Beachy Bride Vibes: Top Seacoast Spots for the Ultimate Bachelorette Getaway
Plan the ultimate bachelorette adventure with these top activities in and around Portsmouth, NH. Soak in the seacoast's charm and create unforgettable memories with your bride tribe.
Your best friend is finally engaged, and now it’s your turn to plan the bachelorette party of her dreams. If you’re seeking the perfect combination of coastal charm, vibrant nightlife, and memorable experiences, look no further than Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This quaint seaside town has it all, from stylish boutiques and delicious dining to cozy cafes and buzzing bars. Whether your group is in the mood for waterfront adventures, leisurely strolls through charming streets, or a fun-filled night on the town, Portsmouth offers everything you need to craft an unforgettable celebration before she says “I do.” Let’s explore the top spots, hidden gems, and exciting activities that will make this bachelorette weekend one for the books
Take a Boat Cruise around Portsmouth
0.5 mile from Tide House
Explore the Seacoast from a different viewpoint with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises. They’ve got a variety of different cruises, but if I had to pick, I’d definitely recommend the Sunset Harbor Cruise. It’s just 1.5 hours, so you can catch the sunset and still have plenty of time to hit the town afterwards. Plus, there’s a full-service bar and some awesome views of the harbor, making it a great spot to hang out with friends. They’ve also got other cruises like the Isle of Shoals Cruise, a Fall Foliage cruise, and more. Awesome views, good vibes, and all for around $30 per person, so it’s easy on the wallet too.
Enjoy Concerts and Plays at Prescott Park
0.9 miles from Tide House
Just a short walk from the condo, you’ll find the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which packs the summer with concerts, plays, movies, and more. It’s donation-based and a fun spot to hang out, enjoy live music, and soak up the atmosphere. Make sure to check their website to see what’s happening while you’re in town, then grab your friends and some blankets for a laid-back night. There’s also a concession stand with a small but tasty selection of food and drinks. With awesome views of the water, Prescott Park is one of my personal favorite summer hangouts.
Treat yourself to some permanent jewelry.
0.5 miles from Tide House
At Summerwind Jewelers and Goldsmiths, you and your friends can enjoy a unique experience by getting permanent bracelets or anklets. You’ll choose from a variety of chains, and once you’ve picked your favorite, they’ll size it and weld it on so it stays on permanently. This trend is fairly new to Portsmouth and offers something truly special—not only a great experience but also a piece you can wear every day with a story behind it. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you have a larger group, it’s a good idea to call ahead. It’s a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
5.3 miles from Tide House
If you’re craving some relaxation, Wentworth Spa is the perfect spot, they offer tons of treatments so you're sure to find something you’ll love. They’ve got everything from facials and body treatments to full-body massages, plus a "salt and sound lounge," which is an immersive vibroacoustic experience designed to help you de-stress. I haven’t tried that one yet, but it’s definitely on my list. Just make sure to book an appointment before your trip since they tend to fill up weeks in advance. Just a heads up, it’s a pretty nice spa, so it’ll be one of the pricier things on your trip but worth it.
Pamper Yourself to a Nails and Pedi Day
1-3 miles from Tide House
Finding a good nail spot in a new area can be tough, but here are a few of my favorite places around Portsmouth. Herbal Nails is just a quick drive from Tide House, right in the plaza next to Hannaford’s. They do great work in a short amount of time, and the prices are super reasonable. The staff is friendly, but if you’re getting pedis with a group of more than five, there won’t be enough chairs, so someone might need to switch to a mani. They’re also great about last-minute bookings, so if you call the day before or even the day of, they might be able to squeeze you in. La Nails is another solid option for manicures, especially if you want to recreate a design or photo. If you’re after some amazing nail art, this is the place to go. Lastly if you are looking for more of the experience and being with the girls I would recommend Buff & File Nail Bar they offer a group menu and they do great work and have a wonderful atmosphere.
1.8 miles from Tide House
Just a quick drive over the bridge into Maine, the Kittery Outlets are the perfect spot to spend a day shopping. Take a drive down Route 1 and check out stores like American Eagle, Calvin Klein, Coach, Levi’s, Lululemon, and tons more. Just remember, you’re out of tax-free NH, so there will be taxes, but you’ll definitely score some great deals. There are also some awesome seafood spots along the way, like Weathervane and Bob’s Clam Hut, plus plenty of others that you can stop at after a long day of shopping.
Wine Tasting at Flag Hill Distillery and Winery
21.3 miles from Tide House
If you and your girls are up for a day trip, Flag Hill Winery is about a 30-minute drive from the condo and totally worth it. Their tasting room is open daily from 11-5, and open tastings are only $10, with some snack options available too. You can also book "elevated" tastings in advance if you're looking for something a little extra. Once a month, they host a brunch and bubbles event, and if it lines up with your trip, I definitely recommend checking it out—the food is amazing. The winery is set on 110 acres of beautiful land, so it's also a great spot to snap some photos.
Live Music and Drinks Downtown
0.6 miles from Tide House
For a fun night out with the girls, there are a few bars I’d recommend, especially if you're into live music. In the warmer months, Gas Light Grill is a great spot with an outdoor bar and seating area, plus live music on the weekends. The food and service are awesome, and the patio with hanging lights makes for a great atmosphere—definitely worth checking out. The Press Room is another cool bar with live music upstairs. You can check their website to see who’s playing during your trip, but even if you don’t catch a show, their cocktails are fantastic. And if you’re in the mood for late-night dancing, head over to Thirsty Moose on Congress Street. Their basement was recently renovated, and it’s the perfect spot for live music and an all-around great vibe.