We revisited Vaughan Woods at a different time of the year, and it's still such a cool spot (though…read morefar busier than it was when we came in autumn a few years ago). It's a state park that's open year long -- during the shoulder season, you can park outside the closed gates and walk in. This time we came when the gates were open; but, there was no attendant to check our state parks pass. It looks like payment is on the honor system (please pay so we can preserve beautiful trails like this!). I'll reiterate what I said in my previous review: It's located along Salmon Falls River (which separates Maine and New Hampshire). And with 3+ miles of hiking trails, it's easy to choose-your-own-adventure. So, whether you're looking to walk a lot or little, spend the day here or just a quick half hour, or if you're a local looking for a new running trail, be sure to explore the "old growth forest" (I saw this used elsewhere and looked into it: did you know this is a term that essentially means it's an ancient woodland, or a natural place that has aged without disruption?)! And it's accessible too: the extremely well groomed, well marked, mostly widened walking paths are easy to navigate (there are some hilly areas; and if it's not winter you're DEFINITELY going to want to bring bug spray). Also, from here you can access the grounds of the restored Hamilton House (built by merchant Jonathan Hamilton in the late eighteenth century) which sits on a stunning grassy knoll among cleared open green space overlooking the river (we actually saw a beaver this most recent time!) on one side and a beautifully maintained garden on the other side.

Want to get away from the sweating masses over-crowding the beach? Not up for sitting on your buns,…read morebaking in the summer sun? Want some peace & quiet instead of screaming tots and squeaky playground swings? I did. Not that there's anything wrong with the typical midsummer Maine beach experience. It just was NOT my vibe for this getaway. And so we sought out land trusts and mountains and parks, including one of our favorite spots to hit some pretty trails: Vaughan Woods. First, even in the middle of the summer and several cars in the lots, we barely saw another person. On the river trail--which I particularly love for all the scenic views of the river and benches to sit and rest--we had two couples cross our path. Very quick, smiley "hellos" and off they went. So peaceful! I'm mobility-challenged but I had a recent treatment and felt a little more mobile and stable. I took my time and my husband was a great helper. I'd say the river trail can get a bit challenging for anyone with a knee/ankle/foot/balance issue. But if conditions aren't wet, you go slow, and rest at the benches, you might be able to do it! The toilet stall is a wooden structure that is open to the air at the top of the walls before the roof begins. It's a toilet set over a pit, and you could definitely get a wheelchair in, but I don't recall seeing any grab bars. There was plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Like other places (parks, beach), we noticed it was "carry in, carry out." There are several picnic tables surrounding the parking lot, and we enjoyed a post-hike snack. This place is worth the drive out to South Berwick. Give it a go!

Such a great spot to bring the family for some outdoor fun! There are multiple basketball courts, a…read morepool that is open to the public and also offers swim lessons, and an awesome playground! There is a walking trail behind all of this that looks like it may be stroller friendly- we haven't ventured to it yet. No bathroom at the playground or basketball court but the pool should have one. Not sure if you can use it when the pool isn't open.

I absolutely looooooove this park! Having formerly lived a stone's throw from here on Mechanic…read moreStreet, I would frequent this park on the daily back in the day. It is a staple in Strawbery Banke and Portsmouth. It is always so super clean, there are bathrooms available, there is street parking nearby, and it is actually quite large and has a lot to offer. In the summertime they offer plays on their stage that are free to the public, as well as other shows for a small fee. Several musicians play here too (Ani DiFranco, anyone?!), and people usually bring their chairs or blankets and camp out on the grass to watch the entertainment. There is plenty of green space, but there are also walkways, and benches scattered throughout. Toward the front end of the park, there is a wildflower garden with a fountain that operates during the summer months. There is a vegetable and herb garden that is within the center of the park as well that members of the park can pay into if they wish to do so. There is also a composting station toward the back end of the park too. This park is very green friendly, no pun intended! My favorite part of the park though are the docks that jut out into the Piscataqua River. There are three if I'm not mistaken, and there are benches on each for your sitting and viewing pleasure. It is a very tranquil, relaxing, and quiet park off the beaten path right on the outskirts of the downtown area heading into Strawbery Banke. River boats also depart from here, and you can buy your tickets on the Prescott Park website. Overall, this is one of my favorite parks, not only for what it offers, but for what it symbolizes for me, which is pure happiness and nostalgia. I come here every time I'm down town, and it really never gets old. Keep up the good work, Portsmouth :)

Patriot was here at Prescott Park on May of 2026 on a warm Saturday afternoon. Nice park area…read morewith a stage area and food venue

Beautiful lighthouse. Easy to navigate to the location and easy to park. It was so peaceful to…read morewatch the waves crash against the rocks. As a tourist, this checked all my boxes, especially that there was no cost to enter the parking lot.

Delightful spot to check out a quintessential coastal lighthouse. Disappointed that you actually…read morecan't get that close to the lighthouse itself but it's pretty to take in and grab dint nice photos. Decent size parking lot with a couple of beaches.

Penguin came to Josiahs Park to walk down the trails in the forest…read more Lots of Greenery ,.trees, shrubs. Grass. Birds chirping. Beautiful day out for a nice walk

Small but tranquil oasis, this park is a cool, green glade for a respite from beach, sand, and sun…read more Just off Bourne Lane, you can cool your heels by the babbling brook and enjoy the scenery. A nice change of pace!

Perfect spot in downtown Dover for kids to play after going to the Children's Museum or out to eat…read more They have a splash pad that's usually open in the summer as long as there isn't a drought advisory. The park has a fun "music" area with outdoor xylophone type instruments and drums. Swings, Slides, Splash pad, and Sand areas to play. It can get a little busy and on one occasion there were some interesting characters skulking about. There is parking on either side of the park. Water fountain available. Some shade available as well!

This is probably one of the coolest playgrounds we've been to. Didn't expect to see it. We were…read moregoing to the children's museum and then came out to a really cool playground. I liked all the different swings. They really are inclusive. All the different things that require the kids have balance. The slides are a little scary but my son did like them. There's definitely a lot of people when we went. Seems to be a visited place especially on nice days which I get but we would love to go back especially if they have a splash pad. I mean, I honestly think it's a very neat park that has lots of different things to it. You definitely can't get bored there and it seems to be inclusive to everyone, not just able body.

Great place for dogs. Take the kids for hot dogs or hamburgers while the dogs run…read more Food truck is only open Fri - Sun.

They are the best. People friendly and even more dog friendly. The dock dog events are great to…read morewatch.

Clean grassy area near the beach with plenty of space to walk dogs, have picnics, and have…read moregatherings with friends and family. Definitely gets busy during summer.

I love, love, love this spot! This is an odd year with…read moreCOVID-19 procedures and mandates ... and I'm not sure concerts were actually held here at all this summer or not! I come to York regularly, but haven't specifically looked for concerts this year. This park is always so neat and clean. Some days, it's so great to be near the ocean, but NOT on sand or rocks!

This is a fantastic public campground ($25/nt) and beach ($5/day). The water at the lake is clean,…read morewarm (in the summer), and the beach is well cared for. There are watercraft available for rental ($20/hr). The campground is professionally managed with DNCR staff ready to help. Firewood is sold on site (no outside firewood permitted) at $7/bundle. The patrons for the most part are kind and respectful (sadly, not all). Reserve online and come and enjoy this gem!

We loved it here! Absolutely gorgeous beach. We did not camp but spend several days here. You can…read morepay to leave and re-enter the beach area. The beach has a picnic area and trees so you don't have to be in the sun the entire day. The water is shallow so it's great for small kids. They do allow you to bring or buy floats. Snack stand was a typical camping store with Keurig Coffee and teenagers. They also had a great playground in the beach area so it's excellent for families!