Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a port city in New Hampshire on the Piscataqua River. It had a population of 21,956 as of the 2020 census. Portsmouth, a historic seaport and major summer tourist destination on the Piscataqua River bordering Maine, was originally home to the Strategic Air Command's Pease Air Force Base, which has since been transformed to Portsmouth International Airport at Pease. Several significant 17th and 18th-century cottages can be found within Strawbery Banke Museum, where costumed employees exhibit traditional crafts. The nearby 1855 North Church watches over downtown's Market Square. Prescott Park features riverbank gardens as well as boat docks. The former research submarine USS Albacore located in a park to the northwest, next to a visitor center.

If historic walking tours, quaint bistros, and tax-free shopping sound like your dream New England weekend, make your way to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, right away. Take a narrated boat trip of the Isles of Shoals, or spend the day exploring Market Square, Portsmouth's crown jewel. Sink your toes in the sand at neighboring Wallis Sands State Beach or take a stroll through the plants at Prescott Park for some fresh air. Visit throughout the summer to experience the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which transforms this lovely green space into a colorful outdoor performance venue.

Location: New England, United States
Best time to visit: May 21st to October 7th
Ranking: #10 Best Weekend Getaways in New England
Website: cityofportsmouth.com