Portsmouth Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Rhode Island region, the town of Portsmouth offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. With its rich heritage dating back to the 17th century, this quaint New England town is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

One of the highlights of Portsmouth is its fascinating historical sites. Step back in time at the Portsmouth Historical Society Museum, where you can explore exhibits that bring the town's past to life. Learn about the early settlers and their struggles, discover the significance of the local maritime industry, and immerse yourself in the stories of the people who shaped Portsmouth's history.

For nature enthusiasts, Portsmouth is a paradise. The town is home to numerous parks and nature reserves, offering breathtaking views and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Sakonnet Greenway Trail, meandering through lush forests and open fields. Marvel at the stunning vistas of the Sakonnet River as you hike or bike along the trail, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

Portsmouth's coastal location also makes it a haven for beach lovers. Escape to the pristine shores of Sandy Point Beach, where you can soak up the sun, go for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax with a picnic while enjoying the gentle ocean breeze. The beach's tranquil ambiance and unspoiled beauty make it the perfect spot for a peaceful day by the sea.

In addition to its natural wonders, Portsmouth boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Visit the Portsmouth Arts Guild, a community-driven organization promoting local artists and their work. Browse through the eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures, and crafts, or attend one of the regular exhibitions and workshops held at the guild.

When it comes to dining, Portsmouth offers a diverse array of culinary experiences. Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies at one of the charming waterfront restaurants, where you can savor the flavors of the ocean while enjoying stunning views of the harbor. For a taste of local history, dine at one of the town's historic establishments, where you can relish in traditional New England fare served with a side of captivating stories.

Alternative names: Population: 17.8 thous.Area: 59.3 mi²Elevation: 138 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°35'49"N, 71°15'8"W

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Rhode IslandUnited States

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Portsmouth Top Attractions

Portsmouth Attractions - What to See and Explore

Portsmouth offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Green Animals Topiary Garden, Union Church, Prudence Island Light, Portsmouth Friends Meetinghouse Parsonage and Cemetery. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Garden • Specialty museum • Park
Green Animals Topiary Garden
The Green Animals Topiary Garden, located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States. The 7-acre estate overlooks the Narragansett Bay. It contains a large collection of topiaries including eighty sculptured trees.
History museum • Museum
Union Church
The Union Church is an historic church and local history museum owned by the Portsmouth Historical Society at 870 East Main Road at Union Street in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Prudence Island Light
The Prudence Island Lighthouse, more commonly known locally as the Sandy Point Lighthouse, is located on Prudence Island, Rhode Island and is the oldest lighthouse tower in the state. Sandy Point is nicknamed Chibacoweda, meaning "little place separated by a passage", because the location is a little more than one mile offshore.

Cemetery • Downtown Portsmouth
Portsmouth Friends Meetinghouse Parsonage and Cemetery
The Portsmouth Friends Meetinghouse, Parsonage, and Cemetery is a historic Friends Meeting House and cemetery of the Religious Society of Friends, at 11 Middle Road and 2232 E. Main Road in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
Monastery • Modernist architecture
Portsmouth Abbey
Portsmouth Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Portsmouth, on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, United States. The mission of the community is to seek God guided by the Gospel, the Rule of St. Benedict, and most importantly, prayer and work to sanctify themselves and their community. As of 2020, the abbey has 8 monks.
41°32'3"N • 71°14'14"W
Greenvale Farm
Greenvale Farm is an historic farm and 19th-century summer estate at 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Historically used for farmland, a portion of this 53-acre was transformed into an expansive country estate in the 1860s by John Barstow, a Boston merchant.
41°36'32"N • 71°14'45"W
Borden Farm
Borden Farm is a historic farm at 2951 and 2967 East Main Road in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. There are five historically significant buildings on the 6.2 acres that remain of a farm that was once about 44 acres.
41°33'35"N • 71°16'31"W
Lawton–Almy–Hall Farm
The Lawton–Almy–Hall Farm is an historic farm at 559 Union Street in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The farm comprises 40 acres of land, and a well-preserved farm complex with elements dating to the 18th century. The land was first granted in 1648 to George Lawton, and was owned by six generations of the family.
41°35'46"N • 71°15'47"W
Battle of Rhode Island Site
The Battle of Rhode Island Site is the partially preserved location of the Battle of Rhode Island, fought August 29, 1778 during the American Revolutionary War.
41°33'33"N • 71°16'53"W
Oak Glen
Oak Glen is a historic house at 745 Union Street in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. It is a 2 ¹⁄₂-story wood-frame structure, with a highly pitched gambrel roof and jerkin-headed gable ends.
41°35'53"N • 71°19'22"W
Farnham Farm
The Farnham Farm is historic farm at 113 Mount Pleasant Avenue on Prudence Island in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The farm was started by the Dennis family after the original farms on Prudence Island were burned and destroyed by the British during the American Revolution around the time of the Battle of Rhode Island.

Day trips

Portsmouth – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Portsmouth, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Breakers (Newport), Bally's Twin River Lincoln (Lincoln), Crescent Park Looff Carousel (Providence/East Providence).

9.1 miS
Opulent, late-1800s Vanderbilt mansion
The Breakers, Newport
Nestled along the picturesque cliffs of Newport, Rhode Island, The Breakers stands as a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age. This palatial mansion, completed in 1895, was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family.
23 milesNW
Casino, Game and entertainment center, Sport venue
Bally's Twin River Lincoln, Lincoln
Nestled in the heart of Lincoln, Rhode Island, Bally's Twin River Lincoln Casino emerges as a premier destination for those looking to indulge in the thrill of gaming and the luxury of resort amenities. This expansive casino complex, known for its electric atmosphere...
12 milesNW
Amusement, Amusement park, Historical place
Crescent Park Looff Carousel, Providence/East Providence
The Crescent Park Looff Carousel, a jewel of craftsmanship and amusement history, stands proudly in the city of East Providence, Rhode Island, United States. This exquisite carousel, created by master carver Charles I. D.
20 milesN
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Baseball
McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket
McCoy Stadium, nestled in the heart of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a cherished landmark for baseball enthusiasts and a testament to American sports culture. This classic stadium has been a cornerstone of the community since its opening in 1942 and has the distinction...
8.7 miS
Museum, History museum, Vernacular architecture
The Elms, Newport
The Elms is a grandiose mansion nestled in the picturesque city of Newport, Rhode Island. This palatial summer residence, completed in 1901, stands as a testament to the opulence and luxury that characterized America's Gilded Age.