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, and walks and hikes 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 of our city are popular pastimes. There are many interesting Cultural Art centers in town that you can’t miss.

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.

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. 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 waterfront boardwalk, 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. There are numerous yacht clubs and marinas within a short distance of downtown.

Windsurfing and kayaking out of the Water Street boat ramp in Joppa Flats Park are popular activities year-round.  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.

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 Merrimack 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.

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 Woodman Park on Bayberry Road.

Playgrounds
Moseley Woods; Spofford Street; Woodman Park, Bayberry Road; March’s Hill Park, High Street, Cashman Park, Merrimac Street; and Perkins Park off Beacon Street.

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 Located at the intersection at the three roads crossing off High Street, this park offers quiet walking and biking paths, a stone tour and tennis courts.

Moseley Woods This park overlooks the Merrimack River at the crossroads of Merrimac and Spofford and Moseley streets. This park provides a roofed pavilion, play equipment for children, and with prior notification, allows gas grills to be brought onto the premises. Please see the Moseley Woods website for more details.

Newburyport Skate Park Located behind the Nock Middle School on Low Street. 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. Click here for more information.

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.

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

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