Rainy Day Activities on the New Hampshire & Maine Seacoast

Even on rainy days, the Seacoast shines. Whether you're staying in Portsmouth or Kittery, here's our curated list of indoor activities and cozy ways to spend a drizzly afternoon.

Art, Culture & History

Portsmouth Historical Society / Discover Portsmouth
Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
Explore rotating exhibits, browse the museum store, and join a guided walking tour (daily at 10:30 AM).
discoverportsmouth.org

Seacoast African American Cultural Center
Daily 10 AM – 4 PM
Located inside the Portsmouth Historical Society. Learn about the rich African American history of the region. Celebrating 25 years!
saacc-nh.org

Tour the USS Albacore Submarine
Open daily from Memorial Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day, 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Climb aboard a historic Navy research submarine. Great for families. Located on Market Street with on-site parking.
ussalbacore.org

Seacoast Science Center
Wednesday–Monday, 10 AM – 4 PM
Located in Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, this ocean-focused center is fun and educational for all ages.
seacoastsciencecenter.org

Strawbery Banke Museum
April 26 – October 26, 2025 | Closed Tuesdays | 10 AM – 4 PM
Step into history at this 10-acre living museum. The historic homes are close together, making it easy to duck out of the rain.
strawberybanke.org

Local Art Galleries & Walks

Take a self-guided art walk around downtown Portsmouth. Grab your umbrella and pop into:

  • Piantedosi Contemporary Art

  • Nancy Morgan Fiber Art

  • NH Art Association’s Levy Gallery

  • Kennedy Gallery

  • Ceres St. Gallery

  • Todd Bonita Gallery

Many galleries are free and open throughout the day.

Shopping Indoors

Downtown Portsmouth Shopping
Congress St., Market St., Pleasant St., and lower State St. are filled with locally owned shops and boutiques. Most are open until 7 PM.

Kittery Premium Outlets
Browse dozens of name brands and specialty shops just across the river in Kittery.
premiumoutlets.com

Sea Love: Candle Bar Boutique
Create your own scented candle or shop pre-made gifts at this creative boutique in Kittery Foreside.
sealovecandlebar.com

Games & Fun for Families

Monkey Mind Escape Rooms
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Solve puzzles and unlock clues in themed escape rooms in downtown Portsmouth.
monkeymindescape.com

Portsmouth Scavenger Hunts
Open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Self-guided walking scavenger hunts perfect for families, friends, or team bonding.
portsmouthscavengerhunt.com

Bowlerama (in Portsmouth)
Classic indoor bowling fun for all ages.
bowlerama.com

Pinz Bowling & Entertainment (in Portsmouth)
Arcade games, bowling, and full bar & menu make this a rainy-day go-to.
pinzbowl.com

Shows & Live Entertainment

The Music Hall
A historic venue offering movies, concerts, and theater performances just steps from The Hotel Thaxter.
themusichall.org

Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
Intimate shows from world-class musicians in a beautiful venue with upscale dining.
jimmysoncongress.com

Seacoast Repertory Theatre
Local performances in an intimate setting near the water in Portsmouth’s South End.
seacoastrep.org

Rainy Day Drive: Coastal Comfort

Take a scenic drive down Route 1A and grab a lobster roll or chowder at:

  • The Beach Plum – Coastal seafood shack with indoor seating

  • Petey’s Summertime Seafood – A local favorite in Rye with ocean views even in the rain

Make the most of rainy days on the New Hampshire and Southern Maine Seacoast with fun indoor activities, then relax at one of JGroup Hospitality’s welcoming inns and restaurants. Stay comfortably at Hotel Thaxter, The Sailmaker’s House, or the Water Street Inn in Kittery, each offering cozy accommodations near local attractions. After exploring museums, galleries, and escape rooms, enjoy delicious meals at our restaurants, including Central Texas-style barbecue at Ore Nell’s and fresh seafood at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café. Plan your perfect Seacoast getaway by discovering our hotels and dining options today.

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