We all love a good pub and while supporting your local is important, sometimes its nice to have a change of scenery. The News has looked at some fantastic activities and places to visit locally. Whether looking for something to do on your own or a new place to socialise with friends and family, Portsmouth and the surrounding area will have an option for you.
Here are 16 options of things to do instead of going to the pub.
![The classic seaside arcades can be found in Clarence Pier, Southsea. Offering cuddly toy grabber, 2-penny falls as well as video games and simulators.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjA0OWRjNTdjLWYxMjEtNDUyZS04NmNhLTM4ZTgxMGM3OGZhMzozZWUzNzlhNC01YzJjLTQ1YzYtYTVjYy05NjNjZWQ5MGVkMzE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
9. Play the arcades
The classic seaside arcades can be found in Clarence Pier, Southsea. Offering cuddly toy grabber, 2-penny falls as well as video games and simulators.Photo: National World
![The Spinnaker Tower in Gunwharf Quays offers incredible views across the Solent. They hold a number of events throughout the year but the sky bar at the top offers a year round chance enjoy cocktails with a view.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjZjMTJlZmYzLTI3NjUtNGMxYS05Y2I3LTRhYjkyMjM1ZTg3ZDphMjRlYzAzYS1jOTMxLTRjYzUtYTZlZi1kNTEwYzdkZDdlODQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
10. A trip up the Spinnaker Tower
The Spinnaker Tower in Gunwharf Quays offers incredible views across the Solent. They hold a number of events throughout the year but the sky bar at the top offers a year round chance enjoy cocktails with a view.Photo: Marcin Jedrysiak
![The Blue Reef Aquarium on Southsea seafront allows visitors a glimpse of tropical coral reefs and a chance to get up close to fantastic aquatic creatures.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmE5MDhmZGNlLWJlOWQtNGQ0Mi04YzZmLWM0MTBkNWQ0ZTE1Yzo0YzY2NmRlMy0xYmRmLTQwZjktYTM1Ni1hOWU1NjM4MmMzZWQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
11. Blue Reef Aquarium
The Blue Reef Aquarium on Southsea seafront allows visitors a glimpse of tropical coral reefs and a chance to get up close to fantastic aquatic creatures.Photo: -
![Explore Portsmouth's restaurants. The city and its surrounding areas have a multitude of options from a diverse range of cultures. Now is as good a time as any to taste what Portsmouth has to offer.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjQzNWZkNjdkLTU3NTYtNGQ1Zi1hM2I2LWMyNzNkY2YyNmU0MjplNzdkNzVmNy1lZGMyLTQ0YjctODBhNy02OGQxMjNjOGQyNGM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
12. Go to a Restaurant
Explore Portsmouth's restaurants. The city and its surrounding areas have a multitude of options from a diverse range of cultures. Now is as good a time as any to taste what Portsmouth has to offer.Photo: Habibur Rahman