Portsmouth Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the southeastern region of Virginia, Portsmouth is a city that offers visitors a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Situated along the Elizabeth River, Portsmouth is a waterfront destination that showcases a rich maritime heritage and a vibrant arts scene.

One of the highlights of Portsmouth is its historic district, which features beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the streets and admire the architecture of the Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian-style homes. The Olde Towne Historic District also houses a variety of shops, boutiques, and art galleries, making it a perfect spot for shopping and exploring.

For history enthusiasts, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum is a must-visit attraction. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's naval history, showcasing exhibits on shipbuilding, naval warfare, and the role of the shipyard in various conflicts. The museum also houses the historic Lightship Portsmouth, a floating lighthouse that once guided ships through the treacherous waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Portsmouth as well. The Paradise Creek Nature Park offers miles of scenic trails, boardwalks, and wetlands, providing a peaceful retreat for hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking. The park also offers educational programs and events that promote environmental conservation and awareness.

Art and culture thrive in Portsmouth, with the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center being a hub for creativity. Housed in a former courthouse, this center hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as performances, workshops, and events that showcase the region's vibrant arts community. The nearby Commodore Theatre is another highlight, offering a unique movie-watching experience with its art deco design and luxurious seating.

Food lovers will delight in the diverse culinary scene of Portsmouth. From seafood shacks serving fresh catches from the Chesapeake Bay to upscale restaurants offering international cuisines, there is something to satisfy every palate. The city also hosts several food festivals throughout the year, celebrating local flavors and traditions.

Alternative names: Founded: 1752 (272 years ago)Population: 96.2 thous.Area: 46.68 mi²Elevation: 7 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°50'7"N, 76°18'21"W

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VirginiaUnited 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: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, St. Paul's Catholic Church, Confederate Monument, Commodore Theatre. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum • Military museum
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the associated Lightship Museum are located on the downtown Portsmouth, Virginia, United States waterfront.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Paul's Catholic Church
St. Paul's Catholic Church is a historic Roman Catholic church located in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States. It is a compact Gothic Revival style, cruciform plan church. It is constructed of load-bearing masonry walls clad in quarry-faced granite. The church was designed by John Peebles in 1897, and dedicated in 1905.
Monuments and statues • Crawford Square
Confederate Monument
The Confederate Monument in Portsmouth, Virginia, was built between 1876 and 1881. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The monument is a 35-foot obelisk of North Carolina granite. It is located at the town square of Portsmouth, on Court Street at the corner of High Street.

Concerts and shows • Historical place • Cinema
Commodore Theatre
Commodore Theatre is an historic movie theater located at Portsmouth, Virginia. It was built in 1945, and is an Art Deco style, 1,000-seat theater building.
Museum • Children's museum
Children's Museum of Virginia
The Children's Museum of Virginia is the largest children's museum in the state of Virginia. It is located in Olde Town Portsmouth at 221 High Street. The museum has a planetarium and two floors of exhibits. Its antique toy and model train collection is one of the largest on the East Coast.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Monumental Methodist Church
Monumental United Methodist Church, formerly known as Dinwiddie Street Methodist Church, is a historic Methodist church located in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is a five-bay brick and stucco, Victorian Gothic style church. It is features a 182 feet tall, two part central tower.
Church • Crawford Square
Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church located in Portsmouth, Virginia. It was built between 1828 and 1830, and is a stuccoed brick building. It has an attached bell tower. Also on the property is the contributing parish house, built in 1887. During the American Civil War, the church was used as a hospital. Rt.Rev. C.
Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
United States lightship Portsmouth
United States Lightship 101, now known as Portsmouth as a museum ship, was first stationed at Cape Charles, Virginia. Today she is at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum in Portsmouth, Virginia. Portsmouth never had a lightship station; however, when the vessel was dry docked there as a museum, she took on the pseudonym Portsmouth.
Greek Revival architecture • Cemetery
Cedar Grove Cemetery
Cedar Grove Cemetery is a historic public cemetery located at Portsmouth, Virginia. It was established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1832. The cemetery contains more than 400 graves with monuments dating from the late 1700s to the present.
Neighbourhood • Victorian architecture
Downtown Portsmouth Historic District
Downtown Portsmouth Historic District, also known as the High Street Corridor Historic District, is a national historic district located at Portsmouth, Virginia.
36°50'18"N • 76°17'55"W
Hill House Museum
Museum • Specialty museum
Nightlife • Music and shows • Music venue
Ntelos Wireless Pavilion
The Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States. The venue produces and presents a broad spectrum of concerts and events connects audiences to the inspirational power of music and helps new generations of listeners discover the wonder of music and live performance.
36°53'33"N • 76°23'58"W
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation
Nature and wildlife • Park
Historical place • Park • Greek Revival architecture
Portsmouth Olde Towne Historic District
Portsmouth Olde Towne Historic District, is a national historic district located at Portsmouth, Virginia. It encompasses 89 buildings.
Museum • Westbury
Portsmouth Community Library
Portsmouth Community Library, also known as the Portsmouth Colored Community Library, is a historic library building located at Portsmouth, Virginia. It was built in 1945 at 804 South Street. It is a one-story, three bay, brick building with a hipped roof. It was built to provide for the reading needs of Portsmouth's African Americans.
Cemetery • Mount Hermon
Evergreen Memorial Park
Evergreen Memorial Park is a cemetery in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States. The earliest burials date back to 1906..
Neighbourhood • Colonial revival architecture
Cradock Historic District
Cradock Historic District is a national historic district located at Portsmouth, Virginia. It encompasses 759 contributing buildings and 1 contributing structure in a primarily residential section of Portsmouth.
Neighbourhood • Port Norfolk
Port Norfolk Historic District
Port Norfolk Historic District is a national historic district located at Portsmouth, Virginia. It encompasses 621 contributing buildings and 1 contributing site in a primarily residential section of suburban Portsmouth.
36°49'14"N • 76°17'35"W
Drydock Number One
Drydock Number One is the oldest operational drydock facility in the United States. Located in Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, it was put into service in 1834, and has been in service since then.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Portsmouth, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Chrysler Museum of Art (Norfolk), Virginia Air and Space Science Center (Hampton), DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum (Williamsburg).

1.6 miNE
Fine works from Renaissance to Rothko
Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk
The Chrysler Museum of Art stands as a cultural beacon in Norfolk, Virginia, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks that span over 5,000 years of history. This distinguished institution is not just a highlight for art enthusiasts but a must-visit destination for...
13 milesN
Museum, Science museum
Virginia Air and Space Science Center, Hampton
The Virginia Air and Space Science Center in Hampton, Virginia, serves as an epicenter for educational exploration into the realms of air and space. This museum, nestled in the heart of Hampton, is not only the visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center but also...
37 milesNW
Museum, Art museum
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg
Nestled in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is a treasure trove of American and British antiques that celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
19 milesSE
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach
Nestled in the heart of Virginia Beach, the Military Aviation Museum is a treasure trove for those fascinated by the history of flight and wartime aircraft. This museum is home to one of the world's largest collections of warbirds in flying condition from the First...
27 milesNW
Museum, Military museum, Specialty museum
U.S. Army Transportation Museum, Newport News
The U.S. Army Transportation Museum, a hidden gem in the city of Newport News, Virginia, is a treasure trove for military and transportation enthusiasts alike. Dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the U.S.

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Best Time To Visit Portsmouth

Learn when is the best time to travel to Portsmouth weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in April, November and December. Most of it rains in July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Portsmouth?

The top attractions to visit in Portsmouth are:

What is the best time to visit Portsmouth?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.