26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Newburyport (MA)

Newburyport is one of the most beautiful tourist-friendly cities in Massachusetts, welcoming hundreds of tourists annually.

This is a coastal city filled with incredible beaches that are perfect sites to hang out with your family and friends with lots of fun things to do.

There is more to Newburyport aside from beaches, lots of other exciting places to visit with your family and friends.

Newburyport is graced with several fun parks, museums, historical sites, art galleries, wildlife refuges, breweries, spas, malls, and more.

Newburyport welcomes people from all over the world who come to this incredible city to experience its sandy beaches and lovely parks.

Things to Do in Newburyport

1. Plum Island Lighthouse

Plum Island Lighthouse
Credits: Christine Manning / Shutterstock
Plum Island Lighthouse

In a magnificent city like Newburyport, one of the best ways to explore the town is visiting Plum Island Lighthouse.

Plum Island Lighthouse was established in 1869, and it is a 35-foot-tall wooden lighthouse also referred to as “Newburyport Harbor Lighthouse.”

In 1788, the first Newburyport Harbor lighthouse was constructed primarily to guide mariners safely into the harbor.

A new 45-foot tall, wooden, conical tower was built in 1898 to replace the original towers, built on sandy but hard ground.

Plum Island Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the lighthouse shimmers a green light that eclipses every fifteen minutes and travels for up to 12 miles.

The lighthouse is one of the nicest places to eat, and it is advisable to make reservations ahead of time to eat here.

Plum Island Lighthouse is also known as the Rear Range lighthouse; kids must be at least forty-two inches tall and five years old to access the property.

Address: Harbor St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

2. The Newburyport Art Association

 Newburyport Art Association
Credits: Newburyport Art Association/ Facebook
Newburyport Art Association

An educational and innovative place in Newburyport is the Newburyport Art Association which opened its doors in 1948.

Under the leadership of Sam Sargent, art teacher, a painter, and citizen of Newburyport, the Newburyport Art Association presented its first exhibition in July 1948.

The Newburyport Art Association is committed to promoting and showcasing our members’ work to provide art education for students of all ages and skill levels.

The Newburyport Art Association bought the building in 1969 and is home to Hills, Hartson, and Sargent galleries.

This art association consists of five hundred members and offers educational programming, and supports two essential community outreach programs.

Address:65 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

3. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Credits: Nancy Kennedy / Shutterstock
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A trip to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge should be included in your bucket things to do in Newburyport.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1941 and spans over four thousand seven thousand acres of land.

The refuge consists of wetlands habitats and diverse upland, including cranberry bogs, sandy beach & dune, salt mash & associated creek, maritime shrubs & forests, artificial impoundment, and others.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is home to a large population of migratory and inhabitant wildlife such as insects, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, including over three hundred species of birds.

There are several trails throughout the refuge, which makes it easily accessible and perfect for those who love and appreciate nature.

Visit during sunrise or sunset for an incredibly stunning view; you’ll find ponds with water creatures like herons, egrets, fish, ospreys, and hawks.

Address: Refuge Rd, Newbury, MA 01951, United States

4. Moseley Woods

Moseley Woods
Credits: Lori L. Stalteri/ Flickr
Moseley Woods

Moseley Woods is a sixteen-acre public park overlooking the Merrimack River in Historic Newburyport.

The park features hiking trails perfect for an adventure and a great way to sink in the surrounding beauty.

Moseley Woods consists of a well-equipped playground with several exciting, fun equipment, including many slides, a merry-go-round, and more.

There are picnic areas with picnic tables and a spacious Pavillion that hosts a series of summer concerts.

Moseley Woods is an excellent place for children and nature enthusiasts, including dog walkers. The park is adequately maintained by a registered non-profit organization, the Friends of Moseley Woods, formed by members of the Moseley Woods Commission and the city of Newburyport.

Address: Spofford Street at Merrimac Street Newburyport, MA 01950 United States

5. Plum Island Beach

Plum Island Beach
Credits: Nancy Kennedy / Shutterstock
Plum Island Beach

Plum Island Beach is the most excellent place to go if you want to relax and escape from the hustling and bustling of the world.

The beach is charming with its clear blue water always warm and lovely, coupled with many spots to chill and enjoy the sun.

Plum Island Beach is a place that children will always cherish, with a large area for them to run around and have fun.

The beach is always open to the public with its Plum Island Lighthouse, which is open to locals and tourists.

Plum Island Beach offers you the opportunity to watch turquoise blue waves crash against the sand while listening to the sound of the ocean.

6. Custom House Maritime Museum

Custom House Maritime Museum
Credits: cmh2315fl/ Flickr
Custom House Maritime Museum

If you’re curious about discovering New England’s maritime past and exploring all shipping sections, visiting the Custom House Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in Newbury.

Custom House Maritime Museum allows visitors to stroll through the hallways while also learning more about its history.

It was initially a custom house before it was converted into a museum and is located inside an early nineteenth-century building.

Custom House Maritime Museum is packed with several artifacts and exhibits that focus on the history of Newburyport.

The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and plays a vital role in the Newburyport Historic District and Market Square Historic District.

Custom House Maritime Museum also has a restaurant that serves delicious meals and drinks, so when you begin to feel famished, make sure you stop by.

Address: 25 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

7. MetroRock Indoor Climbing Centers

MetroRock Indoor Climbing Centers
Credits: BearFotos / Shutterstock

For an extremely fun day with your friends and family, add a visit to MetroRock Indoor Climbing Centers to your list of things to do in Newburyport.

MetroRock Indoor Climbing Centers consists of more than 12 000 Square Feet of climbing terrain with a bouldering area of 150 feet long and 17 feet high, making it the largest in the Northeast.

This climbing center also contains more than fifty top rope stations with a fantastic steep lead roof cave design.

MetroRock Indoor Climbing Centers comprises a large space for group programming with family, regular corporate, youth events, and more.

There is a 45-degree amphitheater and a full retail shop, and they also offer yoga classes with professional coaches.

 Address: 40 Parker St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

8. Brown Sugar by the Sea

 Brown Sugar by the Sea
Credits: Brown Sugar by the Sea/ Facebook
Brown Sugar by the Sea

There is no place better to dine in Newburyport than the Brown Sugar by the Sea for an exceptional experience.

Brown Sugar by the Sea is trustworthy in its region for serving delicious Thai food; once you step in, you’re treated like family and not a stranger.

They use authentic Thai recipes and spices with locally sourced farm products to prepare the meals.

Brown Sugar by the Sea offers an outstanding food menu, including green curry, Massaman Curry Chicken, Chicken with Brown Rice, Garlic Shrimp, Massaman Curry with Beef, Drunken Noodles with Fried Tofu, Crispy Spring Rolls, Country Pad Thai with Tofu, Stir-Fried Vegetables and more.

Brown Sugar by the Sea staff is attentive and kind, trying their best to ensure customers are comfortable and satisfied.

Address: 75 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

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9. Firehouse Center

Firehouse Center
Credits: Leslee_atFlickr/ Flickr
Firehouse Center

The Firehouse Center is a non-profit art center with a one hundred and the ninety-one-seat theater open all year round.

The art center is well maintained and improved through the audiences, artists, volunteers, businesses, and philanthropists.

The Firehouse Center offers entertaining dance, music, film, and theater, including an art gallery and family education.

They host lots of concerts and shows that bring the people together who want to relax and be highly entertained.

The Firehouse Center features comfortable seats that are positioned so that wherever you are seated, you get a clear view of the large stage.

Address: 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

10. The Actors Studio of Newburyport

The Actors Studio of Newburyport is a must-visit, especially if you’re a fan of culture and art; it was founded in 1991.

The Actors Studio of Newburyport was formed to motivate, improve, and connect audios as a vital cultural resource for the community.

It is a fifty-seat black box theater that offers a wide variety of plays from classics to modern work by fast-rising and already established actors and writers.

The Actors Studio of Newburyport offers lots of creative opportunities, such as playwriting classes for beginners and professional writers about crafting original material for performance.

Whether you love acting or simply relax and watch art performances all night, the studio is a great place.

Address: 12 Federal St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

11. INTERLOCKS Salon and Spa

INTERLOCKS Salon and Spa
Credits: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Another fun thing to do in Newbury is visiting INTERLOCKS Salon and Spa, a perfect place to spend the day not playing or working but relaxing.

INTERLOCKS Salon and Spa offer you several essential services; they do nothing but pamper your body.

They are the best in the city for beauty and wellness; they sure know how to take care of your body and make you glow.

INTERLOCKS Salon and Spa offer facials, massages, and body scrubs that relieve you from stress and make you more beautiful.

They also offer mani-pedi, eyelash extensions, and hair services with a large selection of luxury brands serving customers the best personal products from different parts of the world.

INTERLOCKS Salon and Spa features at least sixty seasoned professional staff encouraging patrons to come and receive great services and join their upcoming events.

Address: 58 Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

12. Bob Lobster

Bob Lobster
Credits: Kip Voytek/ Flickr
Bob Lobster

Bob Lobster is a great restaurant that is concerned about serving the public with delightful delights in Newburyport.

The restaurant ensures that the meals are served healthy, delicious, and fresh using locally grown ingredients.

Bob Lobster offers a laid-back atmosphere with river views and a comfortable setting for the guests to enjoy.

Some of the meals served include salmon burger, shrimp roll, hot dog, Lobster Roll with Avocado, Fish and Chips, Fried Lobster Dinner, Coconut Shrimp, Fishermans Platter, Crab Cakes, Clam Chowder Soup, Fried Clams with Onion Rings, and more.

Bob Lobster staff is super friendly and attentive when taking orders from customers ensuring they are well served and satisfied.

Address: 49 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, MA 01951, United States

13. Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park
Credits: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock
Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is a 4.4-acre park located on Newburyport Harbor with several fun facilities and activities to explore.

The park features a beach volleyball court and reserved picnic areas with picnic tables perfect for family hang out and reunions.

Waterfront Park boasts an incredible amphitheater where musical performances are organized annually every summer.

This park offers some stunning views of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge and Plum Island; if you want to see sailboats and yachts, walk along a bridge to get a closer look at boats docked at Waterfront park marina.

Waterfront Park also hosts festivals and concerts you wouldn’t want to miss; there are many restaurants main the area, so don’t worry about getting hungry.

Address: 36 Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

14. Maudslay State Park

Maudslay State Park
Credits: Kip Voytek/ Flickr
Maudslay State Park

For that amazing picnic with your loved ones, add a visit to Maudslay State Park to your list of things to do in Newburyport.

Maudslay State Park stretches for over five hundred acres of land with wonderful scenery that makes it stand out from other parks.

The park is characterized by an ample green space with access to beautiful water views and lots of outdoor activities.

Maudslay State Park is open all year and is an excellent park for boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and paddling, especially during the summer season.

This state park features several trails excellent for walking, biking, hiking, and jogging; you could decide to go cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and more.

Maudslay State Park features designated picnic areas; just make sure you come with enough food and drinks as you also enjoy the scenic environment.

Address: 74 Curzon Mill Rd, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

15. Taste Newburyport Food tour

 Taste Newburyport Food Tour
Credits: Taste Newburyport Food Tour/ Facebook
Taste Newburyport Food Tour

One popular and truly fun way to explore a city is going on exclusive food tours; the Taste Newburyport Food tour have you covered.

Taste Newburyport Food tour lets you get the true sense of this beautiful city by strolling the downtown Newburyport local food vendors.

They open you up to lovely local treats that inspire you to discover on your own; during the exciting tour guides expose you to the backdrop of this historic city filled with intriguing stories.

Taste Newburyport Food tour is organized by Cape Ann Foodie Tours; the tour costs $55 and lasts between 2½ hours to three hours.

Visitors get to try out some of the delicious traditional meals and treats; the Taste Newburyport Food tour allows them to meet and interact with the owners of restaurants.

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16. The Garrison Inn

The Garrison Inn
Credits: Garrison Inn Boutique Hotel, Newburyport, MA/ Facebook
The Garrison Inn

If you’re thinking about a place to lodge in Newburyport, The Garrison Inn should be the first to mind.

The Garrison Inn offers you the true taste of New England with lots of comforts and contemporary luxury. This resort consists of twenty-four guests rooms with unique designs, themes, and views of the downtown Newburyport.

Each room is well furnished with mini-refrigerators, LCD TVs with cable channels, safes, comfortable beds, desks, ironing boards, and more. The Garrison Inn provides conducive restrooms with toiletries and bathrobes.

The Garrison Inn offers its guests delectable breakfasts, and they get to enjoy Riverside sunsets at its restaurant from Historic Fort Constitution on the plum island. There is free wifi throughout the facility with free parking space.

The resort features meeting space for small gatherings, anniversaries, weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and other events.

Address: 11 Brown Square, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

17. The Clark Currier Inn

 The Clark Currier Inn
Credits: The Clark Currier Inn/ Facebook
The Clark Currier Inn

The Clark Currier Inn is a home away from home, and they provide you with a warm and peaceful ambiance.

If you’re confused about where to stay in Newburyport during your visit, the Clark Currier Inn is the right choiçe for you.

The Clark Currier Inn is a federal-style inn that was initially a regular lodging house for a sailor in 1803 before it was transformed into a boutique property that tailors to the needs of business travelers and tourists.

It is a luxurious mansion overlooking one of Massachusetts’s most marvelous bays, consisting of eleven private rooms that are fully equipped and well decorated.

The Clark Currier Inn allows you to explore the house, with the lounge with a grand fireplace and a beautiful garden.

The parlor consists of oil paintings of Sam Sargent and Aida Tedford, popular artists in Newburyport; Clark Currier Inn also offer delicious breakfast and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for snacks.

Address: 45 Green St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

18. The Newburyport Farmers’ Market

Newburyport Farmers' Market
Credits: KREUS / Shutterstock

For that amazing family dinner, shop at the Newburyport Farmers’ Market, which is dedicated to supporting the local fishers, chefs, and farmers.

The Newburyport Farmers’ Market promotes a creative community by hosting the weekly market and organizing thrilling occasions that inspire and educate the community.

You can shop for local farm produce such as poultry, fruits, artisan crafts, meats, cheese, and healthy meals with excellent live music.

The Newburyport Farmers’ Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, and organic food, including homemade baked goods.

You also get to meet and chat with locals and other tourists, learn new recipes for making some of the traditional meals, and find out the city’s history.

Address: 50 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

19. The Tannery Marketplace

The Tannery Marketplace
Credits: Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism / Flickr
The Tannery Marketplace

Whenever you plan to go shopping, the Tannery Marketplace should be added to your Newbury to-do list.

The Tannery Marketplace offers you one of the best shopping experiences and is highly recognized by Boston Magazine.

There are several independently owned shops consisting of merchandise of different kinds and other services.

The Tannery Marketplace offers services like creative learning experiences, industry-leading business services starting from marketing, cafes & dining options to accounting, as well as numerous health, fitness, and beauty professionals.

When you visit this marketplace, you get to support locals by patronizing them; Tannery Marketplace is open every day of the week.

The Tannery Marketplace consists of nice stores like The Black Duck Market & Deli, Port Plums & Newburyport Olive Oil Company, Phillip the Tailor, Henry Bear’s Park, The Artists Playground, Natural High Fitness Club, McPhail Tax Services, and just to mention a few.

Address: 75 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

20. Blue Inn on the Beach

 

Blue Inn on the Beach is situated on Plum Island beach in Newburyport, in a lively neighborhood not too far from the downtown Newburyport filled with nice restaurants and shops.

The all-suite features comfortable rooms containing flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and fireplaces with lovely balconies that offer amazing ocean views.

This place offers you more than you ask for, including a hot tub, nice kitchen, terraces, a bbq, and access to the beach.

Blue Inn on the Beach ensures the rooms are well ventilated and organized; there are free Wi-Fi and free parking.

If you ever want an intimate moment with your spouse, friends, and families, Blue Inn on the Beach should be your next spot.

Address: 20 Fordham Way, Newbury, MA 01951, United States

21. Cushing House Museum & Garden

Cushing House Museum & Garden
Credits: Daderot [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Cushing House Museum & Garden
Cushing House Museum & Garden was established in the 1880s and has served the city as a hub for culture.

This museum attracts visitors from all over the world who come to learn about the city’s history and go through old artifacts.

Cushing House Museum & Garden was named after a lawyer, diplomat, and successful politician called Caleb Cushing.

The unique Victorian-era architecture and spot along scenic Newburyport Harbor make it stand out.

Cushing House Museum & Garden is a nineteenth-century museum located in a Federal Mansion with a whipped roof, louvered shutters, fanlight window over its front door, and double-hung sash windows.

Address: 98 High St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

22. RiverWalk Brewing Co.

RiverWalk Brewing Co.
Credits: somchaij / Shutterstock

For beer lovers, RiverWalk Brewing Co. in Newburyport is a brewery they will cherish after their first visit.

RiverWalk Brewing Co. was founded in 2012 and has since become a favorite place for many locals and tourists who come to share a drink.

Their cozy taproom is well decorated with a fantastic ambiance; RiverWalk Brewing Co. also features a beer garden perfect for fundraising, weddings, Monday night trivia games, etc.

RiverWalk Brewing Co. primary aim is to create a local and global community while also enriching the world surrounding them with a shared experience through service and great beers.

They offer rotational beers such as black ox, storm door porter, riverwalk IPA, Hit of haze neipa, little tipper, uncanny kölach, soil & sky, and flannel trousers.

RiverWalk Brewing Co. offers an extensive food menu, including haze roasted wings, pizza pan nachos, caesar salad, chips & salsa, meatloaf sandwiches, cobb salad, bbq chicken, buffalo chicken, house pretzel, and so on.

They are open from Monday to Thursday from 3pm-8pm, Friday & Saturday from 12pm-9pm, and Sunday from 11am-5pm.

Address: 40 Parker St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

23. Mad Martha’s Island Café

Mad Martha’s Island Café
Credits: Mad Martha’s Cafe / Facebook
Mad Martha’s Island Café

Every city ought to have nice cafeteria that offers delicious breakfast and light fare perfect for kick-off just before you begin your journey.

In Newbury, there are many wonderful dining spots, but Mad Martha’s Island Café is renowned for serving nice breakfast meals.

They also offer lunch options; all served fresh and delicious with the welcoming atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Mad Martha’s Island Café serves meals like Caramelized Banana French Toast, Gluten-Free Pancakes, Corned Beef Hash, Homefries, Swordfish Tacos, Chocolate Mousse, Fruit Salad, Banana Bread, Portuguese French Toast, and lots more.

They offer beverages to complement the meals, such as bottomless coffee, ice coffee, juices, soda, bottled water, etc.

Make sure you stop by for some delicious breakfast and other nice treats, you wouldn’t want to eat elsewhere after dining here.

Address: 51 Northern Blvd, Newbury, MA 01951, United States

24. Bartlet Mall

Bartlet Mall
Credits: Joseph Sohm/ Shutterstock
Bartlet Mall

The Bartlet Mall pays tribute to an ancient town called Common.

The Mall has an expansive path, a fountain, and shade trees. It was designed by prominent landscape architect Charles Eliot to enhance the lives and health of the locals of Newburyport. It has done so for more than 100 years. 

This beautiful Mall features an extensive recreational area and an ornamental pond. 

The pond was initially formed thousands of years ago by ice. When the ice thawed, it left behind a deep-sided gully that geologists call a kettle hole. 

In 1645 the first expatriates from England christened the water at the base of the kettle hole “Frog Pond.” Here they watered many of their sheep grazing on the hill above. 

The promenade-style walkway is ideal for strolling, running, or sitting. You will find the Frog Pond Playground adjacent to the North East corner of Bartlet Mall. 

Bartlet Mall offers facilities for picnics, skating, celebrations, celebrating festivals, and much more. 

Bartlet Mall was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. 

Address: 153 Auburn St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

25. Henry Graf Jr. Memorial Skating Rink

Henry Graf Jr. Memorial Skating Rink
Credits: Sergey Zaykov / Shutterstock

The Henry Grad Jr. Memorial Skating Rink is a public ice skating center managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. 

The arena is a full-service skating center that offers different skating programs for all ages and abilities. The center also has a snack bar and a heated conference room. 

The Henry Graf Jr., Memorial Skating Rink, provides visitors inexpensive recreation in a clean, safe, and meticulously maintained facility. 

Address: 28 Low St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

26. Cashman Park

Cashman Park
Credits: MA CZM Coast Guide Online/ Flickr
Cashman Park

Cashman Park is within strolling distance of downtown Newburyport. It is a gorgeous playground perfect for families with children of different ages. 

Cashman Park features sports fields, courts, and a jungle gym ideal for younger toddlers. 

Older kids will enjoy the tennis and basketball courts, open fields, and soccer and softball fields. 

Cashman Park also has a boat ramp that the public can use. 

Address: Sally Snyder Way, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

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Plan a Trip to Newburyport

Newburyport is an excellent place to visit every season, as it features lots of outdoor adventures.

This city promises unforgettable memories to families as they explore the markets, fun centers, museums, theaters, and more.

Newburyport gives visitors opportunities to choose, from outdoor recreational activities, history, art classes, food tours, and more.

Start planning your trip to Newburyport, have a fun trip!