Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Portsmouth, RI

  • Published 2022/09/28

The small, picturesque coastal town of Portsmouth is located in Newport County, Rhode Island, where more than 17,000 residents live and enjoy the scenic views around the community.

The municipality of Portsmouth is considered the second-oldest municipality in Rhode Island, making it a historic town filled with interesting spots to visit.

Portsmouth is home to a myriad of fascinating places to visit, such as historic sites, parks, unique shops, nature trips, and many more.

Whether you’re in for a short trip or planning to stay a little longer, it won’t take long enough for you to fall in love with Portsmouth.

Come and find out the most famous attractions and events here and see the 20 best things to do in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Roam Around the Green Animals Topiary Gardens

Main house of Green Animals Topiary Gardens

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Green Animals Topiary Gardens features a seven-acre field where you can find a huge collection of sculpted plants in different sizes and shapes.

There are different types of animals you can see in the garden, such as giraffea, unicorns, bears, elephants, and even the king of the jungle, the lion.

Plants at Green Animals Topiary Gardens

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Aside from the sculpted plants, you can also find some flower beds, fruit trees, herb gardens, and vegetables around the garden.

Water fountain at Green Animals Topiary Gardens

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

As you roam around the garden, you can also spot a greenhouse where seedlings are being kept and taken care of.

You should visit the Green Animals Topiary Gardens every three weeks to see and experience the transformation of the flowers in the garden each season.

Sculpted pants at Green Animals Topiary Gardens

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Ride the Rail Explorers Rhode Island Division

Since 2015, the Rail Explorers Rhode Island Division has been taking each explorer of Rhode Island on an exciting adventure.

Rail Explorers Rhode Island Division features a new and exciting way to spend your day out with your family and friends.

You can ride the “rail-explorers” when you take a tour and see the great sceneries that the ride could provide.

The pedal-powered rides will give you a great workout experience while having fun.

This is an ideal activity for people of all ages on a beautiful day.

Learn about the History of Cars in Newport Car Museum

If you fancy cars, then Newport Car Museum is the place for you!

The Newport Car Museum is an establishment that features a private collection of over eighty-five models of automobiles from the 1950s to the present time.

Newport Car Museum serves as an avenue to celebrate and showcase the designs of cars as a work of art.

You can find popular brands of cars in the Newport Car Museum, such as Porsche, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and other vehicles.

In Newport Car Museum, you can learn about the history of the different types of automobiles.

You can also experience the driving simulators in the museum, which lets you try different cars on any track around the world virtually.

Shop for Cute Gifts at Clement’s Marketplace

Clement’s Marketplace is a locally-owned enterprise that has been providing Portsmouth town residents with the freshest and the highest quality goods since 1980.

The marketplace offers different kinds of products and services such as fresh, raw meats and kinds of seafood, fruits, and vegetables, and it also includes a flower shop that supplies flowers for weddings and other celebrations.

You can expect superb customer service from the helpful and attentive staff of Clement’s Marketplace.

Just walk into the store, and you will be greeted with a warm smile from the employees.

Clement’s Marketplace is your go-to destination for all your necessities if you ever need anything during your stay in Portsmouth.

Have a Bottle of Wine in Greenvale Vineyards

Located alongside the Sakonnet River, Greenvale Vineyards provides breathtaking views and flavorful wines in one place.

Enjoy the exceptional wines from the local vineyards of Portsmouth and have a one-of-a-kind experience from Greenvale Vineyards.

You can wander around and have a tour of the vineyards, taste the different wines offered in the tasting room, and see the beautiful sceneries that Greenvale Vineyards offer.

Greenvale Vineyards is devoted to supplying limited quantities of wine, but it is guaranteed to have a remarkable quality.

Have a taste of Portsmouth’s pride in this perfect setting for relaxation and a romantic getaway for couples.

Spend a Fun Family Day in Escobar’s Highland Farm

Escobar’s Highland Farm is not your typical farm that only features animals and crops.

This 98-acre farm boasts a corn maze that you have to figure out to escape.

You can also pick some pumpkins in the farm’s pumpkin patch and purchase some Christmas trees during Christmas.

If you’re looking for some adventure, especially during the fall season, you should check Escobar’s Highland Farm.

Don’t miss the fun experience for the whole family and an up-close view with the farm animals in Escobar’s Highland Farm.

Watch a Match in Newport Polo

Newport Polo takes pride in establishing the first polo club in the country in 1876.

You can watch the fast-paced game taking place in the well-maintained fields of Newport Polo while having a picnic; just bring your own chairs and food!

Have a wonderful time outside and spend a day watching some thrilling matches from different teams competing to win.

If you haven’t been to a polo match, then what are you waiting for?

Grab this opportunity and head on to Newport Polo for a memorable experience with your family and friends.

Splash and Swim in Sandy Point Beach

Sand trail of Sandy Point Beach

Olga Enger / Shutterstock.com

Give yourself a break and relax on one of the beaches in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

This wonderful hidden gem can be found at the end of Sandy Point Avenue, making it a great spot for people who don’t like crowded places because it is hidden and out of sight.

It is an ideal place where families and friends can have a fun family day and hang out.

The waters of Sandy Point Beach

Olga Enger / Shutterstock.com

You can pick seashells, go fishing, and swim in the clean and calm waters of Sandy Point Beach.

This hidden little beach is definitely one of the places you should check out in Portsmouth.

Bring your own chairs, beach towels, some sunscreens, and bathe under the sun in Sandy Point Beach.

Stop By and Shop at the Portsmouth Shop

The Portsmouth Shop has a little bit of everything you need, such as clothing and accessories, home supplies and wares, pieces of jewelry, and many more.

This historic shop is a go-to destination when you need to grab some unique gifts for any occasion.

The Portsmouth Shop has accommodating and helpful staff that could help you pick something if you have no idea for a perfect gift.

Every penny you spend here in Portsmouth Shop is worth it because of the high-quality products and the excellent customer service from the employees of the shop.

Dine at Cindy’s Country Cafe

This quaint little cafe in Portsmouth was established in 2003, and it has been providing residents with country breakfast and lunch.

Cindy’s Country Cafe showcases their freshly made dishes and delivers them hot for the customers.

You can choose among a wide array of choices from their menu and pick anything you want.

Don’t forget to check the daily menu for their special offers and who knows what you might be getting.

The cafe also provides outdoor seating if you want to enjoy the fresh breeze outside.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast from Cindy’s Country Cafe before you begin a day full of adventures in Portsmouth.

Hike the Trails of Sakonnet Greenway Trail

This 13.8-mile trail is a perfect hiking trail for beginners, and it showcases different kinds of wildflowers along the path.

The trail starts in the Glen in Portsmouth and travels through numerous attractions and recreational areas.

The Sakonnet Greenway Trail passes by some of the wonderful spots in the area, such as the Newport Vineyards, Albro Woods, Newport National Golf Club, and many more.

Some of the famous activities that you can do on the trail include bird watching, walking, jogging, or just simply watching the wildlife around the trail.

Whether you want some outdoor adventure or a relaxing walk in the woods, Sakonnet Greenway Trail is your gateway to a fun day in the wilderness.

Taste the Dishes in Portsmouth Publick House

You’ll surely get hungry after spending the entire day exploring the small town of Portsmouth, so be sure to visit the Portsmouth Publick House and dig in their mouth-watering dishes.

Portsmouth Publick House is a locally owned and operated restaurant that serves lunch, dinner and it also features an oyster bar and twenty-four beers on tap.

The restaurant boasts its locally sourced ingredients that guarantee their foods’ freshness.

Some of the locals’ favorites in the restaurant include the Portuguese Steak, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and the Brick Oven Pizzas.

Appreciate Art in the Portsmouth Arts Guild Center for the Arts

Since its establishment in 2003, the Portsmouth Arts Guild Center for the Arts has been a place where local artists can meet up, share ideas, and exhibit their works to inspire other aspiring artists.

The Portsmouth Arts Guild Center for the Arts is home to different artists like painters, photographers, sculptors, and others.

The guild offers workshops, art lessons, and demonstrations to people who are interested in making arts and crafts.

You can stop by and look at the latest exhibits in the guild, or you can also choose to study and learn more about arts and design.

Be ready to discover and unleash your creativity here in Portsmouth Arts Guild Center for the Arts.

Play Virtual Golf in Newport Indoor Golf

The Newport Indoor Golf is a 6,000-square-foot indoor facility that houses indoor golf simulators.

You can enjoy more than fifty courses from different parts of the world and an additional two driving ranges.

Newport Indoor Golf boasts its use of the latest technology to give you the most memorable golf experience in Portsmouth.

It features Trackman simulators which allow you to enjoy playing golf with real-time information and high-quality graphics and gameplay.

Because it is found indoors, you can have fun in any season of the year no matter what the weather is.

The Newport Indoor Golf also offers different activities such as tournaments, lessons, private events, and golf club sales.

Experience a modern way of playing golf in Newport Indoor Golf, where you can hit the balls virtually.

Join the Fishing Tours in ArchAngel Fishing Charter

As a coastal town, fishing is one of the popular activities to do in Portsmouth.

If you are interested in fishing but don’t know the perfect spots to fish, you can always contact ArchAngel Fishing Charter for some help.

Whether you need a sunset cruise or someone to assist you in your fishing trip, ArchAngel Fishing Charter can accommodate your needs.

You can explore the beautiful coasts of Portsmouth and catch a sight of the different species of fish in the precious marine ecosystem of the town.

With over thirty years of experience, the fishing charter already knows where to find the fishes in any season.

Safety is the primary concern of ArchAngel Fishing Charter, so you don’t have to worry about other things, and you can just enjoy catching an assortment of species from Portsmouth’s waters.

Explore the Earths Waters with Flippin Out Fishing Charters

Fishing in Newport, Block Island, and Narragansett Bay has been a lifelong passion for Flippin Out Fishing Charters captain BJ Silvia.

Being a native of Aquidneck Island his whole life, he is very familiar with the waterways in the region and takes great delight in locating great fish and ensuring his clients have a great day.

You may fish for Black Fish, Sea and Striped Bass, Sharks, Scup, Squid, and more with Flippin Out Fishing Charters’ full- or half-day fishing trips!

They also cater to birthday celebrations, business outings, and bachelor parties.

Discover and visit Mansons, Harbor, and Lighthouses with Flippin Out Fishing Charters.

As a remembrance of your fantastic trip, Flippin Out Fishing Charters can capture the best photographs of you with Narragansett Bay in the background.

Enjoy a Seaside Dinner with your Partner at 15 Point

With a magnificent view of the river at night, 15 Point provides simple seaside dining experiences.

Most people enjoy the traditional menu, which is greatly influenced by the region’s abundance, while the house specialties are a constantly-evolving eclectic pleasure of inventive and modern meals.

As you step inside, you’ll be mesmerized by the expansive window display that looks out into the Sakonnet River and the ocean beyond.

You may occasionally see the neighborhood fishing boats traveling to the Tiverton fish market from across the river while eating al fresco on their terrace.

Enjoy a wonderful meal along the Sakonnet River in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Order a Drink at Ragged Island Brewing Company

In 2016, a group of close friends developed the concept for Ragged Island Brewing Company which shared love of business, beer, and the great outdoors.

Their 1890s farmhouse taproom has undergone a total renovation to provide a welcoming and cozy setting for tasting and retail sales.

The new home of Ragged Island Brewing Company includes a 37-acre farm with spectacular views of Narragansett Bay, hop pastures, walking paths, greenhouses, and more.

They extensively rebuilt the barn for their brand-new 10-barrel brewhouse to become a cutting-edge brewing facility.

The set-up has sufficient beer space for newer and innovative brews and is the ideal size for small quantities of various fan-favorite recipes.

Spend the Night in Founder’s Brook Motel and Suites

Founder’s Brook Motel and Suites are within a short drive from Roger Williams University and several white sandy beaches.

Every accommodation at the Founder’s Brook Motel and Suites has cable Television and an en suite bathroom.

The Portsmouth Founder’s Brook offers complimentary internet access, a picnic spot, and a cup of coffee on the weekends.

Visitors may enjoy the property’s gardens and woodland surroundings.

Couples enjoy the place since it received great marks for trips with two people.

Get in Touch with your Inner Self at the Sacred Center

The Sacred Center is an accessible, interfaith educational center that is both local and online and is committed to helping people come across their inner sacred center.

They are devoted to seeing love, kindness, freedom, and knowledge spread in the present time and age.

They want to provide genuinely caring programs for people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, and religious orientations.

They provide live indoor lessons, admission to their Thursday morning session, spiritual literature group discussions, spiritual therapy, community prayer excursions, and meetings, among other things, in addition to their seasonal outdoor programs.

Feel welcomed into a warm, loving, compassionate, and accepting environment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re traveling in Rhode Island, make sure to stop by and check what this little coastal village could offer.

You can pick what kind of activity you want each day, whether you want to go on a hike, make some splash on the beach, have a taste of the local restaurants’ best menus, or have a relaxing day in a park, Portsmouth got all of these for you.

What are you waiting for?

Come visit Portsmouth and be charmed by its vibrant community and numerous attractions that are waiting for you to see.

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