Light
Check into Your Hotel
There are so many amazing places to stay in Portsmouth and several are right in downtown. If you’re staying downtown, you can leave your car and walk for the rest of the day. After you drop off your bags in your room, head down to the water.
Lunch!
Since you’re in the waterfront area already, head to Geno’s Chowder and Sandwich Shop. You can ask to sample their chowders before you decide which to have. Their BLTs are also delicious.
After lunch, head over to Prescott Park. They have lovely gardens to explore.
Don’t miss their Love Wall.
Grab Some Coffee…Who are we Kidding…Grab Some Wine
I love to sip on some coffee while I explore a new town and always try to find the local coffee house while I’m there. However, if you feel like sitting down for a bit, it might be time to stop for a glass of wine. Stroll is a wonderful Café and Wine Bar. Enjoy your glass of wine and sit outside and enjoy the quiet street.
Shopping Downtown
If you love to shop, then you’ll love the downtown area of Portsmouth. It has quaint boutiques, souvenir stores, candy shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. If you need something, you can find it here.
Some of my favorite stores are:
River Run Bookstore
Wiglesworth’s Mercantile
Portsmouth Soap Company
Canine Cupboard
Flower Kiosk
Sea Bags
Gus & Ruby Letterpress
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Portsmouth
There are so many beautiful places to see in downtown Portsmouth.
What’s for Dinner?
Row 34 is an amazing restaurant where they shuck oysters right in front of you. So fresh!
DAY 2
Did I mention I love Stroll?
Start your morning with a Stroll Maple Latte. They also have breakfast there.
Let’s explore the seacoast…
As you drive along the seacoast, you’ll see many beautiful views.
Pull over to take in the stunning views.
Your first stop for the day is to Odiorne Point.
You can go into the Seacoast Science Center to see some marine life.
Or walk around the water and explore the tide pools.
Next stop is some time at the beach.
I love Wallis Sands, because it has a large parking lot and bathroom facilities.
Some days you have the whole beach to yourself.
It’s a wonderful place to go for a long walk or get your feet in the sand and read a book.
Time for a snack
Head to La Maison Navarre and enjoy something sweet. You could also get a glass of wine and French cheese.
Dinner
There are so many fabulous restaurants in Portsmouth. Some of my favorites include:
Surf Portsmouth
Cure
The Franklin
Moxie
Flatbread Company
The Friendly Toast
Black Trumpet
Where can you stay in Portsmouth?
Read all about our stay at Wentworth by the Sea
Read all about our stay at the Residence Inn Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront
Read all about our stay at the Port Inn
What else can you do in the area?
Islands & Harbor Bike Tour Best & Must See Sites of Portsmouth & New Castle 2-hr
Gardens of Portsmouth Walking Tour
Self Guided Haunted Walking Tour in Portsmouth
Where do you fly in?
The closest airport is Manchester (MHT) (35 mi).
Another nearby airport is Portland (PWM) (45 mi).
And finally, Boston Logan Intl (BOS) (55 mi.
CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT!
