Your Guide to Experiencing the Massachusetts Seacoast in the Offseason
Have you seen our original guide about experiencing the Seacoast in the offseason? This initial post focused on exploring cities on New Hampshire’s Seacoast, including: Portsmouth, Rye and Hampton / Hampton Beach. This follow up post will focus on sharing insight into what to experience on the Seacoast of Massachusetts, including: Newburyport, Plum Island and Salisbury.
Join us as we explore the Seacoast of Massachusetts, so that you can identify where to spend your time to maximize and make the most of your winter stay:
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Newburyport is a charming coastal city located 35 miles north of Boston. This special place is anchored on a rich maritime heritage and harbors a sense of pride unlike any other community. It boasts a proud family unity that is home to hard-working local, small business owners as the driving force behind enticing visitors, vacationers and Massachusetts locals. When you visit Newburyport, you experience a lifestyle that is second-to-none. Known for its historic neighborhoods, cobblestone streets, beaches and boating community as well as its award-winning dining, unique local shops & modern galleries, Newburyport is a must-visit on the Seacoast of Massachusetts.
Downtown Dining: Where to begin? Let’s start downtown on State Street at Bar25, which combines Middle Eastern-inspired eats with Prohibition-era cocktails. From private dining to event accommodations, this swanky, cozy space has you covered. Just down the street, you’ll find The Paddle Inn, a cozy neighborhood spot spinning vinyl and serving up good food, cold beer, and craft cocktails. Also in the vicinity, check out Carmine, where you can indulge in Italian soul food inspired by family, friends and a twist on tradition. Turn onto High Street from State and then cross toward the water to, you guessed it, Water Street! Water Street places you in close proximity to some of the most delicious and iconic eateries in Newburyport, including: The Joy Nest, Black Cow & Tuscan Sea Grill. The Joy Nest offers Thai-inspired noodle soups and tapas in a vibrant speakeasy environment with craft cocktails and live jazz; while The Black Cow features updated American dishes, pizzas, desserts & brews in a trendy, stylish space with a bar. It also boasts a waterfront view from the rooftop! (If we have any Bravo fans in the family, this is where the Real Housewives of New York City made an appearance in 2021.) Tuscan Sea Grill is nestled in the heart of downtown Newburyport, and boasts iconic panoramic water views, festive cocktails and hearty, coastal-inspired Italian cuisines with a New England twist. Are you salivating yet?
Breakfast… & More: As they say, it’s the most important meal of the day! Grab a breakfast sandwich or supercharged smoothie from NU Kitchen, a healthy, clean eating concept that also offers lunch & dinner fare as well as craft beer & wine.
Bar Crawling: If bar crawls or breweries are your speed, check out Newburyport Brewing Co., an award-winning brewery open Wednesday through Sunday year-round. Not far from the bustling brick sidewalks of downtown Newburyport, tucked between industrial businesses and preservation wetlands, here is where music pours out like beer, and beer pours out one cold, fresh pint at a time. More like this? Add Riverwalk Brewing Co. to your brewery bucket list, too! This 100% family, community & employee-owned brewery is committed to sustainability, quality and a good time. We’re adding Metzy’s to the mix. No, it’s not a brewery, but it does serve beer. This unfussy, brick-clad outlet located at the Newburyport MBTA train station boasts high ceilings; serves flavorful, fresh & familiar Mexican meals; and features a cool bar atmosphere. In fact, many locals say it’s the best taco option in the area…(Always a welcome nosh after a few cervezas!).
Downtown Shopping: Downtown Newburyport is home to a myriad of shops and restaurants, red brick buildings, pedestrian walkways, a playground and a relaxing waterfront path. From gift, jewelry and clothing boutiques to home decor and pet supply shops, tasteful and inviting storefront displays entice visitors new and old. The heart of the district is Market Square - this is where Water, State and Merrimac Streets meet across from Waterfront Park. Find benches and pedestrian-only walkways that make it easy to rest from your shopping with a nearby sweet treat or a hot beverage from one of the many coffee cafes. Tannery Marketplace is located in Newburyport’s South End along Water Street. This is where you can find indoor shops, restaurants, and even spa services - so go ahead, pamper yourself!
Plum Island, Massachusetts
Located a few miles outside of downtown Newburyport, Plum Island has historically been a popular vacation destination. Many locals don’t even know this, but it’s located in parts of four municipalities in Essex County, including: Newburyport, Newbury, Rowley & Ipswich. It’s an 11-mile long barrier island off the northeast coast of Massachusetts that was named for the wild beach plum shrubs that grow on its dunes; it’s also famous for its purple sands at high tide. Talk about nature’s beauty. This New England gem is also home to eclectic eateries, shops and natural experiences… read on!
Let’s Get This Party Started: Fish tacos, cocktails and VIEWS! You’ll find these and more at Plum Island’s Sunset Club, which is open for stunning eventide glows against an ocean backdrop and fire pits ‘year-round. Plus, they host trivia nights and feature live music, too! Speaking of live music, you’ll have a blast at the Plum Island Beachcoma any day, but especially on Sundays when the live music is bumping. It’s a cool place to meet locals, by the beach. Head over to the Plum Island Grill for upscale seafood in a casual summer-shack atmosphere. This hopping year-round hot spot is known for its award-winning sunset views.
Shopping on Plum Island: The Cottage is the spot. This coastal marketplace caters to locals and tourists year-round, and it’s where you’ll find everything from clothes, jewelry and hats to boards, swim and surf gear, liquor and beer!
Become one with Nature: Enjoy the peaceful tranquility of Plum Island, an area now known to be a birding hot spot and one of the best kept secrets in Massachusetts when it comes to experiencing an off-season nature outing. Besides its unparalleled ocean views, Plum Island boasts numerous boardwalk trails for hiking and the iconic Plum Island Lighthouse, which is a picturesque historic landmark located at the Northern end of the Island.
Plum Island Beach: There are 3 popular beach destinations on Plum Island, all of which can be quietly enjoyed during the winter months. The Refuge (Parker River National Wildlife Refuge) runs through Newbury, Rowley and down to Ipswich spanning 4,700 acres including 3,000+ acres of salt marsh and provides habitat for over 300 species. Plum Island Center is located in Newbury and is optimal if you’d like to be in close proximity to restaurants and other area conveniences. The North Point of the Island is located in Newburyport and marks where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Merrimack River at the mouth of the Newburyport Harbor; it offers beautiful views.
Salisbury, Massachusetts
Situated on the Atlantic Ocean on the New Hampshire border, the small coastal town of Salisbury is one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts and is the northernmost town in the state. It’s a popular destination for tourists and Massachusetts residents alike. Known for the Salisbury Beach Boardwalk, which is full of souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, arcades and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Salisbury is a must-see Seacoast destination.
Let’s Eat: There are a number of delicious dining options in Salisbury - more than beach pizza, which is also a tasty treat! If tacos & tequila are your love language, check out Sin-a-Loa. This Mexican-inspired restaurant held its grand opening in 2022 and has big things in store for the future. You already know it’s amazing because it has the same owners as downtown Newburyport’s Bar25, so definitely add this fun beach atmosphere to your agenda! If you’re looking for refined beachfront dining, Seaglass is the spot. Not only does it boast spectacular panoramic ocean views from its dining room, but it also features fresh interpretations of classic American cuisine in a beach chic setting. Bonus points for a huge fireplace to keep you warm in the offseason! In the mood for a modernly comfortable, yet energetic scene? Head over to Capri Seaside to enjoy a stylish, warmly-lit Italian eatery with cozy fireplaces and weekend accordion music. This spot checks extra boxes with its bakery & kids menu! For authentic Chinese dishes and fusion favorites, visit Family’s Chinese Restaurant. This family-owned business is arguably serving up the best Chinese food in the area thanks to fresh, high quality ingredients and a unique blend of savory and sweet menu options. Plus, they have a great social bar scene!
Entertainment Scene: Catch a show at the Blue Ocean Music Hall! Featuring comedians, live music, psychics, hypnotists, mediums and more, Blue Ocean also offers 3 unique dining options, 2 full bars and flexible seating. Looking for food, fun and games for the whole family? Head over to Joe’s Playland, a family run entertainment complex open on the weekends through the offseason.
Enjoy Nature: The Salisbury Beach State Reservation has welcomed some special guests throughout the winter months, including snowy owls from the Arctic Circle. Often spotted in the marsh along the main road of the reservation, it may even be possible to spot them from your car if the weather isn’t cooperating! Like creatures that bark? We have two great options. First, we feel happy to share that you’re allowed to walk your dog on the beach in the offseason. This makes us even happier as we can proudly say that many of our short-term rentals are pet-friendly. Secondly, seals. Yes, just head to the mouth of the Merrimack River, which is located on the Salisbury Beach State Reservation, and check out the seals who love to haul out on Badgers Rock in the river during low tide in order to rest and regulate their body temperature. Bring some binoculars to get a close-up look of these adorable animals. You can also surf (at your own risk as lifeguards aren’t on duty in the offseason), walk the beach and collect the treasures that winter storms and large waves return ashore… yes, we’re talking about enhancing your sea glass collection.
In our opinion, there are two primary factors that make winter getaways spectacular along the Seacoast: the first is the unobstructed, undisturbed views of the Atlantic Ocean combined with the feeling you get while experiencing a trip to a peaceful beach in the colder months of the year; and, PRICES! From short term rentals to restaurants and bars, you’ll get a bigger bang for your buck this time of year. Where have your Seacoast adventures taken you this offseason?