Things to Do in Newburyport

The best outdoor things to do in Newburyport, Massachusetts, are walking the gardens and 16 miles of trails at Maudslay State Park, going to the beach on Plum Island, birding at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, climbing Plum Island Light on a tour day, and walking or biking the 3.35-mile Clipper City Rail Trail around downtown. Salisbury Beach, across the river mouth, adds a big state beach with camping. Here's what each one is, who runs it, and what to know before you go.

1. Maudslay State Park

A 480-acre former estate on the Merrimack River, run by DCR, with 19th-century gardens, meadows, pines and one of the largest natural stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts, peaking around the third week of June. 16 miles of trails for walking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Dogs on leash; no swimming. Open sunrise to sunset all year; parking $5 for Massachusetts plates, $20 for others, year-round.

Best short walk: DCR's 1–2 mile introductory loop out the Pasture Trail. Best longer walk: the 2-mile Merrimack River Trail around Castle Hill.

2. Plum Island Beaches

Plum Island's beach is split among several owners, including these three. The City of Newburyport runs Plum Island Point Beach and lot at the north end (non-residents $20 weekdays, $25 weekends, by Passport Parking app). The federal wildlife refuge holds a long stretch of it. DCR's Sandy Point State Reservation covers 77 acres at the southern tip. No dogs at the refuge or Sandy Point. Full guide: Plum Island beach.

3. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

More than 4,700 acres of beach, dune, marsh and forest run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with more than 300 bird species. $5 per car, free on foot or by bike, sunrise to sunset. Boardwalk trails like the Hellcat Boardwalk, a 6.4-mile road to the island's tip, and a beach that's mostly closed April 1 into August for nesting piping plovers. Never any dogs. Full guide: Parker River refuge.

4. Plum Island Light

The Newburyport Harbor Light at the north end of Plum Island, a conical tower built in 1898, owned by the city and cared for by the Friends of Plum Island Light. The grounds and history kiosk are open to visit; the tower opens only on scheduled tour days (six in 2026, May 30 to October 3), free with a suggested $5 donation.

5. Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk

A 3.35-mile paved loop around downtown, linking the MBTA commuter rail station with the waterfront and Harborwalk, lined with sculptures, murals and gardens. Open to walkers, runners and bikers. The loop was finished in 2024. More: Clipper City Rail Trail.

6. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Just across the Merrimack in Salisbury, DCR's beach reservation has 3.8 miles of coastline, 484 campsites, two boat ramps, a boardwalk, showers and a playground. Parking is $14 / $40 from May 23 to October 12. Dogs are off the beach April 1 to September 15. Full guide: Salisbury Beach.

Things to Do by Season

• Spring: bird migration at the refuge (late April to early June); azaleas and rhododendrons at Maudslay in May.
• June: Maudslay's mountain laurel, around the third week of June.
• Summer: Plum Island, Sandy Point and Salisbury beaches; lighthouse tour days; refuge capacity closures, so arrive early.
• Fall: foliage, migrating shorebirds and ducks at the refuge.
• Winter: owls at the refuge; cross-country skiing at Maudslay after snow.

With a Dog

Maudslay State Park allows leashed dogs year-round, and that's the easy choice. The Parker River refuge and Sandy Point never allow dogs, and Salisbury Beach keeps them off the sand from April 1 to September 15.

A One-Day Plan

1. Morning: the Merrimack River Trail at Maudslay (2 miles).
2. Midday: downtown and the waterfront section of the Clipper City Rail Trail.
3. Afternoon: Plum Island — the refuge boardwalks or the beach, after 3 p.m. on summer weekends to dodge refuge capacity closures.