Informational content only — always verify hours and admission with each garden before visiting.
Prescott Park — Formal Garden

New Hampshire · Est. 1954

Prescott Park

A beautiful waterfront park and garden along the Piscataqua River.

Founded

1954

Size

10 acres

Hardiness Zone

USDA Zone 6a

Best Season

June to August

About Prescott Park

Prescott Park features extensive flower gardens, waterfront views, and a formal garden with fountains. It serves as a beautiful and educational space with a living catalog of flowers.

History & Heritage

The park was created from land purchased in the 1930s by the Prescott sisters, Josie and Mary. In 1954, the land was willed to the City of Portsmouth for public enjoyment. The formal gardens were later expanded in 1975 with the All-American Selections Program.

Signature Feature

Formal Garden

The Formal Garden features pathways, three fountains, and full planting beds ringed with annuals. It includes a massive waterfront anchor sculpture and Cabot Lyford's Whale sculpture.

Photo Gallery

Formal Garden Pathways

Formal Garden Pathways

Flower Beds

Flower Beds

Park Plantings

Park Plantings

Notable Collections

Formal Garden

Features fountains, pathways, and full planting beds.

Liberty Gardens

Beds of annuals designed and installed by City staff.

Trial Garden

Originally part of the All-American Selections Program to study ornamental plants.

Hosta Bed

A shaded bed of hostas along the Mechanic Street edge.

Plan Before You Go

Hours, Parking & Accessibility

Hours & Seasonal Timing

Open daily, dawn to dusk

Best seasonal window: June to August

Parking & Arrival

16 ADA Accessible parking spots available; nearby Foundry Garage

Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.

Accessibility

Wheel-friendly and accessible for visitors of all abilities

Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.

Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.

Recognition & Awards

  • Tree City USA

Editorial Standards

This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.

Plan Your Visit

June to August

Address

105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Phone

603-431-8748

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

Admission

Free

Parking

16 ADA Accessible parking spots available; nearby Foundry Garage

Accessibility

Wheel-friendly and accessible for visitors of all abilities

Insider Tips

  • 1Take a seasonal garden tour on Fridays
  • 2Bring a chair or blanket for events
  • 3Visit the nearby Strawbery Banke Museum
  • 4Park at the Foundry Garage for cheaper parking

Nearby Attractions

  • Strawbery Banke Museum (0.1 miles)
  • Market Square (0.4 miles)
  • The Music Hall (0.5 miles)
All New Hampshire Gardens