Portsmouth, New Hampshire, rewards visiting mariners with a historic and revitalized waterfront, plus the satisfaction of having negotiated some of the strongest currents on the coast!
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With a bit of planning and some local knowledge, boaters will find this historic city to be a delightful combination of colonial charm and modern amenities.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Prescott Park Municipal Dock (603) 610-7208: Open April 2 to November 1. Slips can accommodate boats up to 150 feet on an hourly and overnight basis. Dinghy dock also available.
Marina at Harbour Place(888) 802-5871: Transient dockage on the north side of the Memorial Bridge, with quick access to downtown Portsmouth. Floating docks, showers, laundry.
Safe Harbor Wentworth By the Sea (603) 433-5050: Large, full-service marina, spa, resort, restaurant, and golf course on New Castle Island and Little Harbor. Transient slips for boats to 220 feet. Fuel dock with gas and diesel. Pool, tennis courts, laundry, toilets, showers, ice, cable, WiFi, and courtesy shuttle to downtown Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Yacht Club(603) 436-9877: Facilities include a full kitchen, outdoor grills and refreshing showers as well as fuel for your vessel. Transient moorings, located in front of the Club are serviced by our launches.
Launch Ramp: A large ramp with ample parking can be found on southern shore of Pierce Island. Good deep-water access to the harbor, although the powerful currents can make launching and hauling tricky.
Anchorages: A well-protected anchorage in 8 to 10 feet of water with good holding ground is located in Pepperell Cove, on the south side of Kittery Point. Many other good spots to anchor can be found upriver of Portsmouth and in Great Bay.
DESTINATION PORTSMOUTH
Dining: Geno’s Chowder & Sandwich Shop (603) 427-2070: Relaxed, low-key waterfront restaurant specializing in seafood dishes, with open-deck seating and dock space for boaters.
River House (603) 431-2600: Award-winning chowder and seafood served on the bustling downtown waterfront. Dock space for visiting boaters.
BG’s Boathouse (603) 431-1074: Casual dock-and-dine restaurant on Sagamore Creek, just south of downtown Portsmouth.
Provisions: Richardson’s Market (603) 334-3327: A third-generation, family-owned grocery market, serving downtown Portsmouth. Offers fresh produce, packaged meats, frozen foods, dairy, grocery and convenience items, beer and wine.
DESTINATION PORTSMOUTH
Things To Do: Strawbery Banke Museum(603) 433-1100: Through restored houses, exhibits, cobblestone streets, gardens and interpretive programs, Strawbery Banke tells the stories of the generations who settled in the Portsmouth area from the late 17th to the mid-20th century, and the many changes the city has seen.
Portsmouth Historical Society (603) 436-8433: Housed in the former city library, the Portsmouth Center is a gateway to the historical, cultural, and artistic venues of greater Portsmouth. It also serves as an exhibition site for showcasing the art and history of the region. Also hosts walking tours of the city.
Prescott Park (603) 436-2848: Fronting the Piscataqua River across from Strawbery Banke Portsmouth Museum, this popular waterfront park features extensive flower gardens and hosts the summer Prescott Park Arts Festival featuring performances by musicians and theatrical groups throughout the summer.
Fort Constitution Historic Site: One of seven forts built to protect Portsmouth, Fort Constitution on New Castle Island is a National Historic Site and open to the public.
Portsmouth Kayak Adventures(603) 559-1000: Offers guided kayak and paddleboard trips on the Piscataqua and other local waterways, as well as kayak rentals and lessons.
USS Albacore Center (603) 436-3680: Built in Portsmouth in 1953, the Albacore served as the prototype for today’s modern submarine fleet. The center offers year-round guided tours of the most advanced Navy submarine built before the atomic era.
The Music Hall (603) 436-2400: This 900-seat theater is the oldest in New Hampshire and presents live performances of music, theater, and dance, as well as films.
Portsmouth Harbour Trail(603) 610-5510: Whether you opt for a guided tour of Portsmouth or do it on your own, this handy guide will give you all the info you need to locate the city’s major sites.
Cool Shops: Willikers! (603) 436-7746: Creative toys, games, and children’s books both kids and adults will appreciate.
Boat & Kayak Rental: Portsmouth Kayak Adventures(603) 559-1000: Guided kayak and paddleboard trips on the Piscataqua and other local waterways, as well as kayak rentals and lessons.