Portsmouth: A Historic Town by the Piscataqua River
Portsmouth, NH, the home to over 21,000 residents, is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. Known to have hosted the Strategic Air Command's Pease Air Force Base, it is now a popular summer tourist destination on the Piscataqua River running along the state of Maine. Portsmouth's first recorded settler was Martin Pring in 1603 and eventually turned into a community in 1630. Originally known as Strawberry Banke because of wild strawberries growing along the Piscataqua River, it was then renamed in honor of the colony's founder and captain of the port of Portsmouth, England, John Mason. Today, the city has long since been urbanized with the presence of big-name retail shops, hotels, and restaurants in abundance. The city is serviced by nearby CON-Concord Municipal Airport and the LCI-Laconia Municipal Airport.
Best Time to Visit
With New Hampshire getting snowy between November and April, most tourists prefer to flock to Portsmouth during the summer. This is the city's busiest season, so it is wise to book accommodations at least 3 months early as hotel rates are at the highest during these times. Instead, plan a trip in September when temperatures are still pleasantly temperate but room rates are 30% less compared to what you would have paid in July. Temperatures are in the low 70s, a little cooler than the average 80°F in the high season.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Portsmouth, New Hampshire presents tourists a wide assortment of recreation, several of which are a hit among history buffs: The USS, a U.S. Navy submarine converted into a museum; the American Independence Museum; Exeter Historical Society; and the Fort Constitution Historical Site. Fans of the theater and performing arts can catch shows at the Music Hall or take part in local celebrations like the Chowder Festival and the NH Film Festival. Visiting guests can stay at luxurious Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel on Market Street or at the budget Wrens Nest Village Inn in Lafayette Road.