Attractions and Places To See around Portsmouth - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Portsmouth include coastal viewpoints, historical sites, and natural beaches. This region offers diverse landscapes, from the Atlantic coastline with views of the Isles of Shoals to established cycle paths. Portsmouth provides opportunities for outdoor activities and exploring local maritime culture. The area combines natural beauty with points of interest for various preferences.
Best attractions and places to see around Portsmouth
- The most popular attractions is Jenness State Beach, a beach known for…
Last updated: May 21, 2026
New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway
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Wallis Sands Beach overlook
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Jenness State Beach
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It's worth a visit.
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Fort Foster pier
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Rye Harbor
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Popular around Portsmouth
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From this roadside pull-off next to Wallis Sands State Beach, you get a beautiful unobstructed view of the Atlantic, with the Isles of Shoals hovering on the horizon like a mirage. The beach curves gently below you, framed by rocky outcrops and a grassy picnic area. It’s a quiet spot to watch the sunrise, close enough to hear the surf, and elevated just enough to take in the full coastal panorama.
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For Hans - I know you're writing at a distance so it's hard to be accurate. The trail has various sections but right now only Portsmouth to Hampton New Hampshire are open for 8 miles (not that long). Eventually this is planned to go as far as Newburyport Massachusetts by linking to other trails. Repair stations are completely normal on rail trails here but I have yet to actually see someone make use of them.
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I did about half this rail trail from Breakfast hill road to the end in Hampton. All stone dust. Through nice areas but unusual for other trails it often doesn't link to roads it passes by. Will be a great asset when completed. https://nhseacoastgreenway.org/
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a very long and really beautiful, well-maintained bike path. It used to be an old railway line. Now there are even repair stations along the route - completely unusual for the USA. The path is very long and starts in Greater Boston and goes right up to the city. Super
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Port used almost exclusively for lobster fishing.
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Fort Foster Park is a local treasure for those living in southeast Maine. Overlooking the waters of Seward's Cove, the dock offers excellent views of multiple islands and lighthouses. To access the pier and the rest of the park, you have to stop at the entrance gate to pay a daily use fee.
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You wouldn't want to swim here (or in any harbor, really). But the docked boats — including those for fishing and lobstering, and charter craft for tourists — make some entertaining eye candy as you cycle past.
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Jenness State Beach is a sandy, family friendly beach in Rye, New Hampshire. The beach, itself, makes for a pretty good running spot, or you can hop on the nearby sidewalks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to enjoy coastal views around Portsmouth?
For stunning coastal panoramas, visit Wallis Sands Beach overlook, where you can see the Atlantic Ocean and the Isles of Shoals. Another excellent spot is Fort Foster pier, offering views of multiple islands and lighthouses. Rye Harbor also provides scenic views of fishing and lobstering boats.
Are there any good beaches for swimming or relaxing near Portsmouth?
Yes, Jenness State Beach is a popular choice, known for its surfing opportunities and being less crowded in the early mornings. It's a great spot to cool off. The area around Wallis Sands Beach overlook also features a beach that curves gently, framed by rocky outcrops.
Where can I find easy walking or cycling trails in the Portsmouth area?
The New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway is a long, well-maintained bike path built on an old railway line, perfect for easy cycling. It even features repair stations along the route. For more cycling options, you can explore routes in the Cycling around Portsmouth guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Portsmouth?
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. Jenness State Beach is family-friendly for swimming and relaxing. The New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway offers a safe and enjoyable cycling experience for all ages. Fort Foster pier and Rye Harbor also provide interesting sights for families, with views of boats and marine activities.
What kind of historical sites can I visit near Portsmouth?
Fort Foster pier is part of Fort Foster Park, which is a historical site. While the pier itself offers great views, the park has historical significance for the region, overlooking the waters of Seward's Cove and offering views of lighthouses.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond visiting the attractions, the Portsmouth area is excellent for outdoor activities. Cycling is very popular, with numerous routes available, including those in the Cycling around Portsmouth and Road Cycling Routes around Portsmouth guides. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails in the MTB Trails around Portsmouth guide, particularly around Stratham Hill Park.
Are there any less crowded attractions or times to visit?
Jenness State Beach is best enjoyed early in the morning to avoid crowds. The Wallis Sands Beach overlook is generally a quiet spot, especially for watching the sunrise, offering unobstructed views without the bustle of a main beach.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Portsmouth?
Visitors particularly appreciate the beautiful coastal views, such as those from Wallis Sands Beach overlook. The well-maintained and scenic New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway is also highly praised for cycling. The diverse marine activity at Rye Harbor and the opportunity to cool off at Jenness State Beach are also frequently mentioned highlights.
Is there an entrance fee for any of the attractions?
Yes, to access the Fort Foster pier and the rest of Fort Foster Park, you will need to stop at the entrance gate to pay a daily use fee.
Can I find places to cycle that are suitable for different skill levels?
Absolutely. The Cycling around Portsmouth guide includes easy routes like the 'New Castle Park, Wallis Sands Beach and Jenness State Beach loop from Portsmouth'. For road cycling, the Road Cycling Routes around Portsmouth guide offers easy options such as the 'East Coast Greenway: New Hampshire Seacoast'. Mountain biking trails in the MTB Trails around Portsmouth guide, like those in Stratham Hill Park, are also rated as easy.
Are there any attractions that offer views of lighthouses?
Yes, from Fort Foster pier, you can enjoy excellent views of multiple islands and lighthouses across the waters of Seward's Cove.
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