Coast to Mountains: Outdoor Activities in Portsmouth, NH, and Beyond
The Greater Portsmouth area is a quintessential New England community. From the historic architecture to the balance between sea access and nearby mountains, the region offers a coast-to-summit lifestyle built for any outdoor enthusiast.
Escape to the Coast: Paddleboarding and Cruises in Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth owes its scenic charm to the Piscataqua River, which flows between New Hampshire and Maine. The Atlantic coastline begins in the neighboring seaside towns of New Castle, Rye and Hampton.
For a true coastal adventure, set sail with a local line like the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. or Portsmouth Harbor Cruises to explore the Isles of Shoals. The crown jewel of the archipelago is Star Island, which offers a storied history as a once- bustling fishing port. If you prefer the mainland, the area’s premier shorelines – including Wallis Sands, Rye Harbor and Jenness State Beach – are just minutes away in neighboring Rye.
Alexandra Hampton, co-owner of Portsmouth Paddle Co., says that she and her husband chose to locate their company in Portsmouth, partly because it put them right in the heart of the Seacoast’s cultural hub.
“Our favorite thing is the accessibility,” she says. “You can leave your office at 5 p.m. and be on the water by 5:15 p.m., surrounded by great blue herons and striped bass, feeling like you’re miles away from civilization and fully connected to nature.”
With so many coastlines to explore, Portsmouth Paddle Co. offers services for any skill level, whether it’s a guided tour to see the wildlife, SUP yoga classes, or a place where you can rent a board and go out on your own.
Hampton says a great way to explore the area’s hidden gems is to pair a paddling experience with food. “If you paddle up Sagamore Creek, you might pull up to BG’s Boat House for a lobster roll. If you’re exploring Great Bay, you can grab a burger at Lexie’s Landing.”
Looking for more waterfront dining inspiration? Explore our complete list of the best restaurants in Portsmouth, NH!
For a more relaxed pace, hop aboard the Piscataqua. Operated by the Gundalow Co., this traditional reproduction mirrors the flat- bottomed barges that once moved goods through these waters.
Road Trip to the Mountains: Easy Day Trips from Portsmouth, NH
Think of Greater Portsmouth as a launching pad for adventure; there are plenty of mountain escapes to choose from that will only take about one to two hours by car.
One such stop is the state’s famous Lakes Region, anchored by the massive and majestic Lake Winnipesaukee. Known for its crystal-clear waters and mountain backdrops, the lake offers a freshwater alternative for sunset cruises.
Also, a short drive away, Pawtuckaway State Park features a 5,000-acre lake and mountain reserve that outline an ancient volcanic ring dike dating back over 110 million years.
More famously, the White Mountains cover a large portion of the state and dip into Maine. Typically a one- to two-hour commute from Portsmouth, the White Mountains are surrounded by small towns that offer unique experiences, making any day or weekend trip that much more special.
The mountain range is as accessible as it is adventurous. Travelers can enjoy the views via winding scenic drives, while thrill-seekers can tackle world-class biking trails and snowy Alpine peaks.
Hit the New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway
Greater Portsmouth boasts a coast-to-summit lifestyle for a reason. The community is currently undertaking a statewide trail project – the New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway – as part of the larger East Coast Greenway, which will connect Maine to Florida when complete.
Scott Bogle, New Hampshire’s greenway committee chair, says the project really took off around 2007 with the help of local advocates.
“We talk about the greenway as a safe transportation corridor, a linear park and an economic catalyst for the area,” he says.
Currently, the Hampton-Portsmouth trail connection is the first to be completed. As the greenway continues to be built, Bogle says the real scenic jewel will be the trail that goes through the nearby Hampton Salt Marsh.
“Most of the trail is inland, but this is going to be one of the limited number of sections where the trail is right on the water,” he says.
Get to Know Greater Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Want to learn more about living and working in the Greater Portsmouth, NH, area? Check out the latest edition of Livability Greater Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
