Why Portsmouth is the Perfect Boston Day Trip
Feeling the need to escape the Boston hustle? Imagine trading city traffic for cobblestone streets, the hum of the subway for the cry of seagulls, and a hurried lunch for fresh seafood by the water. Welcome to Portsmouth, New Hampshire—a historic seaport city that feels a world away but is just an hour’s drive north. It’s hands-down one of the best day trips near Boston for its unique blend of history, coastal beauty, and a seriously impressive food scene. This guide has everything you need to plan the perfect getaway.
- Historic Charm: As one of the nation’s oldest cities (settled in 1623!), Portsmouth is a living museum with stunning architecture and stories around every corner.
- Incredible Walkability: Once you arrive and park, your feet are your best mode of transport. The compact downtown is a joy to explore on foot.
- A True Foodie Paradise: From casual lobster rolls to upscale oyster bars, the quality and variety of restaurants rival those in much larger cities.
- Stunning Coastal Beauty: The scenic Piscataqua River waterfront, lush parks, and salty sea air provide a refreshing coastal escape.
- Easy Access: At just about 60 miles from Boston, you’ll spend less time traveling and more time enjoying your destination.
Portsmouth Day Trip: Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Boston | ~60 miles (97 km) |
| Travel Time | 60-90 minutes by car or bus |
| Best Time to Visit in 2025 | Late Spring (May-June) & Early Fall (Sep-Oct) |
| Estimated Day Trip Cost | $95 – $220+ per person |
How to Get to Portsmouth from Boston
Getting to Portsmouth is straightforward, with a few great options to fit your travel style and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to make the journey.
The Best Overall Option: By Bus
For a stress-free and affordable trip, the C&J Bus Lines service is unbeatable. The direct bus runs frequently from Boston’s South Station and Logan Airport, dropping you off at the Portsmouth Transportation Center. The ride takes about 75-90 minutes, giving you time to relax and watch the scenery. At around $26 one-way, it’s a fantastic value.
The Most Flexible Option: By Car
Driving offers the most freedom for your schedule. The trip is a straight shot up I-95 North and typically takes 60-90 minutes. Be warned: traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours and on summer weekends. For parking, skip the hunt for a street spot and head directly to the Hanover Street Parking Garage. It’s centrally located and costs about $2.00 per hour, making it the most convenient choice.
The Scenic (but indirect) Option: By Train
Many travelers wonder if they can take one of the classic day trips from Boston by train to Portsmouth. The short answer is: not directly. The Amtrak Downeaster line runs from Boston’s North Station to nearby Dover or Durham, NH. From either station, you’ll need to take a 15-20 minute Uber or taxi ride to downtown Portsmouth. The train ride itself is scenic and takes about 75 minutes (costing ~$20-30), but the added rideshare (~$20-25) makes this a multi-step, more expensive option.
Transportation Comparison Table
| Transportation | Avg. Time (One-Way) | Avg. Cost (Round-Trip) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 60-90 min | ~$20 (gas) + $16 (8hr parking) | Total flexibility, private | Can hit traffic, parking hassle |
| Bus (C&J) | 75-90 min | ~$52 | Direct, relaxing, affordable | Fixed schedule |
| Train + Rideshare | ~90-100 min | ~$80-$100 | Scenic train experience | Not direct, more expensive, multiple steps |
Top 5 Things to Do in Portsmouth: The Must-See Attractions
Portsmouth is packed with things to see and do. If you only have one day, here are the five attractions you absolutely can’t miss.
-
Step Back in Time at Strawbery Banke Museum
This isn’t your typical stuffy museum. Strawbery Banke is a sprawling 10-acre outdoor history museum featuring dozens of preserved historic homes on their original foundations. You can wander through gardens, interact with costumed role-players, and witness how life changed in this neighborhood over 300 years. (Adult Admission: ~$23)
Pro Tip: Allot at least 2-3 hours to explore properly. In December, their enchanting Candlelight Stroll is a magical holiday event worth planning a special trip for.
-
Explore Historic Market Square
The beating heart of the city, Market Square is a beautiful, brick-lined plaza surrounded by unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes. It’s the perfect place to start your exploration, grab a coffee, and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. (Cost: Free to explore)
Pro Tip: Don’t just stay in the square! Wander down the picturesque, cobblestoned side streets like Ceres Street for hidden shops and waterfront views.
-
Relax in Prescott Park
Located right on the banks of the Piscataqua River, this gorgeous 10-acre park is a local treasure. With impeccable gardens, bubbling fountains, and picture-perfect views of the Memorial Bridge, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon stroll. (Cost: Free to enter)
Pro Tip: If visiting in the summer, check the schedule for the Prescott Park Arts Festival. They host fantastic outdoor concerts, movie nights, and theater performances.
-
Tour the USS Albacore Museum
Climb aboard a real piece of Cold War history! The USS Albacore was a prototype submarine used for experimental testing. You can tour the entire vessel, from the control room to the engine room, and get a feel for what life was like for the sailors aboard this groundbreaking sub. (Adult Admission: ~$12)
Pro Tip: This is a fantastic stop for families and history buffs. Be aware that it’s a real submarine, meaning quarters are tight and stairs are steep.
-
Walk the Waterfront and Tugboat Alley
No trip to a seaport is complete without a walk along the water. Follow the path along the Piscataqua River, watch the boats go by, and be sure to find the iconic Tugboat Alley. This small, colorful alley with its namesake tugboats is one of the most photographed spots in the city for a reason. (Cost: Free)
Pro Tip: The warm, late afternoon sun provides the best lighting for photos of the tugboats and the riverfront.
A Perfect One-Day Portsmouth Itinerary
Want a foolproof plan? Follow this schedule to make the most of your day trip to Portsmouth from Boston.
- 9:00 AM – Arrival & Coffee: Arrive in Portsmouth, park at the Hanover Garage, and kickstart your day with a delicious coffee and pastry from Popovers on the Square.
- 10:00 AM – A Morning of History: Head straight to the Strawbery Banke Museum and immerse yourself in centuries of New England history.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch by the Water: After working up an appetite, walk to the waterfront. Grab a delicious wood-fired pizza at Flatbread Company or fresh oysters at Row 34.
- 2:30 PM – Shop & Stroll Market Square: Spend the afternoon wandering through the charming shops, art galleries, and bookstores around Market Square.
- 4:00 PM – Park Views & Photos: Take a leisurely stroll through Prescott Park. Rest on a bench, admire the flower gardens, and snap some photos of the Memorial Bridge.
- 5:30 PM – Pre-Dinner Drinks: You’re in a great beer state! Grab a locally brewed pint at The Portsmouth Brewery, New Hampshire’s original brewpub.
- 6:30 PM – Dinner & Departure: Enjoy a fantastic final meal in the city before making the easy journey back to Boston.
Where to Eat in Portsmouth: From Lobster Rolls to Fine Dining
Portsmouth’s culinary scene is a major draw. Here are a few top recommendations for every budget.
Quick & Casual ($)
- Popovers on the Square: The go-to spot for coffee, amazing pastries, and hearty sandwiches.
- The Friendly Toast: Known for its funky, eclectic decor and huge, creative brunch plates served all day.
- Bennett’s Sandwich Shop: A local legend for simple, delicious, and massive sandwiches.
Classic Portsmouth Meals ($$)
- The Portsmouth Brewery: A lively brewpub with a diverse menu of elevated pub fare and fantastic craft beer.
- Row 34: An energetic and stylish spot that’s a must-visit for oyster lovers and fans of fresh, expertly prepared seafood.
- Flatbread Company: Located right on the water, they serve incredible organic, wood-fired pizzas with a view.
For a Special Occasion ($$$)
- Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe: An upscale but relaxed restaurant focused on creative and impeccably fresh seafood dishes.
- The Franklin: A trendy, hip oyster bar with a great vibe, inventive small plates, and fantastic cocktails.
- Cure Restaurant: A cozy, romantic spot with a focus on American comfort food with an elegant twist.
Insider Tips for Your Portsmouth Day Trip
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking on historic, uneven brick and cobblestone sidewalks. Comfort is key!
- Use the Parking Garage: Seriously, don’t waste precious time hunting for a metered street spot. The Hanover Street Garage is central, safe, and reasonably priced.
- Visit on a Weekday if Possible: Portsmouth is a popular weekend destination. A visit between Tuesday and Thursday in 2025 will mean fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.
- Look Beyond the Square: Some of the best discoveries are on the side streets. Wander down Ceres Street, Bow Street, and Penhallow Street for hidden gems.
- Check for Events: Before you go, do a quick search for city events like Market Square Day (June) or the NH Film Festival (October). They can be a trip highlight, but also impact traffic and parking.
Estimated Budget for a Day Trip
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend per person for a full day in Portsmouth.
| Expense | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Splurge Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $52 (Bus) | $52 (Bus) | $36+ (Car/Gas/Parking) |
| Food & Drink | $30 | $75 | $150+ |
| Attractions | $12 (Albacore) | $35 (Banke + Albacore) | $35+ |
| Total Per Person | ~$94 | ~$162 | ~$221+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best day trip from Boston?
While Boston is surrounded by amazing destinations, Portsmouth consistently ranks as one of the best. It offers a unique and hard-to-beat combination of rich American history, a stunning coastal setting, a compact and walkable downtown, and a nationally recognized food scene—all just over an hour away.
How do you spend a day in Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
A perfect day involves diving into history at the Strawbery Banke Museum in the morning, enjoying a seafood lunch on the waterfront, exploring the boutiques of Market Square in the afternoon, and taking a scenic walk through Prescott Park before dinner. It’s the ideal mix of culture, shopping, and relaxation.
How much is an Uber from Boston to Portsmouth?
An Uber or Lyft from Boston to Portsmouth is not a cost-effective option for a day trip. You can expect to pay between $100 and $150+ each way, with prices fluctuating based on demand and time of day. The C&J bus is a much more economical choice.
Does Amtrak go from Boston to Portsmouth, NH?
No, Amtrak does not go directly to Portsmouth. The Amtrak Downeaster service from Boston’s North Station stops in the nearby towns of Dover or Durham, NH. From there, you would need to take a 15-20 minute taxi or rideshare to reach downtown Portsmouth.
TLDR: Your Portsmouth Day Trip Cheat Sheet
In a hurry? Here are the key takeaways for your trip.
- How to Go: Take the C&J Bus from South Station for the easiest, most affordable option. If driving, use the Hanover Street Garage.
- Must-Do: Explore the Strawbery Banke Museum and wander through Market Square.
- Must-Eat: Grab a pastry at Popovers on the Square and have seafood for lunch or dinner (Row 34 is a great choice).
- Best Photo Op: The iconic red tugboats in Tugboat Alley.
- Top Tip: Wear very comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
