New England is one of those places that is full of charm. From Connecticut to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire – the entire region is worth a visit, in all four different seasons. There is its rich history, architecture, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes.

I grew up visiting the White Mountains of New Hampshire with my family. It wasn’t until I started dating a New Hampshirite (who I eventually married) did I visit the Seacoast. New Hampshire has a mere 18 miles of shoreline, making it the shortest coastal State in the U.S. But, don’t let that fact discourage you from New Hampshire being on your radar for your next summer, fall or any season vacation.

This year we had the opportunity to explore and stay in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, only 60 miles north of Boston, with our two children, ages three and four. I knew that I was going to enjoy my time strolling through town, visiting shops, eating at cafes and pubs, and learning about the almost 400 years of history the town has to offer, but I wasn’t so sure there was a lot for the kids to enjoy. Was I ever wrong!

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Portsmouth. It is just a 5-minute drive outside of town. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with easy access to the surrounding areas. The staff was friendly. There is a pool, restaurant, and bar on premise. Free coffee is served all day and there are snacks available in the morning. Kids eat free at the restaurant. Next door is a 50s style diner, so there is no issue getting breakfast before heading out for the day, or finding a late night snack when you return. We would absolutely stay here again.

 

Where to Eat

There are a lot of options for where to eat in Portsmouth and on the Seacoast in general. I will break it down for you by meal, and then let you decide.

Breakfast:

Round About Diner – Why we loved this place? The 50s diner setting and music are really fun, and conveniently located adjacent to our hotel. They have creative combinations and all the food is homemade.

~Kids love sitting at the counter to order their lunch~

 

Cafe Espresso – I would imagine this place is mostly locals given its location outside of the downtown area, but with homemade pastries, locally roasted coffee, and heaping plates of items like a guacamole and tomato eggs benedict – it was the right mix between fresh and comfort food.

Lunch:

Dos Amigos Burritos – For lack of a better term, I am going to describe Dos Amigos as 'Hippie Mexican', which is the kind of restaurant I love. This casual, quick service spot serves Mexican food staples, plus a wide variety of healthy and vegetarian items. Everything is super fresh, flavorful, and hearty. I am a big fan of the sweet potato burrito and their salads, my husband loves the XXX salsa, and the kids enjoyed quesadillas, tacos, and guacamole. Dos Amigos is located in Downtown Portsmouth, so super convenient after a morning of shopping or exploring Strawbery Banke.

~The Alvarado Salad at Dos Amigos Burritos~

Atlantic Grill – Atlantic Grill is one of the most exquisite restaurants I have visited. But, don't let this brand new beauty fool you – this place is casual, fun, and completely kid friendly. Upon arrival, your kids can grab one of the many books about the ocean and wildlife or check out the jellyfish tank. We loved sitting outside on the patio overlooking the perfectly landscaped garden. I chose a simple chicken salad sandwich, while my husband enjoyed a fried seafood platter. My favorite part of the meal was the smoked salmon appetizer. Atlantic Grill is on your way outside of Portsmouth to the beach. We had a great lunch there after a spending the morning at the Seacoast Science Center. The drive alone out through Portsmouth through New Castle and into Rye is worth it.

~Enjoying the weather and food on the patio at Atlantic Grill.~

Dinner:

Portsmouth Brewery – Located in the heart of Downtown Portsmouth, the Portsmouth Brewery is a good choice for dinner and some drinks for the adults. It’s a lively atmosphere with a wide variety of food for both vegetarians and meat eaters. I am a meat-eater but I really enjoy their veggie burger. You can’t go wrong with their weekly and daily specials either – and of course handcrafted beer.

Portsmouth Gaslight Co. – The Gaslight Co. has three options for dining. There is the outside deck which serves laid back food and often times has live music. The street level restaurant is a bit more fancy and might be better for date night or to meet with friends. But, downstairs, the Downtown Brick Oven Pizza & Pub is a good choice for the entire family. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the food, just as much. If you are not a pizza fan, there are other options too.

Of course, you are going to want to try a Lobster Roll…or two, at some point during your visit to New England.

I can only speak from experience and say, The Beach Plum is scrumptious. There is a location just outside of downtown Portsmouth, but skip the business district and head down to the beach and enjoy a lobster roll and ice cream at the North Hampton location. Don’t forget to take the scenic route, too.

What to Do

Beyond going to the beach, shopping around Portsmouth, or strolling the gardens or attending an event at Prescott Park, we found a few family friend opportunities that weren’t just fun, but also educational.

Strawbery Banke Museum – This 10 acre site consists of historic houses spanning the last 375 years in Portsmouth. Many of the houses are open for exploring with hosts dressed up in the fashions of that time. My children enjoyed seeing where the children of the time would have slept in their own houses, but what was of most joy for them was playing lawn games in the Victorian Children’s Garden. My daughter and I could have spent all day in the fairy gardens at the Goodwin Mansion. The Jones House Discovery Center is also great fun for children as they can play with toys, dress-up, and board games. Seasonally, Strawbery Banke has special events celebrating various holidays.

The Seacoast Science Center – This is the place to learn about the marine sciences and connect with so much of what the Seacoast is about – boating and sea life. At the Science Museum, you can get hands-on at the touch pond and hold sea urchins, hermit crabs, and starfish. Exploring the tidal pools outside  where the rocks meet the ocean is a unique experience that lets kids connect with the scenery around them.  This part of your visit requires some supportive shoes that can get wet. There is a playground and areas to picnic on the grounds at the Science Center, and miles of nature trails to walk at Odiorne Point.

Portsmouth is a lovely town with a strong sense of history and community. If you ever find yourself in New England, this is a town you must make a stop into…or better yet, make it a destination!