Portsmouth, Virginia is located on the Elizabeth river, tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. Portsmouth has one of the oldest working harbors in the country. You will see all kinds of ships passing by the downtown seawall.
Portsmouth is right across the Elizabeth River from downtown Norfolk. You can take the Elizabeth River Ferry to from Portsmouth to Norfolk. The trip only takes about 5 minutes.
Many of the finest attractions in Portsmouth, VA, are clustered within walking distance of one another in Olde Towne. This neighborhood features a scenic waterfront, upscale dining, a plethora of antique and boutique shops, and the largest collection of historic homes between Alexandria, VA, and Charleston, SC. Pick up the Olde Towne Walking Tour Map from the Visitor Center at 6 Crawford Parkway.
The Naval Shipyard Museum presents the history of America's oldest and largest naval shipyard, which is located on the Portsmouth waterfront. Founded in 1767, it's been burned 3 times by retreating armies because of its strategic importance. Historic ships have been built here, including the first ironclad to engage in battle, the nation's first battleship, and the world's first aircraft carrier. Located at 2 High Street on the waterfront.
The Children's Museum of Virginia has over 90 hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages, including an awesome toy train collection and a planetarium. Your ticket to some truly amazing places and enlightening discoveries. 221 High Street.
The Carrie B paddle wheel riverboat takes you on a tour of the Hampton Roads Harbor, including a ride by the Navy ships. Leaves from the dock at North Landing.
Portsmouth Music and Performing Arts
Portsmouth has three great venues for music and the arts. We have a complete concert-goer's guide to the NTelos Pavilion Harbor Center, a 6,500 seat amphitheatre. Under cover or under the stars on the lawn, it's a good place to hear a concert. Willett Hall is a 2,000 seat indoor facility with outstanding acoustics. The Commodore Theatre makes movie-going an event at a luxuriously restored 1945 Art Deco style motion picture theatre presenting first run films with food and drink. For Portsmouth festivals, concerts and other events, here's a calendar.
Charming Olde Towne is the place to go for a unique shoppingenvironment. The concentration of antique shops along High Street has made it one of the Hampton Roads region's antiquing hot spots. There's also a variety of other specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants.
2008 Portsmouth, Virginia Events
May 10 -11 --- Gosport Arts Festival. In its third decade, this Mother's Day weekend arts festival has become synonymous with the area's celebration of spring and the arts. More Information.
May 24 -- Elizabeth River Run. A 10k race attracting up to 1,000 participants, who run along the Elizabeth River, the race's namesake. Includes a post-race party at the NTELOS Pavilion. A benefit for the Portsmouth Museums Foundation. 8 a.m. More Information.
June 20 -21 -- Cock Island Race. Called the " Best Sailing Event on the East Coast." by landlubbers and sailors alike, this waterfront classic features Friday & Saturday night live entertainment. More Information.
August 23 - 245 -- Seawall Art Show. An outdoor juried art show that features the work of nearly 100 of the finest artist from the southeast and beyond. Sat. 10am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 5pm. More Information.
October 18 -- Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Annual sailing race from Baltimore to Portsmouth to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Elizabeth River Project. Post-race party includes an awards ceremony and oyster roast, to be held at portside at the North Ferry Landing, Noon to 11 p.m. More Information.
Portsmouth has three great venues for music and the arts. We have a complete concert-goer's guide to the 
