Portsmouth

Franklin's offers the best oyster happy hour in town, with select oysters $1.25 available from 4-6 p.m.seven days a week. Grab a seat at the bar that curves around the raw bar, so you can watch the shucking in action. If raw oysters aren't your thing, try one of the many cooked preparations: wrapped in bacon and grilled, stuffed with chorizo and breadcrumbs, or fried and served with tartar sauce.

It's worth the 10-minute walk over the bridge to this wee speakeasy in Kittery. With its British-style pub vibe and long cocktail list, you'll never want to leave. Their Mai Tai is one of the best around and The Duke of Earl, with bourbon, Earl Grey tea syrup, citrus oil, bitters is perfect for a cold winter's night.

Found in the heart of Portsmouth, The Wilder is renowned for its innovative cocktails and sophisticated ambiance. This gastropub is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a dynamic menu that perfectly complements the vibrant, historic setting of the city.

Bao 155 is a casual Asian eatery serving up bold flavors. Enjoy bites like steamed buns, dumplings, and more.

Featuring two wine bars, one on street level and one in the Wine Cave, the owners offer a diverse and always changing selection of international wines to be paired with Chef Sessler’s modern and classic Mediterranean cuisine. A notable and always solid dining experience.

Exposed brick adds to Cure's cozy, intimate setting, which perfectly complements the comforting dishes that fill the menu. Start with the cornbread or grilled fresh bread basket and then dive in–you can't go wrong. In the summer, we suggest trying to snag a seat on the outdoor patio. It can't be beat!

Visit Elephantine for an incredible bakery experience. The owners, Sherif and Nadine, believe in good food, a beautiful setting, community, and the art of living well. Cakes, pies, and breads, oh my!

Fresh off its success in Boston's Seaport, Row 34’s newest outpost is a variation on the same theme. Situated just a few blocks off the waterfront, this locally-inspired oyster and beer bar highlights New England seafood and microbrews. Visitors to both locations will notice that the Portsmouth menu shares some similarities with its southern sister, but also some delicious differences.

This brewery just opened its tasting room in Portsmouth, although the couple has been producing their beer at other breweries since 2012. Great Rhythm focuses on hoppy pale ales and IPAs, like Squeeze, a tropical citrus IPA, and West End, a light summer session ale.

As a non-profit space where art meets contemporary issues, the team at 3s Art Space inspires curiosity, fosters empathy, and fuels creativity. Located along the waterfront, take in the sights and art as you explore Portsmouth.

Tucked along the coast, this historic garden is a living canvas—where over 2,000 roses, sculpted hedges, and global blooms unfold across formal paths, from English borders to a tranquil Japanese garden and tropical conservatory.

Home of the annual sand sculpture competition and less than a 20 minute drive south. Hampton Beach features a large beach, a children’s playground, bathroom facilities, and an abundance of shops and restaurants on the strip.

John Paul Jones House, a Scottish immigrant, helped to build the largest American naval ship of its time. The boarding house he stayed in is now a museum dedicated to Portsmouth naval history.

Looking to see the city from a different point of view? Port City Bike Tours takes you through the history of Port City through their charismatic personality, spontaneity, and unscheduled stops. See the ships go by, seals, or tugboats in the harbor. 

Looking to make something with your hands? Stop by this welcoming and inclusive community workshop that provides tools, knowledge, and a collaborative culture to encourage the artist and maker in everyone.

Learn how to make artisan soap from scratch! Learn the various ingredients needed, how to make it, and create the scent that invigorates with friends.

Take a step back in time and discover the stories of historic New England brought to life through illustration, centuries-old restored homes, and the craftsmanship of working artisans.