Discover Portsmouth: History, Museums and Nature by the Water

Portsmouth combines historic neighborhoods, maritime history and nature experiences by the water. Olde Towne is particularly distinctive: The Historic District encompasses more than twenty blocks and overlooks the Elizabeth River. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Portsmouth can therefore tailor their stay to different interests – with architecture and museums, self-guided trails, events or discoveries for children.

Historic Portsmouth in Olde Towne

The Olde Towne Historic District chronicles more than 250 years of history across an area of one square mile. Its residential architecture ranges from the Federal and Greek Revival styles to the Victorian era. The Hill House Museum offers a particularly personal way to engage with the past. The historic house is fully furnished with family possessions from the 19th and 20th centuries; the objects collected over generations remain in their original locations. Hill House was built around 1825 by John Thompson. Museum tours are scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 to 3 p.m.

The Old Portsmouth Courthouse is also part of the city’s cultural profile and is now a cultural center. Its exterior has been restored to its original appearance. At the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, you can see an 1846 building in the Greek Revival style. Those interested in the city’s development can consult birth and death records from the 19th century to the present in the special collections of the Portsmouth Public Library.

Maritime Themes and Special Museums

Portsmouth’s history is closely connected to shipbuilding and the water. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum presents the city’s shipbuilding and maritime history. The Lightship Portsmouth is a floating lighthouse that has been converted into a museum and is also a National Historic Landmark. Another perspective is offered by the Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum: It tells the story of the 900-square-foot Portsmouth Community Library, which opened in December 1945 as a resource for the African American community.

The Cradock Historic District reveals another chapter of the city’s history. The district was established in 1918 as a model community for the influx of workers to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard during World War I and follows the shape of an anchor in its layout. The self-guided Path to History connects Fort Nelson Park at the Naval Medical Center with Gosport Park at the Naval Shipyard.

Nature, Events and Experiences

For a change of pace between culture and scenery, Paradise Creek Nature Park is a good choice. The 40-acre waterfront park includes restored wetlands and more than two miles of walking trails. Portsmouth City Park also has an AFGL-certified FootGolf course. These varied offerings make it possible to switch between walks, active recreation and historical sightseeing when planning your day, without limiting your stay to a single theme.

In the evening, the Portsmouth Pavilion offers a different kind of experience. The open-air venue has a capacity of 6,500 people and presents live entertainment from all musical genres. The Commodore Theatre combines a restored 1945 Art Deco cinema with a restaurant. For families with children, the Children’s Museum of Virginia adds two complete floors of interactive exhibits; admission includes daily shows at the high-tech Beazley Planetarium.

Local Character and Choosing Your Accommodation

The Olde Towne Farmers Market brings together regional and local produce, meat, baked goods and gifts from local artisans. This offers a tangible insight into Portsmouth’s local character and can be taken into account when planning a day between historic neighborhoods and museums. When choosing your holiday apartment, the mix you want may be decisive: Would you like to focus on architecture and collections, maritime themes, nature trails, events or shared discoveries with children? Portsmouth offers individual points of connection for each of these travel ideas, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one way of experiencing the city.

More Destinations for Orientation

For further travel planning, you can also view Portsmouth Va. You can find more destinations under Washington County, Accomack County, Alleghany County, Montgomery, Prince George, Augusta County and Patrick County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Virginia.