10 Best Places in Portsmouth, New Hampshire To Visit By Charter Bus

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a city where colonial history, artistic energy, and coastal charm come together. If you’re planning group travel in the Seacoast region, whether for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate outing, Portsmouth offers an array of destinations best explored with a private charter bus rental. From centuries-old forts to vibrant shopping districts, here are 10 of the top places in Portsmouth that Charter Bus Rental Portsmouth can help you reach comfortably and efficiently.

Strawbery Banke Museum

14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

This living history museum brings more than 300 years of Portsmouth life vividly to life across 10 acres and dozens of preserved historic buildings. Groups can step inside period homes, engage with costumed interpreters, and witness traditional crafts from hearth cooking to blacksmithing. Strawbery Banke is especially popular for educational field trips—and with a Portsmouth charter bus, your students will arrive ready to learn, not tired from navigating tight downtown streets in multiple vehicles. Buses have convenient drop-off access near the main entrance, and amenities like luggage bays make it easy to pack lunches or extra supplies.

Prescott Park

105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Located right along the Piscataqua River, Prescott Park is a favorite gathering spot for events, picnics, and enjoying waterfront views. In summer, the park hosts the renowned Prescott Park Arts Festival, drawing large crowds for outdoor concerts and theater performances. Arriving by bus means your group won’t have to hunt for scarce parking during busy event days—you can unload steps from the park’s gardens and amphitheater. Pack coolers for a group picnic, bring folding chairs, and relax knowing your bus will be waiting when it’s time to head home.

Market Square

Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

The heart of Portsmouth’s walkable downtown, Market Square buzzes with local shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites like North Church. It’s a must-visit for groups who want to browse boutiques, sample local cuisine, or take guided walking tours of the city’s colonial past. Downtown parking is limited and metered, but a minibus rental can drop everyone off centrally before looping out to wait at a designated lot. Enjoy a day of urban exploring without splitting up into separate cars or worrying about meters expiring.

USS Albacore Museum

600 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Tour a real U.S. Navy research submarine at this unique museum just outside downtown. The USS Albacore was a prototype for modern submarines, and visitors can climb aboard to experience its tight quarters and innovative engineering. School and scout groups often visit for STEM-focused field trips, and booking a charter bus ensures every student gets there safely and on time. The museum has a dedicated bus parking area, and onboard A/V systems let you show an introductory video en route to maximize learning time.

Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

315 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

If your group wants a true Seacoast adventure, book a harbor cruise with Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. Their vessels depart from downtown Portsmouth for narrated cruises around the historic Isles of Shoals, located six miles offshore. Parking at the dock is extremely limited, so bringing a bus allows your group to disembark right at the terminal while the bus waits off-site. After your cruise, return to your climate-controlled bus to unwind and share photos as you head to the next stop.

Fort Constitution Historic Site

25 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, NH 03854

Just across the river from downtown Portsmouth, Fort Constitution is one of New England’s oldest coastal fortifications. The site includes remnants of Revolutionary War-era defenses and offers spectacular views of the harbor and lighthouse. Large groups and history buffs can benefit from bus transportation since parking on-site is minimal, especially during special reenactment weekends. Your bus can handle the winding drive over the causeway to New Castle, then circle back after everyone’s had time to explore the ramparts and visitor exhibits.

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

25 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, NH 03854

Located within Fort Constitution, this classic white lighthouse dates to 1878 and is open for seasonal tours. Climbing the spiral staircase to the lantern room is a highlight for many visitors, offering panoramic views of the river and Atlantic beyond. Since the lighthouse shares a site with the Fort and has no dedicated parking, a bus keeps your group together and on schedule. After your tour, relax on the bus’s plush seats as you cross back to the mainland.

Seacoast Science Center

570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870

A short drive south of Portsmouth proper, this oceanfront science center in Odiorne Point State Park is ideal for hands-on marine education. Exhibits feature live tide pools, whale skeletons, and interactive displays about Gulf of Maine ecology. Schools and youth groups frequently book charters here because the center welcomes bus groups with advance notice and has a large parking loop. Onboard storage makes it simple to bring extra gear for beach hikes or tide pool exploration, and you can request WiFi on your bus for digital scavenger hunts or quizzes during the ride.

The Music Hall

28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

This beautifully restored 1878 theater is the centerpiece of Portsmouth’s performing arts scene, hosting everything from Broadway musicals to film festivals. Groups visiting for shows benefit from arriving by bus, since street parking near the venue is scarce and garage rates can add up quickly. Your bus can drop attendees right at the theater entrance, ensuring elderly patrons or those with mobility needs avoid a long walk. After the curtain falls, step outside to find your bus ready for a comfortable ride home, perhaps with post-show snacks or drinks stocked in the overhead bins.

Pease International Tradeport

36 Airline Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801

For business travelers, Pease Tradeport is a major hub of offices, hotels, and conference facilities just west of downtown. If you’re organizing a corporate retreat, trade show, or airport transfer for employees flying into Portsmouth International Airport (PSM), a charter bus provides seamless group mobility. Avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple taxis or rental cars from the airport—your bus will meet arrivals curbside and shuttle everyone directly to meetings, dinners, or hotel check-ins. Charter buses offer power outlets and WiFi so your team stays productive while in transit between Tradeport locations.

Book Group Transportation to Portsmouth Today

No matter which Portsmouth destinations fill your itinerary, Charter Bus Rental Portsmouth makes group travel easy from start to finish. Our reservation team is available 24/7 at 603-605-0130 to answer questions, provide instant quotes, and help you customize your perfect bus package. With a fleet ranging from compact minibuses to spacious 56-passenger coaches, we’ll match you with the ideal vehicle for your group size and budget. Choose onboard features like reclining seats, restrooms, or DVD players for added comfort, and let us handle the logistics while you focus on enjoying Portsmouth’s rich history and vibrant culture. Call today and discover why so many groups trust us for their Seacoast transportation needs!