4 Delightful Ways to Spend a Few Hours in Newburyport, Mass

I love spending all weekend exploring all the nooks and crannies of a new town or city, but sometimes my busy schedule only allows for a quick visit. While I'd prefer to have endless hours to wander, I’ve come to realize that just a quick morning or afternoon trip is more than enough time to get a feel for an unfamiliar place. I can then decide if I want to come back for more or spend my time traveling elsewhere. The first time I visited the coastal Massachusetts city of Newburyport, I knew that I would be returning, and have done so again and again ever since.

This North Shore community is one of my favorite places to visit. I could go on and on about all the city offers. However, since this article is about keeping things short and sweet, I will focus on my top picks for how to spend only a few hours in Newburyport.

Coastal Newburyport is a walkable city with several fantastic hiking areas, a rail trail, and a vibrant downtown. You will definitely need to fuel up with some coffee before heading out. My favorite local coffee shop is a little hidden gem called Olive's Coffee and Bakehouse that features fantastic coffee, pastries, and delicious breakfast sandwiches. I highly recommend trying Olive's chocolate donuts.

Once you get that caffeine moving through your veins, I suggest heading to Maudslay State Park. This beautiful 480-acre waterfront park was once the lavish estate of the well-to-do Moseley family. You can still see relics of the family’s mansions, gardens, and outbuildings as you hike through the scenic trails. There is even an old pet cemetery on-site.  

Every trip to Newburyport, even short ones, should include a visit to Oldies Marketplace. You never know what you will find in the eclectic antique store. This old red barn of things features everything from vintage furniture to authentic memorabilia. Even if you don't purchase anything, Oldies is worth exploring.

By this point, you will probably be growing hungry. If time allows, I suggest stopping in town for some lunch. There are many amazing places to get a great meal, including Newburyport’s well-known Grog restaurant. The Grog has been a fixture in town for the past 54 years, winning multiple local “Best Of” awards. The restaurant specializes in classic American pub fare, comfort food, and local seafood dishes. Other delicious dining options include the Sea Level Oyster Bar NBPT and the iconic Park Lunch restaurant.

Have you visited Newburyport yet? If so, what was your favorite local stop in town? You can find out more about this wonderful North Shore town by visiting the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry website and the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. And if you would like to create an itinerary for any of your travels, you can use the handy Only In Your State itinerary planner to receive customized local suggestions.