If hitting the ski slopes and flying down a mountainside at breakneck speed isn’t quite the relaxing winter break you crave, a visit to the quiet New England coastal city of Newburyport may be more your thing. More historic town than slick city, pretty boutiques decorate the tree-lined cobbled streets to give the town an old-world charm, ideal for a relaxing winter weekend getaway. While visitors are drawn here to experience the warm winter hospitality, the abundance of nature walks, beautiful parks, and miles of sandy beaches means you’ll always be able to find your own quiet spot away from the crowds.
Newburyport became a city in 1851, and quickly grew into a shipbuilding and shipping center thanks to its strategic location at the mouth of the Merrimack River. Although the shipyards and ports have since vanished, much of its seafaring history lives on in the unique collection of maritime objects, art, and documents found in the Custom House Maritime Museum on the waterfront.
Sitting just off I-95, Newburyport is easy to reach, and lies 38 miles north of Boston, one of the most beautiful winter cities, and 73 miles south of Portland, both of which have international airports. And just like another New England town that comes to life in winter, Newburyport sparkles with that classic Massachusetts magic when the streets are dusted with snow, and the shops and homes glow with festive lights.
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Things to do in Newburyport in winter
The shoreline at Plum Island Newburyport with wooden buildings in the background – MazzyPhotos/Shutterstock
If holiday shopping is high on your agenda, you’ll find some original independent boutiques in downtown Market Square. Pick up some last-minute Christmas gifts from coastal-themed spots like Salt + Grove or Soak & Shoreline. More treasures await at Tannery Marketplace, named by Boston Magazine as one of the best shopping destinations on the North Shore. With more than 50 shops to browse, there’s little chance of you going home empty-handed.
Even the most dedicated shopaholics need a quiet escape, and a stroll through the 19th-century gardens of Maudsley State Park provides just that. Wander along 16 miles of hiking trails that meander through frosted meadows and under towering pine trees. If it’s cold enough, make your way to the frozen Frog Pond at Bartlett Mall for ice skating adventures. With the beautiful Essex County Courthouse as your backdrop, it’s like stepping straight into a retro winter postcard. Remember to bring your snowshoes and ice skates, and check out these tips that make hiking in the snow much easier.
For more walking adventures, head out to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at Plum Island, around four miles from Newburyport. Winter is owl time, and you stand an excellent chance of spotting snowy and short-eared owls as you make your way across 4,700 acres of wetlands, forests, and sand dunes. Entry to the refuge is free if you’re on-foot or $5 per car, and it’s open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are several easy walking trails to choose from, many of which are wheelchair accessible. Observation platforms are dotted around, so you can take a moment to pause and look for some of the other 300-plus species of birds and animals found here.
Taste the best of Newburyport dining
A snow-covered street with lights glowing in the fading light in Newburyport – Denistangneyjr/Getty Images
There’s nothing like the bracing Atlantic breeze to work up an appetite, and in Newburyport, take your pick from a wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes. If you’re heading back from Plum Island, a stop at the popular Bob Lobster is a must if you want to sample their award-winning lobster rolls served with an ocean view. Open Friday-Sunday, you’re sure to find something to tempt you from the extensive seafood menu.
Back in town, and even more fresh seafood to try at Sea Level Oyster Bar. Open daily, you can even opt to sit outdoors inside their cozy heated igloos under the seasonal glow of fairy lights. If you really want to push the boat out, you could book a private dinner for two at the top of Newburyport Lighthouse. Perfect for an unforgettable romantic evening, with surely the best panoramic view in town.
After a long day of Christmas shopping, winter adventures, and generous helpings of lobster, settle in for the night at the Compass Rose Inn in the heart of historic downtown. Warm up your cold toes in front of the crackling fire with a hot cup of cocoa before heading up for a well-deserved rest in the welcoming embrace of a comfortable bed. If you prefer something further out of town, there are plenty of Airbnb options, ocean view included.
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