Recreation

Newburyport Recreation for All Seasons

Newburyport offers year-round recreational opportunities for all ages. Try sunning on the beaches of Plum Island, cross-country skiing in winter’s snows at Maudslay State Park.  Walks and hike along the beaches, through marshland and into woods. Fishing boat expeditions into the ocean and surfcasting along the shore, windsurfing, boat trips, and ocean kayaking are ways to enjoy the river and sea. Horseback riding at Maudslay, bicycling, running, jogging or walking around the flat streets and parks of our city are popular pastimes. Spend time at a local farm picking your own fruits and flowers or stop in at the newest farmer's market.

For Information on Newburyport Tours, click here!

Walking and Hiking
Walk and hike along the beaches of Plum Island, through marshland of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and into the woods of Maudslay State Park. Stroll along High Street and admire the Federal Mansions or watch the boats on the Merrimack as you make your way down the boardwalk.  Take a leisure walk or ride your bike along the recently completed Clipper City Rail Trail while enjoying the extensive public art installed along the corridor.

Beaches
Plum Island offers miles of public sandy beaches and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 800 species of birds, plants and animals on 4,662 acres. Plum Island Point offers views of the inlet to the Merrimack River, surf fishing, a historic Lighthouse, and deep-sea fishing/party boats. Sandy Point on the southern tip of Plum Island is a State Park and a wonderful place to swim, sun yourself or go tidepooling. Parking is available at the Refuge, the Point or in private parking lots. Fee Charged. Refuge information 978-465-5753

Fishing
There are plenty of fish to be caught in the Merrimack River and off shore. If you enjoy fishing, you can cast your lines off the shore of Plum Island, or sign up for an off-shore excursion with the Captain’s Fishing Parties, Rocky Point Fishing Charters or the Clipper Fleet. Or hire a charter boat - try Atlantis Charters, or Captain Ed Casazza.

The north end of Plum Island offers spectacular views of the inlet to the Merrimack River, surf fishing, an historical lighthouse, and deep-sea fishing/party boats. Parking is available at the Refuge, the Point or in private parking lots. Fee Charged. If you enjoy fishing, you can cast your lines off the shoreline on Plum Island, or sign up for an off-shore excursion.

Boating, Windsurfing and Kayaking
Newburyport’s Mayor Peter J. Matthews Memorial Boardwalk along the river in the heart of downtown, offers the public a chance to view the boating activity of the harbor. There are whale watch cruises with Newburyport Whale Watch, deep-sea fishing boats, evening party boats, public docks, sunset cruises, and harbor tours. Numerous yacht clubs and marinas are within a short distance of downtown.

Windsurfing and kayaking are ways to enjoy the river and sea. In the summer, the Merrimack River is full of boats, you don’t have to have your own to enjoy the beauty from the water. Instead, you can take a narrated harbor tour or a Plum Island Ecotour. Charter a sailboat with Defiance Sail Charters or take a cruise on the scenic Merrimack River with Newburyport Cruises or the Essex River with Essex River Cruises.

A short half-hour drive will bring you to historic Gloucester, where you can join the crew on the 65-ft. Schooner Thomas E. Lannon. Help raise the sails or just sit back and relax as you sail past lighthouses, castles, beaches and magnificent waterfront homes. Defiance Sail Charters offers crewed sail charters aboard 49' Hinckley Ketch. Day (10 pp. max.), overnight (5 pp. max.), bed and breakfast dock-side! They'll meet you at the dock in Newburyport.

For a truly unique experience take a trip aboard the Ninth Wave, run by Ninth Wave Sailing Charters, the first commercial sailing vessel built in Newburyport in 100 years.

Plum Island Kayak offers Kayak adventures for beginners to experienced enthusiasts. Rent kayaks hourly or join one of our guided river, wildlife refuge or open water tours. Transportation to and from all kayaking locations will be provided. Check the Newburyport Harbormaster's website for boating information. Click Here.

Boats can be rented from Lowell's Boat Shop. If you're not ready to purchase your own boat, consider joining the Freedom Boat Club,  membership based boat club. Members are entitled to unlimited usage on a variety of boats. FBC members also have access to boats in over 55 locations. 

Boat Launching
Boat launching areas are located in Cashman Park, off Merrimac Street and in Joppa Flats Park on Water Street. Visit our member Marinas & Boat Yards.

Boat Education
Learn to sail, fish or kayak from experienced teachers and crew. Coastal Discoveries offers a marine environmental education program aboard the Erica Lee II. BOAT CAMP offers marine environmental education programs for children and families aboard the Erica Lee. For specialized sailing lessons in class and on the water contact Captain Edward Casazza.

Local Farms
Newburyport is surrounded by farms and farm stands selling produce and "pick your own" fruits and flowers. Locally made ciders, pies and other delicacies will tempt you to make a return trip - and to stock up on your way home. The Newburyport Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 10 AM - 2 PM, rain or shine. Located in the main parking lot of the Tannery Marketplace on Water Street, look for fresh fruits and vegetables in season from our local farmers, and enjoy delectables from local food preparers and artisans.

Rock Climbing
MetroRock Indoor Rock Climbing Center offers state of the art rock climbing for all ages and abilities in a fun, safe and exciting atmosphere. They provide courses for beginners that have never climbed and courses for experts looking to hone their skills. MetroRock is a great way to get into great shape or meet exciting people. Check them out at www.MetroRock.com and go climb with them.

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular activity at 480-acre Maudslay State Park.

Bicycling
Bicycling, running, jogging and walking around the flat streets of the city are popular pastimes.

Tennis
Tennis courts are located at Atkinson Common, at the Three Roads intersection, Cashman Park on Merrimac Street, The Rupert A. Nock Middle School on Low Street, and Perkins Playground on Beacon Avenue in the South End.

Youth Services
Newburyport Youth Services, a division of the City of Newburyport, works to provide the community with healthy recreational activities for youth and families. These activities include seasonal classes, the Middle School Drop-In Center, the Newburyport Skate Park, summer programs and year round events and activities for teens. For more program information and a calendar of events, check out www.newburyportyouthservices.com 

Parks of Newburyport

Maudslay State Park Curzon Mill Road 978-465-7223. A 480-acre state park with 19^th century garden plantings, rolling meadows, pine forests and mountain laurel. Guided tours, trails for walking, hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing are available to the public. A seasonal outdoor theater and performance center are on the grounds. A real gem along the banks of the Merrimack River.

Waterfront Park  A good meeting place in the heart of downtown, the park provides benches for viewing the activities of the harbor and people watching. It is home to the Summer Concerts and other activities.

Atkinson Common  High Street at Moseley Avenue (3 roads come together) - gardens, walking and biking paths, tennis courts, gazebo - even a stone tower.

Atwood Park  Atwood and School Streets. Basketball, tennis courts and open space.

Bartlet Mall  High Street between State and Green Streets. The Superior Court House, designed by Bulfinch in 1805, sits in front of the glacier-formed frog pond featuring a fountain in its center. The Bartlet Mall and Frog Pond is the City of Newburyport's most visually prominent municipal park. The 7.3 acre park is an easy walk from the central business district. Its walkways and main promenade are a prime destination for runners, strollers and dog walkers. Situated beside The Mall is The Frog Pond Playground which features swings and a multi-age play structure.

Cashman Park  Pop Crowley Way (off Merrimac at Broad Street). Waterfront on the Merrimack River with an enclosed toddler play area and nautical themed play structures. Lots of open space, tennis court, basketball court, ball field and soccer fields.

City Forest  Hale Street and Turkey Hill Road. Walking loop and open space.

Cushing Park  Washington Street between Buck and Congress Streets. Features a new playground and a basketball court.

Hale Park  Water Street between Marlboro and Harrison Streets. Privately owned, passive park open to the public from dawn to dusk. Lovely landscaping and spectacular river views.

Inn Street Playground  Downtown playground designed for toddlers and young children.

Jason Sawyer Playground  Plum Island Point. Multi-age play structures steps from the beach.

Joppa Park  Water Street. Views of the harbor from along the seawall.

March's Hill  High Street at Bromfield Street. Basketball court and great winter sledding.

Moseley Woods This park overlooks the Merrimack River at the crossroads of Merrimac and Spofford and Moseley streets. This 16 acre park features hiking trails, picnic tables, a well-equipped playground and a spacious pavilion that is home to a summer concert series. A haven for nature lovers, dog walkers and children. Please see the Moseley Woods website for more details.

Newburyport Skate Park  Located behind the Rupert Nock Middle School on Low Street. Designed to accommodate many levels of ability from beginner to expert. The Skate Park is open Monday-Friday 2:30 pm - 8 pm (or sunset, whichever comes first); Saturday 9:00 am - 8 pm (or sunset, whichever comes first); Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm.

Old Town Hill Located on Newman Road in Newbury. The central feature of this unique, half-upland and half-marine reservation is the 168-foot drumlin known as Old Town Hill. Trails lead through surrounding salt marsh, along the Little River, beside small tidal creeks, and up Old Town Hill to its summit which affords views of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and the Isles of Shoals.

Perkins Playground  Beacon Avenue in the South End. Basketball and tennis courts, softball field and a playground.

Woodman Park  Crow Lane in the West End. Wooded play area, basketball court and playing field.

Top of Page

Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry
38R Merrimac Street, Newburyport MA 01950
Phone: 978-462-6680  Fax: 978-465-4145
info@newburyportchamber.org

Copyright © Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry 1999-2010