17 Best Things to Do in Newburyport Massachusetts: A Coastal New England Guide
- Rey Eleuterio
- 1 day ago
- 13 min read
You know that feeling when a town just hits different the moment you roll in? Newburyport is one of those places. Red-brick storefronts, salty sea air, sailboats bobbing on the Merrimack, and a downtown that feels like it was made for slow afternoons.
It sits at the very top of the Massachusetts coast, right where the river meets the Atlantic. That mix of history, beach, and small-town charm is rare, and it's why so many folks make the drive up from Boston for the day and end up wishing they'd booked a hotel.
This guide covers all the best things to do in Newburyport Massachusetts, from quiet nature trails to lively shopping streets and a few quirky stops you won't read about in most travel guides. Pack a light jacket and an empty stomach. You're going to need both.
Key Takeaways
The best things to do in Newburyport are walking the historic downtown, exploring Plum Island, visiting the Custom House Maritime Museum, and hiking through Maudslay State Park. You can easily spend a full day or a long weekend here without running out of stops. The town blends coastal beauty, rich maritime history, and a lively small-town vibe.
Stop | Type | What to Expect |
Maudslay State Park | Nature | Trails, gardens, and Merrimack River views |
Bartlet Mall | Park | Frog Pond and historic green space |
Inn Street Mall | Shopping | Brick walkways, boutiques, and restaurants |
Custom House Maritime Museum | Museum | Newburyport's seafaring past |
Firehouse Center for the Arts | Arts | Live theater and gallery shows |
Waterfront Park | Park | Riverside green space downtown |
Clipper City Rail Trail | Outdoor | Paved trail with public art |
Newburyport Whale Watch | Tour | Atlantic boat tours from the harbor |
Oldies Marketplace | Shopping | Massive antique warehouse |
Tannery Marketplace | Shopping | Renovated mill with shops and food |
Joppa Flats Education Center | Nature | Birding and Merrimack River views |
The Pink House | Landmark | Iconic pink house in the salt marsh |
Plum Island | Beach | Long sandy barrier island |
Plum Island Lighthouse | Landmark | Charming white lighthouse |
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge | Nature | Beaches, dunes, and birding trails |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Plum Island, Clipper City Rail Trail, Waterfront Park
Best for charm and history: Custom House Maritime Museum, Inn Street Mall, The Pink House
Best budget-friendly: Bartlet Mall, Joppa Flats, Plum Island Lighthouse
Best food and shopping stop: Tannery Marketplace, Oldies Marketplace
Best for nature lovers: Maudslay State Park, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Save your favorite Newburyport stops with Wayback Tours so you can build the perfect coastal road trip without losing track of a single one.
A Quick Look at Newburyport's Story
Newburyport sits at the mouth of the Merrimack River on Massachusetts' North Shore. It was settled in the 1600s and split off from Newbury in 1764, becoming a busy port town for shipbuilding and trade.
During the American Revolution, local sailors helped the cause as privateers, harassing British ships up and down the coast. After the war, the town became known as the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard and a hub for early abolitionists.
Today, the harbor is full of pleasure boats instead of clipper ships, but the historic feel is still strong. Walk through downtown and you'll see Federal-style brick buildings, a granite Custom House, and streets that look pulled from a New England postcard.
When to Visit Newburyport
Summer is peak season here, and for good reason. The beaches are open, the shops are bustling, and the harbor is full of life. If you don't love crowds, late spring or early fall is your sweet spot.
Fall brings cool air, colorful leaves, and events like Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Palooza. December turns the town into a little holiday village with parades, tree lightings, and decorated storefronts.
Winter is quieter, but if you bundle up, you'll have Maudslay State Park and the rail trail mostly to yourself. A weekend works well, but you can hit the highlights in a single day if you start early.
Top Things to Do in Newburyport Massachusetts
Here are 17 spots worth your time, listed roughly from west to east so you can build a smooth route. Some are quick stops. Others can fill an afternoon. Mix and match based on what you're into.
1. Maudslay State Park
Tucked away on Newburyport's west side, Maudslay feels like a secret garden hidden in plain sight. It's hundreds of acres of woods, rolling meadows, and old estate land along the Merrimack River.
Why this one stands out: You get hiking trails, formal Italian and rose gardens, and quiet river views all in one place. Most visitors stick to the main paths, so it's easy to find a peaceful spot. Bring a picnic, and you can easily spend half a day here.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Small parking fee for non-residents
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for nature lovers, families, and anyone who wants a break from downtown crowds.
Save this to your bucket list so you don't forget
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2. Moseley Woods
Right next to Maudslay, Moseley Woods is smaller and more relaxed. It's a city park with shaded trails along the river, a playground, and great views of the Chain Bridge.
Don't skip this if you like: Easy walks, dog walking, or letting the kids burn off energy before lunch in town.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Off Merrimac Street, Newburyport
Hours: Daylight hours
Cost: Free
Time needed: About 30 to 60 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth a quick stop, especially if you're combining it with Maudslay next door.
Tag this for your next coastal Massachusetts trip
3. Bartlet Mall and Frog Pond
This is one of the prettiest urban green spaces you'll find in the area. The mall stretches between High Street and the historic courthouse, with a quiet pond in the middle and benches under big shade trees.
The quick pitch: It's a great in-between stop. In summer, you'll see folks reading on benches. In winter, when conditions are right, the pond turns into an outdoor skating rink.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Between High Street and Greenleaf Street
Hours: Open daily
Cost: Free
Time needed: 20 to 45 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you're nearby. It's a calm spot to reset between busier stops.
Want to remember this peaceful corner?
4. Old Hill Burying Ground
Sitting just above Bartlet Mall, this historic cemetery dates back to the 1700s. It's the resting place of many of the town's earliest residents, including some Revolutionary War figures.
What makes this stop different: It's not flashy, but the worn headstones and big old trees give it a quiet, almost sacred feel. History buffs will love reading the inscriptions.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Adjacent to Bartlet Mall, Newburyport
Hours: Daylight hours
Cost: Free
Time needed: 20 to 30 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth a short detour for history lovers. Skip if cemeteries aren't your thing.
Pin this hidden history stop for later
Fun Fact:
Newburyport is widely known as the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard, with maritime traditions dating back nearly 200 years.
5. Cushing House Museum
Run by the Historical Society of Old Newbury, this Federal-style brick mansion gives you a real look at how wealthy seafaring families lived in the 1800s. Every room is filled with period furniture, art, and family heirlooms.
Why it's worth stopping: The guides know their stuff. You'll come away with stories about Newburyport's shipping captains, abolitionists, and the changing fortunes of the town through the centuries.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 98 High Street, Newburyport
Hours: Seasonal, check ahead
Cost: Modest admission fee
Time needed: About 1 hour
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you love history or beautiful old houses. Especially good on a rainy day.
Save this historic gem to your bucket list
6. Inn Street Mall and Market Square
This is the heart of downtown Newburyport. Brick walkways, flower boxes, fountains, and rows of independent shops line the pedestrian-only stretch. Market Square anchors it all with its Federal-style brick buildings.
The quick pitch: It's the kind of place you wander without a plan. Pop into boutiques, grab coffee, sit by the fountain, then loop back when you spot a restaurant that smells too good to pass up. The Newburyport area has a great walkable downtown packed with one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, and casual eateries.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Inn Street and State Street, downtown Newburyport
Hours: Daily, with shops on their own schedules
Cost: Free to walk
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it. This is a must for anyone visiting town.
Don't let this one get away — add it to your list
If you love these kinds of historic New England downtowns, you might also enjoy a trip to nearby Salem, Massachusetts or Plymouth, both within an easy drive.
7. Custom House Maritime Museum
Set right by the waterfront, this gray granite building was built in 1835 to collect tariffs on goods coming into port. It was designed by Robert Mills, the architect behind the Washington Monument, which makes it an interesting piece of national history.
Why this one stands out: Inside, you'll find galleries packed with model clipper ships, paintings, sea captain portraits, and shipwreck relics. There's also a Coast Guard room that highlights Newburyport's place in maritime history.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 25 Water Street, Newburyport
Hours: Thursday through Sunday, seasonal
Cost: Small admission fee, often free for kids
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for history fans, families with curious kids, and anyone who loves the sea.
Add this maritime stop to your travel list
Fun Fact:
The Custom House is said to have been built using granite quarried from nearby Cape Ann and shipped to the site by barge.
8. Firehouse Center for the Arts
This old firehouse turned arts venue sits right on Market Square overlooking the waterfront. It hosts live theater, comedy nights, gallery shows, and music throughout the year.
Don't skip this if you like: Catching a show in a smaller, more intimate setting where every seat feels close to the stage. The performances tend to be a mix of local and traveling acts.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 1 Market Square, Newburyport
Hours: Show times vary
Cost: Tickets vary by show
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours for a performance
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you can catch a show. The building alone is worth a peek inside.
Save this in case a great show pops up
9. Waterfront Park and Promenade
Walk a few steps from the museum and you're at the Merrimack River. Waterfront Park is a wide green space with benches, a boardwalk, and views of the boats lining the marina.
The quick pitch: It's the perfect spot for a picnic or just sitting and watching the river. The Newburyport area has long been a popular spot for festivals and live music here, including events like Yankee Homecoming each summer.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Merrimac Street along the river
Hours: Open daily
Cost: Free, paid parking nearby
Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Worth it or skip it? 100 percent worth it. Even a quick stop is worth your time.
Tuck this riverside gem into your bucket list
Building a longer New England road trip? Use Wayback Tours to save Newburyport stops, organize them on a map, and add them to your custom bucket list as you plan.
10. Clipper City Rail Trail
This paved trail loops through downtown Newburyport, connecting the train station, the waterfront, and several parks. It runs over three miles and is dotted with public art, sculptures, gardens, and fun play structures.
What makes this stop different: It's not just a walking path. It's like a moving art gallery. You'll spot a steel locomotive sculpture, murals, interactive pieces for kids, and benches placed in scenic spots.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Multiple trailheads, including Parker Street and the MBTA station
Hours: Open daily
Cost: Free, free or paid parking depending on lot
Time needed: 45 minutes to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for walkers, runners, and bikers. One of the easiest ways to see the city without a car.
Save this scenic trail for your next visit
11. Newburyport Whale Watch
From the downtown waterfront, you can hop on a whale watch boat and head out into the Atlantic. Trips run during warmer months and usually take you to areas where humpbacks, fin whales, and other species like to feed.
Why it's worth stopping: It's one of the most memorable things you can do in town. The naturalists on board explain what you're seeing, and even the ride out is scenic.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 54 Merrimac Street, Newburyport
Hours: Seasonal, typically late spring through early fall
Cost: Tickets vary, book ahead
Time needed: About 4 to 5 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for first timers and families. Skip if you get seasick easily or have only a couple hours in town.
Want to remember this once-in-a-while adventure?
12. Oldies Marketplace
A warehouse-sized antique shop tucked just outside downtown. If you love the thrill of digging through old finds, you could lose hours here.
Don't skip this if you like: Vintage furniture, retro signs, old records, and that smell only old shops have. Prices range from a few bucks to serious collector items.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 27 Storey Avenue, Newburyport
Hours: Daily, hours vary
Cost: Free to browse
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you love treasure hunting. Skip if minimalism is your thing.
Pin this antique paradise for later → [Add to Bucket List]
13. Tannery Marketplace
A converted leather mill that now houses small shops, eateries, and a courtyard that hosts farmers markets and live music in warmer months.
The quick pitch: It's a relaxed spot to grab a bite, browse local goods, and catch a Sunday market. The brick and beam architecture gives it that old-meets-new New England vibe.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 50 Water Street, Newburyport
Hours: Daily, vendors vary
Cost: Free to enter
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for shoppers, foodies, and anyone who enjoys local markets.
Save this market stop to your bucket list
Fun Fact:
Newburyport is widely known for its summer event Yankee Homecoming, a tradition that has long brought visitors and locals together for ten days of food, music, and waterfront fun.
14. Joppa Flats Education Center
Run by Mass Audubon, this nature center sits along Water Street with sweeping views of the Merrimack River. It's a great stop before heading out to Plum Island.
Why this one stands out: The center has hands-on exhibits for kids, telescopes for spotting birds across the water, and a knowledgeable staff happy to share what's been seen lately. Plus, it's free to walk in.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, hours vary
Cost: Free admission, donations welcome
Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families, birders, and anyone heading out to Plum Island.
Add this nature stop to your travel list
15. The Pink House
If you've ever scrolled through Massachusetts travel photos, you've probably seen this little pink farmhouse standing alone in the salt marsh. It's quiet, lonely, and oddly beautiful.
What makes this stop different: Local lore says the house was built out of spite during a divorce, with one spouse demanding an exact copy of the family home — and getting it built in the middle of nowhere. Whether or not the story is fully true, it's become one of the area's most photographed spots.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Plum Island Turnpike, just east of Newburyport
Hours: Always visible from the road, do not enter
Cost: Free
Time needed: 10 to 15 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth a quick photo stop, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Save this quirky landmark for later
Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Head to Wayback Tours to map out your full New England route and save every stop in one place.
16. Plum Island and Plum Island Lighthouse
Plum Island is a long, sandy barrier island stretching south from Newburyport. The northern tip is dotted with cottages, restaurants, and the small white Plum Island Lighthouse.
Why it's worth stopping: You get sweeping ocean views, miles of beach to walk, and that classic New England lighthouse photo op. Sunsets here are something else.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Plum Island, accessed via Plum Island Turnpike
Hours: Public beaches open daily
Cost: Free for walking, parking varies
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it. Don't leave Newburyport without setting foot on Plum Island.
Don't let this beach beauty get away
17. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
The southern stretch of Plum Island belongs to this protected refuge, covering thousands of acres of dunes, beaches, salt marsh, and forest. It's one of the most beautiful spots on the entire North Shore.
Why this one stands out: You can drive the refuge road, stop at boardwalks like Hellcat, climb observation towers, and take in views you won't get anywhere else nearby. Hundreds of bird species pass through during migration, including piping plovers in summer.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Cost: Small entrance fee per vehicle or person
Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth every penny. Plan for at least half a day if you can.
Save this wildlife wonder for your next coastal trip
Tips for Visiting Newburyport
Parking downtown is easy enough, but it fills up fast on summer weekends. The Waterfront Trust lot is one of the best spots, with affordable hourly rates and a kiosk or app payment option.
If you don't want to drive, the MBTA commuter rail runs from Boston's North Station to Newburyport in about an hour. From the station, it's a short walk or quick rideshare to downtown.
Try to avoid Mondays if you can. Some museums, galleries, and restaurants close on that day. Tuesday through Sunday gives you the best mix of open spots.
Pack layers. Even in summer, the breeze off the Atlantic can drop the temperature fast, especially if you're heading out on a whale watch or to Plum Island.
If you're combining Newburyport with other coastal stops, Gloucester and Provincetown are great additions to your route.
Conclusion
There are so many great things to do in Newburyport Massachusetts, and the hardest part is fitting them all into one trip. From quiet trails and historic homes to busy markets and beach sunsets, this little city packs in a lot of variety.
Whether you come for a day or a weekend, you'll leave wanting to come back. So go ahead, pick your favorite stops, and start planning.
Save these stops, build your own road trip bucket list, and keep track of every place you want to visit, all in one spot with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
Is Newburyport Massachusetts worth visiting?
Yes, Newburyport is widely considered one of the most charming coastal towns in New England. With its walkable downtown, historic sites, and access to Plum Island, it's a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
How far is Newburyport from Boston?
Newburyport is about 35 to 40 miles north of Boston, which usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour by car depending on traffic. The MBTA commuter rail also makes the trip in just over an hour.
What is Newburyport best known for?
Newburyport is widely known for its rich maritime history, well-preserved Federal-style architecture, and its title as the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard. It's also a popular destination for shopping, dining, and beach trips to Plum Island.
Can you walk to Plum Island from downtown Newburyport?
You technically can, but it's a long walk of several miles. Most visitors drive, bike, or take a rideshare to Plum Island since the route includes a busy bridge crossing.
Are there good restaurants in Newburyport?
Yes, Newburyport has a strong dining scene with options for seafood, casual eats, fine dining, and vegetarian fare. Popular spots include places along Water Street, Inn Street Mall, and the Tannery Marketplace.
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