Prescott Park

We had come into Portsmouth early so we could get parking for the Parade of Lights that was going on that night and by happy accident stumbled upon this area. We first went to the visitors center museum but it was closed in prep for the evening events which were to include a candlelight stroll around the grounds. Also, the visitors center was the area to change into ice skates for the ice skating area next to it so we watched the skaters for a bit and then took a stroll around the grounds but everything but the boathouse next to the pond was closed. We wandered around a bit more, used the public restrooms and wandered off to see more of the town.

Beautiful park! The flower gardens are absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and magnificent. The fence with all the locks was interesting and placed with love. There was even a stage for shows where you can rent chairs. With a large snack shack and restrooms. You can park for 2 hours for free then you have to pay.

Been going to this play since I was 7 years old--45 years ago. Don't miss it (the summer play). It's such a well done performance. But it's not just that. You're on a chair, blanket or rented table (only $60 for 4 pp) right alongside Portsmouth Harbor and the beautiful smell of the ocean. Make no mistake-- just because this is a park performance, don't think it's not as professional as one in the Wang Center. It is. We've caught it every single year. And it's steps from Downtown Portsmouth, so come early, find parking (Strawberry Banke for a charge) and walk along all the amazing shops before the play. It's a perfect experience.

Lovely park right by the water with a beautiful flower garden. Great place to relax. We were visiting a family in New Hampshire, so I am not familiar with the park events, but it seems that they have concerts in the park and other intertaiments.

Absolutely stunning. I'm about to do some research to find out if the rumors are true that they are indeed getting rid of these beautiful gardens to put down grass. That would be a sad mistake.

Great park with beautiful views. Parking was easy and the walk to the park was nice. We got lucky and not only saw a tug boat go by but also got to see the bridge go up and down. The fountain was cool and it looked like a school was practicing a play at the amphitheater. This park is a must if you want to take a break from driving or walking around.

Amazing little park near the river. Great variety of flowers with beds that are well manicured for everyone to enjoy. Can't say enough great things about this small park. The flower area with the fountain mext to the performing stage is very peaceful and has lots of great flowers and colors for everyone to enjoy.

This Parkn is absolutely beautiful and literary bustling with activity every single day. They have musicals, movies, day camps, as well as passive enjoyment. We have spent a little time here each time we have visited the city. Our friends at Wikipedia had the following to say about its history:

"Prescott Park is a ten-plus acre waterfront park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States. The land was purchased in the 1930s by two sisters, Josie and Mary Prescott. The sisters, public school teachers, had used an inheritance to systematically purchase and clear properties along the Piscataqua River. The sisters' goal was to create a public waterfront park, free and accessible to all, replacing what had become a run-down and seedy industrial area. In 1949 the Prescott sisters' trust was established with $500,000. The park was willed to the city of Portsmouth in 1954 for public enjoyment."

A beautiful place to visit. Whether you're into the beautiful seacoast scenery, history (Strawbery Banke is a must! And it's right across the street from the park), local restaurants and entertainment; you could spend an entire day with family, friends and even yourself to take in the fresh seawater air and walk around.

BONUS: All Summer they have concerts, plays, movies and tons of events. All are 'free', but truly contributions help us attain great performances for everyone to enjoy :)

The air of friendliness and inviting traits of the people of Portsmouth are on display when visiting the area. Prescott Park is no exception. We happened to catch the open-air version of Footloose, the musical, setup on an amazing stage near to the water. Cultural and creatives united to make it all happen and this just feels like the ultimate community for friendly, endearing folks. But the makeup of the area is cool, with a beautiful fountain of Neptune (?) In the center that lights up at night. And although the park isn't seriously well-lit during the night, you don't get the feel like it's Central Park or anything, although the scenery is just as nice. Beautiful place, as is the town. Make sure to stop in on your way north (or south).

The flower gardens are always well maintained and have so much variety. The Christmas 🎄 lights in the winter are nice. I have been visiting since I was a kid. Great views of the bridges and fishing 🎣 ⛵ boats. Parking lot nearby, but, no guarantee of finding a spot. I remember seeing kids playing in the fountains, but, I don't think you will see that anymore:). Benches available for sitting. Bathrooms were in okay shape.
You will see 🐝 s and quite possibly brides having there photo taken.Bring a book. How many b words can you find?
If you visit Portsmouth, I recommend a visit.
Update: Monday afternoon, June 2021; The outdoor performances are back. Park 🏞 looks great!
Update: December, 2021; Oh Christmas 🎄 tree! Seeing so many Christmas 🎄 lights from Court Street, 🍓 Strawberry Banke and the Memorial Bridge 🌉 at night makes for an interesting walk!
Portsmouth Love Wall continues to expand.

I've always enjoyed Prescott Park. It's just a nice place to take a stroll and watch the boats. I have even watched a play there. A happy place for me.

This was a very lovely park. The garden was nice and well kept.

The park is located in the waterfront and it's a great place to spend some time with family. There are covered patios and picnic tables available.

What a fantastic day with my hubby. A beautiful stroll through all the gardens and the play going on was beauty and the beast-- FANTASTIC!!! We walked the memorial bridge and watched as the boats were traveling under , sat on a few benches and we had brunch at Colby's which again... fantastic, we had a fabulous waiter and it was a fantastic meal. What started as a quick trip took us for the day.. we loved it

This Park is quaint, but truly gorgeous! The grounds people do an amazing job maintaining the gardens, it was bright and colorful even in July! I would definitely recommend a stroll through here if you have a chance!

A gorgeous park. This place looks like a perfect picture of heaven. The water, the flowers and everything. It is taken your breath away!
This park is one of the real meaning of PARK!
It's a wonderful place for families with kids, or without. It havr a very romantic view early in the morning or late evening. It have I think 3 different gate if not more. Plenty places to park. And if you are like like us you get to watch a live show there.
The park have a strategic place. It is few minutes away from restaurants, gifts shops and the Strawbery Banke Museum. Ok to be more clear, the park is in the heart of historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire!
I definitely recommend to anyone, and I will visit again in future inchaAllah.

Its a very lovely park. I loved the gorgeous views of memorial birdge.

Prescott Park is a lovely place to visit. Spring through fall there are beautiful trees, foliage and fountains to capture your attention. It is a peaceful place to sketch or take a walk any time of day. If you like to take pictures this is a beautiful place to take still life photos or to gather for a family picture. The atmosphere and textures are phenomenal to work with.

Beautiful park! Many different areas to walk around. You can go out on the pier for views on the water, or walk around the pathways. I would say the main attraction is definitely the garden with the fountains and all kinds of beautiful flowers and trees. The only slight downside to the park is that parking seemed very limited - we had to drive around a couple of times until a spot opened up. But we also aren't from the area and didn't know where other parking might be available.

Wonderful park with some great gardens along the Piscataqua River. No dogs! Leave the pooches at home. There are public restrooms accessible during the day.

You can watch large ships go by under the drawbridge