Things to do & places to visit in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States

Portsmouth city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 13:44.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (27 attractions)

5.0 Mary Veale and the Colonials (15 reviews)
- Outstanding!
Walking Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

Took the Living History Underground Railroad tour with a group of friends. This will not be our last tour with this amazing group. The tour was unbelievably informative and entertaining. Sally, William and the Captain were great! And the voices! Bring your family, your friends or just yourself. See a part of Portsmouth you may not be familiar with. It's worth the trip! See more..
5.0 The Hill House (14 reviews)
- Great Tour Into the Past
Speciality Museums

I went on this tour on a Saturday afternoon with my sister and 10month old son. We were the only ones there at the time and they did a tour just for us. It was definitely nice to have the guide to ourselves so we could ask questions and the baby wouldn't bother anyone else when he would get fussy. The tour lasted roughly 45 min and had an encouraged $5 donation entry fee. They only take cash and I only had $10 on me so I felt bad for not tipping the guide and his daughter because they did a great job and pointed out many neat original objects in the home. I have done several historic home tours and this one is on the top of my list mainly for all the authentic items intact from the Hill family. This a great stop in the historic section of Portsmouth. Tours are Sat. and Sun. 11-3. See more..
5.0 Paradise Creek Nature Park (4 reviews)
- A Christmas gift
Parks

I had this park on my list of places to visit and so glad I found it. Not cheap since I had to pay a couple of tolls to get there but worth the journey. Several trails to choose from but all in a loop around the water. Excellent signage for plants and the history of the establishment of the area. Promising to know that so many individuals and businesses care about our waterways and the animals. The wood plant is noisy but knowing that the businesses are working in harmony with nature makes it less distracting. I almost missed the “earth mound” and the higher elevation for the improved view. Impressed that someone was there on Christmas digging up invasive plants. Thanks for your efforts! Definitely want to return to use the kayak ramp in the spring. See more..
5.0 Chespeake Bay Diving (1 review)
- An amazing dive center
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling
Just got back from a crazy hard but, rewarding weekend finalizing my certification to scuba dive. The staff at Chesapeake Bay Dive Center is outstanding. They have to shops one in Portsmouth Virginia the other one in Virginia Beach Virginia. They have everything you need to start your diving adventures. The owners are amazing people and I can't say enough about the instructors. Both of my instructors Mike & Sam showed humor, patience and and a willingness to teach us the sport. They were both a unbelievable wealth of knowledge. If you're looking to begin diving I would highly recommend Chesapeake Bay dive center you will not regret it. See more..
5.0 Portsmouth Splash Park (1 review)
- Summertime Fun
Parks

Two year old daughter had fun splashing in the sprinklers and fountains, even though she doesn't like getting her face wet. The facility is not very big but it wasn't very full either. (5 kids were the most that were present at any one time so there was plenty of room for them to frolic. We were there late on a weekday afternoon and stayed until they closed.) And it was FREE! See more..
5.0 Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (1 review)
- A TRUE HIDDEN GEM IN PORTSMOUTH, VA
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

I participated in the annual Steeple to Steeple tour of historic churches in the Old Towne section of Portsmouth, VA and Emanuel A.M.E. was one of the churches featured on the tour. This church is full of local African American history. Everything inside and out was built in one year and completed in 1857 by slaves and freedmen living in the area. Most of the structure is still original (stained glass, balcony floors, ironworks, pews/benches, some furniture, beams, etc.). Because the church was so close to the harbor at the time, it was used in the Underground Railroad, with people escaping to ships on the Elizabeth River going north. The church had some renovations in the 60s or 70s, so it is not allowed to be on the National Registry of Historic Places. There are three historic state markers in the front church yard. Even though the church does participate on the annual Steeple to Steeple tour and the annual Umoja Festival Heritage tour, it does not do scheduled tours. With that said, the people are so nice and if you called ahead, I am sure they would let you walk around. It is located in the historic Old Towne section of Portsmouth, VA that features many other historical sites, museums, restaurants, and a movie theater (Children's Museum, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, Commodore Theater, etc.). Old Towne is also across the Elizabeth River from downtown Norfolk, VA. You can take the ferry over the river and visit Nauticus, the MacArthur Memorial, and St. Paul's Church all in one weekend. See more..
4.5 Children's Museum of Virginia (288 reviews)
- Great children’s museum
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Children's Museums

Great children’s museum. Our 2 and 4 year old had tons of fun and played until the place closed. Many things to see and do and had plenty of stuff for young toddlers all the way up to teenagers. One of the best children’s museums I have been to. See more..
4.5 Commodore Theater (225 reviews)
- Fantastic experience
Thursday: 5:45 PM - 10:00 PM Historic Sites • Movie Theaters

Always amazed with the experience. Perfect blend of historical architecture & modern updates. Went this time to see Star Wars - top notch cinema & sound. Fantastic experience!! Food was good and service was acceptable. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth City Park (70 reviews)
- Nice Family Park
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Parks

Great place to take children. The playground is nice and the children can feed the ducks and geese. Pretty spot to picnic. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum (48 reviews)
- Great small museum on local naval history
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

History museum displays a wide range of water craft, from pleasure to aircraft carriers, including artifacts related to the armed forces. See more..
4.5 Lightship Portsmouth Museum (38 reviews)
- very nice/interesting small museum
Thursday: Speciality Museums

This lightship was used from 1915 through 1961. Go aboard and see if you think you could survive on a ship this size at sea for up to six months. It was one of the few lightships that were not armed during WWII. All they ask is for a $2 donation. I found the staff onboard to be very nice and knowledgeable and seemed to really enjoy answering your questions. It's docked next to a seawall and I highly recommend strolling along it after you are done in the museum. You can watch large and small ships on the water as well as watch the ships in dry dock being restored. I think this museum would be interesting to all ages. See more..
4.5 Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve (23 reviews)
- Lovely hiking area
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Hoffler Creek is a lovely hiking area right in the middle of Portsmouth. Plenty of wild life and beautiful vistas. See more..
4.5 Way Back Yonder Antiques (12 reviews)
- Ken, Ken, Ken!
Antique Shops

Way Back Yonder Antiques, since 1991 has offered a fine selection of quality antiques to customers the world over. Our inventory is collected from the local area, we select only the best to offer our customers. We are a general line antique store with an emphasis on quality, with an inventory that includes items from antiquity to the 20th century, furniture, accessories, lighting, glassware, pottery, porcelains, ceramics, metal and wooden wares, estate silver of both sterling and plate, estate and costume jewelry, coins, collectibles, and other curiosities. See more..
4.5 Tidewater Yacht Marina (7 reviews)
- A month in Portsmout VA
Marinas

Tidewater Yacht Marina is one of the finest deep water marinas along the East coast, and home to mile marker “0” on the intracoastal waterway. With an on-site service center, restaurant, 22-acre protected deep-water basin, marine store, 300 deep-water slips in the basin and 100 slips available for transients. 6 Mega Yacht Slips 130′ T-Dock Positions with fast fueling, pump out station and more! See more..
4.5 Jeannie's Used Books (4 reviews)
- Very friendly
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Stopped in here once before I moved to town and loved it. I wasn't looking for anything specific, so I didn't have much cause to ask for help. Regardless, it was evident that Jeannie herself is extremely friendly and helpful as we chatted about where I was from and what brought me to town. I was looking for a job at the time, and she gave a few suggestions of places to look into in my field. Not the usual kind of helpful service I'd expect at a bookstore, but I think it's a good indicator of how things are there. Shortly after I moved here, I casually mentioned once going to a bookstore with an oddly friendly woman working there, and my roommate immediately responded "Oh, you went to Jeannie's?" Clearly, she has a reputation for this. Even if the bookstore was lackluster (and it is definitely not), the friendliness here would worth supporting just as a shining example of a lovely local business. Go get yourself some books. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center (4 reviews)
- I loved this place
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries • Art Museums

The art and cultural center is in the old courthouse that was built in 1846 and was in use until 1960. They have rotating cultural exhibits and visual arts. They offer guided tours on certain days (check their website for those days) and you self-tour the other days. The people inside were very nice and friendly. Be sure to visit the gift shop. They had some amazing items and I actually bought 2 of the items. If you are in Portsmouth (or just passing through) I highly recommend a stop at this place. See more..
4.5 Little Shoppes on High (2 reviews)
- "A Little Gem"
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Little Shoppes on High is an eclectic mix of old and new including unique gifts, home goods, traditional and found object art, repurposed furniture and home decor items, children's clothing and toys, ladies' fashion, purses, handcrafted jewelry, Fair Trade items and a Book Nook with 15 local authors of all genres. See more..
4.0 The Railroad Museum of Virginia (33 reviews)
- Surprise! It's a museum literally.
Thursday: Speciality Museums • Children's Museums

A 1910 4-8-0 locomotive, coal tender, mail cars, dining car & caboose make up this specially museum pertaining to steam trains & railroad history. Fun for ALL ages! See more..
4.0 LeMans Karting (25 reviews)
- Great fun
Thursday: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Home of the #MegaTrack! Nothing beats the intensity and fun of high speed indoor karting at LeMans Karting in Portsmouth! Burn tight corners on our three high speed karting tracks! From our "Speed Course" to our "Pro Course" to the combined "MegaTrack," adults and juniors alike #LoveLeMans! If you're looking for #RealSpeed, #RealRacing and #RealFun...you've found us! Our fine tuned karts deliver speeds up to 45mph! Customers choose us for arrive and drive (daily fun), memberships, birthday parties and corporate team building events! #WeEncourageSpeeding See more..
4.0 Bier Garden Draft List (11 reviews)
- Great German Restaurant
Bars & Clubs

Amazing atmosphere (dinning room, patio, and bar), food (authentic Bavarian cuisine), and most importantly, beer list (100s to choose from). See more..
4.0 MoMac Brewing Co (10 reviews)
- Tasty samples
Breweries

Awesome fall beers, try the large sampler, you'll love the variety. Clean and nicely kept, they will "can" your favorite beer so you can take it home. See more..
4.0 nTelos Wireless Pavilion (7 reviews)
- Great concert venue
Spent More than 3 hours Theaters

We saw Needtobreathe, Colony House, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors and Switchfoot. Excellent parking close by. Several restaurants easily accessible before the event. The venue was well staffed and the website was very accurate on what you were allowed to bring in and what would be available. Easy access back to interstate to head home. See more..
4.0 Copper and Oak Craft Spirits (2 reviews)
- Great space.
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Distilleries

Recently voted "Best Distillery Eastern Region" by Virginia Living Magazine and "Best Local Distillery Southside'' by Coastal Virginia Magazine. We have built a craft distillery in the heart of historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA. Visit us and you'll see why we cherish every drop of our award winning spirits. Custom Still, 600 gallon Mashtun, and state of the art "apollo" Fermentation tanks fit snugly alongside whisky and bourbon barrels. Schedule a tour on groupon with one of our distillers or just stop in for a sampling in our tasting room. Our staff will be more than happy to educate you on our various craft spirits and cocktails. See more..
4.0 Jewish Museum & Cultural Center (2 reviews)
- Tours by appointment only
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This restored synagogue is a simple Colonial-Revival style. Its interior represents a rare surviving example of Eastern European Jewish orthodoxy. We are committed to preserving historic records of a culture brought from Europe in the early 20th century. The building is recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and designated an historic site by the Commonwealth of Virginia. See more..
4.0 Bide-a-wee (1 review)
- Enjoyable course
Golf Courses

This course is the second one of a three- day semi-annual event. Usually, we go to the Outer Banks in North Carolina but because of Covid, we decided to do it locally. We had 28 golfers for this event. This course is really fun to play. There are many interesting holes and the course winds through native woodsy area. The fairways are thickening up and the greens were lightning fast, great to putt on. The restaurant was closed, due to Covid. Could not even get a beer after the round. We had a great time on this course. 5-6-2021 See more..
3.5 Book Owl (3 reviews)
- Great little bookstore
Speciality & Gift Shops

I definitely enjoyed this little gem of a bookstore. They do have lots of books! Just ask for help if you can’t find the book you’re looking for! They’ll direct you. Don’t walk out like the one star reviewer did. Lol See more..
2.0 Rivers Casino Portsmouth (11 reviews)
- Will never go back Smell of smoke and weed everywhere. Not clean lots of slots out of order.
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Casinos

Wanted to give this place a honest chance since it’s the first casino in the area. When you walk in you are hit in the face with the smell of smoke and weed. When about 15 percent of the population smokes it seems stupid to cater to them over the rest of the population. Also many machines out of order and dirty with left over drinks sitting on them. When you go to the cashier to cash out they have about 6 windows to cash out but only 2 of them open on the first Saturday after you open this is unacceptable. I personally won’t be going back. If I want to gamble I will make the ride north to Dover where I can gamble in a clean well maintained casino and not smell like a ashtray when I leave. Even Rosie’s in Hampton is a better option then this place. See more..