An insider’s guide to planning the perfect weekend getaway in scenic Newburyport—at every price point!
Home to many of the North Shore’s best restaurants, boutiques, and beaches, the seaside city of Newburyport is brimming with exciting activities. Whether you’re looking to splurge or save, this guide is here to help you narrow down all the can’t-miss spots for your vacation.
Where To Stay
$$$ Blue Inn on the Beach
This luxurious Plum Island boutique hotel offers swanky nautical rooms, expansive decks, and seaside hot tubs. Located right on the beach, the ocean views are unparalleled. 20 Fordham Way, Newbury, 978-463-6128 blueinn.com
$$ Essex Street Inn and Suites
Conveniently located in downtown Newburyport, this quaint inn offers its guest complimentary coffee and pastries, and charming, comfortable bedrooms. 7 Essex Street, Newburyport, 978-465-3148, essexstreetinn.com
$ Empire Suite
Less than a mile from the best shops and restaurants of downtown Newburyport, this affordable hotel offers its guests a comfy place to stay while enjoying the city! 207 High Street, Newburyport, 978-388-4868, booking.com/hotel/us/empire-suite.en-gb.html
What To Do
Shopping on State Street
The quaint brick road and its surrounding streets are lined with a myriad of shops, from clothing stores and art galleries, to dog boutiques and soap shops. Women’s boutique Bobbles and Lace, Plum Island Soap Company, toy store Dragon’s Nest, M K Benatti Jewelers, and Best of British are all worth stopping into.
Firehouse Center for the Arts
Conveniently located in downtown Newburyport, this cultural hot spot is the place to enjoy musicals, concerts, plays, and more. Check out their website for upcoming shows to watch during your visit! 1 Market Square, Newburyport, 978-462-7336 firehouse.org
Plum Island Beach
Just miles from downtown Newburyport is one of the North Shore’s most beloved beaches. While on Plum Island, check out the picturesque Plum Island Lighthouse and sprawling salt marshes on your drive in. 83-199 N Reservation Terrace, Newburyport, newburyport.com/plum-island-beach/
Maudslay State park
Take in the natural beauty of this park while walking or biking through the lush tree-flanked paths. Bring along some snacks from Newburyport’s many restaurants and shops for a picnic! 74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, 978-465-7223, mass.gov/locations/maudslay-state-park
Newburyport Art Association Gallery
Newburyport’s vibrant arts scene keeps this gallery stocked with a rotating schedule of fascinating exhibitions. Visit their website for an updated list of displays to see while you’re in town! 65 Water Street, Newburyport, 978-465-8769, newburyportart.org
The Tannery Marketplace
On the off chance that you didn’t overspend on State Street’s fabulous shops, The Tannery offers adorable boutiques and specialty stores, like a gourmet olive oil shop, Riverside Cycles bike store, Port Plums cookware, and many more. Plenty of art studios and acting companies will keep you entertained, and you can visit their salons and wellness studios for some vacay R&R. 75 Water Street, Newburyport, 978-465-7047, tannerymarketplace.com
What To Eat
Coffee, Breakfast, and Brunch
$ Commune Café
This cozy spot offers delicious coffee and tea, baked goods, healthy salads, and sweet and savory crepes. Pop in on weekend nights from 8-9:30 to jam out to live music! 33 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, 978-462-3190, communenewburyport.com
$$$ Ceia Kitchen and Bar
For a seriously fancy start to your day—think duck egg hash, wild mushroom tartine, and French toast with mascarpone—stop by this restaurant for a decadent Sunday brunch. Don’t forget the mimosas! 38 State Street, Newburyport, 978-358-8112, ceiakitchenbar.com
Lunch and Dinner
$$ Agave
Fresh, tasty salsa, an extensive menu of Mexican favorites, and some seriously potent margaritas—what’s not to love? This upscale Mexican bistro is a Newburyport favorite for date nights, dinner with friends and family, and even large parties. Did I mention they serve over 125 different tequilas? 50 State Street, Newburyport, 978-499-0428, agavemexicanbistro.com
$$ Black Cow
The restaurant’s new location features a deck overlooking the water, so you can soak in breathtaking views if the harbor while enjoying their modern American-style menu. Their impressive drink list stacked with wine, beer, and creative cocktails make for an unforgettable dining experience. 40 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, 978-499-01950, blackcowrestaurants.com/nbpt/
$ Lexie’s
Indulge in American favorites with a twist—this burger joint has all kinds of creations like the Fun Guy (blue cheese, mushrooms, crispy onions, and horseradish), the Green Lantern (cheddar, avocado, tomato, and chimichurri sauce), and French fry boats loaded with Sririacha and jalapenos or truffle salt and herbs. Add a milkshake for the ultimate combo. 88 State Street, Newburyport, 603-815-4181, peaceloveburgers.com/newburyport
$$ Oregano
With a unique menu of both Italian and Lebanese dishes, this restaurant pleases a wide variety of taste buds. Most notably, their wide variety of brick oven pizzas are a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy their delicious cuisine and cozy ambience. 16 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, 978-462-5013, oreganopizzeria.com
$$$ Brine Oyster Bar
What trip to the coast would be complete without seafood? Their selection of oysters on the half shell changes daily, accompanied by selections of crudo, caviar, and fresh fish. The seafood-averse will enjoy their expertly cooked cuts of steak. 38 State Street, Newburyport, 978-358-8479, brineoyster.com
Desserts
$ Chococoa Baking Company
This adorable café is famous for its extensive selection of bite-sized whoopie pies, available in a myriad of flavors like chocolate espresso, orange cardamom, lemon, pumpkin ginger, and key lime. Pair your treat with coffee, or try some of their delicious pastries. 50 Water Street, Newburyport, 978-499-8889, chococoabaking.com
$ Hodgies Ice Cream
Since 1984, this renowned dessert staple has been serving made-in-store ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. Located just a short drive from downtown Newburyport, a cone of this homemade frozen deliciousness is worth the trip. 71 Haverhill Road, Amesbury, 978-388-1211, hodgies.com
Drinks
$ Thirsty Whale Pub
This casual bar offers affordable drinks, live music on weekends, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Try some of their classic, tasty bar food to accompany your brews. 24 market Square, Newburyport, 978-462-1140, thirstywhalepub.com
$$ The Deck Salisbury
Just across the river from downtown Newburyport, this seaside spot is every cocktail aficionado’s dream. For a boozy summertime treat, order the Rum Bucket, a blend of Malibu Caribbean Rum, tropical fruit juices, and Swedish Fish candies served in a festive bucket. 176R Bridge Road, Salisbury, 978-499-4422, thedecksalisbury.com
$$ The Port Tavern
Whether you prefer classic G&T’s or over-the-top bloody Marys, red or white wine, a simple Corona or a lengthy list of draft beers, this bar has you covered. 84 State Street, Newburyport, 978-465-1006 theporttavern.com