Newburyport, MA, is one of my favorite places and makes an excellent choice for a day trip or long weekend. With so many recreational activities you’ll definitely be able to fit in some exercise while you’re there. Situated on the banks of the Merrimack River, it’s a quintessential New England town with a vibrant downtown lined with quaint brick front shops and restaurants. You won’t find chain stores and restaurants there, which is one of my favorite features of the town. Instead you’ll find locally owned retailers featuring artwork and jewelry from local artists. The restaurants feature something for everyone and range from fresh seafood to pub fare. If you only have a day or a few hours to spend in Newburyport consider this post your guide book of the town’s highlights.
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Clipper City Rail Trail
I love walking through cities and towns and Newburyport has a rail trail that will bring you away from the often crowded sidewalks. The Clipper City Rail Trail is about a mile long and stretches from the Newburyport commuter rail station on US Route 1 to the Merrimack River in downtown Newburyport. Access the rail trail by parking at the commuter rail station or pick it up downtown by walking under the overpass to the left of Michael’s Harborside Restaurant.
I prefer starting by the commuter rail station because there is always parking available. The trail is paved and relatively flat, and uniquely lined with art installations crafted by local artists. If you’re looking to get the blood pumping, run up and down the stairs at the rail trail’s intersection with High Street followed by a set of push ups. Catch your breath at street level by taking a brief detour down High Street to see all the magnificent Federal style homes, many of which were formerly owned by sea captains and built when Newburyport was a center for shipping, fishing and “triangle trade”.
The trail is relatively short but that doesn’t mean your walk or run needs to end at the Merrimack River. Facing the river, to the left is Cashman Park, a large, dog-friendly park on the river bank. A walking path runs along the river and there are basketball and tennis courts as well as a playground. Keep your heart rate up with a set of pull-ups on the monkey bars!
If at the end of the trail you prefer to head towards the main downtown area you can take a right under the overpass towards Michael’s Harborside Restaurant. Cross the paved parking lot and follow the adjacent dirt parking lot through the boat yard to the Black Cow Tap & Grill. Here you can pick up the Harbor Walk, a boardwalk running between the river and Waterfront Park. The Harbor Walk is a great for breathing in the fresh salt air while watching the boats coming in and out of the river. Stop in Waterfront Park to soak up the warm sun or perhaps practice yoga in the early morning before the rest of the town wakes up.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
This gem is on Plum Island, a short car or bike ride from downtown Newburyport and is best explored on foot or by bike (this will also save money on the entrance fee). The federally protected refuge spans 4700 acres and is home to over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, making it an extremely popular bird watching destination. The Piping Plover, an endangered shore bird, takes up residence in the refuge from April through late summer so you’ll seen many areas roped off as inaccessible so as not to disturb the breeding grounds. A partially paved road runs through the reservation offering access to multiple pathways for further exploration of the marshes and beaches. The road is fairly flat and makes for a fantastic scenic run or bike ride.
You can also explore the refuge by canoe or kayak. Bring your own or rent from Newburyport Kayak. If you would like a longer trip you can start near downtown by putting in your boat at the Cashman Park boat ramp or the Joppa Flats ramp on Water Street. Be sure to check the tide charts, as some areas of the refuge won’t be accessible during low tide. Refer to Parker River’s web page for maps and additional information on paddling and other activities available in the refuge.
I would be remiss if I didn’t caution you about the greenheads that inhabit Plum Island and nearby beaches during mid-July through early-August. Even the best bug spray won’t stop them due to their large size and the bites can be quite painful. Your best bet for exploring the Parker River Refuge during greenhead season is to wear pants and long sleeve shirts.
Maudslay State Park
This state park is a short ride outside of town and offers a large network of walking and running trails. I recommend bringing a trail map, as the numerous trails can be a bit of a maze. This former family estate, once owned by a wealthy investment banker, is an historic site with beautiful 19th century gardens and a dizzying amount of rhododendrons. Although the original buildings on the estate were torn down the mansion foundations remain, and history buffs will have fun visualizing what the grounds looked like in their glory days.
Indoor Rock Climbing
If it’s too cold or rainy to explore Newburyport’s outdoor activities a great option to get in some exercise is to visit MetroRock Climbing Center, which sits next to the rail trail near the commuter rail station. It’s an indoor rock climbing gym and is a lot of fun so if you’ve never tried it I definitely recommend it. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an experienced rock climber or even know how to tie a figure eight knot. The safety harnesses are set up so all you need to do is clip into them and you’re off and climbing. There are multiple color coded routes ranging from beginner to advanced. If you’re up for a real challenge you can try the free climbing walls where it’s just you and the wall. Thankfully there are well cushioned mats beneath you!
Newburyport Farmers’ Market
All that exercise is going to leave you craving fresh food to reenergize! I love supporting local farms and farmers’ markets, and Newburyport has one of the best farmers’ markets on the North Shore of MA. Every Sunday morning at the Tannery Marketplace more than forty local farmers and artisans set up shop selling fresh produce, herbs, meats, cheeses and local honey. Aside from “farm food” you can shop for fresh cut flowers, handmade jewelry, skin care products, local wine and handmade chocolates. Pick up a fresh cup of coffee and stroll through the market. Don’t forget to bring a cooler and reusable bag because you’ll end up buying more than you anticipate!
While you’re at the farmers’ market check out the many shops in the surrounding Tannery Marketplace for unique and creative gifts. I love Newburyport Olive Oil Company for every flavor of top notch olive oil imaginable. Create a gift set by pairing the olive oil with cookware from neighboring Port Plums. Visit Jabberwocky Book Shop next door to Revitalive to add a cookbook to that gift basket.
Where to Eat in Newburyport
Revitalive
Located at the Tannery Marketplace in Mill #1, I love Revitalive for smoothies, salads and soups. You can’t make a bad choice with the menu filled with organic fruits, veggies and handmade snacks ranging from raw granola to vegan-friendly chocolates. The smoothies and cold-pressed juices are made to order with no added sugar. They even have one of my favorite dishes, acai bowls, that are hard to find in New England. Speaking of acai, if you happen to be visiting Costa Rica anytime soon, check my blog post on where to find a great acai bowl.
Metzy’s Cantina
If taking the train to Newburyport you can’t miss this Mexican restaurant located next to the track in a converted train station. Metzy’s started as a food truck and, due to its tremendous popularity, morphed into a full service restaurant. Mexican is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a healthy restaurant meal because of the beans and protein (go easy on the cheese), so stop by Metzy’s to order up one of their famous tacos or a salad and enjoy live music on Saturday night.
Riverwalk Brewing Company
Riverwalk is one of several breweries in Newburyport and is oh-so conveniently located just off the rail trail and next door to MetroRock. Jump the fence from the rail trail and land in their outdoor beer garden or follow the rail trail to the end (by the train station) and take a right to find the building a block away. Beer is obviously the main attraction but the taproom offers a food menu consisting sandwiches and bar bites (try the hummus dipping plate). Order your beer at the bar and take it outside to enjoy at one of the picnic tables and play a round of corn hole. Who doesn’t love corn hole?!
Plum Island Coffee Roasters
I love this local coffee shop set on the banks of the Merrimack river. Sip your coffee on the outdoor patio while watching the boats on the river. I recommend the “world famous” Marge Bar for a nutritious and satisfying snack or light meal.
Where to Stay in Newburyport
For the best experience I recommend staying in one of the local inns or hotels. Use Booking.com to find a variety of accommodations for every price range. A couple of recommendations:
Blue
This modern, boutique beachfront hotel is the only hotel on Plum Island. Step out your door onto the sand to enjoy the amazing view of the Atlantic.
Essex St. Inn
Treat yourself to a true New England inn experience in the heart of downtown Newburyport. This historic inn has been tastefully updated while retaining its historic charm.
I’d love to hear if you discovered any hidden gems during your Newburyport visit. Post the favorite part of your trip in the comments!