Where to go and what to do in Newburyport
The stunning seaside escape is just a short trip on the commuter rail.
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Newburyport, a charming and historic North Shore town, is only 10 stops from North Station on the commuter rail, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend away.
Unlike Rockport, where the train drops you off in the middle of town, Newburyport’s station is in a sparsely filled area surrounded by parking lots and swampland. It’s about a mile walk to downtown. On weekends, there’s a shuttle bus service, and cabs also swing by the area regularly. You can also find bicycle rentals nearby if you don’t feel like walking.
Once you get downtown, however, it’s all worth it. Here are our picks for where to go and what to do in Newburyport.
Eat
Lobster roll at Bob Lobster
Just a short stroll from the waterfront, Newburyport offers numerous dining options for every palette. At Loretta (15 Pleasant St., Newburyport; 978-463-0000), you’ll find upscale American fare that’s popular for both lunch and dinner, so reservations are recommended on weekends. For fresh oysters, ceviche, and inventive cocktails, head to Brine (25 State St., Newburyport; 978-358-8479), where the sleek marble bar invites a hip clientele.
If you’re looking for a more laid back, authentic “North Shore of Massachusetts” dining experience (read: where’s the lobster?), head to Bob Lobster (49 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury; 978-465-7100) on your way to or from Plum Island, where you’ll dine picnic table-style with views of the Merrimack River.
Play
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If you want to spend the day at the beach and the evening in town, head out to Plum Island, an 11-mile barrier island off the Newburyport coast. This popular stretch of beaches and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (Sunset Drive, 978-465-5753) offers pristine sand, salt marshes, wooded areas, dunes, and lots of bird-watching.
Back in town, downtown Newburyport has an abundance of historic architecture to explore. Take a walk around the narrow side streets and pop into the Tannery Marketplace (75 Water St.; 978-465-7047), where you’ll find a spate of restaurants, shops, and the town’s farmers’ market. If you’re a history buff, visit the Custom House Maritime Museum (25 Water St.; 978-462-8681), which was designed by the same architect as the Washington Monument. The almost 200-year-old building houses numerous relics of Newburyport’s past.
Stay
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If you want to spend the night or the weekend, the Garrison Inn (11 Brown Square, Newburyport; 978-499-8500) is a luxury boutique hotel in the center of town that’s been serving guests since 1850. The inn went under an extensive $1 million renovation in 2011, but kept the building’s historic charm. There’s a gym, restaurant, and made-to-order breakfast is included in your stay.
Also close to the center of town but hidden on a quiet side street, the Compass Rose Inn (5 1/2 Center St., Newburyport; 978-675-6660) is a historical, Federal-style mansion-turned-bed and breakfast that offers six luxuriously appointed suites. A “continental plus” breakfast is included with your stay.
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