Things to do & places to visit in Newburyport, Massachusetts, United States

Newburyport city in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 16:33.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Old South Presbyterian Church (23 reviews)
- Amazing historic tour
Churches & Cathedrals

I originally went there to pay my respects to my six times great grandfather Joseph Prince (the blind preacher) who is buried in the crypt along with his lifelong friends George Whitefield and Reverend Parsons. The tour was absolutely amazing. We learned so much about Whitefield and his ministry. Our tour guide Jerry did such a great job and was so informative and knowledgeable and did such a great job. We all agreed it was one of the best tours we had ever been on. I highly recommend anyone traveling to New England add this tour to their list. See more..
5.0 Newburyport Art Association (2 reviews)
- A "must visit" stop on our trips to Newburyport
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Smaller, but every bit as important as the Rockport (MA) Art Association to us. Rotating "Featured Artist" exhibits are always interesting. Most of the works are extremely affordable to purchase, and the gift shop features many small pieces of original art (we usually buy at least one thing each time we visit), as well as items geared toward children (books, etc). The building, itself, is pretty, too. See more..
5.0 First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist (1 review)
- CHURCH WITH STRIKING FEDERAL STYLE ARCHITECTURE
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Heading down Pleasant Street, I came to the church of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist. It was a fine example of Federal architecture from the perfect symmetry and decorative moldings above the tops of the front doors to the fanlight windows above the front door and tall narrow double-hung windows as well as up on the tower. The decorative column-like moldings on the front of the building and the pinnacles on the tower add more to style. The bracketing on the rooflines adds to the building’s attractiveness besides providing reinforced support for the roof, tower, and steeple. That’s another feature I like seeing on historic buildings. What I liked best about this building was all the detailed carpentry on the two stages of the tower just below the steeple. Great workmanship! The congregation was founded in 1725. The church was built in 1801. The parish hall was built in 1873 in a style consistent with the church. Like many other buildings in Newburyport, this church is on the National Register of Historic Places. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
5.0 Green Plum Vintage Goods (1 review)
- WONDERFUL, ECLECTIC COLLECTION OF EVERYTHING VINTAGE
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Antique Shops

Located in historic Newburyport, our shop blends the nostalgia of the past with vintage goods along with the modern style of today. Instagram- @green See more..
4.5 Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (349 reviews)
- Hellcat Boardwalk Loop - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island
Spent 2-3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Covering 4,662 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats, this refuge was established to preserve the feeding, resting and nesting areas of migratory birds. See more..
4.5 Maudslay State Park (161 reviews)
- Great park, lots of paths, peaceful with some great views
State Parks

I rode my bike there, there's no bike racks unfortunately so I locked it to a street sign at the parking lot. Lots of great trails, some through the woods, some along the river, and some through remnants of gardens and past old building foundations. Beautiful and peaceful, it wasn't crowded at all on a Tuesday evening at sunset. I ran about 4 miles of trail and didn't cover it all, will definitely return! See more..
4.5 Waterfront Park (112 reviews)
- Nice walk on a hot summer's day.
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

On a Saturday on the 4th day of a heat wave my wife and I drove up to Newburyport. Was pleasant along river, but still hot. First we went in a few shops downtown, browsing. Then we went in The Oldies building on the river, which sells interesting old things, but still hot, even though they had all the doors open. We walked along the park for a while, then sat on the benches a while, and then ate at Tuscan's, which was excellent (it is right on the water.) See more..
4.5 Plum Island (105 reviews)
- Plum Island bliss!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Islands

The plum island beaches are in both Newbury and Newburyport. The island is split by the two towns at about 55th street. Newburyport side has public parking lot at end of island. Newbury side has a few private lots one at the center or the island an one next to @mad_marthas restaurant near 20th steeet. Find a Tide Chart and arrive 3 hours before low tide and you’ll have 6 hours of bliss!! If you park near mad Martha’s the sandbars will AMAZE YOU! If you want to surf come at low tide and stay into the next 6 hours for high tide to come in. High tide is NOT family friendly for littles under 8 years old —or so. Newburyport end beaches are less wild with waves. Green heads really aren’t that bad. They are a July full moon occurrence. And I’m here right now in July 2 days after the full moon and I haven’t seen a single one yet. See more..
4.5 Clipper City Rail Trail (63 reviews)
- A old railway line walkway
Hiking Trails

We're looking for the Salisbury rail trail but sat nav took us here. Followed trail along the river and then inland last various sculptures and planted areas. Information boards as to what was where when in was a working railway. Fully tarmacked surface so easy to walk. See more..
4.5 Custom House Maritime Museum (63 reviews)
- >>> Don't Miss It; Staff Eager To Share Knowledge!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Military Museums

We passed the Custom House Maritime Museum several times while walking through Newburyport, and it doesn't look like much from the outside. But it's exploding with interesting artifacts and displays about the history of this city, once the fourth largest in the nation. The staff were so friendly and helpful, and it was clear that they appreciated our visit and our interest in the Museum and Newburyport. They were brimming with knowledge about Newburyport and the exhibits, so don't hesitate to ask about any- and everything. See more..
4.5 Joppa Flats Education Center (43 reviews)
- A unique and welcoming place.
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Visitor Centers • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Overlooking the Merrimack River and near the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the Joppa Flats Education Center offers unique educational opportunities for people of all ages. Here, you can explore the region’s wildlife-rich habitats (salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays, and coastal waters) through guided tours, marine touch tanks, art exhibits, drop-in programs, and interpretive displays. See more..
4.5 Firehouse Center for the Arts (35 reviews)
- Don’t Miss Evil Dead The Musical
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Theaters
If you are a fan of the 1980s horror cult classics, then you will not want to miss this comedic fun rendition of Evil Dead the musical. This can’t be, cheesy musical is the perfect October Halloween fun night out. If you want to be totally into it, dress for the party and make sure your seats are in the splash zone. You won’t come out without getting a little bloody wet. Crazy fun time, with a spot on cast and campy musical numbers. Double up on Friday night 29 October with the midnight showing home Rocky Horror Picture Show. Every seat is a great seat, with friendly staff and so much to do for dinner around the downtown of Newburyport. The Fire House is a must go to when you’re in the area. See more..
4.5 Newburyport Brewing Company (32 reviews)
- I can't help but REPEAT!
Sunday: Breweries

This is a local FAVORITE! Worth the trip to get a draft beer. They have specific times for tours. Call ahead if that's important. I got lucky my first time. They have great t-shirts. I like that the bartenders will talk about the beer and the start up of the company. Try their Porter on tap. Bring a growler if you want to fill it up!!! Enjoy! Buy some beer! I wish they would sell the porter in cans soon! See more..
4.5 RiverWalk Brewing Co (20 reviews)
- Love This Place
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

We’ve been brewing our unique style of complex, yet balanced craft beer in Newburyport, MA since 2012. Our approach is rooted in brewing history and blended with our worldly vision for what beer can be. Just as the actual Riverwalk Trail connects the people of Massachusetts, we hope our beer will do the same. Visit our tap room, outdoor beer garden and production facility in Newburyport. See more..
4.5 MetroRock Indoor Climbing Centers (11 reviews)
- Great way to spend a rainy afternoon!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sports Complexes

We happened to MetroRock by chance when we were fed up driving through the rain on the interstate. We were very professionally welcomed and after a good introduction the girls were off enjoying the fact that if the mastered the boulder climbing wall they could dign the wall with their names! A great way to get active on a rsiny day! See more..
4.5 Newburyport Powder House (7 reviews)
- VISIT TO AN AMERICAN CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

The Newburyport Powder House built in 1822 at Godfrey's Hill on Low Street - exterior and interior restored, with original cobblestone wagon path open as a historic park and learning center. Come experience a Civil War encampment, musket firing demonstrations at 1:30 and 3:30 pm, master cooper demonstration (27th) and guided tours of this unique historic landmark critical to our defense. For Newbu See more..
4.5 Newburyport Farmers' Market (6 reviews)
- Outstanding, diverse items, and fun!
Spent < 1 hour Farmers Markets
I enjoy farmers markets but often find them overpriced. Newburyport's is outstanding with plentiful items for every budget, great music, and lots of free parking (across the street or lot in back). Whether it is enjoying a loaf of maple walnut banana bread from When Pigs Fly, buying a dinosaur donut or other delicious pastry from Figs, being amazed by strawberry goat cheese ravioli from Valenti Farm, having an array of fresh veggies and fruit at your fingertips, or enjoying local artisans, this market has something for everyone. Open year-round on Sundays from 9am to 1pm (less so in the winter) in front of the Tannery market. Go!! You won't be disappointed. See more..
4.5 Moseley Woods Park (5 reviews)
- A hidden treasure
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails • Forests

This easily accessible park, a woodland on the shores of the Merrimack River in Newburyport, affords several miles of trails and spectacular views of the river that you cannot get anywhere else. It is also a rare opportunity to behold I-95's John Greenleaf Whittier bridge, a network tied arch design, as a work of art. There is well-marked parking, and the park is clearly no secret to locals, who appear to use it avidly. That said, there are sitting benches and picnic benches well-placed throughout, and plenty of quiet, private spots to gaze at the river, or "bathe" in the splendid woods. You will, of course, hear the interstate traffic as you get close to that edge of the park, but one hears that sort of noise all the time in the modern world, only without the beauty, so enjoy the unique juxtapose. See more..
4.5 St Paul's Episcopal Church (4 reviews)
- Wonderful church
Churches & Cathedrals

Old style. Attended for a musical performance. Warm and inviting atmosphere. Want to go back for a service. See more..
4.0 The Pink House (17 reviews)
- It’s the story
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

It’s the story behind the house that makes it an attraction. That AND the way it photographs with a sunset or without, with or without a hawk or snowy owl perched on the chimney. And the story of how a community rallies around a fabulous part of history and raises funds to keep it from being torn down. See more..
4.0 Plum Island Lighthouse (13 reviews)
- Beautiful beach area in winter!!
Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses

My husband and I took a winter walk on the plum Island beach behind the lighthouse. DRESS WARM. It was FREEZING but worth seeing!!! Absolutely breath taking!! Several dog owners walking their dogs and visitors in search of snowy owl pics. See more..
4.0 Hyman's / Pennyworth's (1 review)
- SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT STORE HIDDEN FROM STREET VIEW
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Department Stores

Hyman’s / Pennyworth’s is somewhat hidden from Storey Avenue because it’s location in the North Shops section of the Port Plaza, and the side of Hyman’s store faces the road. It’s also concealed by the Chipotle Mexican Grill and the Ohana Kitchen that are out on Storey Avenue. So, you have to kind of know that it’s there. I happened upon it when coming from another section of the Port Plaza. Hyman’s offers a lot of footwear that includes everything from dress shoes to work shoes and boots, to school shoes, play shoes, and casual sandals. The store also carries scrubs, uniforms, plus regular and outdoor clothing. The store bills itself as offering famous brands at affordable prices. Some brands are Nike, New Balance, Crocs, Birkenstocks, Vans, Clarks, SAS, Carhartt, The North Face, Timberland, UGG, Stride Rite, and more. The everyday prices are only slight discounts off MSRP. The sales offer 15%, 20%, 35%, or more off. In the summer, there is the Yankee Homecoming Tent Sale on shoes for the whole family at this store and another location in the Lynngate Plaza in nearby Lynn, MA. That’s when the deep discounts happen. During my visit, I browsed the women's Patagonia and The North Face jackets. For the number of quality brands carried in footwear and clothing, I rate Hyman’s / Pennyworth’s at 4.50. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Port Plaza Shopping Center (1 review)
- LARGE SHOPPING CENTER WITH A VARIETY OF BUSINESSES
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

Port Plaza is quite large. The company that owns it has it divided into three sections: East Shops, North Shops, and West Shops. The East Shops section has several businesses. Three would be of potential interest to travelers: Shaw’s Supermarket and possibly Heally’s Wine & Spirits and/or Port Plaza Cleaners. The North Shops have several businesses of interest to travelers. Most are restaurants: Ohana Kitchen which is known for Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls, McDonald’s, and Dunkin’. The one retail store is Hyman’s / Pennyworth’s which bills itself as having famous brands at affordable prices. I’ve shopped there. Some brands are Nike, Timberland, UGG, Carhartt, Crocs, New Balance, SAS, Stride Rite, Vans, Clarks, and more. The everyday prices are only slight discounts. The sales offer 15%. 35%, or more off. There’s also a Bank of America ATM there. The West Shops section has a Children’s Orchard which sells gently-used children’s clothing and gear, a Supercuts, and a nail salon. Restaurants include China Wok and Hana Japan. I’ve been to Port Plaza many times to Shaw’s Supermarket, McDonald’s, and Hyman’s / Pennyworth’s. The shopping options are limited, but there are five dining options at several different price points. On my most-recent visit, I spent most of my time in the North Shops section at Hyman’s / Pennyworth’s and some time at the East Shops section at Shaw’s Supermarket. For the quality of merchandise at Hyman’s / Pennyworth’s and Children’s Orchard and the variety of restaurants, Port Plaza makes it to a 4.0 rating from me. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Immaculate Conception Church (1 review)
- VICTORIAN GOTHIC CHURCH WITH INTERESTING MASONRY DETAIL
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The Immaculate Conception Church was the first Catholic church built in the area around Newburyport. The current building was built in the Victorian Gothic style. It was complete in 1853. The existing spire and a second one were added in 1873. The second spire was lost in a fire in 1945. I particularly liked and admired the trinity windows over the right side door and above all the side windows as well as the three-sectioned window over the center door. I thought that the white masonry trim – most likely marble – around the doors and windows added to the appearance of the building. In all, I think the building is an attractive piece of architecture. I rate the Immaculate Conception Church at 4.25 and can recommend a visit to those who appreciate architecture. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Joppa Park (1 review)
- PRETTY STRIP PARK EN ROUTE TO PLUM ISLAND
Spent < 1 hour Parks

On a visit to Newburyport, I was driving out to Plum Island; and, as I passed Joppa Park, I saw someone walking there. Before then, I never realized that there was a walking area there. Luckily, on this day, there was an available parking space at the end of the park. Although relatively small, this riverfront strip park has several things to offer. First, it has a brick-paved walkway along a riverside cement wall. Also, on the other side near the sidewalk outside the park there are lots of regular rose bushes - not wild sea roses. At the far end, there a bench. A local couple was enjoying taking a rest during their walk. Another point of interest is an Info board about clamming in Joppa Flats. Then, there are the scenic views of the Merrimack River and all the boats at anchor. I enjoyed my walk in this small, pretty park. I rate Joppa Park at 4.0 and can recommend a visit. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Bartlett Mall (1 review)
- SCENIC MULTI-USE CITY PARK
Spent < 1 hour Parks

En route to another part of Newburyport, I happened upon Bartlett Mall. From a local, I learned that this park had been a focal point for residents since the 1600’s when people used to bring their cattle there to graze and to drink the water in what’s called the Frog Pond in the middle of the park. I also learned that the pond is not man-made. It is a kettle hole pond. And, during the American Revolution, the mall was a training ground for the colonial militia. Today, it’s a gathering place for recreational activities. There’s a basketball court at the top of the park. I also saw a playground. An annual Lantern Festival is held there. I saw lots of benches for just sitting and relaxing. People also bring picnics to the park. During my visit, I walked the gravel-top paths that were covered with small shells from acorns and something else. There a scenic view across the Frog Pond at the Essex County Superior Court building, a historic red brick Federal style structure. The Frog Pond also has a nice fountain in the center. At the bottom of the park near Eppa Way, I found a WW I memorial with weaponry and a plaque for Eben Bradbury, Jr. who was killed in battle in France in June 1918. I rate Bartlett Mall at 4.5 and can recommend a visit. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL See more..
4.0 Belleville Congregational Church (1 review)
- GREAT EXAMPLE OF ROMANESQUE REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Driving down High Street to cut over to another area of Newburyport, I came to Belleville Congregational Church. This church is truly a stunning piece of architecture. I wasn’t expecting to see a church like this in a community with a population under 20,000. I parked and got out of my car to take in all its architectural features. As I was admiring it and thinking the word stunning, a local woman came by and said she always marveled at it because it was such a stunning piece of architecture --- my thought exactly. She liked the same features that caught my attention --- the two tall towers, a clock, two belfries, a large round windows, and several round-top stained glass windows. I learned that the roots of this congregation date back to 1761. It has had its struggles over the years. Its second building was destroyed in a bad storm. A third church was destroyed by fire. This fourth structure was built in 1867. And, it is a beautiful church. From its architectural lines and features, I identified it as being Romanesque Revival style which was popular in the 1850’s and 1860’s. The Fiske Chapel beside h church is in the Greek Revival style. I thought the two styles blended pretty well together. I rate Belleville Congregational Church at 4.50. It didn’t quite make a 5.0 because it was not a large cathedral. But, for a smaller church, it’s still very noteworthy and worth a visit. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Range Lights Sculpture (1 review)
- SMALL GARDEN WITH SOME WHIMSICAL SCULPTURES
Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

On my way to visit the Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light, I happened upon the Range Light Community Sculpture Garden. Both are out behind the Newburyport Art Association. I walked all around the garden admiring the various pieces of sculpture. Many pieces were imaginative and fanciful. I particularly liked one called Joy that depicted a reclining figure that appeared to be blowing bubbles. Another one I liked was Nexus which resembled a gyroscope with radiating something --- energy, perhaps --- coming out of the middle. I rate this small hidden gem at 4.25 and can recommend a visit. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light (1 review)
- SEMI-HIDDEN SMALL RANGE LIGHT
Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses

The Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light is often overlooked because it’s not a plainly visible, especially from the street, as the Newburyport Harbor Rear Range Light, which was renamed Newburyport Lighthouse when it became privately owned, is closer to the street and much taller, so it gets most of the attention. This range light is located on the USCG Station on the other side of the driveway to the parking lot out behind the rear range light. The line-up of the two was a navigational aid for boats and ships coming up the river. When this range light was moved in the 1950’s, it underwent renovations. The 15-foot steel tower was capped with a new 20-foot wooden tower. Due to its short height, it's in the bug light category. For me, no trip to Newburyport is complete with a visit to view the two lighthouses in one stop. PHOTO TIP: If the barrel of your camera lens is small enough, put it through an opening in the chain link fence, and you can get an unobstructed-view photo. I rate Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light at 4.0 and can recommend viewing it when visiting the nearby Newburyport Harbor Rear Range Light a/k/a Newburyport Lighthouse as well as the Range Light Community Sculpture Garden at the art association. All are very close to each other. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Somerby's Landing Sculpture Park (1 review)
- SCULPTURE PARK NEXT TO WATERFRONT PARK
Parks

After parking my SUV in the public lot, I found the Somerby’s Landing Sculpture Park at the west end of the Waterfront Park. It proved to be a bonus to my visit to the Waterfront Park. The first sculpture I saw was a metal elk half-hiding in a lot of greenery. It was kind of whimsical. Next was a metal table, chair, and window frame together in a sculpture. The window frame outlined a scene of yachts at anchor in the Merrimack River behind it. The third sculpture I saw was named Eastern Portal, a large white chunk of marble with a large hole in the center, providing a very focused view through it. I rate Somerby’s Landing Sculpture Park at 4.25. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..