orangetravelcat1

Still debating where to go on our trip which starts 9/29. All we know is we are flying into BOS (already have tickets). Was wondering if a car is needed if we stay in Portsmouth (for 3 nights). Interested in river or harbor cruise, historic houses, museums. If we can get transportation from Logan to Portsmouth, is it doable without renting a car?

wyatt92

You can take the C&J trailways bus from Logan to Portsmouth. There is a trolley that leaves from the bus station that stops downtown so you could get to your hotel.

Downtown Portsmouth is certainly walkable and there's lots of cute shops and restaurants, etc. The harbor cruises leave right from downtown as well. But you really only need an overnight. If you wanted to go to the beaches of New Castle and Rye, you'd need a car. They're not far, just not walkable.

travelgourmet

Was wondering if a car is needed if we stay in Portsmouth (for 3 nights).

Yes, a car is needed. And, honestly, the cost of the rental probably won't be much more than the transport to get from Logan to Portsmouth.

dfrostnh

If you stay at the Sheraton you will be within walking distance of the cruise dock and Strawbery Banke.
http://www.sheratonportsmouth.com/th...-portsmouth-nh

Figuring one day for cruise and shops, second day for Strawbery Banke makes it easily a three night stop.

This van tour looks good
http://seacoastnhtours.com/Home_Page_2O3U.html
Rt 1A is one of our favorite drives thru New Castle, a very old town. At one point as you go over a causeway, you can see the old Portsmouth Naval Prison (actually in Kittery ME) in one direction, the fabulous Wentworth by the Sea hotel in the other.

It's really hard for the driver to enjoy sightseeing. I don't drive in Portsmouth very often and usually we end up a little bit lost because of one-way streets. But our favorite lobster/fried clam place is Petey's in Rye on Rt 1 so you would need a car to go there. Probably there's a great lobster place in the downtown Portsmouth area that we just haven't found. You might consider a one day car rental.

Would I drive in and out of Logan? NO! If I have to go to Logan, I take a bus and let the bus driver deal with the traffic. Luggage goes underneath. The driver puts it out by the curb for you in front of your terminal. Of course, yes, if you had a car you could also visit Newburyport or another place on your way from Portsmouth to Boston but you could also do that with a one day car rental. But, once again, when you're driving, you can't pay attention to both the road and the scenery.

Just make sure you when you book your hotel that you are aware of the distances to where you want to go. A lot of the Portsmouth hotels are out by I95.

orangetravelcat1

The reason for trying to avoid the car rental is not the cost, but driving in and out of Logan (thanks for the tips, dfrostnh} and avoiding driving arond rush hour (flight will arrive around 445pm). I'm thinking maybe the bus to/from BOS and then a one day car rental while in Portsmouth.

orangetravelcat1

Also like the idea of the tour you mentioned,dfrost, so that the driver can also enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

wyatt92

In addition to the Sheraton, there's also a Hilton Garden Inn and Residence Inn right downtown. The C&J bus is pleasant and very easy.

orangetravelcat1

I think we are sold on the idea of the bus to Portsmouth and a possible car rental for a day while there. Now to check out hotels...

bennnie

With a car from Portsmouth you can also explore Kittery, York Harbor, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. There's a cool fort to explore on Kittery Point http://www.fortmcclary.org/. And check out the Music Hall - they have interesting concerts and movie events. http://www.themusichall.org/programs

Eat at the Friendly Toast and Flatbread Pizza Company - both very casual and yummy.

or2nh4me2

I have stayed at the Sheraton and think it's run down and past it's prime. If you want to be downtown, check out the other hotels mentioned. The hotels near the traffic circle (Anchorage Inn, etc) and I95 will be less expensive and might even offer a shuttle to downtown (?). I also have used and highly recommend C & J! Remember that the bus station is just off I95 so although it's not far, you would need a taxi or hotel shuttle to get to your hotel/or car rental. Portsmouth is a great city and you'll be there at a beautiful time of year. It's very walkable, so no need for a car if you plan to stay downtown. Stawbery Banke, Prescott Park, the Thomas Laighton cruises, and historic homes are all within walking distance of one another (as long as you are in decent shape). However, as others have said, Portsmouth is easily within striking distance of the beaches, 1A, Maine coast and Massachusetts and for this a car is obviously needed. You almost can't go wrong with restaurants in downtown-there are so many and quality is really good. If you post types of food you enjoy or want to experience, and budget I can make specific recommendations. Also happy to give my 2cents if you narrow down your hotel choices.

denice7

We moved to portsmouth from dc about 7 months ago and love it. Try the Hampton inn and suites. It is downtown and brand new. It just opened about 6 months ago. There is also the residence inn and Hilton garden inn. They r all within a block of each other.

Take the bus from Boston to portsmouth.

U can rent a car from hertz on route 1. Get a taxi from hotel to hertz.

Ackislander

We stayed at what is now The Portsmouth Hotel a couple of years ago. It was a very trendy boutique hotel with euro-style furniture and iPads in all the rooms and was both convenient and reasonably priced.

That was then, this is now, but it is worth checking out.

The trip to the Isles of Shoals is very good fun on a nice day and pretty well eats up the day.

I love this area. Craft beer and seafood and old houses-- what's not to like!

or2nh4me2

Ackislander- I "see" you all over the europe forum...cool to know you've visited our city! ��

flpab

We just stayed at the new Hampton. Very nice and walking distance to all places downtown.