As you follow curving streets lined with quaint red brick buildings, you’d be forgiven for imagining you’d traveled back in time. Instead, you’re a mere hour from Boston, in charming Newburyport! This seaport town is currently home to about 17,000 people, but there’s much more to see and do here than the population size might suggest. Discover waterfront parks, go antique hunting, and savor peace and quiet at a wildlife refuge. Once you set foot in this North Shore town, you’ll find yourself lured back by its many attractions – and that’s just fine, because Newburyport is an easy day trip from the city.
Start your visit at Waterfront Promenade Park, where you can stroll beside the mouth of the Merrimack River.
This big red barn is crammed with all manner of unexpected treasures, from boating paraphernalia to musical instruments. It’s one of the best indoor antique malls in the state.
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The streets close to Oldies are lined with unique shops and quaint boutiques. Take some time to admire the architecture; hanging baskets of cascading flowers enhance an already picturesque place.
There are plenty of ways to spend an afternoon in Newburyport. Check out Maudslay State Park (on Curzon Mill Road), which features formal gardens, two rivers, adorable stone bridges, and hiking trails.
…walks across a salt marsh, and birding galore sounds like an alluring combination, you might prefer to stop by Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, located on Plum Island.
Just be aware that some sections of the refuge close around nesting time and you’ll want to wear bug spray here!
Once you’ve had your fill of nature, mix things up with a visit to the Custom House Maritime Museum (25 Water Street). This petite museum contains model ships, artwork, ginormous shells, a ship’s bell, and more.
The taproom is open Wednesday through Sunday. Newburyport Brewing Company is known for IPAs and for its delicious Plum Island Belgian White. (Address: 4 New Pasture Road.)
There’s a festival or special event every month of the year in this town, but two annual events in particular draw visitors to Newburyport: the literary festival in April and the Yankee Homecoming in July (pictured).
