portsmouth harbor lighthouse

Dibird50

Such a nice lighthouse. This is one we have visited. I have a thing for seeing as many lighthouses as I can. We rode by hubbies bike to see it.

Jugghead

As a huge fan of lighthouses, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was on my list of "must see". I had come to know that this lighthouse offers open houses on Sunday afternoons. On a recent Sunday hopped in the car and headed north to Portsmouth.The lighthouse was easy to get to, and once there I was thrilled I made the journey! The scenery and views are great! All volunteers are extremely friendly and knowledgable. The views from the top are great. If you ever get the chance to tour this light be sure to go!

johnpS4312GB

We love lighthouses so any chance we get to stop in and see one we take. This one did not disappoint!

jillr275

This lighthouse is smaller than most, at only 50' tall, but being able to go up inside to the top was a unique experience that I would not have missed. It was worth the trip to see it. They only do the tours of the lighthouse on Sundays. This is something that all ages would like. We had a wait to get inside of about 30 minutes maybe. Once we got in, it took maybe 20 minutes or so.

JohnF47

Located within Fort Constitution, this picturesque landmark is worth seeing. We visited just before sunset, making the view even more dramatic. Very important to stay within the blue line marked on the road, as the Coastguard Station to the right of that is off-limits. Different views of the lighthouse can be seen by walking around the Fort grounds. From here, Whaleback Ledge Light and Wood Island Life Saving Station can also be seen.

brownfootedboobie

The lighthouse has tours from May 25-October 12 ,sundays from 1pm-5 pm.The lighthouse also has special event tours -July 12, August 2,7,9.The suggested donation is 4 dollars for adults and 2 dollars for children.The tour is given in 2 parts ,halfway and at the top.Tour lasts about 45 minutes.Expect to climb 44 moderately steep stairs (with railings and then 7 rungs)..Pictures books and postcards are available for purchase. There is limited parking available at the coast guard entrance gate.You must enter thru the coast guard gate and stay on the designated visitors path before reaching the lighthouse.Fort Constitution is on the coast guard property and is worth a look. The lighthouse has a vivid green blinking light.Great views of the lighthouse can be viewed from New Castle Commons park,the street before the coast guard station and Fort Stark.The illusion of the full moon signaling the lighthouse and vice versa can be viewed during the evening of a full moon

Beavis007

We enjoyed visiting the harbor lighthouse - but parking to get there was annoyingly limited. It was a combo tour of about 4 different volunteers, and felt it was well worth the trip to see

gdadtraveling

I visited Portsmouth Harbor Light on my way to Acadia National Park. I will make a special side trip almost anywhere to see a lighthouse for the first time, and this lighthouse on my list of places to see on this trip. I'm very happy I went there. There were a few volunteers working at the lighthouse, a couple of them at the base and one at the top. So, not only did I get to see and photograph the lighthouse, I also got a history lesson that was very interesting. When I arrived it was in a light rain, but by the time I got to the top of the lighthouse the sun was breaking through and there were good views of the harbor and some islands off in the distance, as well as of some of the homes near the harbor. If you're going to be in the Portsmouth area and have an hour to spare, I'd suggest you go to the Portsmouth Harbor Light.

536kathys

Going to the top of a lighthouse was on my "bucket list" and this was a great choice! The views are spectacular of the Isles of Shoals and of Portsmouth. All of the volunteers are extremely friendly and knowledgeable! Thank you for a fun tour! I will definitely be back!

203robertg

What a beautiful lighthouse in picture perfect scenery. It wasn't opened to the public but what a great find and excellent place to have a picnic right on the waterfront with perfect views of the inlet between New Hampshire and Maine.

Leamer

This is still an operational lighthouse on coast guard property. Plan your trip accordingly as this little gem is only open on Sunday's 1-5pm. When walking up to the lighthouse stay on the other side of the blue line in the lot as the other side is active coast guard property. When you arrive at the lighthouse your greeted with friendly staff who are very knowledgeable of the property. You are aloud to climb to the top and look out, the view is spectacular. A fee to enter is more of a donation that they request.

Kipp7272

Bring your camera, the lighthouse is an easy drive, on the grounds of an active Coast Guard station. The area is very picturesque, and there’s considerably less people walking around, unlike other light houses such at Cape Neddick or the Portland Light House in Maine.

Wildycat

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is located in New Castle, NH, the only town in New Hampshire located on an island. The lighthouse location is the most scenic spot on the NH coastline(18 1/2 miles). The view from the lighthouse is spectacular ! It is at the head of Portsmouth Harbor with views to Whaleback Lighthouse, The Isle of Shoals, Fort Foster, Wood Island Life Saving Station and a substantial portion of the NH coast. The tour is conducted by volunteers of The Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses and they do a great job explaining the history and geography of the lighthouse and the surrounding area. Plan on about an hour(or 90 minutes if it is busy) for the tour. The suggested donation for adults is $4.00 and the funds are used to maintain the lighthouse. They have an excellent merchandise table with books, souvenirs, etc. The lighthouse is located at the Portsmouth Coast Guard Station on Route 1 A. Don't miss this attraction !

over50traveler59

Difficult to get to, you cannot access the lighthouse, construction around Fort Constitution make is difficult to access the area.

32WendyW

If in Portsmouth on Sunday 1-5PM and have any interest hIn history or maritime subject, make this tour! Informative and friendly.