New Hampshire is home to gorgeous scenery and glistening waterfront views. If you want to experience the best of it, venture to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. This idyllic place is one of the few lighthouses in the state that lets visitors climb to the top. You’ll love soaking up its history and charm. Take a visit to New Castle and prepare for some family fun!
Portsmouth Lighthouse is located on a Coast Guard Station in New Castle, New Hampshire.
rickpilot_2000/Flickr This pretty place sits right next to Fort Constitution.
The structure has a unique history.
Wikimedia Commons In the 1600s, this land was used as a fort to protect the entrance to the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor. The first lighthouse was constructed in 1771. In 1804, a new structure was put in its place.
Today, visitors can see all of the historic beauty first-hand.
Wikimedia Commons
Climb to the top of the tower and explore the lantern room.
Chip Griffin/Wikimedia Commons You’ll be able to see the fourth-order Fresnel lens up close!
Lighthouse volunteers love to inform guests about the building’s fascinating architecture.
Wikimedia Commons Have any questions? Ask your friendly guide! There’s so much to discover at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
Breeze by the lighthouse keepers’ dwelling and explore the sights. There’s so much to discover here.
Pretzel4/Wikimedia Commons
Hike up the 44 steps and look out over the shimmering ocean!
mheisel/Flickr Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is open on Sundays between Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekends. Admission prices are a suggested donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children. Guests must be 42 inches or taller to enter the lighthouse. Address: Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor, 25 Wentworth Road, New Castle, NH, 03854. To learn more, visit the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse website here.
Have you explored the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse? What’s your favorite family getaway in New Hampshire?
rickpilot_2000/Flickr
This pretty place sits right next to Fort Constitution.
Wikimedia Commons
In the 1600s, this land was used as a fort to protect the entrance to the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor. The first lighthouse was constructed in 1771. In 1804, a new structure was put in its place.
Chip Griffin/Wikimedia Commons
You’ll be able to see the fourth-order Fresnel lens up close!
Have any questions? Ask your friendly guide! There’s so much to discover at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
Pretzel4/Wikimedia Commons
mheisel/Flickr
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is open on Sundays between Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekends. Admission prices are a suggested donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children. Guests must be 42 inches or taller to enter the lighthouse. Address: Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor, 25 Wentworth Road, New Castle, NH, 03854. To learn more, visit the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse website here.
For more spectacular ideas, check out these 6 family-friendly restaurants in New Hampshire.
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