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Day Trips from Portsmouth

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Day Trips from Portsmouth: Historic Sites & Museums

Explore the best historic sites, museums, and landmarks within driving distance of Portsmouth, NH. Battlefields, heritage towns, and world-class museums that bring history to life. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 historic sites near Portsmouth

Redstone Historic Monument, Center Conway, NH 03813

Redstone Historic Monument

Center Conway, NH 03813

Just 1 hr 36 min from Portsmouth, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 36 min5.0 (8)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Fort Tabor Military Museum, New Bedford, MA 02744

Fort Tabor Military Museum

New Bedford, MA 02744

Just 2 hrs 8 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.9 stars by 104 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 8 min4.9 (104)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

American Heritage Museum, Hudson, MA 01749

American Heritage Museum

Hudson, MA 01749

Just 1 hr 19 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.9 stars by 1,547 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 19 min4.9 (1,547)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Historic MIT Radiation Laboratory Plaque, Cambridge, MA 02139

Historic MIT Radiation Laboratory Plaque

Cambridge, MA 02139

Just 1 hr 7 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 7 min4.9 (38)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Titus Mansion Ruins, Tyringham, MA 01264

Titus Mansion Ruins

Tyringham, MA 01264

Just 2 hrs 55 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

2 hrs 55 min4.8 (38)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Springfield, MA 01105

Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Springfield, MA 01105

Just 2 hrs 18 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.8 stars by 1,041 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 18 min4.8 (1,041)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum, Manchester, NH 03101

Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum

Manchester, NH 03101

Just 52 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.8 stars by 233 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

52 min4.8 (233)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Eustis Estate Museum and Study Center, Historic New England, Milton, MA 02186

Eustis Estate Museum and Study Center, Historic New England

Milton, MA 02186

Just 1 hr 20 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.8 stars by 277 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 20 min4.8 (277)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Nathan Hale Homestead Museum, Coventry, CT 06238

Nathan Hale Homestead Museum

Coventry, CT 06238

Just 2 hrs 22 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.7 stars by 304 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 22 min4.7 (304)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site, NH 03580, USA

Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site

NH 03580, USA

Just 2 hrs 2 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.7 stars by 382 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 2 min4.7 (382)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Bloody Angle - 1775, Lincoln, MA 01773

Bloody Angle - 1775

Lincoln, MA 01773

Just 1 hr 5 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.7 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 5 min4.7 (26)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston

Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard

Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston

Just 1 hr 4 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.7 stars by 11,156 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 4 min4.7 (11,156)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Historic Sites Day Trips from Portsmouth

What are the best historic sites near Portsmouth, NH?

The best historic sites near Portsmouth include museums, battlefields, heritage villages, and architectural landmarks. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and ratings.

Are there free museums near Portsmouth?

Yes. Many historic sites and some museums near Portsmouth offer free admission or suggested donations. State and national historic sites are often free or very low cost. Check the budget estimates on each card.

What historic towns are near Portsmouth?

Several well-preserved historic towns within driving distance of Portsmouth feature walkable downtown districts, period architecture, and local museums. These make excellent full-day trips combined with lunch and shopping.

When is the best time to visit historic sites near Portsmouth?

Historic sites and museums are great year-round. Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor sites and battlefields. Many sites host special events and reenactments in summer and around holidays.

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