Free Parking Lot in Portsmouth, NH, is an Absolute Game Changer

I love me some downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. What's not to love, right? There's great food, scenic waterfront views, a solid art scene, fun nightlife, and unique shops. The locals and the tourists have one common qualm about downtown Portsmouth. It is a tale as old as time and many cities have the same issue; parking can be a total nightmare.

When parking is a challenge in a city, you hope you can lean on public transportation. In Boston many of us opt to take the T into the city to alleviate the stress and financial burden associated with paying for parking in Boston. Also, when you take public transportation, it's like having a built in designated driver! Bring on the cocktails!

However, Portsmouth's public transportation options are slim to none. You can try to take an Uber or Lyft if you aren't staying within walking distance but there are often not enough drivers in the height of the season.

It also feels like one of the only parking garages in Portsmouth (the Hanover garage) is often under construction making the already slim public parking options even slimmer!

So what's a Portsmouth, New Hampshire, loving kid to do? I'm certainly not going to stop visiting my favorite little city when the weather gets nice. I want to be posted up on a patio soaking up the rays and living my best life.

This is the part where I am going to leak a secret that might change your life. (Locals, please don't come for me!)

There is a lot in Portsmouth that is free for 72 hours and it is walking distance from downtown.

I am talking about the Parrot Ave Parking lot. It is located right next to the Citizen's Bank on (you guessed it) Parrot Ave in Portsmouth. It's a five minute walk to downtown and it sure beats paying for parking.

Google Maps

Can you park overnight?

You sure can!

Is the "72 hour" rule enforced?

Yes it is. I have left my car there for longer and had a big fat ticket on my windshield.

The parking spaces are not infinite (there are 176 spaces) and they do fill up in peak season. However, the spaces on Parrot Ave are also free (along the baseball field) it just gets to be a longer walk into town the further down you park. But if you don't mind a healthy jaunt on a Summer's eve, rock on with your bad self! You can also park at the Portsmouth Public Library during non business hours for up to four hours.

There have been council members over the years who have proposed that the city of Portsmouth start charging for this lot but it hasn't happened yet. So enjoy it while it lasts.