Less than four miles from downtown Newburyport is this sprawling sanctuary, whose 4,662 acres span a variety of wildlife habitats: salt marshes, swamps, maritime forests, sand dunes, beaches, salt pannes, and so on. A walk through the refuge is a great way to spy out the songbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds that make this barrier island their home at various times of the year. The several miles’ worth of boardwalks and clearly marked hiking trails make it easy to find your way around; maps are also available at the visitors center. Entrance at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.

One of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of the greater Newburyport area is from the water, and the Duffield family is eager to help get your voyage under way. Opened by husband-and-wife team Michael and Kate in 2014 — and staffed in part by various family members — Newbury Kayak & Canoe is ideally located on the Parker River, right on the edge of the national wildlife refuge. They can outfit everyone from novices to pros with a wide range of kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards; plus they offer kayak classes for those looking to hone their skills.

Climb aboard the spacious, 106' Captains Lady III to begin your whale watching voyage! Our main vessel can comfortably carry up to 149 passengers to the whale feeding grounds. Our journey departs from downtown Newburyport, where we travel out the Merrimack River into the Gulf of Maine. This is where we can find a variety of marine life including, but not limited to, Humpback, Finback, and Minke Whales as well as Porpoise, Seals, Sharks and an array of Sea Birds. The open ocean holds many species of diverse wildlife, making every trip a unique and exciting experience.Our season runs from May through October and can take us to either the feeding grounds of Jeffreys Ledge or Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, both of which are locations within the 36,000 square miles of the Gulf of Maine.

Restored and opened as a museum in 1975 during Newburyport’s landmark redevelopment efforts, this 1835 structure is one of the town’s architectural gems. Designed by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Treasury Building, the custom house is today a gateway to Newburyport’s maritime history. Highlights include model clipper ships, a collection of shipwreck and salvage items, and a diorama of the 19th-century Currier shipyard, as well as exhibits on ship building, the Coast Guard (which got its start in Newburyport), and local author John Marquand.

The Deck is a fully outdoor, seasonal restaurant located right on the water with a beautiful view of Newburyport. We sell cold refreshing drinks and American fare style food.

Michael’s Harborside is Newburyport’s premier waterfront steak and seafood restaurant. Overlooking the Merrimack River, Michael’s is known for the freshest seafood on the North Shore. It is a favorite of locals who dine out often, boaters staying at one of the many marinas, and tourists who come from all over New England, Canada and even farther away to get a true taste of New England.

Fun Fact: This was Sam's first job as a busboy!!

The delicious aroma of homestyle food drifts down the street and is sure to draw you into Angie’s Food. There’s no need to resist; the meals are an outstanding example of decades of restaurant management. When looking for a restaurant in Newburyport, MA, you can’t refuse the best of the North Shore.

Abraham's Bagels and Pizza makes the best bagels in Newburyport. We have fresh Bagels in 17 flavors, plus sandwiches and delicious pizza.