First settled in the early 1600s and one of the top historic cities to visit in the country, Portsmouth is an ideal place to plan a day trip. Along with a working seaport and thriving downtown filled with shops and restaurants, this city has maintained its historic and New England charm. Let’s explore some of the reasons why you should plan a day in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth has all the characteristics of an idyllic New England seaside town. It was once one of the country’s busiest ports and today it is one of the oldest working ports.
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Take the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, starting at Market Square, for a scenic walk that will take you past many historic locations in town and along the port. Then watch as Moran tugboats pull larger ships up and down the river.
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For nearly 300 years, the North Church has been the spiritual base of Portsmouth. In 1641, the church started in a log cabin until it moved to a meeting house that was built on the corner of South and Nancy Streets. In 1712, the meeting house was moved to Market Street and in 1855 a new church was built in that same location where it resides today.
Philip Case Cohen/Moment via Getty Images North Church is a beautiful structure and a visit, even just to look at it from the exterior, should be included in your day trip itinerary.
Go and see the Memorial Bridge connecting downtown Portland to Maine over the Piscataqua River. This striking 1,201 structure is a truss bridge with provisions for pedestrians and bicycles to cross, so walk, bike, or drive along it, if you choose.
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For a taste of history, brought to life, visit the Strawbery Banke Museum on its 10-acre property filled with historic buildings, gardens, and roleplaying by costumed actors. A visit here will give you some insight as to what life was like here hundreds of years ago.
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Although it is actually located in Newcastle, a short drive away from downtown Portsmouth is the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. You cannot visit a seaside town in New England without stopping to take photos of a light house and this one sure is pretty!
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With ten buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and ten National Landmarks, Portsmouth is an important history hub with lots of New England charm! Have you visited Portsmouth? Please tell us what you like to do here.
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North Church is a beautiful structure and a visit, even just to look at it from the exterior, should be included in your day trip itinerary.
PJonna/iStock /Getty Images Plus vis Getty Images
Alexander_Koenig/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
ReDunnLev/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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Address: Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
