There’s something special about summer on the New Hampshire Seacoast. From warm, sun-soaked days in the fresh, briny sea air on the Hampton Beach Boardwalk to the region’s historic charm and vibrant cultural offerings, you’ll find no shortage of things to do on the New Hampshire coastline. If you want a touch of authenticity and depth to your getaway, don’t miss attractions like the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth or the classic concerts throughout July in the iconic Exeter Bandstand.
The Strawbery Banke Museum is a living history museum that transports guests through over 300 years of local life, where costumed interpreters, preserved historic homes, heirloom gardens, and working trades demonstrate the everyday realities of generations who called this harbor town home. Whether you’re admiring Colonial-era architecture or sampling heritage recipes in a restored kitchen, the Strawbery Banke Museum offers a rare chance to step inside history. It’s one of the most unique and engaging museums in New Hampshire, and it’s easy to see why it ranks high among the top things to do in Portsmouth, NH.
Of course, the Seacoast has more to offer than just its most famous museum in NH. From coastal hikes and harbor cruises to artisan markets and art galleries, the region blends historic appeal with modern sophistication. From scenic harbor towns to artisanal boutiques and celebrated Exeter restaurants like Ambrose, the Seacoast delivers a unique experience perfect for those who crave experiences that connect them to a place in meaningful ways. Few destinations offer this kind of dynamic setting within such a compact region.
When the day winds down, few places offer the sense of place and refinement found at our luxury Exeter Hotel. Housed in a beautifully restored 1809 Federal-style mansion, this award-winning Boutique Hotel brings history to life with its sophisticated interiors, antique furnishings, and thoughtful hospitality. For guests seeking a truly elevated experience that pairs beautifully with a visit to the Strawbery Banke Museum, this boutique property offers the perfect home base for exploring the best of the New Hampshire Seacoast. Book your stay today!
What to Do at the Strawbery Banke Museum
There’s a broad choice of things to do in Portsmouth, Exeter, and the surrounding Seacoast, but no trip to this area is complete without an afternoon at the charming Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. Located in the city’s historic South End, this ten-acre campus of heritage buildings, gardens, and exhibits is more than just a museum in NH. It’s a deeply immersive window into the past.
The Strawbery Banke Museum gets its name from the area’s original 17th-century settlement, known as “Strawbery Banke” by early English colonists, due to the wild berries that grew along the Piscataqua River. Today, the Strawbery Banke Museum preserves and presents over 300 years of American history, from the 1600s through the 1950s, in a way that feels personal and alive.
Strawbery Banke is unique among other New Hampshire museums due to its living history approach. Visitors can explore more than 30 historic buildings, each carefully restored to reflect a specific era in Portsmouth’s history. Costumed roleplayers engage guests in first-person interpretations, giving you a unique opportunity to chat with a Colonial-era shopkeeper, observe a World War II Victory Garden in action, or visit a 1950s household grappling with change.
Exhibits at the Strawbery Banke Museum delve into the architecture of the time, domestic life, immigration, and maritime culture, while hands-on experiences like hearth cooking demonstrations, period crafts, and seasonal events bring the entire experience to life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, this is one of the most compelling things to do in Portsmouth, NH.
The Strawbery Banke Museum is open from May through December, with special events like the ever-popular Tuesdays on the Terrace summer concert series from June through August, the Vintage & Vine wine festival in September, and the Candlelight Stroll in December. Tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s official website, with options for single-day admission, seasonal memberships, or guided garden tours.
General admission gives you access to all open buildings, exhibits, and gardens, and you’re free to explore at your own pace. For those traveling with children, the museum also offers interactive scavenger hunts and hands-on learning activities that bring the past to life in a fun, approachable way. Easy to access from downtown Portsmouth and less than 30 minutes from Exeter, Strawbery Banke is an ideal addition to your list of things to do on the Seacoast.
Where to Stay Near Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth may be a larger town than Exeter, but we think that’s exactly what makes Exeter a more compelling place to stay while you’re exploring attractions like the Strawbery Banke Museum and other coastal parks and attractions along our beautiful stretch of New Hampshire coastline. The historic town of Exeter offers a far more refined and intimate Seacoast experience. Exeter, once the capital of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War, is rich with character and charm, offering a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and a deep connection to the region’s heritage.
Strolling through Exeter feels like stepping into a beautifully preserved chapter of New England’s history. Brick buildings line the streets, independent shops welcome you, and the gentle curve of the river sets the scene. At the center of it all is The Inn by the Bandstand, a distinguished Boutique Hotel housed in an 1809 Federal-style mansion overlooking Exeter’s town square.
Our Exeter Hotel isn’t your traditional New England Inn. Each suite is impeccably appointed with antique furnishings, original architectural details, and luxurious modern touches that make every stay feel one-of-a-kind. Guests are welcomed like old friends, with thoughtful hospitality and personalized service that elevates the entire experience. Mornings begin with an optional gourmet breakfast served on fine china, and evenings can (and should) end with a glass of wine or hand-crafted cocktail, savored over a delicious meal in the gardens at Ambrose, as the town gently hums in the background. This blend of timeless elegance and relaxed comfort makes the Inn a standout among other Exeter hotels.
What truly sets The Inn by the Bandstand apart is its unbeatable location. Steps from acclaimed restaurants, boutiques, Phillips Exeter Academy, and the American Independence Museum, our Exeter hotel makes your time in Exeter effortless. You’re only a short drive from Portsmouth’s cultural offerings and the Strawbery Banke Museum, but far enough removed to enjoy peace and privacy in a town with its own storied charm. Choose something elevated and authentic this year, and book a stay at one of the best Exeter Hotels!