Portsmouth Harbor Trail
Portsmouth Harbor Trail
4.5
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A scenic walking route that includes important historic landmarks in the Portsmouth area.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
44 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
16
Average
1
Poor
3
Terrible
0
riny
New England1,123 contributions
Sep 2021
We took the guided walking tour of the historic district in downtown Portsmouth. It lasted about 1 1/2 hours and covered about a mile - a slow pace with a number of stops and ample time for questions. The tour guide was local and very informative. We learned a lot about the history and saw many of the historic buildings.
It was definitely worth doing.
It was definitely worth doing.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,746 contributions
Sep 2017
There is so much to see and do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on the road from Boston to Newport to Bar Harbor, that it is recommended to buy a map and take a self-guided tour of the historic town that dates to 1623. There are regularly scheduled guided tours offered on weekends in the summer but, if you're like us, you want to stroll at your own pace, spend a lot of time at some historic sites and less time at others. The Portsmouth Harbour Trail passes more than 70 points of scenic and historic significance. Along the way there are 10 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 10 National Historic Landmarks and three homes maintained by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The Harbour Trail covers three areas of the city--Downtown/Waterfront, South End and State Street to Haymarket Square and Congress Street, which explores the commercial and residential development of Portsmouth between 1800 and 1900. All told, it takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to walk the Trail. One of the most interesting stops is the waterfront, where you can see the tugboats that have plied the treacherous Piscataqua River for over 150 years and still guide traffic along one of the fastest flowing navigable rivers in North America. Among other must-see sites are Market Square, Moffatt-Ladd House, USS Albacore, 1817 U.S. Custom House, Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke, Governor John Langdon House, City Hall, Wentworth-Gardner House, John Paul Jones House, Rundlet-May House, Warner House, St. John's Episcopal Church and Point of Graves.
Written October 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandytravelbug
California476 contributions
While waiting for a late afternoon harbor cruise, I set out to cover some of the Harbor Trail. I started in downtown Portsmouth, seeing all the architecture, landmarks and buildings. Then down to Ceres Street for a walk along the harbor. I had to skip a lot of the sights mentioned in the Trail, as my time was limited, so walked over to Prescott Park with its wonderful gardens, fountains and excellent photography opportunities. Now a walk to Strawbery Banke Museum, a great outdoor history museum presenting a authentic neighborhood, with some of the 42 historic buildings dating back to 1695. My "Trail" adventure had to end, as it was time for the harbor cruise. I would definitely recommend walking the Harbor Trail for anyone interested in history, and of course sightseeing.
Written March 12, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
World traveler 0812
Boston, MA14 contributions
I went up to spend a gorgeous spring day and it was a huge disappointment. The websites make it sound as if the walk is something easily done and a nice way to spend time. Abbreviated trails and hard to find areas, I wasn't impressed. I wouldn't recommend this attraction.
Written April 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryB482
West Des Moines15 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
It allows you to really see the city of Portsmouth - and we did it unguided, just using the brochure!
Written October 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamsen M
2 contributions
Apr 2019
We started the day at the Discover Portsmouth Museum where we were treated to special exhibits, maps for touring the town, a fabulous gift shop and personal insights from the staff. We recommend starting here! The town itself is very walk-able, even with some minor disabilities! We broke up the day with a waterfront lunch. Great history everywhere we went.
Written May 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KimLoizzi
Wantage, New Jersey, United States91 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
We found the trail by accident. You can download the pdf onto your phone and follow it. You get to see all the areas of Portsmouth. A must do is you visit Portsmouth.
Written October 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anjilsmom
Mesa, AZ63 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
We wanted to be outside and walking somewhere appealing. We stopped at the information booth and got very helpful directIons and a lunch recommendation.
We drove to Peirce Island where we found free parking and a lovely path to walk around the edge of the island along the water.
We didn't take the winding trail away from the water. There are beautiful trees offering shade and cool breezes from the river.
We drove to Peirce Island where we found free parking and a lovely path to walk around the edge of the island along the water.
We didn't take the winding trail away from the water. There are beautiful trees offering shade and cool breezes from the river.
Written July 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anizha
Samut Prakan, Thailand10 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Portsmouth is not really big. Someone with limited mobility can easily do this trail, see history of this town.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrainManDan10
Keene, NH1,822 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
My wife and I walked along a portion of the Harbor Walk on the Eastern Side on a sunny afternoon. We saw beautiful views of the harbor and of historic buildings in a very peaceful setting, the type of experience that we most enjoy but seldom find.
Written September 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
momma92
Tulsa, OK4 contributions
Is this something that can be done in a couple of hours?
westmorejo
Newport, United Kingdom93 contributions
Hi you can spend as long as you like . If you only have a couple of hours or several days
Can you bring bikes and bike on the Harbor Trail? There are a lot of cute things I want to do and I'm trying to plan a day trip with my wife for an anniversary. I'd like to bring our bikes to buzz around. Is this a good idea?
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Claim your listingPortsmouth Harbor Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Portsmouth Harbor Trail
- Hotels near Portsmouth Harbor Trail:
- (0.10 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown
- (0.14 mi) The Sailmaker's House
- (0.19 mi) Ale House Inn
- (0.20 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
- (0.18 mi) Residence Inn Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront
- Restaurants near Portsmouth Harbor Trail:
- (0.02 mi) Tuscan Market Portsmouth
- (0.02 mi) Popovers On The Square
- (0.02 mi) Durbar Square Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) Portsmouth Feed Company
- (0.04 mi) Toscana Italian Chophouse & Wine Bar
Portsmouth Harbor Trail Information
Excellent Reviews | 24 |
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Very Good Reviews | 16 |
Portsmouth Harbor Trail Photos | 35 |