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City in Massachusetts, United States
Photo: Nutmegger, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Newburyport is a lovely coastal town in Massachusetts at the mouth of the Merrimack River. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful natural areas, water activities and fine dining. Its population was about 18,000 in the 2020 census.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This 21-room brick Federal home houses the Museum of Old Newbury. Visitors are treated to the treasures of the area’s rich historic past, encompassing every aspect of life from the countryside to the city and its merchants. There are guided tours, exhibits, special events, and lectures. Open May-October, Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 11AM-2PM. Last tour begins one hour before closing. Admission Charged.
Housed in the restored 1835 granite Custom House, the museum exhibits artifacts form Newburyport’s rich maritime history as a major shipbuilding center and seaport, sending ships to the Far East and around the world.
A 480-acre state park with 19th century garden plantings, rolling meadows, pine forests and mountain laurel. Walking, biking, horseback riding, picnics and cross-country skiing are available to the public. A seasonal outdoor theater and performance center are on the grounds. A real gem along the banks of the Merrimack River. Best in May and June.
Off Plum Island Tpke. A 4,662-acre sanctuary on Plum Island. The entrance to the refuge is situated less than four miles from Market Square, the historic center of downtown Newburyport. The refuge contains a wide variety of habitats including beaches, sand dunes, saltmarshes, salt pannes, freshwater impoundments, and maritime forests. The large salt pannes located on the west side of the refuge road are excellent places to see a large variety of shorebirds during fall migration (July through September) and egrets and herons from mid-April through October. The Hellcat Wildlife Observation Area has large freshwater impoundments, an extensive swamp, and deciduous forest. The impoundments and swamp usually support large numbers of waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds. The woodlands are excellent places during the spring and fall to observe large numbers of migrating songbirds, including the magnificent wood-warblers. Near the southern end of the island, Stage Island Pool is also excellent for waterfowl and waders. Sandy Point State Reservation at the sound end of Plum Island is a breeding area for the endangered Piping Plover during the summer and a very productive site in fall for shorebirds. During the winter, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see waterfowl plus many northern species that winter in our area. Highlight species include the Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, and Snowy Owl.
On the boardwalk. Also dinner cruises and charters.
Jun-Oct daily. Harbor tours leaving Waterfront Park. Adults $12, children $6. Sunset cruise 6:30PM - 8PM; adults $18, children $10.
The week-long celebration of the first European settlers to the Newburyport area. It features an art show, an antique car show, boat parade, the "Bed Race", a fireworks show, and, of course a parade on the last Sunday of the festival. There are concerts every night at the waterfront park.
This two-day music festival features national recording artists at the waterfront park in downtown Newburyport. Admission is Free.
August 31 & September 1, 2008
This two-day festival is fun for all ages. Street performers of all kinds entertain crowds throughout downtown Newburyport. Admission is Free.
This two-day festival is the perfect way to celebrate autumn in Newburyport. Crafters and artists fill the streets of downtown. Admission is Free.
Instruction or guided river, wildlife refuge, full moon or Isle of Shoals tours.
Charter (fishing, whale watching, etc.) 6 passengers.
Marine environmental education program. Charterboats for fishing, evening cruises, etc.
Suite 305. Certified for up to 49 people year round. Summer only.
Lady Diane Charters offers Bass, Bluefish & Mackerel fishing, whale watching, dive charters and scenic cruises from May 15 through October 15.
Hilton’s Marina, Merrimac St. Sportfishing charters aboard a 33' Blackfin for Giant Bluefin Tuna, Sharks, Cod, Haddock, Striped Bass and Bluefish.
Lexie's is a hole-in-the wall burger joint with a small, but creative menu. There are several burger options all of which can be made with beef, chicken, or bean patties. You can get fries with a selection of toppings or as-is. Lexie's also serves a small selection of draft beer and makes milkshakes to order.
Authentic Mexican restaurant on three floors, each with its own atmosphere.
Nice casual atmosphere with art displayed.
Dinner $10-20.
Creative Italian.
Great views to go with the excellent food and service. Year round.
Acclaimed chef.
Climb the 55 stairs to the top of this lighthouse, then select (for delivery) from multi-course gourmet meals offered by Newburyport's finest. Reservations required months ahead. $375 per couple, all you can eat, includes membership in the Lighthouse Preservation Society (with possible tax deductibility). Bring your own liquor.
Small brewery with a good sized taproom that can accommodate large groups. Newburyport does a range of styles, but is known for their Plum Island Belgian White and Green Head IPA. the taproom frequently hosts live music and you can bring your own food. Samples are free and pints are $5.
Despite its small size, Riverwalk brews a decent range of styles, including the hard to find ESB. Their beers tend towards the hoppy side of the spectrum, but are not overly bitter. The taproom is very small, but samples are free and they distribute them efficiently so even large crowds can move through quickly. Tours are also offered.
Coffee shop that roasts its own beans. Atomic Cafe is a good place for a strong espresso drink or a cold brew. They also serve beer and wine and have a small sandwich menu. In the evening, they serve cheese and charcuterie plates to go with your drink. Atomic Cafe's beans are available for purchase in the store and they are also attached to a small bookstore.
27 rooms.
9 rooms, 5 with bath
24 rooms in 1809 inn.
Large bookstore in an old factory a short walk from the center of Newburyport. Jabberywocky has a huge selection that should suit any reader and has a second floor dedicated to children's books. They host an ongoing author talk series on Friday nights.
Somewhat corny tourist store that used to be a general store. Richdale carries 120 different penny candies, 25 cent hot dogs, a big selection of souvenir clothing, beer, wine, and some food items. There's also a Dunkin Donuts in the store.
Huge antique shop in an old warehouse on the waterfront. Books, clothing, furniture, kitchenwares, music, old signs, and pretty much anything else you could want.
By train
By car
By bus
By boat
Newburyport sits at the mouth of the Merrimack River. Call the Newburyport Harbormaster at +1 978-462-3746 for specific information on your trip to Newburyport.
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