10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Portsmouth, Virginia

If you’re planning a trip to the Hampton Roads area, don’t skip Portsmouth, Virginia. This historic waterfront city sits right across the from , and it’s packed with walkable streets, local restaurants, and hidden gems that most travelers never hear about. Whether you’re road-tripping, on military orders, or visiting family nearby, here are 10 great things to do near Portsmouth, VA that are easy, fun, and perfect for a long weekend.

1. Stroll Through Olde Towne Portsmouth

is the historic heart of Portsmouth, and it’s one of the largest collections of 18th- and 19th-century homes in the country. Walk a few blocks, and you’ll pass:

Colorful row houses and brick sidewalks
Cozy cafés and coffee shops
Local boutiques and antique stores

If you like to explore on foot, this area is perfect. Park once, then wander. I’ve spent entire afternoons just walking these streets, grabbing a sandwich, and snapping photos of old porches and iron fences. Travel tip: Come in the late afternoon. The light is pretty for photos, and you can stay for dinner and drinks without moving your car.

2. Ride the Elizabeth River Ferry to Norfolk

One of the coolest things about Portsmouth is how easy it is to hop over to downtown Norfolk without ever touching your car. The Elizabeth River Ferry:

Runs between Olde Towne Portsmouth and downtown Norfolk
Only takes about 5–10 minutes
Gives you great skyline and waterfront views

It’s not just transportation; it feels like a mini harbor cruise. On a warm evening with the breeze off the water, it’s honestly one of the most relaxing cheap “activities” you can do. SEO tip for you as a traveler: If you search for “things to do near Portsmouth VA without a car,” this ferry will be your best friend.

3. Visit the Children’s Museum of Virginia

Traveling with kids? Put this at the top of your list. The Children’s Museum of Virginia, right in downtown Portsmouth, is the largest children’s museum in the state. Inside you’ll find:

Hands-on science and art exhibits
A pretend grocery store, bank, and city streets
Plenty of space for kids to run, touch, and explore

I’ve seen kids here who didn’t want to leave—even after several hours. It’s bright, interactive, and a lifesaver on a rainy or super hot day. Good to know: Plan at least 2–3 hours. There’s a lot to do, and younger kids will want to try everything.

4. Tour the Lightship Portsmouth Museum

If you’re curious about maritime history, this is a small but memorable stop. The Lightship Portsmouth Museum is an actual lightship that once guided ships safely into port. Today, it’s a floating museum where you can:

Walk through the crew quarters
See the engine room and equipment
Learn how sailors lived and worked on the water

It’s right along the waterfront, so you can easily combine it with a walk by the river or a coffee break nearby. Why it’s worth it: It’s unique, quick to see, and gives you a real feel for Portsmouth’s deep connection to the sea and shipbuilding.

5. Enjoy the Portsmouth Seawall and Harbor Walk

If you like simple pleasures—a good walk, a river breeze, and a nice view—you’ll love the Portsmouth Seawall. This paved walkway runs along the Elizabeth River with:

Views of the Norfolk skyline
Boats, tugboats, and Navy ships moving through the harbor
Benches where you can sit and watch the water

I like to grab a coffee in Olde Towne and walk the seawall before dinner. It’s especially pretty around sunset, when the sky reflects off the water and the city lights start to glow.

6. Dive Into Naval History at the Naval Shipyard Museum

Portsmouth is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, one of the oldest and largest shipyards in the United States. You can’t just stroll into the shipyard itself, of course, but you can explore its story at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Inside, you’ll find:

Exhibits on shipbuilding and the Navy’s presence in the region
Models of ships and tools used through the years
Stories of local history, wars, and the shipyard’s role

If you’re into military history—or just curious why there’s such a strong Navy presence in Hampton Roads—this small museum gives you helpful context.

7. Catch a Show at the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion

Love live music? Check what’s playing at the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion right on the Portsmouth waterfront. This outdoor venue often hosts:

National touring acts and classic rock bands
Country, R&B, and pop artists
Special events and festivals

Seeing a concert here with the river as your backdrop is a whole vibe. Bring a light jacket on cooler nights—the wind off the water can surprise you, even in spring or fall. Pro tip: Stay in Portsmouth and walk or ride share to the show. You’ll avoid the heavier traffic on the Norfolk side and still enjoy all the nightlife.

8. Take a Day Trip to Norfolk: Battleship Wisconsin & Nauticus

One of the best things to do near Portsmouth is just across the river in Norfolk, and it’s an easy ferry ride away. Visit Nauticus, a maritime discovery center, and step aboard the Battleship Wisconsin:

Tour the massive WWII-era battleship
Walk the decks and peek into crew spaces
Explore interactive exhibits about the ocean and the Navy

It’s a huge hit with families, history buffs, and anyone who loves ships. From Portsmouth, you can make this a half-day or full-day adventure without much planning.

9. Explore Nearby Beaches: Ocean View & Virginia Beach

Portsmouth itself is more of a riverfront city than a beach town, but you’re only a short drive from some classic Virginia coastline. Two easy options:

Ocean View Beach (Norfolk) – About a 20–30 minute drive, relaxed vibe, wide sandy beach, public access, and a more local feel.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront – Around 30–45 minutes away, with a lively boardwalk, restaurants, bars, mini golf, and the classic East Coast beach-town atmosphere.

If you want a quieter beach day, head to Ocean View. If you’re looking for more action—bike rentals, nightlife, and people watching—Virginia Beach is your spot.

10. Taste Local Flavors in Portsmouth’s Food & Craft Beer Scene

For a smaller city, Portsmouth has a surprisingly good mix of local restaurants and bars. You can find:

Seafood spots serving fresh local catches
Cozy pubs and wine bars in Olde Towne
Craft beer and local brews in nearby Norfolk and beyond

Plan a simple walking “food tour” for yourself:

Start with a coffee or smoothie
Grab lunch at a local sandwich or seafood place
End with dessert, a local beer, or a cocktail near the water

This is also where Portsmouth really feels like a community. Chat with your server or bartender—you’ll usually get great tips on events, live music, and more things to do in Portsmouth, VA that don’t always show up in guidebooks.

Planning Your Portsmouth, VA Getaway

Here’s a quick way to structure a weekend:

Day 1: Explore Olde Towne, walk the seawall, visit the Lightship Portsmouth, and enjoy dinner downtown.
Day 2: Take the ferry to Norfolk, tour Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin, then catch sunset back on the Portsmouth side.
Day 3: Visit the Children’s Museum of Virginia (if you have kids), then drive out to Ocean View or Virginia Beach for some sand and waves.

Because Portsmouth is smaller and more laid-back than some nearby cities, it’s a solid home base if you want a quieter stay with easy access to Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Share Your Portsmouth Experience

Have you been to Portsmouth, Virginia recently? Did you discover a great restaurant, a cozy coffee shop, or a fun local event? I’d love to hear about it. Drop your favorite things to do in Portsmouth, VA in the comments so other travelers can add them to their list. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to the Hampton Roads area. Your share might be the reason someone discovers this underrated waterfront city.

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10 Best Things To Do Near Portsmouth, Virginia for Visitors