9 Perfect Airbnbs Near Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Located just an hour north of Boston, Portsmouth is full of coastal charms — without the Boston accent.

Listed as one of America’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it just takes one trip to Portsmouth to see why it’s highly regarded for its blend of rich culture and modern appeal. It’s one of only a few cities in the U.S. that has managed to keep its history alive without forgoing any modern tourist draws.

And whether you’re on your way to Maine’s coastal waters or need a diversion from the bustling city of Boston, the airbnbs near Portsmouth are incredible, from traditional colonials to remodeled barns and unique farm stays. Go for just a weekend, and you’ll see why so many people love this quintessential New England town.

1. The Kittery Cottage

Why you should stay: A bright home and a big deck near Kittery and Portsmouth.

Location: Kittery, ME
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $179/night

Although technically located in Maine, this newly built (2020) private home is a hop, skip, and a jump from Portsmouth (1.5 miles to be exact). The house itself is full of coastal accents, with pastel colors and a warm ambiance throughout the entire home.

You’ll feel like you’re in a beach house (though the beach is actually a few miles away.) You’ll have plenty of beaches to choose from, though. A favorite among locals is Crescent Beach State Park, with gentle waves and grassy sand dunes.

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2. Romantic 18th Century Home

Why you should stay: A roomy home with some cool historical holdovers.

Location: Portsmouth, NH
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 4 nights
Rates from: $300/night

If you’re looking for old colonial charm but also want modern amenities, look no further than this traditional home built in 1795. There’s more then enough room for a few couples, though you’ll all be rock, paper, scissoring over the largest bedroom.

The post-and-beam-style room sets the tone for romance while the black-walled en suite bathroom exudes seduction. If you do happen to venture outside the home, you’re smack-dab in the middle of the city and even have a reserved parking space so you won’t be struggling to find a spot if you stay out late.

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3. The Barn Retreat

Why you should stay: Hang out with the goats just beyond your front door.

Location: Eliot, ME
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $175/night

Shiloh Farm is full of eclectic renovations, purposeful gardens, and rejuvenating spaces, but at a cozy 500 square feet, the historic barn is the real highlight of the property. Cedar trees are a recurring theme throughout the home; the staircase banister is made of cedar, the trunks flanking the shower are also cedar, and even one of the Norwegian Dwarf goats is named Cedar (Olaf is the other one.)

Whether it’s getting dirty collecting the eggs on the farm (the owners are happy to have you help), feeling refreshed after yoga in the timber-framed barn, or having your morning coffee at the “Goat Bar” (yup, you read that right), this rental is a balanced combination of rustic elegance and unique charms.

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4. Water View Home

Panoramic Water View Home — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Panoramic lakefront views from your private deck.

Location: Kittery, ME
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $650/night

If a coastal vacation is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. This spacious, naval-themed home brings the feel of the ocean inside, though you’ll have views of the real thing just outside your door.

Almost every surface is dotted with sailboat miniatures and seashells; perhaps you’ll be motivated to wake up early for a morning paddle session. Every room is classy and elegant, right down to the grand piano, billiards table, and fabric-lined dining chairs.

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5. Kittery Point Jewel

Why you should stay: A sprawling home with water views at a shockingly good price.

Location: Kittery, ME
Sleeps: 8
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $270/night

Famed conservationist Rachel Carson once said “in nature, nothing exists alone” and you can test whether that’s true with a stay at this secluded retreat on five acres of land abutting the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Just a short walk away is a great spot to watch the sunrise while listening to songbirds or hear haunting loon calls as the sun sets.

The home is great year-round as the refuge’s the trails are perfect for cross-country skiing in the winter. It’s truly a dream home, and there’s even a separate in-law apartment in case two people in your group want a little more privacy (or you want to put friends with little kids in their own area.)

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Related Read: 9 Must-Do Hikes in New Hampshire

6. The House at 1010

Why you should stay: Stroll to the beach in a cool five minutes .

Location: Eliot, ME
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $195/night

Not everyone has the luxury of taking vacations, but what if you didn’t have to stop work to enjoy a little time away? This custom-built coastal home is ideal location for those that need to check their emails, get on Zoom calls with clients, or finish a large project.

With plenty of space for remote work including the potential to add on the walk-out apartment downstairs, you won’t miss a single deadline. It’s a great spot for a longer getaway if one parents needs some privacy to work remotely while the other takes the kids to the beach.

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7. Saltonstall Farm Stay

Why you should stay: Lay your eco-conscious mind to rest here.

Location: Stratham, NH
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 4 nights
Rates from: $200/night

Are you passionate about climate activism? Or perhaps your mission is racial justice? Either way, staying at this lovely three-bedroom apartment on Saltonstall Farm will support an incredible non-profit run by Sophie, your host. The Robinwood Center is a community space focused on sustainability, healing, justice, and community.

You are welcome to join the community during your stay, but it’s not required. Instead, you can walk around the working farm to visit the chickens, pigs, and barn kittens, or explore the trails and shore reserves around the area (or visit the Lindt Chocolate Shop Outlet.)

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Follow ’em: @SaltonstallFarm

8. Stone Cove Cottage

Why you should stay: Grand location with a decidedly non-grand price tag.

Location: York, ME
Sleeps: 4
Minimum Stay: 1 night
Rates from: $120/night

Views of the Isles of Shoals abound in this cozy cottage on York Harbor – in fact, you can even hear the York Harbor bell buoy. The house itself has everything you’ll need like a collection of books, sleeping loft, and a fully stocked kitchen.

But if you want an relaxing night out, head to the York Harbor Inn or the Stage Neck Inn for dinner and drinks. It’s certainly one of the more affordable airbnbs near Portsmouth.

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9. Eclectic Seacoast Cape Cottage

Why you should stay: A music-themed home straight out of the Sears Catalogue.

Location: Kittery, ME
Sleeps: 5
Minimum stay: 7 nights
Rates from: $158/night

Did you know that you could once order a house from a catalogue? The Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalogue sold houses back in the 1930s, and this is your chance to stay in one. Fortunately, it’s received quite a lot of updates and is packed with thoughtful details, like cool New Orleans- and music-themed decor and a kitchen full of snacks. It’s a pretty good price for an airbnb near Portsmouth considering it sleeps five and is a five-minute drive to the beach.

And if live music is what you’re after, head out to the wooded path at the end of the street. It leads to theTributary Brewing Company, a great place for beer and live music on a summer evening.

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Plan Your Trip to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Once you’ve booked one of these airbnbs near Portsmouth, consider reserving a few activities. It can get pretty crowded in the summer.

Find your spooky side and visit the Smuttynose murder victims’ tombstones at South Street Cemetery. Read up on the mystery here.
Try one of the beers at Earth Eagle Brewings, one of the few brewers in the nation experimenting with hop-free beers. They also have a fab hot dog menu.
Grab some pastries or some croissants at La Maison Navarre before heading out for the day along the coast.
If you want to learn more about the history of Portsmouth, take a stroll through the Strawberry Banke Museum.
Meander your way through the nostalgia of the bygone Dickensian era at Pickwick’s Mercantile or dine in their sister shop for afternoon tea, aptly named Fezziwig’s Food and Fountain.
Swing by the The Music Hall to catch a musical, live concert, or even a movie screening.
A visit to Portsmouth isn’t complete without a drink at the Portsmouth Brewery. The “Surrender to the Flow” New England-style double IPA is very popular.