Newburyport is one of the most charming coastal towns in Massachusetts. Located just 35 miles north of Boston, this historic seaport offers waterfront dining, boutique shopping, beautiful beaches, whale watching, and easy access to Plum Island. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a day trip from Boston, this guide covers the best things to do in Newburyport, where to stay, and where to eat.

Newburyport wasn’t on my radar the way bigger New England cities were. No one puts it on their travel lists next to Boston, Salem, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, or Nantucket. But that’s what makes Newburyport so special.

I first visited Newburyport years ago on a trip with my mom. She was looking at places to retire on the East Coast, somewhere charming and closer to family. We drove up from Boston on one of those classic crisp, clear fall days. And I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d fall in love with Newburyport as well. The brick buildings lining streets, the way everyone seemed to know everyone, the river, and that crisp fall air that smelled of the sea.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Getting to Newburyport

Newburyport sits about 35 miles northeast of Boston, which makes it an easy day trip or a perfect long weekend destination. Downtown Newburyport is very walkable on cobblestone streets.

Traveling by car will take you approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Parking downtown is metered but are free on evenings and weekends, so they fill up fast. Especially fast on summer weekends. Aim for Water Street lots or the garage near Market Square.

• From Boston – 35 miles North (45 minutes – 1 hour drive)
• From Portsmouth, NH – 20 minutes South
• From Portland, ME – 1 hour North
• From Providence, RI – 1.5 South

One of Newburyport’s best kept secrets for visitors from Boston is taking the train. The MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Line runs directly from North Station to Newburyport. It’s a pleasant ride and as I previously mentioned, Newburyport is extremely walkable.

If you want to visit Plum Island, it’s a short rideshare away or rent a bike to get there in the summer. If you want to avoid the stress of parking and are coming from Boston, the train makes the trip easier!

When to Visit Newburyport

Newburyport is a fantastic destination year round with each season offering something different.

Spring (April – May)

Spring in Newburyport is beautiful with mild weather (50s-50s) and blooming flowers. It’s a typical shoulder season with restaurants and shops being open without the crowds. The Parker River Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island is at its peak for bird watching during the spring migration.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is peak season in Newburyport with the warmest weather (70s-80s). It brings the full waterfront scene including whale watching, boat tours, a packed farmers market, and beach days on Plum Island. It’s also the busiest time of year so expect crowds and higher rates.

Book your accommodation and dinner reservations in advance.

Fall (September – November)

I’m probably biased because I love autumn weather, but I think it’s one of the best times to visit Newburyport. Or anywhere in New England really. The temperatures are dropping (50s-70s), the foliage is spectacular, the air is crisp, and the atmosphere just feels cozier. Autumn is another shoulder season so you’ll find less crowds and better rates.

Winter (December – March)

Winter in Newburyport has its own quiet charm, especially around the holidays. With the cold temperatures (20s-40s), there are minimal visitors. Many businesses close for the season. But Newburyport does Invitation Nights in late November through December which are Friday evening shopping events. Downtown comes alive with lights, sales, and that small town holiday charm.

Where to Stay in Newburyport

Garrison Inn

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Newburyport, the Garrison Inn is a boutique, historic hotel. It is named after William Lloyd Garrison who was a Newburyport native and a huge part of the abolition movement.

While the inn features a traditional exterior appearance, all of the rooms are updated and modern. Enjoy delicious breakfast and fresh juice every morning before heading out for the day.

Essex Street Inn & Suites

The Essex Street Inn & Suites has a long history, originally built as a stable it was completely destroyed in a fire. It was later rebuilt and then transformed into a guesthouse and transportation hub. The rooms and suites are cozy and modern, making this the perfect place to stay on your visit to Newburyport. It’s a highly recommended hotel right in downtown Newburyport with 37 rooms and is walking distance to everything.

Blue Inn On The Beach (Plum Island)

If you want the full beach experience, Blue Inn on the Beach is a luxurious beachfront hotel on Plum Island. It features ocean views, a hot tub, and breakfast delivered to your door. Rooms, suites, and private cottages are available.

The Compass Rose Inn

Enjoy luxurious amenities and sophistication at The Compass Rose Inn. It is considered one of Newburyport’s hidden gems. It’s a spacious mansion known for its classical architecture, quiet atmosphere, and unique charm. Several rooms have fireplaces.

Clark Currier Inn

A charming B&B, the Clark Currier Inn has period decor, fireplaces, and a comfortable, well-kept atmosphere.

What to Do in Newburyport

Take in the beauty of Newburyport by exploring the historic downtown area on foot. As I mentioned earlier, downtown Newburyport is very walkable with beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, shopping, and restaurants.

Walk Downtown

The starting point for any visit is to walk downtown Newburyport. Sitting on State Street and Market Street, downtown is very walkable with brick storefronts, boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and coffee shops. Head toward the water to hit the Waterfront Promenade along the Merrimack River. You’ll find a boardwalk with benches and views of the marina.

Plum Island

Plum Island is a true gem in Newburyport. Spend at least half a day or more to fully experience it. The 11 mile barrier island sits a few miles from downtown Newburyport and splits into a public beach and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important migratory bird sanctuaries on the East Coast. It’s home to over 300 species on over 4,700 acres of salt marsh, dunes, and maritime forest. This is a beautiful destination for bird watchers.

Besides birdwatching, Plum Island is a stunning stretch of New England coastline. Walk the Hellcat Boardwalk Trail through the marsh and dunes. Go kayaking through the marshes.

Parking at the refuge is $15/day on weekdays and $20 on weekends.

Important Note: The famous roadside landmark at the entrance to Plum Island, the Pink House, was demolished in 2025. Visitors can still stop at the former site and view the memorial sign honoring one of the region’s most iconic landmarks.

When to visit: Summer is best for swimming, but it can be crowded. Fall is stunning, has fewer people, and the birds will be migrating. Spring is nesting season; it’s a beautiful time to visit with fewer crowds but some beaches close.

Newburyport Whale Watch

From spring to fall, Newburyport Whale Watch runs tours out of the Merrimack River into the Gulf of Maine. This is a high traffic whale area, with humpback whales, finback whales, and minke whales.

Maudslay State Park

A little outside of town, Maudslay State Park is a stunning estate turned into a state park. It features 19th century gardens, meadows, towering pines, and miles of trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding. Spring brightens the paths with flowers blooming.

Custom House Maritime Museum

Newburyport has a deep maritime history. It’s where the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service (precursor to the Coast Guard) was born. The Custom House Maritime Museum shares this history in a beautiful 1835 granite building. This is a great rainy day activity or for those interested in local history.

Clipper City Rail Trail

Enjoy a walk down the 1.1 mile path that connects the MBTA station to the Merrimack River waterfront. It’s a perfect path to take if you decide to visit Newburyport by train.

Newburyport Art Association

An easy spot to miss, the Newburyport Art Association is a nonprofit gallery with rotating exhibits featuring local artists. And everything is for sale. Entry is free and behind the building is a waterfront sculpture garden that is open year round.

Yankee Homecoming Sidewalk Sales

This annual event happens every summer (typically late July/early August) and is one of Newburyport’s biggest annual events.

Shopping

My mom and I always did some serious shopping whenever we traveled, and Newburyport’s downtown is amazing for shopping. It’s filled with independently owned shops where you find one of a kind gems. Head to State Street and Market Square for your shopping!

A few shops worth knowing:

Jabberwocky Bookshop: An independent bookstore with a huge selection!

Shine Boutique: Women’s clothing and accessories, sustainably minded.

Green Plum Vintage Goods: Vintage and antique finds with an eclectic feel.

Stonewall Kitchen Company Store: Maine based specialty food brand offering jams and condiments.

Newburyport Art Association Gift Shop: Small but has unique local gifts you won’t find anywhere else!

Museum of Old Newbury

The Museum of Old Newbury offers a look into the region’s colonial and maritime history. Located inside the historic Cushing House, the museum features exhibits on local shipbuilding, trade, and life in early New England. It’s a great stop for history lovers to understand how Newburyport became one of the area’s most important seaports.

Colby Farms

Located just outside Newburyport, Colby Farms is a family run farm known for its seasonal produce, farm stand, and sunflower fields in late summer. You can browse locally grown vegetables, fresh baked goods, and other specialties.

Where to Eat in Newburyport

Newburyport has some amazing boutique restaurants and cafes! It’s honestly amazing how many great restaurants are packed into the town. Here’s some great options to consider when visiting.

For Dinner

Loretta

Upscale American food with a warm, neighborhood feel.

Carmine

Amazing Italian food!

Black Cow

The Black Cow features a sailboat turned bar on the first floor and a waterfront deck on the second floor. They offer new American with a creative sushi menu and 40 beers on tap.

Brine

This sleek oyster bar focuses on a raw bar menu, great white wine, and a $2 oyster happy hour.

Bar25

Offering Persian style shared plates, Bar25 sits in a 3 story building and offers live music weekly.

Joy Nest

Asian-inspired tapas in a 1920s supper club setting. Complete with chandeliers, fireplaces, and live jazz.

Mission Oak Grill

A church converted into a Brazilian inspired steakhouse. They have great happy hour bar deals!

The Paddle Inn

A lively gastropub with a rotating menu and great cocktail program.

The Poynt

Wood fired pizza, steak frites, and a Bloody Mary bar at brunch!

Sea Level

Right at Waterfront Park, Sea Level has two outdoor patios and is a fun take on New England seafood. Think popcorn shrimp served with actual popcorn.

Brown Sugar by the Sea

Thai food with live piano music.

Newburyport Brewing Company

A spot where the locals hang out for its rustic feel and affordable menu.

The Thirsty Whale

My mom and I went here for lunch on our first day in town. I picked the restaurant because of the name 🙂 It is a quaint little restaurant with excellent service and delicious food.

Caffe Di Siena

Every night we went here to sit in the front window and watch the night life outside. My mom would order some tea or coffee and talk about how much she loved the town and the people. I would have hot chocolate and pastries 🙂

The Clam Box

We also went to eat at The Clam Box which is fifteen minutes outside of Newburyport. Apparently it is one of the best places to get clams in Massachusetts and the line is often very long out the door. We were lucky enough to go when it wasn’t busy. The restaurant had really interesting decor, we spent most of our lunch looking at all the different wall pieces. The food was delicious, it is definitely worth visiting.

Final Thoughts

Newburyport captured my heart from the first visit, and it holds a special place in my memories. I’ll forever remember the charming downtown area with doors right on the sidewalk edge, sitting in a cozy cafe with Christmas lights strung up inside where I’d drink hot chocolate and my mom would sip her decaf coffee and watch people walk by, and the quaint New England atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, a peaceful solo escape, or a family friendly vacation on the coast, Newburyport is a hidden gem that checks all the boxes.

Have you visited Newburyport? What was your favorite part? Drop your questions or recommendations in the comments!

To learn more about Newburyport, visit:
City of Newburyport
Happy in Newburyport