portsmouth brewery tour

Craft Beverage Tours and Experiences in New Hampshire

a close up of a bow

We offer education-focused private tours that are expertly designed and guided to provide an inside look into the local craft alcohol scene.

Let our team bring you to explore locally-owned craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Cheers!

Private and Corporate Tours

Take your group on board the New Hampshire Brews Cruise and let our local experts show you around. 

Your specialized tour could visit local sites for everyone to participate in fun activities. It could incorporate a round of golf, a visit to a historical site, live music, and many more options.

With these private tours, we can be flexible on start times and pick-up and drop-off locations.

Let us know any specific places your group would like to visit. We will do our best to accommodate them on your private tour. We love trying to make the impossible possible! Learn more…

About New Hampshire Brews Cruise

The mission of New Hampshire Brews Cruise, formerly known as Granite State Growler Tours, is to take thirsty guests on expertly guided all-inclusive tours and activities to support locally-owned and operated craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries throughout the Seacoast.

Founded in 2012 by Hampton resident David Adams, tens of thousands of guests have enjoyed getting a taste of the industry on the award-winning tours. Traveling from stop to stop, the knowledgeable guide entertains and intrigues guests with unique historical facts and stories about the rich and foamy history of brewing in NH including brewing and beer-related sites from the Revolution to Prohibition.

The tours include all of the organized alcohol tastings as well as exclusive personal tours provided by the owners and beverage makers. New Hampshire Brews Cruise is also available for private group, corporate outings, and customized tours.

CHOOSE YOUR TASTING EXPERIENCE

View public tours.

Regularly Scheduled Itineraries

Learn More »

BUY GIFT CARDS

Good For Any Tour

VIEW GROUP TOURS

Searching available activities for . . .

Showing Activities for -

As Seen In:

logo, company name

2020 Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award Winner

6-time tripadvisor certificate of excellence 2014-2019 | hall of fame 2019, over 1,100 five-star reviews on tripadvisor.

icon

My daughter bought me a tour as a birthday gift. I chose the Saturday afternoon tour. It was supposed to go to Tributary Brewing, SoMe Brewing, and Liar's Bench. They substituted Woodland Farms Brewery in Kittery for Liar's Bench. That makes sense as all three breweries were in Maine. The tour was very fun and the guides friendly and knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to ask for dining recommendations in Portsmouth. At each brewery, we got a number of samples of beer as well as a tour of the brewhouse. Tributary was especially interesting as the tour guide was Tod Mott, the owner and brewer.

diagram

We had an absolute blast on our growler tour over President's Day weekend. It can be chilly up in New Hampshire, but the bus was warm and the beer stops were phenomenal. If you're looking to learn about the craft brews in the area and want to meet some awesome people, granite state growler tours is your place to go. Thanks for a great afternoon!

Craft Brewery Tour in a Vintage VW Bus

Portsmouth nh.

Explore the best Craft Breweries in Portsmouth NH. Good beer and good people – cruising in a Vintage VW Bus to the best breweries. We typically visit three to four of breweries in 2.5 hours: Liars Bench, Great Rhythm, Earth Eagle, and/or Portsmouth Brewery, Stoneface, Loaded Question, Cisco (subject to chance and availability without notice). *Guests pay for beer tastings at each location, anticipate between $10-12 in tastings per person per brewery.

portsmouth brewery tour

Storage Preferences

  • Personalization
  • Destinations

Beer tap

Portsmouth Brewery Tour with the Brew Bus

Seacoast New Hampshire now has a number of great breweries as the craft beer renaissance sweeps the country. One of the best ways to enjoy multiple breweries in an afternoon or evening is to go on a Portsmouth, NH brewery tour. At Lark Hotels, we love the Granite State Growler Tours as a way to sample the offerings of several Portsmouth, NH area breweries. This tour company will take care of all the logistics, so you can kick back, relax, and learn about the dynamic brewing scene in Portsmouth, NH. Next time you're on a lark to one of our two boutique Portsmouth, NH hotels, take a Portsmouth brewery tour with Granite State Growler Tours for a unique look at Seacoast breweries.

Granite State Growler Tour s began in 2013 and offers exclusive experiences at Portsmouth, NH breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Tours are offered on a small school bus that's driven by a driver who doesn't partake in any of the sampling, ensuring you have a safe visit to the area's best breweries. The tour guides are knowledgeable, friendly with brewery staff, and provide a great afternoon or evening of Portsmouth, NH brewery tours.

Typically tours are two to three hours and leave from the Hanover Street Parking Garage Bus Stop at 55 Hanover St. in Portsmouth NH. Your group will load onto the bus, buckle up, and head to the first brewery, distillery, or cider house, while your guide gives you an overview of the New Hampshire beer, wine, and cider scene. At the facility, the guide or a brewery staff member will greet your group and give a short overview of the business, often giving you a behind the scenes peek at the action. Samples follow, along with some time for relaxing, purchasing some merchandise or cans, and then you're off to the next stop.

Tour topics range from the "Saturday Beer Run," a morning tour that visits three New Hampshire breweries, the Saturday night tour that heads over the bridge into Maine, and a fun partnership with a flight simulator where you learn to fly a plane and then enjoy some beers. Whether you're looking to learn all you can about New Hampshire's breweries or just for a fun experience with friends or family, Granite State Growler Tours are a great way to get out and explore Portsmouth, NH. Leave the logistics to the tour guide and sip back and relax!

Granite State Growler Tours | 45 Lafayette Rd, North Hampton, NH | (603) 964-0284

  •  Directions 
  •  Shop 

Portsmouth Brewery Logo

  • Join Our Team!
  • Sustainability
  • What’s On Tap
  • Upcoming Beers
  • Wine & Cocktails
  • Order Online for Takeout & Delivery
  • Parties & Functions
  • The E-Store
  • eGift Cards
  • Brewery News
  • Event Calendar
  • Pint Club & Imperial Pint Club
  • Community Pints
  • The Brew House
  • The Jimmy LaPanza Lounge

WE'RE TEMPORARILY CLOSED WHILE WE REPAIR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM A BROKEN SPRINKLER MAIN.

Delicious Every Day

What’s Happening

  • Community Pint Day

Sign Up for Beers, Deals, News, and Events

The People Have Spoken

Come see why we're like no other restaurant on the Seacoast!

Headquarters

The Portsmouth Brewery 56 Market Street Portsmouth NH 03801 603-431-1115

#PortsmouthBrewery

June 18, 2023 – We are temporarily closed while we clean and repair our restaurant, which was damaged in a catastrophic flood caused by a ruptured sprinkler main upstairs.

Please check back here or on our social media sites for updates and our re-opening date.

Made by Vital

  • © Roadtrippers
  • © Mapbox
  • © OpenStreetMap
  • Improve this map

Photo of Seacoast Brew Tours

  • New Hampshire

Seacoast Brew Tours

Market St, Portsmouth , New Hampshire 03801 USA

  • Independent
  • More in Portsmouth

“You drink, We drive”

Experience the rich history of New Hampshire in an entirely new way. Spend the day with Portsmouth Brew Tours as we sample our way through New Hampshire's Seacoast, along a journey filled with craft breweries, artisan beers and delicious food! Portsmouth and Seacoast Brew Tours is the only beer tour company in New Hampshire that offers daily brewery tours to the state’s best breweries, brewpubs, and bars. Every tour includes 12 or more different craft beers, a lunch and beer tasting, entrance fees to all the breweries and round-trip transportation. With visits to Smuttynose Brewing Co, Portsmouth Brewery, Throwback Brewery, Earth Eagle Brewings and many more to come, choose from our pre-selected Portsmouth brewery tours or craft your own. Whether you’re a light beer person or connoisseur, we are the perfect way to explore Portsmouth's rich history, culture and of course, Beer.

Be the first to add a review to the Seacoast Brew Tours.

Problem with this listing? Let us know .

Has RV parking changed? Let us know .

  • Unavailable Parking
  • Unknown Pets Allowed
  • Unknown Restrooms
  • Unknown Wifi
  • Unknown Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown Credit Cards Accepted

Nearby Hotels

Click to discover a great deal!

Related Trip Guides

The ultimate guide to acadia national park, the great northern is a 3,600 mile, cross-country odyssey, the top things to do on an i-95 road trip, keep exploring with the roadtrippers mobile apps..

Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road!

Connect with us and hit up #roadtrippers

Tall tales, trip guides, & the world's weird & wonderful.

  • Roadpass Digital
  • Mobile Apps

Business Tools

  • Partnerships

Get Inspired

  • Road trip ideas by state
  • National parks
  • Famous routes
  • Voices from the Road

Fresh Guides

  • The ultimate guide to Mammoth Cave National Park
  • The Ultimate Guide to Badlands National Park
  • Route 66 Leg 2: St. Louis to Tulsa
  • Route 66 Leg 1: Chicago to St. Louis
  • Route 66 Leg 3: Tulsa to Amarillo
  • Top 10 things to do in Ohio
  • Offbeat Road Trip Guides
  • Road Trip USA
  • Scenic Routes America
  • National Park Road Trips
  • Terms and Conditions

Recent Newsletter | Visitor Resources | Contact

go portsmouth logo

restaurants

Plan your trip, our itineraries, girls getaway, history buff, family friendly, accommodations, all lodging, pet friendly, eat + drink, sensational flavors, calendar & venues, arts, culture & entertainment, arts & culture calendar, our calendar, valentine's day, arts & culture, all holidays.

All Holiday Happenings

portsmouth brewery tour

  • Craft Breweries

Sample a brew

Since the early 1800s, Portsmouth has been a hub in the nation’s brewing industry with today’s craft brewing industry booming more than ever. Whether you enjoy an IPA, Pilsner, Stout or other, enjoy a taste tour or a cold one at some of our fine establishments listed below. Cheers!

Earth Eagle Brewings

175 high st.

Earth Eagle Brewings beer garden

Liars Bench Beer Co.

459 islington st., #4.

liars-bench-LBBC-BlueYellow-Web-3

Great Rhythm Brewing Company

105 bartlett st.

great rhythm 1_191216-091025

Loaded Question Brewing Co.

909 islington st.

beergardensteeze

Stoneface Brewing Company

436 shattuck way.

stoneface-brewing-full_stamp_color

Cisco Brewers Portsmouth

35 corporate drive.

Cisco Brewers

Tributary Brewing Company

10 shapleigh road ste a.

tributary-brewing-Snowy_Sign

Portsmouth Brewery

56 market st..

Portsmouth-Brewery_mug_sign

Go Eat + Drink

  • Restaurant Week
  • Breakfast & Cafes
  • Fine Dining
  • Casual Dining
  • Quick Bites
  • All Restaurants

Sign up for our Newsletter!

Request a visitors guide:, get your free guide to the seacoast.

What to do in Greater Portsmouth New Hampshire

Tours Shopping Dining & Night Life

This Week This Month This Year

Paid for in part by

portsmouth brewery tour

Group Conferences

Photography Credits

Press + Media

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Mission Statement

Copyright © 2022 The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. and The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Inc., dba The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. All Rights Reserved.

  • LET’S EXPLORE!
  • WORK WITH US
  • HAMPTON, NH
  • NEW CASTLE, NH
  • NEWMARKET, NH
  • PORTSMOUTH, NH
  • BIDDEFORD, MAINE!
  • KENNEBUNKS!
  • KITTERY, ME
  • OGUNQUIT + WELLS, MAINE
  • YORK + CAPE NEDDICK
  • BEER! CIDER! WINE! SPIRTS! KOMBUCHA! GUIDE
  • FITNESS & MOVEMENT!
  • HEALTH + WELLNESS!
  • INTERIORS + HOME!
  • MEDIA + MARKETING!
  • NONPROFIT GUIDE
  • PHOTOGRAPHY!
  • OUTDOOR DINING GUIDE
  • KIDDOS GUIDE!
  • BOUTIQUE HOTELS + INNS GUIDE
  • SALON & SPA GUIDE!
  • REAL ESTATE GUIDE
  • WEDDING & EVENT GUIDE!

Are you in love with all things Seacoast?

Stay up to date with Seacoast Lately. Sign up for our newsletter!

SEACOAST BREWERY, CIDERY, WINERY, AND DISTILLERY GUIDE 2021!

portsmouth brewery tour

The Seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine is brimming with locally-owned breweries, distilleries, cideries, wineries and more, and we feel grateful to have such a wonderful variety to enjoy in our own backyards.

From Biddeford to Kittery, and Portsmouth to Lee, browse our 2021 list of local places in which to enjoy an adult beverages—in person and on-the-fly!

BAREWOLF BREWING | AMESBURY, MASSACHUSETTS

portsmouth brewery tour

BareWolf Brewing Company  is a family beer business run by father and son team Paul and Stevie Bareford. By blending endless passion and refined tradecraft in an art-science fusion, this duo creates a variety of unique beers to feature on the Brewery’s constantly rotating tap list. Paul and Stevie eat, sleep and breathe beer, and want to share it with all of us at their kid-friendly Amesbury taproom—complete with live music, arcade games, and pool! 

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT BAREWOLF BREWING:

*Visit BareWolf Brewing’s website to place your order for curbside pickup, shop products online, and see the list of upcoming events!

*Meet the team and learn the BareWolf Brewing story here !

TILTON BROTHERS BREWING | HAMPTON, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

At Tilton Brothers Brewing , you’ll find a variety of unique beers that pair beautifully with the brewery’s relaxed atmosphere, fun games, great company, and vibrant mural wall. Tilton Brothers Brewing was founded in 2019 by Seacoast natives Ben and Dave Tilton, along with friend Joe Chase. Ben concocts all beers on-site for fresh pours by the pint in the bright taproom, and for cans and growlers on-the-go!

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT TILTON BROTHERS BREWING:

*Join Tilton Brothers’ Mug Club where memberships never expire, and there are plenty of fun perks to go around!

*Look for a new food program launching in early 2021!

*The taproom is open Thursday 3-8pm and Friday through Sunday 12-8pm.

DEFINITIVE BREWING COMPANY | KITTERY, MAINE

portsmouth brewery tour

Definitive Brewing Company opened its flagship location in Portland, Maine in 2018 and after two years in Portland, opened a second tasting room on Route One in Kittery, Maine! At Definitive Brewing Company, the team strives to provide a memorable tasting room experience for all customers. This is culminated by the wide variety of beers ranging from sours and stouts, to IPAs, session ales, and Definitive’s signature Kolsch.

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT DEFINITIVE BREWING COMPANY:

*Both Definitive Brewery locations are open 7 days a week, offering indoor and outdoor seating, with many beers on tap, as well as select wines, ciders and seltzers!

BATSON RIVER | KENNEBUNK, MAINE

portsmouth brewery tour

Batson River Brewing & Distilling boasts a unique dining experience in both Kennebunk and Portland, Maine. The menus feature a range of cocktails, each crafted with house distilled spirits, along with a full list of Batson River craft beers. Between the food, cocktail, and beer selections, and the stunning interiors, no detail is overlooked at Batson River.

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT BATSON RIVER:

*Batson River offers happy hour at both locations, as well as Saturday and Sunday brunch, at its Portland, Maine location. Their third location will open soon in Biddeford!

*Visit Batson River during the winter months and cozy up by the fireplace, while playing games, or enjoy the dog-friendly patio, heated decks, and custom-built fish shacks for socially-distanced dining!

BUTTERNUT FARM CIDER HOUSE | FARMINGTON, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

Butternut Farm’s small-batch hard ciders are hand-crafted right on the farm that’s located in Farmington, New Hampshire. Throughout the process, the cider makers use simple methods, natural ingredients, and pay close attention to detail. With cultured yeasts and a minimal amount of preservatives, if any, Butternut Farm’s ciders provide a fresh, clean flavor. Visit the tasting room and experience a locally crafted cider!

* Butternut Farm is a seasonal business that will open for the 2021 season in April! Please refer to their website for up-to-date hours and information. *

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT BUTTERNUT FARM CIDER HOUSE:

*2 oz samples are available in the tasting room, and quart and half gallon sized growlers are available for purchase and refills. 

*Visit Butternut’s family run farm while on site! They have freshly-baked donuts, pies, fruit trees, and cider at the store (opening in April!) and an abundance of seasonal pick-your-own fruit (opening to guests in June)!

WIGGLY BRIDGE DISTILLERY | YORK, MAINE

portsmouth brewery tour

Although current restrictions have made it so that the popular craft cocktails, classes, and tastings aren’t currently available at Wiggly Bridge Distilling , the team is still producing its famous spirits and the York, Maine storefront remains open for retail and bottle sales!

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT WIGGLY BRIDGE DISTILLERY:

*We can order online and enjoy shipping to most states! Shop locally online here . *Wiggly Bridge’s “Bottled in Bond” spirits are now sold in most New Hampshire liquor stores. Look for the display in-store for your chance to win the “Distiller for a Day” program!

*We can’t wait to enjoy bevvies, live music, and fun times in the tasting room soon!

TRIBUTARY BREWING COMPANY | KITTERY, MAINE

portsmouth brewery tour

Known for its well-crafted and diverse beer styles,  Tributary Brewing Co.  in Kittery, Maine is a unique destination offering great beer, good company, and live music. When making plans to visit, see  what’s on tap , and take a peek at the  events calendar  to see which local talent is performing (hopefully in the near future!)! And if you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, you’re more than welcome to bring in food from nearby restaurants (perhaps from  Blue Mermaid  next door?).

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT TRIBUTARY BREWING COMPANY:

*Hello three-season outdoor deck!!

THE PORTSMOUTH BREWING COMPANY | PORTSMOUTH, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

The Portsmouth Brewery is New Hampshire’s original craft brewery! Located in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, The Portsmouth Brewery has been making award-winning beer and fantastic food in the heart of downtown Portsmouth since 1991.

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE PORTSMOUTH BREWERY:

*Enjoy takeout and delivery until 9 pm Monday through Thursdays. Visit The Portsmouth Brewery on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for socially-distanced indoor dining, takeout, and delivery.

*Stay tuned for outdoor dining, live music, specials, and late-night dining coming soon!

ROUND TURN DISTILLING | BIDDEFORD, MAINE

portsmouth brewery tour

There’s a hip movement happening in Biddeford, and  Round Turn Distilling  is an essential part of it! Native Mainers Darren Case and Kristina Hansen returned to their New England roots, from Brooklyn, to found Round Turn Distilling after they were drawn to this growing Maine city’s community of artists and entrepreneurs. Darren and Kristina’s passion is centered around the moments that bring friends and family together—often gathered around a plate or bottle—so this duo works hard to produce quality spirits worthy of sharing life’s special moments.

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT ROUND TURN DISTILLING:

*Due to COVID-19, Round Turn Distilling is currently open Wednesday through Sunday for retail shopping and cocktails to-go only. They recently launched the RTD Cocktail Club, a monthly cocktail box that explores the world of classic cocktails and recipes. They will also be offering virtual cocktail classes!

*Bottom center photo credit: Maine The Way .

FLAG HILL DISTILLERY & WINERY | LEE, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

Flag Hill Distillery & Winery sits on a 110-acre conservation easement in Lee, New Hampshire, which preserves the property to remain in agriculture forever. The farm switched from a dairy farm to a vineyard in 1987, with the planting of the first grapes on the property, and the winery began in 1990, with the first harvest. Years later in 2004, Flag Hill Distillery & Winery began making vodka from the highest quality apples New Hampshire has to offer. Known as the oldest distillery in New Hampshire, and the largest vineyard in the state, Flag Hill Distillery & Winery is a wonderful destination for seasoned connoisseurs and first time visitors!

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT FLAG HILL DISTILLERY & WINERY:

*Flag Hill is open daily from 11am to 5pm for indoor tastings.

*In addition to tastings and purchasing products to go, we can also enjoy self-guided tours and snowshoe rentals !

*Bottom right credit: @shanoah_madison .

SMUTTYNOSE & SMUTTLABS | HAMPTON+DOVER, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

As we anticipate Smuttynose Brewery’s tours and tastings to re-open, there is still so much to enjoy at this Hampton, New Hampshire Brewery! The retail store is open daily, and is stocked with Smuttynose’s latest beer releases, as well as Smuttynose gear. Also on site is Smuttynose’s restaurant, that is currently open for socially-distanced indoor dining, outdoor (dog friendly!) fire pit seating, and takeout. They also host happy hour, industry day, and trivia night. Smuttynose’s sister location, Smuttlabs Brewery and Kitchen , is now open in Dover, New Hampshire for socially-distanced indoor dining and takeout. Pop by this downtown hangout for happy hour, industry day, open mic night, and music bingo.

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT SMUTTYNOSE AND SMUTTLABS:

*Stay tuned for live music on the patio coming this spring to Smuttynose Brewery!

*Smuttlabs is a destination for craft beer enthusiasts, as they always serve funky, fresh, and innovative beers you can’t try anywhere else. They also offer new exclusive draft beer releases almost weekly!

LIARS BENCH BEER | PORTSMOUTH, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

Housed in an old plumbing supply warehouse in Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s up and coming West End, Liars Bench Beer Co. is an independently owned nano-brewery, tap room and biergarten. Founded in 2016 by UNH college roommates Dane Nielsen & Dagan Migirditch, Liars Bench offers an ever-rotating selection of intentionally brewed, traditionally inspired ales and lagers, as well as a playful menu built for the beer drinker and their brethren. With its inviting atmosphere and communal tables, drinkers are encouraged to tell stories, but not necessarily the truth. Here’s to empty lies; come share one.

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT LIARS BENCH:

*Did you know we can purchase Liars Bench gear online ??

*Check out Liars Bench’s food menu !!

LOADED QUESTION BREWERY | PORTSMOUTH, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

Loaded Question Brewing is a Portsmouth West End craft brewery that was founded on the notion that beer should mimic life, and that every beer has its place. The Loaded Question team brews a wide range of beers because their favorite beer is not one single style of beer or a specific beer, but it in fact changes with environments and who we are spending time with.

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT LOADED QUESTION:

*The beer is flowing seven days a week at Loaded Question—share a socially-distanced beer with your friends on the spacious, private patio or inside the tap room.

*Keep your eyes open for their next collaboration, as Loaded Question is always thinking of new ways to partner with local restaurants, bars, breweries and other businesses!

CZAR’S BREWERY | EXETER, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

Tucked away on a side street in downtown Exeter, New Hampshire is a mashup of brewery-meets-restaurant, also known as Czar’s Brewery ! Much like its European inspirations, this hidden and laidback gem serves up world class beer on small tables by a team with aged smiles and gigantic hearts.

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT CZAR’S BREWERY:

*Czar’s welcomes guests on Tuesday through Thursday from 3pm to 8pm,   Friday from 3pm to 9pm, and Saturday from 12pm to 9pm!

*For directions, reservations, online ordering and/or curbside pickup, check out  The Czar’s Brewery – Brewery, Brewpub, Craft Beers

WHYM CRAFT PUB AND BREWERY | HAMPTON, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

WHYM /wim/. abbreviation. 1 W ater H ops Y east M alt (the four basic ingredients of any well crafted beer).

Noun Definition of WHYM . An establishment that is dedicated to local craft beer and community since 2013.

A brewing team with decades of passion turned pro, never serious but always serious about beer.

A kitchen where the Chef and staff care about the ingredients, sourcing locally and creating new American fusion.

A family owned, family operated, and family friendly local brewery and eatery.

One hundred percent artisan—from soda and house crafted cocktails, to local, live entertainment, in the downstairs lounge!

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT WHYM CRAFT PUB & BREWERY:

*Conveniently located off of major travel routes I 95 and Rt 101, and 5 minutes from Hampton Beach, WHYM is a convenient place to hop off the highway for a great snack or meal!

*For live entertainment, menus, craft beer, events, and hours, be sure to follow WHYM on social media!

Photos by: Melissa Koren Photography.

OTHER PLACES TO CHECK OUT:

Corner Point Brewing Company, Great Rhythm, North Country Hard Cider, Sea Dog Brewing Company, Bad Lab Beer, York Beach Beer Co., Chapel+Main, Garrison City Beerworks, Empty Pint, Banded Brewing Company, Cisco Brewers, Earth Eagle Brewings, Sawbelly Brewing Co., Deciduous Brewing Co., Throwback, Stoneface, SoMe, Woodland Farms Brewery.

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY…

portsmouth brewery tour

SEACOAST LATELY’S COFFEE & TEA GUIDE! ->

New Hampshire Way

27 Fun Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH

New Hampshire Way contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Looking for the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH? You’ve got a fun time ahead of you! Portsmouth is one of our favorite cities in New England, and it’s indisputably the coolest city in New Hampshire.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is located on the Piscataqua River and borders the state of Maine. It’s the oldest settlement in NH, dating back to 1623, and features many 17th and 18th century houses and buildings. The architecture is a joy to behold.

But that’s not all. Portsmouth is full of some of the best boutique shopping in the Granite State (no sales tax in NH!), along with excellent restaurants, fun bars and breweries, and several top-notch museums and historic homes.

Here are some of the most fun things to do in Portsmouth NH — you’re going to love it here!

This post was most recently updated in May 2023.

Table of Contents

A red brick alley lined with shops like Moxy and Corks & Curds.

Travel to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH include exploring the shops of Market Square , visiting some of the historic homes , and enjoying the views at Prescott Park . 

You could explore Portsmouth in a day, but take a few days to really get to know it and explore the surrounding Seacoast.

Portsmouth is an hour’s drive or a 90-minute bus ride from Boston. It’s right off 95 and close to Amtrak connections at Dover.

Take the kids for an educational day at Strawbery Banke Museum or, in the summer, ride the waterslides at Water Country !

A long line of red brick buildings with black shutters on a slanted uphill street, underneath a gray, stormy sky.

Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is one of the safest cities in New Hampshire and it’s a great place to vacation. It’s a very walkable city with large sidewalks for pedestrians. Portsmouth is a popular tourist destination and has that New England Charm that people search for. 

Downtown Portsmouth is very quaint. It’s lined with boutiques, excellent restaurants , fun bars , and cafes. It’s the perfect place to walk around aimlessly and enjoy the architecture while doing some window shopping. You won’t have a hard time finding a good place to eat either and there are many restaurants on the water, too. 

Market Square in Portsmouth, with a big white steepled church in the center and a mural of a man in a red fedora on one of the red brick walls.

Explore Market Square 

The cultural heart of Portsmouth is Market Square. Located in the center of downtown and surrounded by stunning 17th-century buildings, Market Square is filled with great shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques where you can find the perfect New Hampshire souvenir.

So which shops on Market Square are worth visiting? We love so many of them. Gus & Ruby Letterpress is full of beautiful stationery sets. Off Piste is full of strange and quirky gifts that will make you giggle. Market Square Jewelers has vintage estate jewelry that will take your breath away.

Around the corner from the square, the Book & Bar is our favorite place to find a new read with a coffee or a beer. Macro Polo is the coolest toy store around. And Stonewall Kitchen is a great spot to sample New England’s most famous jams and sauces!

And we’ve barely scraped the tip of the iceberg. Market Square rocks!

Visit Portsmouth’s Historic Homes

If you love walking around a town and taking in colorful historic homes, you’re going to love Portsmouth! One of the best free things to do in Portsmouth, just walking around and taking photos can be great entertainment.

The Warner House , also known as the Macpheadris-Warner House, is now a museum. It was built from 1716 to 1718, making it the oldest brick house in northern New England. It was originally built for Captain Archibald Macpheadris and housed six generations of extended family.

During that time, daughter Mary Macpheadris Osborne refurnished the house into the most chic decor of the time. In 1932, the house was purchased and became a museum, just before an oil company tried to buy the house to tear it down for a gas station. It was a close call!

Admission to the Warner House is $10 for adults, with senior and children discounts available.

The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is located right on the water of Little Harbor and was built in the 18th century. To this day, it is the only surviving residence of a Royal Governor in the United States. Guided tours are free, but donations are appreciated.

The mansion has 40 different rooms that were designed to be the home, office, and farm for Royal l Governor Benning Wentworth. The mansion was later owned by J. Templeman Coolidge, who donated it to the State of New Hampshire in 1954. There is also a great 1.5-mile walk along Little Harbor Trail that offers views of Portsmouth and the ocean. Outdoor tours are free and open to the public.

The Moffatt-Ladd House , also known as the William Whipple House, is a National Historic Landmark. It was the home of Revolutionary War General William Whipple who was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It has been a museum since 1912. Both the house and garden are open for guided tours, which cost $10 per adult.

Portsmouth Historical Society 

The Portsmouth Historical Society was founded in 1917 to preserve and share the history of Portsmouth through exhibitions, programs, and more. Here you can visit a historic home, take in exhibits, and join historic tours around the city.

The John Paul Jones House, named after the American Revolution her who rented a room here in 1777, is a national historic landmark that was built in 1758. Since 1920 it’s been a museum, sharing Portsmouth’s history with everyone.

And this isn’t dusty, old history. You can join a tour of Portsmouth’s too-often-overlooked queer history or learn about the women of Portsmouth who defied gender stereotypes and made history.

Admission is $10 to the Portsmouth Historical Society OR the Paul Jones House or $15 for both. You can also add on a walking tour for a combined total of $25 per adult. There are also special family rates and discounts for seniors and kids. See all admission info here.

A brick walkway through a well-manicured park brimming with brightly colored leaves and flowers. There is a white bench to one side.

Prescott Park

Prescott Park is Portsmouth’s best public park, located right on the water. There are over 10 acres of land with gardens, walkways, places to sit, and areas for recreation.

We love enjoying Prescott Park throughout the year. Spring brings the best flowers and fall brings the best foliage! Free tours of Prescott Park are offered on summer Fridays at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, starting at the Liberty Pole.

T he Park puts on concerts throughout the year through the Prescott Park Arts Festival. When you plan your Portsmouth trip, we recommend taking a look at the schedule! And if you’re local, they have season passes.

See a Show at the Music Hall

The Music Hall is Portsmouth’s most legendary music venue, and way more than just musical performances take place here. You can find theatrical shows, comedy sets, film screenings, and literary readings in addition to music performances of all kinds.

Be sure to check the calendar during your visit to see what shows are coming up next!

A weathered wooden fence between historic homes with a plaque reading "Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail."

Black Heritage Trail

Many travelers are surprised to learn that Portsmouth’s Black history is rich and vibrant, but historians know that Portsmouth is extensive and well-documented. The Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail is one of our favorite things to do in Portsmouth, NH. The tour aims to bring awareness to African American history, especially as it pertains to New Hampshire. 

It honors and tells the story of African Americans in Portsmouth, beginning with the enslaved through the present day, and puts on tours, exhibits, programs, and more.

We recommend joining one of the excellent Sankofa guided tours if you can.

Otherwise, you can do it on your own. There are 24 sites around Portsmouth you can explore on your own self-guided tour. There is a PDF map you can download that will point out all of the important spots along the trail. You can find that information here.

African Burying Ground 

The African Burying Ground , located on Chestnut Street in downtown Portsmouth, was once the burying ground for the enslaved and free Blacks of Portsmouth in the 1700s. Today, it’s a memorial park that honors the hundreds of people laid to rest.

Chestnut Street was once considered the outskirts of town and as the city grew, the African Burying Ground was paved and built over. In 2003, the city found skeletal remains of people in this area, which led to a project that would honor those hundreds of lives. In the end, the memorial park “We Stand in Honor of Those Forgotten” was created which is the permanent resting place for the people buried beneath it. 

It’s one of the only known burying sites of Africans during this era in New England — making it all the more important to remember and acknowledge these people’s lives.

A white historic home from the 1700s with an American flag hanging next to it.

Strawbery Banke Museum

One of the most popular things to do in Portsmouth, NH is Strawbery Banke Museum — affectionately called the Banke by locals. Located in the oldest neighborhood in New Hampshire, known as Puddle Dock, the museum is an indoor/outdoor exhibit on 10 acres of land and aims to share the history of early English settlers in Portsmouth. 

The guides at Strawbery Banke are excellent — it’s a living museum depicting the 1600s through the 1900s, so they’re costumed and actually in character. Ask a guide if you can take a photo and you might hear, “I don’t have time for an oil painting, but I could accommodate a quick sketch.”

When visiting the museum, you’ll have the chance to tour historic houses, chat with the role-playing guides, explore the area, and see what life in an early New England colony looked like.

Admission to the museum is $23 for adults and $10 for children 5 and above. The purchase of a ticket allows you to visit for two consecutive days if you’d like more time in the museum. 

Strawbery Banke is closed during the winter months — but Puddle Duck Pond, on the museum’s grounds, is open for ice-skating!

Portsmouth Harbor edged with small wooden fishing shacks.

Portsmouth Harbor Trail 

The Portsmouth Harbor Trail winds through the city, taking you past 70 places of either historic or scenic significance. 10 of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and there are 10 National Historic Landmarks.

Walking along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail is a great way to get in some exercise, explore the history, and see much of the city. Along the trail, you’ll see sites like the Portsmouth Athenaeum, USS Albacore, Memorial Bridge, Warner House, and much more.

You can take a guided tour of the trail starting at the Market Square Kiosk at 1:00 PM each day. The tour costs $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 8 to 14. The total walking distance is about 1 mile. 

Go on a Bike Tour of Portsmouth

If you’re up for an active way to explore Portsmouth, consider going on a bike tour. It’s also a great way to view more the city in a shorter amount of time.

There are tons of bike tours to choose from, from city tours to tours exploring the coast and islands, and they’ll all take you to different locations around Portsmouth. We ourselves are partial to tours of the coast and islands for the gorgeous views and low-traffic riding.

For an urban tour of the neighborhoods and street art of Portsmouth, this Portsmouth bike tour is perfect .

If you’re looking to bike through wooded trails in nature reserves near Portsmouth, this tour is great for you.

If you want to explore the islands, coastline, and harbor, this is an excellent local-led bike tour .

And if you’d rather just rent a bike on your own and do a self-guided bike tour, you can book that here.

Great Rhythm Brewery, an industrial looking gray painted wall with a red vintage convertible parked out front.

Visit Breweries

If you’re a beer aficionado in the least, you are going to love New Hampshire breweries! Portsmouth has some of our favorite breweries. Each Portsmouth brewery has its own personality and vibe — as well as many tasty beers.

Earth Eagle Brewings has an outdoor beer garden and indoor seating. You’ll find a selection of European-style beers as well as typical IPAs and APAs, in addition to cocktails and wine if you’re not a beer drinker. They sell burgers and hot dogs — also known as the “cow hampsha” menu and the “dog house” menu (with veggie versions too).

Great Rhythm Brewing Company overlooks North Mill Pond in Portsmouth and is one of our favorite breweries to visit on a nice day. Here the beer menu features lots of IPAs and some truly excellent sours; the music-loving owners always have a great playlist going.

Liars Bench Beer Co is located in an old plumbing supply warehouse with cans that look like pieces of art. The tap menu is small but features a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and pilsners. There is a great snack-and-hot-dog menu and the tables are great for socializing.

Loaded Question Brewing Company has both a patio and taproom for your enjoyment, along with a frequently rotating menu of new and fun beers. You can choose from a few appetizers if you’re hungry, and the brewery allows outside food, too!

Portsmouth Brewery has been open for 30 years and is a good option if you want a restaurant that doubles as a brewery. There is a ton of seating here, including outdoors, so don’t worry about finding a spot. You’ll find ales, lagers, and IPAs among other options on the tap menu.

Read More: The Best New Hampshire Breweries

Go on a Brewery Tour in a VW Bus

If you’re a beer fan who loves a good Instagram photo, consider a brewery tour that will take you to various breweries around Portsmouth. And it’s in a bright yellow VW bus!

This top-rated brewery tour will bring you in a vintage VW bus to three breweries in and around Portsmouth. This is an excellent way to try out lots of breweries without worrying about driving!

Note that this tour includes the transportation and guiding, but you need to pay for your own tastings — $10-12 at each brewery. You can see more here.

Visit Wineries

Not much of a beer drinker? Go for wine! Southern New Hampshire has quite a few wineries today, something that was inconceivable 20 years ago. You can enjoy wine right in two or go to a vineyard outside town.

LaBelle Winery is located in the heart of Market Square and is a great wine-tasting location. The wine is made in Amherst, New Hampshire, close to Nashua, but their Portsmouth showroom is a great place to do some tasting.

Squamscott Winery , home of Blue Heron Wines, is located in Newfields, New Hampshire, about a 20-minute drive from Portsmouth. You can truly have the vine to wine experience at this winery because you’ll sip great wine just feet from the vineyard. Enjoy the beautiful property and the 12 acres of fields along the Squamscott River.

A bar clearly set in a bookstore, people sipping beers and chatting with the bartender.

Browse books with a beverage at the Book & Bar 

Who doesn’t love a good bookstore with a cafe right in it? The Book & Bar goes one step further and has several beers on tap. Enjoy a good book with your latte, chardonnay, or IPA. There are also small plates and appetizers to choose from. 

Book & Bar hosts live music, poetry, and community events. It’s a great place to grab a drink, get some work done, curl up with a good book, and/or listen to some live music. You might even meet someone!

After a few tumultuous years, the Book & Bar has opened to the public again, primarily keeping evening hours. We’re glad they’re back, as sitting back with a beer and a book is one of our favorite things to do in Portsmouth, NH.

USS Albacore Museum 

The USS Albacore Museum is situated on a retired research submarine in Portsmouth . When it was active from 1953 to 1972, the the US Navy used it to test features that are now found on most modern submarines. 

Visitors can go inside the submarine and explore the bunk rooms, control room, and all aspects of the submarine to see what life was like underwater. It was originally built at the Portsmouth Naval Yard, which makes it all the more poetic to be honored here in town.

Tickets to the museum cost $11 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 14. Tours are self-guided with various audio stations aboard the ship where you can learn about the submarine and hear stories from previous crew members. 

A bright and colorful vintage diner with bright green walls and lots of neon signs and plastic and chrome furniture.

Enjoy Brunch at the Friendly Toast

No matter how old we get, we love the Friendly Toast . This classic Portsmouth restaurant is like a vintage diner from the future — almost like the kind of place the Jetsons would go.

Here you’ll find creative breakfast and lunch options, along with donut sandwiches and breakfast tacos. There are also mimosas, Bloody Marys, and other brunch cocktails on the menu. They serve until 3:00 PM, so this is strictly a breakfast-and-lunch spot.

We love popping into the Friendly Toast when we need a break from shopping around Market Square.

Read More: Our Favorite Portsmouth NH Restaurants

Take a Cruise to the Isles of Shoals 

Did you know New Hampshire has islands you can visit? Indeed it does! The Isles of Shoals are located just a few miles off the coast between New Hampshire and Maine. The islands have been inhabited for more than 400 years, first by small communities and now mostly private homes and a few hotels. 

The Isles of Shoals Steamboat Company can take you on a cruise along the islands. You can even take a guided tour on Star Island. You’ll see 400 years’ worth of history and learn some interesting facts about the people that once inhabited this land.

The Isles of Shoals cruise with a walking tour of of Star Island costs $39 for adults and $29 for children. 

Peirce Island

Owned by the city of Portsmouth, Peirce Island is a 27-acre island full of history . It’s connected to the mainland by the Peirce Island Bridge and it’s also connected to Four Tree Island. 

There is a ton to do on the scenic island. You’ll find an outdoor pool, trails, playgrounds, cliffs, tidal pools, and more. Pierce Island has a ton of history and was the former site of Fort Washington, named after George Washington, from 1775 to the early 1800s. 

The outdoor pool was built in 1937 and still runs today. It costs $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents to use. The island itself is free to visit and very accessible.

Catch a show at Seacoast Repertory Theatre 

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre , also known as The Rep, is a nonprofit theater in downtown Portsmouth. It regularly puts on shows with performers from all over New England.

There are tons of shows going on at The Rep and you’ll most likely find a show playing during your time in Portsmouth. Be sure to check out  the calendar  to view all the performances.

Tickets to a show at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre costs anywhere from $10 to $50 depending on the chosen seat. You can also choose to purchase the live stream of a show — cheaper, yes, and good for people who want to stay home, but there’s nothing like watching a show at The Rep itself for the full experience. 

Portsmouth Athenaeum 

The Portsmouth Athenaeum is located right in Market Square and it’s a library, art gallery, and museum. There are less than 20 membership libraries left in America. Membership libraries were created in the 18th century for members to have access to education resources.

The Portsmouth Athenaeum has been open since 1816. For over two centuries, people have become a part of the membership library where they have access to books, history, lectures, readings, and more. 

It’s free to visit the research library and exhibition gallery.

A road sign reading WATER COUNTRY -- thanks for a great season!

Water Country

When the sun is blazin’ and the summer gets hot, Water Country ‘s a very cool spot! (Trust us — every millennial who grew up in New England knows that jingle by heart!)

If you have kids from school-aged through teenagers, Water Country is a must. This water park has pools, rides, slides, and activity areas for the whole family to enjoy.

Water Country is definitely catered towards kids, so know that before you go. If you love waterparks, by all means go — just expect kids to be running around everywhere! Single day passes start at $35. See all ticket info here .

Water Country is a great option for cooling off in Portsmouth, but there are many other places you can cool off instead like the outdoor pool on Peirce Island or one of the beaches on the Seacoast.

Read More: The Best New Hampshire Water Parks

Shop the Outlets in Kittery

If you’re looking to shop on your trip to Portsmouth, don’t miss the Kittery Outlets . These shops are in Kittery, technically in southern Maine, just over the border from Portsmouth.

You can drive from Portsmouth to the Kittery Outlets in just 10 minutes. Just remember that Maine does have sales tax, whereas New Hampshire does not. Even so, your highly discounted outlet purchases could save you a lot more money overall. Though we recommend you check out the New Hampshire outlets , too!

There are tons of stores at the Kittery Outlets worth checking out for a great deal. Stores are open daily but may have differing hours. It’s perfect for school shopping, retail therapy, or killing time. You’ll definitely leave with more than you need but for a good price!

Read More: The Best Outlets in New Hampshire

A wooden bench perched on a hill overlooking a long, wide beach.

While in Portsmouth if you have extra time, you should consider visiting Rye. This beautiful Seacoast town is only about a 15-minute drive from Portsmouth, featuring gorgeous views and amazing mansions.

Rye has 17 miles of coastline, and you can drive along the coast on Route 1A. We think this is one of the most scenic drives in New Hampshire! There are a ton of fun outdoor options including a state park, a state beach, and a place to whale watch. You can even surf here!

Rye is full of luxury homes and mansions and it’s a great place to explore aimlessly. You can enjoy ocean views while marveling at the stunning houses on the water. The laid-back and inviting atmosphere makes it a great place to spend a few hours. 

Go on a Portsmouth Scavenger Hunt

If you’re looking for some fun and adventure while visiting Portsmouth, consider a scavenger hunt! This Po rtsmouth Scavenger Hunt will bring you on a walking tour to some of the best landmarks in the city, sharing hidden gems and trivia.

You buy the scavenger hunt online and you can do it alone or with a group (or even compete with your friends). Each player will also have an interactive role in the game with different challenges. It’s such a unique way to explore a city.

The Portsmouth scavenger hunt costs $12.31. Not a bad price for a fun adventure around the city. Definitely consider doing this when visiting Portsmouth!

Take a Self-Guided Haunted Walking Tour 

If you’re into the spooky side of travel, consider a haunted walking tour in Portsmouth. Like the scavenger hunt, the Haunted Portsmouth Tour is something you download online and explore at your own pace.

This self-guided haunted Portsmouth tour will have you download an app and explore at your own pace. You’ll hear stories about the spooky places you visit throughout Portsmouth, and who knows, maybe you’ll even see a ghost for yourself!

The haunted tour is an affordable price , and a fun and different way to spend your time. You can do it with a group or solo and this is a nice thing to do if you’ve already been to Portsmouth before. 

A long, wide gray beach with people walking in the surf in the distance.

Head to the Beach

While there is no public beach in Portsmouth, there are plenty in the surrounding towns. One of our favorite things to do in Portsmouth, NH during the summer months is spending a day on the beach, dipping your toes in the sand and relaxing for a while.

Just be aware that the ocean in New Hampshire doesn’t really begin to warm up until August or early September. Even though it’s very warm outside in July and even June, it’s most likely too cold to swim. You can try, but you might lose your breath for a second!

Some of our favorite NH beaches in the surrounding area include Wallis Sands State Beach (10-minute drive from Portsmouth), Hampton Beach (25-minute drive), North Hampton State Beach (20-minute drive), and Jenness Beach (15-minute drive).

Read More: The Best Beaches in New Hampshire

Take a Tea Blending Class

One of our favorite unusual things to do in Portsmouth, NH is taking a tea blending class ! The class lasts 1.5 hours and is a very enjoyable and unique experience.

The class is led by a clinical herbalist who will teach you about the benefits of different herbs. You’ll also learn what herbs are right for you and how to blend the perfect mixture for your needs. 

The tea blending class costs $75 per person. It includes both coffee and tea. You’ll get to make your own custom tea blend and take it home with you.

The Sheraton Portsmouth, a large building of bricks and lots of windows.

Where to Stay in Portsmouth

The best place to stay in Portsmouth is right in the heart of downtown, preferably close to Market Square.  Most of the things to do and places to see in the city are downtown so it’ll make getting around super easy. You can use Portsmouth’s North Church as a geographic landmark to target.

Below are the top spots to consider staying in Portsmouth:

Our Favorite Luxury Hotel in Portsmouth: The Sailmaker’s House — Located in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, this boutique hotel is historic yet modern and embodies the Portsmouth atmosphere SO well. We think it’s a great spot for a special occasion.

Our Favorite Mid-Range Hotel in Portsmouth: Hilton Garden Inn — Close to the center of town Market Square, this may be a big-box hotel but it has quality amenities, not to mention TWO swimming pools.

Our Favorite Budget Hotel in Portsmouth: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth — You’ll need to drive to downtown Portsmouth (or walk for 30 minutes), but this is the best budget hotel of the bunch, clean and comfortable for a decent price.

These are just a few of the top options — we recommend checking out our Portsmouth, NH hotels guide for the full list of recommendations.

Our Full Guide: Where to Stay in Portsmouth, NH

A white fence in front of a white historic building with green shutters, an American flag hanging out front.

How Much Time to Spend in Portsmouth, NH

How much time do you need for Portsmouth?  Portsmouth is a popular day trip, and justifiably so, but we think Portsmouth works better as a weekend destination. Two or three days are perfect.

In that time, dive into Portsmouth’s dining scene, do a lot of shopping, explore the historic sites, and get out to explore the Seacoast as well. If you’re visiting during the summer, definitely get some beach time in, too!

A public bus with a bike attached to the front driving through the Portsmouth streets.

How to Get to Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is conveniently located within New England.  It’s right on I-95 and only one hour’s drive from Boston and a 50-minute drive from Portland, Maine.

Portsmouth also has public transportation access. Greyhound buses stop in Portsmouth between Boston and the Maine coast. And while Amtrak does not have a stop in Portsmouth, there is a stop in Dover, about an 18-minute drive from Portsmouth.

Do you need a car in Portsmouth? Not if you’re sticking to downtown Portsmouth. Downtown is very walkable and Uber can help you out when you need an occasional longer trip. But if you plan on exploring the New Hampshire Seacoast, as well as southern Maine, you’ll be very glad to have a car.

If you bring your car to Portsmouth, there are parking garages throughout the city. We usually park in the Hanover Street Garage, which is centrally located and has especially good rates on the weekend.

A small, well-manicured garden with purple flowers and ivy climbing the trellis.

Best Time to Visit Portsmouth, NH

If you’re a New Englander, you know — we get all four seasons intensely, and the weather can change on a dime. Portsmouth is no exception to this rule! While Portsmouth is a year-round city, some times are better than others.

Summer is a glorious time to visit Portsmouth. The weather is beautiful, flowers are in bloom, you don’t need a jacket, there are concerts in Prescott Park, and lots of restaurants offer outdoor dining. Summer is this busiest time of year in Portsmouth, and prices are at their highest.

Fall is another wonderful time to visit Portsmouth, with blazing blue skies and milder temperatures. One great thing to do in Portsmouth in the fall is to take a fall foliage cruise up the Piscataqua River, enjoying the same scenery with a blush of reds and oranges.

Winter in Portsmouth is cold, and there is often snow and ice. Portsmouth’s coastal location keeps snowfall to a minimum, a far cry from the rest of the Granite State. But what Portsmouth lacks in snow it more than makes up for in wind! Portsmouth’s winter winds are chilly and biting.

That said, you might enjoy a winter getaway to Portsmouth if you don’t mind that wind, more limited restaurant options and hours. Portsmouth is at its cheapest during the winter months.

Spring is more of a gamble in New Hampshire, in part because winter lasts well into April and it can feel summery in late May. In between you have a lot of gray, rainy days. A perfect spring day in Portsmouth it like paradise — but timing your trip to that perfect day can be a gamble!

Overall, we recommend visiting Portsmouth during the summer or fall months for maximum enjoyment of what the city has to offer. We especially recommend June, September, and October for a quieter, less busy atmosphere.

A man and a woman walking down a small brick alley lined with shops and restaurants, including Hazel Boutique, Cava, and Corks and Curds.

Is Portsmouth Worth It?

Absolutely! Portsmouth is SO worth it!  It’s one of our favorite places in all of New Hampshire.

Whether you come to Portsmouth on a day trip, steal away for a weekend getaway, or even put down roots for longer, you’ll enjoy spending your time in New Hampshire’s coolest city.

More on Portsmouth NH:

  • 9 Best Restaurants in Portsmouth, NH
  • 13 Best Bars in Portsmouth, NH
  • Where to Stay in Portsmouth, NH
  • 7 Best Bakeries in Portsmouth

More on the Seacoast:

  • Where to Get The Best Breakfast in Dover NH
  • 12 Best Restaurants in Dover NH
  • 12 Best Restaurants in Hampton NH

Best of NH:

  • 50+ Things to Do in New Hampshire (the ULTIMATE List)
  • New Hampshire’s Best Breweries
  • 13 Best Beaches in New Hampshire
  • Best New Hampshire Water Parks
  • New Hampshire Fall Foliage: When and Where To Go
  • 30 Unforgettable Things To Do In The White Mountains, NH

portsmouth brewery tour

Have you been to Portsmouth? What did you enjoy the most?

Share this post:

About the author.

portsmouth brewery tour

Kate McCulley

1 thought on “27 fun things to do in portsmouth, nh”.

portsmouth brewery tour

Another New England town I didn’t spend NEARLY enough time in!

I stopped in Portsmouth for a couple hours on my drive from Boston to Portland and LOVED every second of walking around and soaking up the vibes. The place just oozed charm all over the place.

And I thought, I would be great to be based out of here for a few days some other glorious autumn weekend. Love your suggestions, especially the tea blending.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • What's Hot:
  • Dan + Shay Contest
  • Chris Stapleton Contest
  • Trending in 2024
  • WOKQ Newsletter
  • WOKQ Sessions
  • Storm Closings

97.5 WOKQ

Hop in a Vintage VW Bus and Experience Craft Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter

Since moving to the Seacoast, I have broadened my beer horizons!

I used to only drink fruity beers that bear a close resemblance to juice (think Seadog Blueberry and Blue Moon Mango). Slowly but surely, I have started dabbling in Sours, Hefeweizens, and even some Stouts! My husband, Steven, is big into the craft beer scene, and there is plenty of it here in New Hampshire.

On Airbnb , I stumbled upon an awesome and unique craft beer tour right in Portsmouth!

The host, Neil, is a proud resident of downtown Portsmouth and the owner of a 1968 VW Bus (or as former guests call it, the Magical #NachoBus). He takes his groups to three local breweries (which are subject to change), and they do a tasting at each one.

The breweries on the agenda can vary from Liars Bench, Great Rhythm, Earth Eagle, and/or Portsmouth Brewery, Stoneface, Loaded Question, or Cisco. Neil provides pearls of wisdom, great snacks, and a tailored local beer experience. He gets rave reviews from tourists and locals alike!

The tours are $68 a person, and Neil appears to have some openings at the beginning of April. What a fun activity to look forward to for the spring!

Check out the full listing of Neil's experience here:

7 Invasive Insect Species That Can Damage Crops and Other Plants in New Hampshire

Feast at these 20 guilty pleasure new hampshire restaurants, more from 97.5 wokq.

Nearly 100-Year-Old Ice Cream Shop For Sale in Massachusetts: $3.1 Million

  • Brewery Shop
  • Brewery Tour

where we are

Opening hours, brewery tours, featured beers, illustrious, news & events, champion beer of britain awards, irving birthday party, portsea island beer festival, our location, opening hours.

Please maintain a safe, social distance between our staff and other consumers, AT ALL TIMES, while on our premises. Thank you and stay safe.

Copyright – Irving Brewers | Developed by IG Designs

  • United States
  • New Hampshire
  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

Portsmouth Brewery Restaurant, Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth Brewery Restaurant

Not available on opentable.

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information.

  • Dining style Casual Dining
  • Price $30 and under
  • Cuisines Café
  • Phone number (603) 431-1115
  • Website http://www.portsmouthbrewery.com/
  • Dress code Business Casual
  • Location 56 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801
  • Neighborhood Portsmouth
  • Parking details None

Powered By Google

Black Bean Dip $6.95

served piping hot with jack cheese, salsa & tortilla chips.

Beer Battered Fried Chicken Tenders $7.95

fresh hand-cut chicken dunked in our beer batter, served in the following styles-bbq style: tossed in our smokey bacon bbq sauce made with our old brown dog ale. hot ale mustard: plain tenders with a side of our homemade honey, dijon mustard & old brown dog ale sauce. buffalo style: tossed in our homemade buffalo sauce seasoned with cayenne pepper, butter & spices, served with the brewerys blue cheese dressing. volcano style: tossed in our smokin 5-alarm bbq sauce. for serious heat-seeking, no-turning/no-sending-it back freaks.

Hummus & Baba Ganoosh $7.95

a pair of delicious homemade middle-eastern specialties served with dipping breads and fresh vegetables.

Ploughmans Plate $6.95

a sampling of artisanal cured meat and local cheese served with mustard, pickles and a pretzel roll.

Crispy Fried Calamari $7.95

beer-battered calamari fried and tossed with fresh parsley, chili flakes and asiago cheese, served with homemade marinara and fresh lemon.

Nachos $7.95

crispy tortilla chips baked with jalapenos, scallions, black olives, tomatoes, onions and jack cheese, served with our salsa and sour cream.

  • With Chicken Or Chili Or Bbq Pork Add $3.50

Flatbread Of The Day

our grilled malt sourdough crust with a daily selection of seasonal, local and organic toppings.

  • Priced Daily

Soups & Salads

Brewery seasonal salad $8.95.

local farm greens tossed with our lemon-tarragon vinaigrette with red onion, balsamic-grilled pears and pumpkin seeds.

  • Grilled Or Blackened Chicken Add $3.50
  • Grilled Tempeh Add $3.25

Classic Caesar $8.95

chopped romaine lettuce with herb croutons, shredded parmesan and homemade caesar dressing. top either of the above salads with:

Chowder Of The Day

Our homemade chili.

ground beef and chorizo sausage, tomatoes, spices, onions, peppers, beans and ale.

Soup Of The Day

Soup, salad & bread $8.95.

your choice of salad with our soup of the day and homemade pretzel roll.

Chili Or Chowder, Salad & Bread $9.95

your choice of salad with chili or chowder and homemade pretzel roll.

Burgers & Sandwiches

Served With Your Choice Of Our Featured Side Of The Day, Chips & Salsa Or Fries.

Lemon-dill Chicken Salad Sandwich $8.95

chunks of blonde ale-poached chicken breast with fresh dill and lemony mayonnaise on wheat bread with cucumber, sprouts, lettuce and tomato.

Pulled Pork Sandwich $8.95

our most popular sandwich: tender barbeque pork, seasoned, smoked and pulled in-house, served on a bulkie roll.

Chargrilled Half Pound Burger $9.95

portsmouths best! a half-pound of naturally raised angus beef served on a bulkie roll.

  • With Cheddar, Swiss, Provolone, Sauteed Mushrooms Or Sauteed Onions Add $1.00
  • With Bacon Add $2.00

Tempeh Wrap $8.50

cider-braised tempeh in a whole wheat wrap with tamari dressing, fresh spinach, mushroom, red onion and carrots.

Fried Haddock Sandwich $9.95

a beer battered haddock fillet, fried and served on a bulkie roll with your choice of tartar sauce or chipotle mayonnaise.

Hot Pastrami On Rye $12.95

house-cured beef brisket rubbed with molasses and spices, slow-smoked and piled high on marble rye with mustard, swiss cheese and sauerkraut.

Brewery Veggie Burger $7.95

our delicious homemade meatless alternative lovingly made with a blend of tofu, toasted oats, roasted fresh vegetables and spices.

  • With Cheddar Cheese, Swiss, Provolone, Sauteed Mushrooms Or Sauteed Onions Add $0.75

Bratwurst Burger $9.95

a grilled patty of housemade bratwurst served on our pretzel roll with sweet mustard and sauerkraut.

Crab Cake Club $12.95

a crispy crab cake on a toasted bulky with lettuce, tomato, avocado, bacon and garlic-herb mayo.

Old Brown Dog Hanger Steak $19.95

a chargrilled ten-ounce hanger steak seasoned in our old brown dog marinade with gorgonzola-chive cream sauce

Fresh Catch Of The Day

todays presentation of our chefs choice of the freshest seafood available.

  • Market Price

Herb-roasted Chicken And Gravy $15.95

a half chicken, marinated in rosemary and garlic then roasted crisp and served with pan gravy.

Smoked Tofu With Rice Noodles $12.95

stir-fried noodles seasoned with fresh ginger and cilantro, served with crispy fresh vegetables and our hoisin-marinated smoked tofu.

Fresh Ziti With Vermont White Cheddar $13.95

fresh nutmeg ziti tossed with caramelized onions, forest mushrooms, and cream.

Fish & Chips $16.95

fresh haddock fillets, beer battered and fried, served with french fries and your choice of tartar sauce or chipotle mayonnaise.

Our Famous Mussels

Order As A Meal For Yourself Or To Share With Friends As An Appetizer. A Heaping Bowl Of Fresh Whole Mussels Steamed In Our Blonde Ale Broth With Your Choice Of Seasoning And Served With Toasted Baguette For Dipping.

Alehouse Style $10.95

with roma tomatoes, garlic, oregano and butter.

Spicy Curry Style $10.95

with curry, coconut milk, lemongrass and a touch of spicy chili sauce. goes great with fries!

Side Orders

Featured side of the day $2.95, side salad $4.95.

your choice of our brewery seasonal salad or caesar salad

Black Beans And Rice $2.50

Tortilla chips and salsa $3.75, french fries $2.95, potato of the day $2.50, vegetable of the day $2.50.

A La Mode, Add 1.95

Seasonal Fruit Crisp $5.95

our chefs choice of fresh, seasonal fruit baked with a cinnamon-oat streusel topping served warm.

Warm Stout Cake $5.95

a rich, chocolate cake made with our stout served with a vanilla bean sauce.

Pie Of The Day $5.95

theres nothing like a great piece of pie! ask your server for a description of todays homemade slice of heaven.

Stout Float $5.95

a scoop of vanilla gelato and chocolate syrup topped with our stout.

Be the first to review this restaurant

At present, Portsmouth Brewery Restaurant has no reviews. Please add a review after your dining experience to help others make a decision about where to eat.

Does Portsmouth Brewery Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

You can order delivery directly from Portsmouth Brewery Restaurant using the Order Online button.

56 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

  • Dining Rewards
  • Private Dining
  • Reserve for Others
  • Restaurants Near Me
  • Delivery Near Me
  • Restaurants Open Now
  • OpenTable for iOS
  • OpenTable for Android
  • Affiliate Program
  • OpenTable.jp
  • OpenTable.de
  • OpenTable.es
  • OpenTable.ca
  • OpenTable.hk
  • OpenTable.ie
  • OpenTable.sg
  • OpenTable.nl
  • OpenTable.com.mx
  • OpenTable.co.uk
  • OpenTable.com.au
  • OpenTable.ae
  • OpenTable.co.th
  • OpenTable.it
  • OpenTable.com.tw
  • OpenTable.fr
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences

THE 5 BEST Portsmouth Breweries

Breweries in portsmouth.

  • Beer Tastings & Tours
  • Coffee & Tea Tours
  • Cooking Classes
  • Farmers Markets
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Good for Couples
  • Budget-friendly
  • Hidden Gems
  • Good for Kids
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Adventurous
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

portsmouth brewery tour

1. Liar's Bench Beer Company

MagicMarco56

2. Cisco Brewers Portsmouth & Cataqua Public House

Brins28

3. Great Rhythm Brewing Company

cabocathy1

4. Loaded Question Brewing Company

terrybfi

5. Loaded Question Brewing Co.

6. earth eagle brewings, what travelers are saying.

chimayred

  • Cisco Brewers Portsmouth & Cataqua Public House
  • Great Rhythm Brewing Company
  • Liar's Bench Beer Company
  • Loaded Question Brewing Company
  • Earth Eagle Brewings
  • Best Of Portsmouth Tour
  • Sweets and Treats Tour
  • Private Events
  • Corporate Events
  • Special Events
  • Personal Travel Concierge
  • Restaurant Partners
  • Hotel Partners
  • Tour Partners

the bridge to the brewery Tour

IMAGES

  1. Pints of Portsmouth Brewery Tour

    portsmouth brewery tour

  2. Welcome to the Portsmouth Brewery!

    portsmouth brewery tour

  3. 2015 BEER DISCOVERY TOUR: Portsmouth Brewery, Portsmouth, NH (July 2nd

    portsmouth brewery tour

  4. The Top Things to Do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

    portsmouth brewery tour

  5. Portsmouth Brewery: Yet another quaint New England town that I have

    portsmouth brewery tour

  6. Service is always top notch at The Portsmouth Brewery! Thanks Donna

    portsmouth brewery tour

COMMENTS

  1. Portsmouth Brew Tours

    About. Experience the rich history of Portsmouth in an entirely new way. Spend the day with Portsmouth Brew Tours as we sample our way through the city, along a journey filled with craft breweries, artisan beers and delicious food. Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing.

  2. Welcome to the Portsmouth Brewery!

    Tour The Brewery. Get up Close and See How We Brew. Explore The Premises. The Jimmy Lapanza Lounge. Come On In. Long Sleeve Logo Tee. Black, in Women's and Men's Sizes. ... The Portsmouth Brewery 56 Market Street Portsmouth NH 03801 603-431-1115. Contact Us. #PortsmouthBrewery. About. FAQs; Contact Us; Directions; Staff; Join Our Team! Community;

  3. Craft Beverage Tours and Experiences in New Hampshire

    About New Hampshire Brews Cruise. The mission of New Hampshire Brews Cruise, formerly known as Granite State Growler Tours, is to take thirsty guests on expertly guided all-inclusive tours and activities to support locally-owned and operated craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries throughout the Seacoast. Founded in 2012 by Hampton resident ...

  4. TOP 10 BEST Brewery Tour near Portsmouth, NH 03801

    Top 10 Best Brewery Tour in Portsmouth, NH 03801 - February 2024 - Yelp - Granite State Growler Tours, Maine Brews Cruise, Earth Eagle Brewings, Great Rhythm Brewing Company, Cisco Brewers Portsmouth, Woodland Farms Brewery, Tributary Brewing Company, The Portsmouth Brewery, Beara Brewing, Liars Bench Beer Co

  5. Nachobus.com

    Explore the best Craft Breweries in Portsmouth NH. Good beer and good people - cruising in a Vintage VW Bus to the best breweries. We typically visit three to four of breweries in 2.5 hours: Liars Bench, Great Rhythm, Earth Eagle, and/or Portsmouth Brewery, Stoneface, Loaded Question, Cisco (subject to chance and availability without notice ...

  6. New Hampshire Brews Cruise

    About. New Hampshire Brews Cruise, formerly known as Granite State Growler Tours, takes thirsty guests on expertly guided all-inclusive tours and activities to support locally-owned and operated craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries throughout the Seacoast. Founded in 2012 by North Hampton resident David Adams, over 12,000 guests have ...

  7. Portsmouth Brewery Tour with the Brew Bus

    The tour guides are knowledgeable, friendly with brewery staff, and provide a great afternoon or evening of Portsmouth, NH brewery tours. Typically tours are two to three hours and leave from the Hanover Street Parking Garage Bus Stop at 55 Hanover St. in Portsmouth NH.

  8. CISCO BREWERS PORTSMOUTH

    Specialties: The Pub at our Portsmouth brewery boasts 18 taps of the freshest beers around, including brewery-only, exclusive small batch beers. Our expansive brewery grounds are also home to many events and festivities during the summer months. Established in 1984. Established in 1984.

  9. Event Calendar

    New Hampshire's Original Craft Brewery, Serving All Types Since 1991! ... The Portsmouth Brewery 56 Market Street Portsmouth NH 03801 603-431-1115. Contact Us. #PortsmouthBrewery. About. FAQs; Contact Us; Directions; Staff; Join Our Team! Community; Sustainability; Food & Drinks. Food Menu; What's On Tap; Upcoming Beers;

  10. Seacoast Brew Tours, Portsmouth

    Portsmouth and Seacoast Brew Tours is the only beer tour company in New Hampshire that offers daily brewery tours to the state's best breweries, brewpubs, and bars. Every tour includes 12 or more different craft beers, a lunch and beer tasting, entrance fees to all the breweries and round-trip transportation.

  11. Red Hook Brewery

    Public|City of Portsmouth Bike Tour|Easy Family Friendly| 1.5-2hr. 3. Historical Tours. from . $65.00. per adult. Gardens of Portsmouth Walking Tour. Historical Tours. from . $40.00. ... We did the brewery tour in the past and really liked it. Read more. Written January 24, 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and ...

  12. Craft Breweries

    Take a tour, or stop for a drink & check out some of our most famous breweries like Great Rhythm & Stoneface! Facebook Instagram. Recent Newsletter | Visitor Resources | Contact. ... Portsmouth Brewery. 56 Market St. Portsmouth. NH. 03801 (603) 431-1115. MORE INFORMATION. Tributary Brewing Company. 10 Shapleigh Road Ste A. Kittery. ME. 03904

  13. Seacoast Breweries

    SEACOAST BREWERY, CIDERY, WINERY, AND DISTILLERY GUIDE 2021! The Seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine is brimming with locally-owned breweries, distilleries, cideries, wineries and more, and we feel grateful to have such a wonderful variety to enjoy in our own backyards. From Biddeford to Kittery, and Portsmouth to Lee, browse our 2021 list of ...

  14. The Portsmouth Brewery

    The Portsmouth Brewery, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 21,232 likes · 4 talking about this · 105,125 were here. New Hampshire's Original Brewpub! We've been making award winning beer and fantastic food...

  15. 27 Fun Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH

    Go on a Brewery Tour in a VW Bus. If you're a beer fan who loves a good Instagram photo, consider a brewery tour that will take you to various breweries around Portsmouth. And it's in a bright yellow VW bus! This top-rated brewery tour will bring you in a vintage VW bus to three breweries in and around Portsmouth. This is an excellent way ...

  16. Hop in a Vintage VW Bus and Experience Craft Beer in Portsmouth

    The host, Neil, is a proud resident of downtown Portsmouth and the owner of a 1968 VW Bus (or as former guests call it, the Magical #NachoBus). He takes his groups to three local breweries (which are subject to change), and they do a tasting at each one. The breweries on the agenda can vary from Liars Bench, Great Rhythm, Earth Eagle, and/or ...

  17. Irving Brewers

    Brewery tours. Featured Beers. Invincible 4.6% ABV Premium Bitter ... Irving Brewery Unit G1 Railway Triangle, Walton Rd, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TQ Tel: 02392 389988 E-mail: [email protected]. Facebook Twitter. opening hours. THURSDAYS 3-6pm FRIDAYS 3-6pm. COVID-19.

  18. Portsmouth Brewery Restaurant

    Portsmouth Brewery Restaurant offers complimentary tours of the Brewhouose every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Stay for lunch after the tour and enjoy a burger or sandwich like the lamb gyro, pulled pork sandwich or veggie Reuben made with coriander and black pepper spiced roasted tofu.

  19. THE 5 BEST Portsmouth Breweries (Updated 2024)

    Breweries. Open now. By MagicMarco56. A great local nano-brew pub with easy/free parking off Islington St. close to downtown Portsmouth. The brews are top... 2. Cisco Brewers Portsmouth & Cataqua Public House. 169. Breweries.

  20. THE PORTSMOUTH BREWERY

    Specialties: We serve all types! Welcome to New Hampshire's original brewpub, a landmark in downtown Portsmouth's thriving restaurant scene since 1991. Our wide-ranging menu is complemented by a selection of our own unique, hand-crafted beers, as well as selected guest beers. Established in 1991. The Portsmouth Brewery, New Hampshire's first brewpub, opened in 1991, but our roots go back to ...

  21. The Bridge to the Brewery Tour

    Tour: The bridge to the brewery Day: fridays Time: 3:30 pm-5:30pm Price: $55 per person Includes: All five tastings 2 hour narrated tour Lots of fine crafted beer and hard kombucha : We travel 12 miles north west from downtown Portsmouth to Dover New Hampshire. Known as the seventh settlement in the US, this NH town is now known for its ...

  22. Florence Pugh promises Zendaya hovercraft ride to Isle of Wight

    Florence Pugh recommended Zendaya join her on a trip to the picturesque beach. Hovertravel, which runs half-hourly ferries between Portsmouth and Ryde, confirmed the service takes about 10 minutes.