Explore Things to Do in Newburyport, MA

Newburyport, Massachusetts, is a charming coastal city with an interesting history, a breathtaking waterfront, fun outdoor activities, and a lively arts scene. The summertime might be a popular time to visit this city, but you’ll discover there are plenty of things to do all year round. If you want to visit Newburyport and spend a few days exploring, we’ll help you plan your trip. You’ll always find something to do in this oceanfront city. 

Venture Into the Scenic Outdoors in Newburyport

Newburyport is home to several parks, trails, and ocean activities where you can be out in nature and get some much-needed Vitamin D. 

Maudslay State Park

At Maudslay State Park, you’ll discover 19th-century gardens, rolling meadows, and one of the largest naturally occurring strands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts. You can walk, bike, snowshoe, run, or ride on horseback through the state park’s several trails. 

Clipper City Rail Trail & the Harborwalk

The Clipper City Rail Trail is a 3.3-mile trail connecting the MBTA commuter rail station to the Newburyport Harborwalk. Sculptures, a gallery of local paintings, and beautiful views over the Merrimack River are what you can expect on your journey through the trail. 

Newburyport Whale Watch

Beginning downtown, the Newburyport Whale Watch will take you out of the Merrimack River into the Gulf of Maine. During your ride, you might catch sight of various marine life, including Humpback, Finback, and Minke whales as well as Porpoise, Seals, Sharks, and Sea Birds. Whale watches operate in the spring, summer, and autumn. 

Plum Island 

Plum Island is an 11-mile island off the coast located in the cities of Newburyport and Newbury. Here, you’ll find Plum Island Beach, which got its name from the beach plums that grow along the dunes. This family-friendly attraction is the perfect place to play in the sand, swim, kayak, fish, sunbathe, and bird-watch. Plus, you can explore Newburyport Harbor Light, a lighthouse that is less than 100 feet from the beach.

It costs $15 for non-residents to park at Plum Island Beach on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays.  

Find more places for outdoor adventure North of Boston.

Taste Your Way Through the Best Eats in Newburyport

When you start to feel a little hungry during your exploration, make sure to stop at Newburyport’s many restaurants.

Sea Level Oyster Bar Newburyport 

Take in the views of downtown Newburyport while feasting on New England’s freshest seafood and sipping on tasty cocktails at the Sea Level Oyster Bar Newburyport. This restaurant offers inside dining, seasonal patio dining, and back deck dining that overlooks the Merrimack River. 

Black Cow

Black Cow is a classic New England dining experience with a creative sushi menu and an extensive drink list. Sit outside on the second-floor deck and bask in the views of the waterfront or sit near the sailboat-turned-bar, which is right on the first floor. 

Brown Sugar by the Sea 

Get a taste of Thailand at Brown Sugar by the Sea. This restaurant serves classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and curries while also serving Asian fusion options like crab rangoon and low mein. During your meal, you can enjoy the sweet sounds of a baby grand piano.   

Bar 25

Bar25 is a Mediterranean restaurant serving delicious food and amazing cocktails, all while showcasing live music. Restaurant owner Reza Rahmani uses his Iranian roots and family recipes to create contemporary style plates. Here, you can order some small plates to share with friends and family or choose your own entree.  

Find more places to enjoy delicious food North of Boston

Celebrate Newburyport’s Heritage Through History, Art, and Music

This city is a thriving and vibrant cultural hub as the themes of history, art, and music blend together to offer visitors once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Custom House Maritime Museum 

Discover maritime history from the 17th to 20th century at the Custom House Maritime Museum. The Custom House originally served as a building where ship captains would stop during their journey to pay taxes on goods being imported or exported. Each gallery within the museum is focused on historical narratives that are unique to the Custom House and give insight into Newburyport’s rich maritime culture, the city’s golden age following the Revolutionary War, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Firehouse Center for the Arts

This 191-seat theater dazzles all audiences with its variety of performances, from musicals to plays, live music, and art gallery showcases. The theater has an expansive history, first operating as a market house and lyceum, then serving as Newburyport’s central fire station, and now operating as a theater. If you’re interested in seeing a show at the Firehouse, make sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time. 

Newburyport Art Association

The Newbury Art Association is an art gallery that is dedicated to promoting and exhibiting artwork to the community. Many artists exhibit their work here, showcasing their paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media. The association also hosts a range of classes and art education programs for all ages. 

Maudslay Arts Center

Culture and entertainment come alive at the Maudslay Arts Center, located right in Maudslay State Park. The art center provides an amphitheater with great acoustics where you can watch concerts in the summertime from a seat on the patio or a blanket on the lawn. During other times of the year, the center is used as a space for special events such as weddings, conferences, memorial services, and more. 

Find more about art and history North of Boston. 

Shop Local with Shops in Newburyport

In Newburyport, you’ll find many local shops that sell special items. Forget branded clothing. In the heart of downtown, stores sell gorgeous, unique items. 

The Tannery Marketplace 

The award-winning shopping center adjoins the picturesque waterfront of Newburyport on Boston’s North Shore. At the Tannery Marketplace, you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, specialty items, and several dining and other business services. And on Sundays from May to November, you can check out the Newburyport Farmers’ Market or catch the Winter Farmers’ Market twice a month from December through April.

Soak & Shoreline 

Find luxury loungewear, pajamas, clothing, bath and body products, and accessories at Soak & Shoreline. Located right in downtown Newburyport, this retailer offers shoppers beautifully fragranced soaps, organic products, bath balms, and scrubs.

Jabberwocky Bookshop

Jabberwocky Bookshop is a full-service independent bookstore that lives in a refurbished tannery mill building. Get some help from the knowledgable booksellers and find a book that fits your interests. And if you’re looking for a book that is out of stock and needs to be ordered, the store offers free shipping to any place on the East Coast. 

Find more shopping opportunities North of Boston.

Relax and Unwind at Newburyport’s Inns and Hotels 

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you can relax at Newburyport’s many inns and hotels. 

Blue Inn on the Beach

Set right on Plum Island is Blue Inn on the Beach. This inn offers a cottage-like vacationing experience with modern amenities and a beautiful view of the ocean. Enjoy breakfast baskets, a hot tub, and beach loungers that will give you the ultimate beaching experience. 

Essex Street Inn 

This historic inn right in downtown Newburyport has 37 rooms with a unique and welcoming style featuring private baths, high-speed WIFI, and some limited onsite parking. Plus, the inn is within walking distance to many restaurants and shops. 

Compass Rose Inn

At the Compass Rose Inn, you’ll experience a sophisticated mansion with a tranquil atmosphere. The inn is a premier choice for those who would like a luxurious accommodation as it offers a freshly prepared breakfast entree each morning, king and queen bed suites, and other amenities. 

Find more places to stay North of Boston.

There are so many fun things to do in Newburyport and other cities and towns North of Boston. If you want to visit more areas, check out things to do in Salem, Haverhill, and Rockport.