EXPLORE
Explore Kittery Foreside, Portsmouth & the Seacoast
From historic Kittery Foreside and downtown Portsmouth to beaches, harbor cruises, shopping, and scenic coastal adventures, Water Street Inn puts the very best of the Seacoast within easy reach.
Your Guide to Exploring the Seacoast
Whether you're planning a relaxing weekend or an active coastal getaway, Water Street Inn is perfectly positioned to help you experience the best of historic Kittery Foreside, downtown Portsmouth, and Southern Maine.
Spend the morning browsing locally owned boutiques and cafés in historic Kittery Foreside, walk across the Memorial Bridge to explore Portsmouth's restaurants, theaters, waterfront, and shops, or venture farther along the coast to discover beaches, scenic trails, and charming seaside towns.
From local favorites just steps from the inn to memorable day trips throughout the region, we've gathered some of our favorite places to help you make the most of your stay.
Browse our recommendations below, or ask us for personalized suggestions during your visit—we're always happy to help.
Visiting Portsmouth?
Many guests choose Water Street Inn because they enjoy the quieter charm of historic Kittery Foreside while staying just a 13-minute walk from downtown Portsmouth.
Arts & Entertainment
Portsmouth's vibrant arts and culture scene includes historic theaters, live music, museums, galleries, and seasonal festivals—all just minutes from Water Street Inn.
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The Music Hall & The Music Hall Lounge
A Portsmouth landmark since 1878, The Music Hall hosts an impressive calendar of concerts, comedians, films, speakers, and touring performances. The adjacent Music Hall Lounge offers a more intimate setting for live music and special events throughout the year. Both venues are just minutes from Water Street Inn.The Press Room
A Portsmouth favorite for decades, The Press Room is known for its eclectic lineup of live music, including jazz, blues, indie rock, singer-songwriters, funk, and open mic nights. Stop in for dinner, drinks, or a late-night show.Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
One of New England's premier live music venues, Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club pairs world-class performances with exceptional dining in an intimate setting. Whether you're seeing a Grammy-winning artist or discovering someone new, it's an unforgettable night out.3S Artspace
This nonprofit arts venue combines live music, contemporary art, theater, comedy, and a restaurant partner under one roof. It's one of Portsmouth's most creative spaces and regularly hosts nationally touring artists alongside local talent.Prescott Park Arts Festival
Each summer, Prescott Park comes alive with outdoor concerts, musical theater, films, family programming, and special events overlooking the Piscataqua River. It's one of the Seacoast's signature summer traditions.Gaslight
Enjoy live music while dining downtown or head upstairs on weekends for DJs and dancing. During the warmer months, the rooftop deck is a popular place to enjoy live entertainment with views of Portsmouth.Seacoast Science Center
On Thursday evenings during the summer, the Seacoast Science Center hosts outdoor concerts under its waterfront tent at Odiorne Point State Park—a unique combination of live music, ocean views, and conservation. -
The Music Hall
One of New England's oldest operating theaters, The Music Hall presents Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, independent films, and family programming throughout the year.Seacoast Repertory Theatre
This professional regional theater produces musicals, dramas, comedies, and original works year-round in downtown Portsmouth.NH Theater Project at the West End Studio Theatre
Located in Portsmouth's West End Arts District, New Hampshire Theatre Project presents original productions, guest artists, community performances, and educational programming throughout the year.3S Artspace
Beyond live music, 3S regularly hosts theater performances, storytelling events, film screenings, and stand-up comedy.
The Player’s Ring
An intimate black box theater featuring local productions, new works, and creative performances just minutes from downtown Portsmouth. -
Strawberry Banke
Explore more than 300 years of Portsmouth history at this 10-acre living history museum featuring restored homes, costumed interpreters, gardens, and seasonal events. It's one of the city's most popular attractions.Porstmouth Historical Society
Discover rotating exhibitions celebrating Portsmouth's rich maritime and cultural history, along with a short film chronicling the city's 400-year story.Portsmouth Anthenaeum
This historic membership library and archive preserves thousands of books, manuscripts, photographs, and artifacts documenting Portsmouth's past while hosting lectures, exhibitions, and concerts.NH Art Association — Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery
Browse rotating exhibitions featuring original work from Seacoast artists. The gallery also participates in Portsmouth's monthly Art 'Round Town gallery walks.USS Albacore Museum
Tour the legendary research submarine USS Albacore and learn about Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's role in submarine innovation through interactive exhibits and a self-guided onboard experience.Kennedy Gallery
Located in downtown Portsmouth, Kennedy Gallery showcases original paintings, photography, prints, and handcrafted gifts by local and regional artists.Ceres St. Gallery
A cooperative gallery featuring both internationally recognized artists and emerging regional talent, with exhibitions changing throughout the year. -
Portsmouth is home to one of New England's finest collections of preserved historic homes, many dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Most are open seasonally from late spring through fall and are within a short drive—or even a pleasant walk—from Water Street Inn.
Beaches
Whether you're looking for a quiet stretch of sand, family-friendly swimming, or dramatic rocky coastline, some of the Seacoast's best beaches are just a short drive from Water Street Inn. Pack a towel, grab a coffee, and spend the day exploring Southern Maine and New Hampshire's beautiful shoreline.
Odiorne Point State Park, Rye NH
Explore rocky shores, tide pools, and scenic trails at this nature-focused park. Visit the Seacoast Science Center or walk through the remains of historic Fort Dearborn.
Wallis Sands State Beach, Rye NH
A family favorite with soft sand, calm waves, restrooms, and a snack bar. Great for swimming, relaxing, and picnicking by the ocean.
Jenness Beach, Rye NH
A laid-back beach perfect for families and surfers. Offers a sandy shoreline, bathhouse, and metered parking.
North Beach, Hampton NH
Popular with surfers thanks to its consistent waves. Less crowded with limited facilities, ideal for a more low-key day by the water.
Fort Foster Park, Kittery Point ME
Enjoy beaches, trails, tide pools, and a long pier with views of Whaleback Lighthouse. Great for picnics, kayaking, and exploring.
Long Sands Beach, York ME
A wide, sandy beach ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Restrooms, metered parking, and easy access to local shops and restaurants.
Experiences
From narrated harbor cruises and historic walking tours to island adventures and scenic bike rides, these experiences offer some of the best ways to explore Portsmouth, Kittery, and the New Hampshire Seacoast.
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Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
See Portsmouth from the water aboard a narrated cruise along the Piscataqua River. Choose from harbor tours, sunset cruises, wine cruises, or excursions to the Isles of Shoals while learning about the Seacoast's rich maritime history.
Learn MoreGranite State Whale Watch
For almost 40 years, Granite State has been dedicated to whale watching, sight seeing and research of the NH/ME/MA coastline from June to September. Historically, their whale watches have a 99% sighting rate, as they are led by experienced and qualified naturalists who enjoy sharing their love of the marine environment!
Learn MoreThe Gundalow Company
Step aboard the Historic Gundalow barge! This unique boat was built in 2011 using time honored methods and material and designed for education and public sailing. Available for private charters, concert cruises, sunset sails, and more!
Learn MorePortsmouth Paddle Co.
5 min drive
Offering paddle board tours, rentals, lessons, as well as SUP (stand up paddle board) fitness classes, the Paddle Co. provides you with everything you need to enjoy the local waterways.
Learn MoreEster’s Marina
At Esther’s Marina you can rent kayaks or paddle boards for your own exploration, or sign up for tour through the back channels of the Piscataqua River to learn about the historical Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, the Legend of Leach Island, and more!
Learn MoreSeven Rivers Paddling
5 min drive
Choose from kayaks or stand up paddle boards to tour the ocean or one of the many scenic tidal rivers nearby. Rent equipment and choose your own adventure, or sign up for a guided tour!
Learn MoreWallis Sands State Park
10 min drive
Located in Rye, NH Wallis Sands offers oceanfront swimming on a sandy beach and a beautiful view of the Isles of Shoals. There is also a large bathhouse with hot and cold showers, a grassy area with picnic tables, and on site parking.
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Strawbery Banke Museum
“A place to learn, a place to gather, a place to preserve” Strawbery Banke is a 10-acre outdoor history museum dedicated to immersing its guests in the history of Portsmouth and the Seacoast. The “museum” is comprised of 32 historic buildings nestled among heritage gardens in a waterfront neighborhood. Here you’ll find evolving exhibits, costumed role-players, and live music and events.
Learn MorePortsmouth Historical Society Walking Tours
The Welcome Center at Portsmouth Historical Society/Discover Portsmouth leads many different historical walking tours throughout the city, based on different aspects of the Seacoast’s history. Experience the city’s rich past and lively present - with its unique mix of architecture, specialty shops, and bustling streets nestled in a village-like setting.
Learn More
Haunted Portsmouth Walking Tour
Tales of folklore, ghosts and mysterious history. The tours are about 90 minutes and a number of neighborhoods are offered.
Learn More
Historical Tastings Tour at the Iconic Rockingham
Dare to mix wine, history, fine food, and ghost stories? Enjoy a 3 course tasting and hosted by the Library Steakhouse located in Portsmouth’s iconic Rockingham building. The house historian has a wealth of anecdotes, both grandiose and grim, and leads tour guests through parts of the building normally closed to visitors. Tickets are $60 per person.
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Celia Thaxter’s Garden Tour
10 min drive
Step back in time and experience the unique beauty of Celia Thaxter's Appledore Island! Experience the serenity of Celia Thaxter’s garden by the sea. Visit the Laighton family cemetery and learn their history with many of the islands in the Isles of Shoals. Hike the paths Celia herself wandered and explore the cultural history of the Appledore Hotel.
Appledore Island Walking Tour
10 min drive
Spend the day on Appledore Island, one of the nine beautiful Isles of Shoals off the coasts of Maine and New Hampshire, and visit the Shoals Marine Lab. Travel out to Appledore on the University of New Hampshire research vessel, the R/V Gulf Challenger, with UNH Marine Docent tour guides.
Isle of Shoals Steamship Company
Expertly narrated history tours of Portsmouth harbor, the Isles of Shoals and the New Hampshire Seacoast. A variety of tours are offered. Stay on the boat, take a guided tour of Star Island, or spend time on your own for the day.
Star Island Mail Boat
On a typical trip, guests will ride out with mail, food, freight and whatever else is headed out to the island that day. There are a variety of options, some with stopovers at Star or Appledore Islands. -
Port City Bike Tours
Offering public, private or self-guided biking and walking tours, Port City has an itinerary for every kind of explorer! You can also rent bikes if you’re familiar with the area but want a better way to get around! Check their website for off-season and pre-ordering discounts! Water Street Inn guests receive a 20% discount with the code Water26
Relax & Recharge
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to unwind, the Seacoast is home to exceptional spas and wellness experiences. From relaxing massages and customized facials to restorative sauna sessions and salon services, these are some of our favorite places to recharge during your stay.
Best of all, several of our local partners offer exclusive discounts for Water Street Inn guests, making it even easier to treat yourself while you're here.
Buff & File
Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure at this popular Portsmouth nail studio. We especially recommend the Dazzle Dry Pedicure for a long-lasting, quick-drying finish that's perfect before a weekend exploring the Seacoast.
Jane Gee
Known for luxurious skincare and body treatments, Jane Gee specializes in personalized facials and clean beauty products designed around your skin's unique needs. A wonderful choice for a relaxing afternoon in Portsmouth.
Blush Skin and Soul
Just a short walk from Water Street Inn, Blush Skin & Soul offers relaxing massages, facials, and holistic wellness treatments in a charming historic home. Water Street Inn guests receive 10% off spa services with code STAYANDRELAX (booking confirmation required).
Solari Salon & Spa
Located in downtown Portsmouth, Solari offers hair services, facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and more—all within easy reach of Water Street Inn.
Life Massage & Wellness Portsmouth
Providing individualized solutions with a full suite of massage and wellness services. Enjoy 10% off during your stay, just mention this offer when booking. Valid weekdays only. Booking confirmation required to apply the discount.
Banya
Experience the benefits of contrast therapy with traditional saunas, cold plunges, a cedar hot tub, cozy lounges, and a mocktail bar. Located just outside downtown Portsmouth along the East Coast Greenway, Banya is a unique way to unwind after a day of exploring. Enjoy 10% off your session with promo code WATERSTREET10.
Experience Every Season
Every season brings something new to the Seacoast. From outdoor festivals and waterfront concerts to holiday celebrations and culinary events, there's always a reason to plan your next stay at Water Street Inn.
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Spring Restaurant Week
Held each spring, Restaurant Week gives diners a chance to explore Portsmouth and Seacoast restaurants through special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. It’s a great time to try somewhere new or revisit a favorite.Children’s Day
Held each May, this beloved family festival fills downtown Portsmouth with live entertainment, interactive activities, games, and community celebrations for visitors of all ages.
Hit the Decks
Typically held in May, Hit the Decks marks the unofficial start of patio season across the Seacoast. Local restaurants open their decks, patios, and outdoor dining spaces with food, drinks, and live entertainment. -
Chowder Festival
Kick off summer by sampling award-winning chowders from local restaurants while enjoying live music, waterfront views, and family-friendly fun in Prescott Park.
Market Square Day
One of Portsmouth's signature events, Market Square Day transforms downtown into a lively street festival featuring local artists, food vendors, live performances, and community celebrations.
Kittery Block Party
Celebrate Kittery's creative spirit with local artists, live music, food vendors, family activities, and neighborhood charm just minutes from Water Street Inn.Prescott Park Arts Festival
From concerts and outdoor theater to movies and family programming, Prescott Park hosts one of New England's most beloved summer arts festivals along the waterfront. -
Vintage & Vine
Spend an autumn evening at Strawbery Banke Museum enjoying wine tastings, local cuisine, and live entertainment among historic gardens and beautifully preserved buildings.Portsmouth’s Halloween Parade
Every Halloween, downtown Portsmouth comes alive with elaborate costumes, marching bands, performers, and one of New England's most creative community parades.Fall Restaurant Week
As the seasons change, local restaurants once again offer special prix fixe menus, making it the perfect time to explore Portsmouth's nationally recognized dining scene. -
Vintage Christmas
Throughout December, Portsmouth celebrates the holidays with beautifully decorated storefronts, seasonal events, festive shopping, and classic New England charm.Candlelight Stroll
Experience more than 350 years of holiday traditions at Strawbery Banke Museum with candlelit pathways, historic homes, costumed interpreters, bonfires, music, and seasonal treats.Music Hall’s Christmas Musical
Make holiday memories with one of The Music Hall's annual Broadway-style productions, a favorite tradition for visitors and locals alike.
Rainy Day Activities
Don't let the weather change your plans. From museums and boutique shopping to candle making, bowling, and cozy cafés, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Seacoast—even on a rainy afternoon.
When the weather turns misty, cozy up with one of these local experiences near Kittery and beyond:
Kittery Premium Outlets – Shop dozens of stores under covered walkways.
Sea Love Candle Bar – Make your own candle just down the road.
Bowlerama & Pinz – Indoor bowling and games just over the bridge in Portsmouth.
Petey’s or The Beach Plum – Take a drive down Route 1A for a lobster roll with a view.
Still Looking for Ideas?
Explore our favorite restaurants, discover what's happening during your visit, or learn why Water Street Inn is one of the best places to stay while visiting Portsmouth.
Dining Guide →
Discover our favorite restaurants in Kittery Foreside and downtown Portsmouth.
Events This Month →
See what's happening during your visit, from concerts and festivals to community events throughout the Seacoast.
Stay Near Portsmouth →
Learn why so many guests choose Water Street Inn for easy access to downtown Portsmouth, complimentary parking, and the charm of historic Kittery Foreside.