Spring in
Portsmouth &
on the Seacoast
Scenic Coastline
and Blooming Gardens
Springtime in Portsmouth and the Seacoast brings a renewed energy to the region. Gardens begin to bloom, outdoor dining returns, and the city’s historic streets and waterfront are buzzing with activity. Celebrate the start of outdoor dining in May at Hit the Decks, with special deals and live radio broadcasts. Enjoy a day of family fun at Strawbery Banke Museum’s annual Springfest, complete with baby animals, costumed role-players, and centuries of stories brought to life. It’s the season to get outside again, whether that means taking a cruise to the Isles of Shoals, biking scenic trails, or simply wandering downtown with a coffee in hand. With longer days, milder weather, and a fresh lineup of events, spring invites you to experience this beautiful region in a whole new way.
In the Spotlight
RWPS Spring
Spring is served! Restaurant Week Portsmouth & the Seacoast is your chance to taste your way through the region, with local restaurants offering special prix fixe menus that showcase the flavors, creativity, and culinary talent of the Seacoast.
Ready to plan your spring getaway?
Use our Trip Planner to save your favorite places, organize your must-see stops, and create a personalized Seacoast itinerary filled with spring adventures.
Harbor Highlights
Big Hits: Ghosts, Films & Fall Flavors: Your Guide to Autumn Events on the Seacoast
October is when Portsmouth really starts showing off, and on the big screen too. There are movies, ghosts, pumpkins, costumes, good food and enough… Read more
Fall in Love with Seacoast Menus
Fall in Portsmouth has a way of showing off. Not just through crudely carved pumpkin smiles, but through chefs’ menus, too! Around the Seacoast,… Read more
Portsmouth’s White Mountains and Working Waterfront
They’re not mountains, of course (we know that!) They’re piles of road salt, stored along the working waterfront for the New Hampshire winter ahead…. Read more
Stop & Smell the Seacoast
Spring FAQs
Absolutely. Spring offers mild weather, fewer crowds than the summer season, and plenty of opportunities to explore. It’s a great time to experience the region’s rich history, acclaimed restaurants, shopping, and outdoor spaces at a relaxed pace.
Spring is a great time to explore Portsmouth’s historic sites, gardens, parks, galleries, restaurants, and waterfront. Popular seasonal activities include visiting Strawbery Banke Museum for Springfest, strolling through Prescott Park, taking walking tours, and enjoying local shops and cafés.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, coastal walks, kayaking, scenic drives, historic gardens, and waterfront activities. Popular spots include the NH Greenway Rail Trail, Odiorne Point State Park, and Prescott Park along the Piscataqua River.
Spring on the Seacoast is mild and gradually warming, with temperatures generally ranging from the 40s in early spring to the 60s by late May. Coastal breezes can make it feel cooler near the water, so layers are always a smart bet.
Yes, most attractions, museums, and tours are open in the spring, including Strawbery Banke Museum, the Seacoast Science Center, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 3S Artspace, and the USS Albacore. Golf season kicks off at Pease Golf Course and Isles of Shoals Steamship Company launch their first harbor cruises and island walking tours.
