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Portsmouth is a historic port city of about 95,000 people on the Elizabeth River in Virginia's Hampton Roads, directly across the water from Norfolk. Founded in 1752, it is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the oldest shipyard in the United States Navy, and its waterfront and old neighborhoods are steeped in maritime history.
Olde Towne Portsmouth has one of the largest collections of historic homes between Alexandria and Charleston, with brick sidewalks, gaslights and houses from the 1700s and 1800s. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the Lightship Portsmouth Museum, a floating lightship from 1915, tell the story of the city's naval past, and the Children's Museum of Virginia is one of the largest children's museums in the state.
Historic districts such as Port Norfolk, Park View and Cradock, an early planned community built for shipyard workers in World War I, show off the city's varied architecture. A small paddle-wheel ferry crosses the river to downtown Norfolk, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth has brought new dining and entertainment to the waterfront area.
Historic district by the Elizabeth River with one of the largest collections of old homes in Virginia, from colonial to Victorian styles, plus shops and restaurants on High Street. Plaques explain many houses. Pick up a walking tour map and explore on foot, then eat near the waterfront.
Waterfront promenade along the Elizabeth River in Olde Towne with benches, open lawns and views across the water to the Norfolk skyline and passing ships. It hosts festivals and concerts in warm months. Walk it at sunset, when the Norfolk towers light up across the river.
Planned community built in 1918 for Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers during World War I, one of the early government-built towns in the country. Its streets and small homes keep the original layout around a central square. Drive or walk through to see the planned design and village green.
Riverside neighborhood of late 1800s and early 1900s homes with wide porches, mature trees and water views. It developed as a streetcar suburb of Portsmouth. It is a quiet area for a stroll or bike ride, and the riverfront streets have pleasant views of the harbor.
Four-story English basement style home built in the 1820s in Olde Towne, kept with original furnishings collected by one family over many generations. The Portsmouth Historical Association runs tours of the house and garden. Check the limited opening days before visiting.
Brick church founded in colonial times, with the current building dating from 1762, making it the oldest church in Portsmouth. Its churchyard holds graves of early residents and veterans. Visitors can view the grounds, and the interior is best seen during services or open church days.
Retired 1915 lightship, a floating lighthouse, now a National Historic Landmark docked at the foot of London Boulevard. Visitors explore the crew quarters, galley and lamp equipment that once guided ships. It is small and quick to see, so combine it with other Olde Towne museums.
Waterfront museum about the history of Norfolk Naval Shipyard, founded in 1767 in Portsmouth, with ship models, uniforms, weapons and exhibits on the ironclad CSS Virginia. It is a good introduction to the city's naval roots. Admission is low and it sits right by the ferry landing.
Large hands-on children's museum in Olde Towne with play areas for science, music and art, a planetarium and a famous collection of antique toy trains. Kids can easily spend half a day here. Visit on a weekday morning for smaller crowds and check planetarium show times.
Small passenger ferry that crosses the Elizabeth River between Olde Towne Portsmouth and downtown Norfolk, running frequently through the day. The short ride gives great harbor views of ships and the skylines. It is cheap and fun, and bikes are allowed, so use it to visit both downtowns.
Nature preserve of woods, marsh and a lake at the mouth of Hoffler Creek, with trails, an observation platform and kayak programs. Birders see ospreys, herons and egrets. Check the hours before visiting, and bring insect repellent in summer for the marsh trails.
Large casino resort that opened in 2023 as Virginia's first permanent casino, with slots, table games, sports betting and several restaurants and bars. It is a busy evening spot with live entertainment. Guests must be 21 or older, and parking is free in the garage.
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