Vacation rentals in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a beautiful and artistic coastal gem located in Virginia. The city’s rich history reveals itself in its various museums, houses that span centuries, and old ships docked in the port. Portsmouth has so much to offer to its visitors. Visit the art center to see beautifully curated exhibits. Hike around or go kayaking in creeks and rivers. Dine while you watch a movie at a historical theater. Visit one of the naval history museums to find out about the rich nautical past of the city. Portsmouth is the perfect getaway destination for families, history buffs, and anybody who loves an artsy and vibrant vacation.

Vacation rentals in Portsmouth come in various styles and sizes, so you are sure to find one perfectly suited to your travel needs. Opt for a vacation rental in the Olde Towne district to fully experience the historical atmosphere of the city. Pick a vacation rental with a fireplace to get cozy in the evenings. Opt for a rental with a big kitchen to share your culinary talents with your travel companions. Whichever vacation rental you choose, the charming options around Portsmouth will provide you with all the amenities you’ll need for a relaxing, comfortable vacation.

The closest airport to Portsmouth is Norfolk International Airport. The airport is 9 miles away from Portsmouth. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the city from the airport by rental car or taxi. You can also use rideshare apps such as Uber or Lyft to get to Portsmouth from the airport. If you prefer using public transit, you can take bus number 015 from Military and Norvella Avenue near the airport to Military Highway Station. From there, you can take a train to Portsmouth. This journey takes about 50 minutes.

Portsmouth is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Once you get to the downtown area, you’ll find that many attractions are within walking distance of one another. Portsmouth is also very scenic. While exploring the city on foot, you will stumble upon creative and artistic installations on almost every corner. There are also various taxi companies offering reliable service if you prefer not to walk. Apps such as Lyft and Uber are widely available throughout the city as well. You can also take public buses or ferries to some of the main areas of the city.

Portsmouth offers many options for families to create lasting memories together. The Children’s Museum of Virginia is a wonderful place to spend an educational and fun day. Here, you can find activities for children of any age and for the young at heart as well. The museum is set in the heart of the Olde Towne district of Portsmouth. After exploring the museum, you can enjoy the large collection of beautiful and historic buildings with your family. Also, pay a visit to the Railroad Museum of Virginia where the friendly staff will teach your family fascinating information about trains. The museum is built entirely inside of train cars, making it a unique experience for every member of the family.

Portsmouth’s rich history as a port city makes it a great place for naval history lovers. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum offers a wide range of historical watercraft to its visitors. Here, you can explore and learn about 350 years of history of naval technology from aircraft carriers to submarines. Another great place to visit is Lightship Portsmouth Museum. The lightship here was at work from 1915 to 1961 and it served as a guide for dangerous locations. You can walk around inside the ship and witness the conditions that the seamen lived in at the time. The staff here is very friendly and they’re happy to answer your questions.

Hoffler Creek is a beautiful place to spend the day kayaking along the still waters. There are also many hiking trails here with spectacular views and well-marked paths. There are benches to have picnics and playgrounds to keep children entertained.

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center offers a beautiful collection of exhibits for you to explore. There are also guided tours that you can take on certain days of the week. Catch the live music events on Fridays for a fun evening. Check out the incredible and affordable products that the gift shop offers.

Paradise Creek Nature Park offers a great selection of hiking trails right on the water’s edge. There are many posts on the trails to introduce the various plants and trees you’ll encounter along the way. Though it’s in an industrial part of the city, the park was amazingly transformed into a clean haven, and you can learn all about this process when you visit.

Catching a movie at the Commodore Theater is a blast from the past with the theater’s historical and elegant architectural features. The beautiful interior design and the unforgettable dining experience of this unique theater make it a must-see when you’re in Portsmouth. It’s best to get there a little early to get the best table choices.

Cafe Europa is the perfect place to enjoy a hearty, fulfilling Mediterranean meal while you’re in Portsmouth. The staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable when it comes to pairing your food with the best wines. Don’t forget to ask them about their daily specials.