Welcome to Newburyport!

We hope you arrived safely and had no trouble finding our property. Please make yourself at home right way. We know how important accommodations are, especially on vacation, which is why we want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. We too, have stayed at many vacation rentals around the globe which is why it’s so important for us to be a great hosts – and valuing your stay is our top priority. We ask all guests to walk through the property and report any dissatisfaction/issues within the first 24 hours. That way, we can do our best to ensure you have everything you need to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Thanks, have a great time and we hope you visit again in the future!

-The Seacoast Vacation Rentals Team

 

Local Contacts

Seacoast Vacation Rentals team

Chris, Sean, Marie, Jizabel, Sarah, Rhonda
info@seacoastvacationrentals.co, 603-255-3532

Nearest Hospitals

Anna Jaques Hospital, (978) 463-1000, 25 Highland Ave, Newburyport, MA 01950

Portsmouth Regional Hospital, (603) 559-4131, 55 High St., Hampton, NH

Newburyport Fire Department

(978) 465-4427

Newburyport Police Department

(978) 462-4411

U.S. Coast Guard

(978) 465-0731


Top Day Trips

Plum Island

Plum Island is an island for all seasons, with beauty and character that loom much larger than it's 11-mile length. Discover 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 spot for tidepooling and exploring near our Plum Island hotel. Plum Island Airport is the oldest private airfield in the USA, boasting its first flight in 1909, just six short years afters the Wright brothers took flight. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the city of Newburyport offers a Friday-Sunday shuttle bus from Plum Island Point to downtown Newburyport.

Portsmouth, NH

Settled in 1623, Portsmouth claims to be the nation’s third-oldest city, sitting near the mouth of the short, wide Piscataqua River dividing New Hampshire and Maine. Similar to Newburyport, it’s the perfect walking town filled with shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Our top restaurant recommendations include Row 34 for oysters and seafood, Martingale Wharf for its brunch and waterfront seating, Jumping Jay’s Fish Café for refined seafood with creative sauces in a sleek setting, and The Black Trumpet Bistro & Wine Bar, but be sure to make reservations here ahead of time.

Kittery, ME

Settled in 1632, Kittery has the distinction of being the oldest town in Maine. Located on the northern side of the Piscataqua River, across from Portsmouth, NH, it is the home of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (the nation’s oldest continuously serving Navy yard), Badger's Island, the seaside district of Kittery Point and part of the Isles of Shoals. The town is a tourist destination known for its many discount retail outlet stores and restaurants. Our top restaurant recommendations are Robert’s Maine Grille for fresh seafood and When Pigs Fly Restaurant & Pizzeria for gourmet wood-fired pizza, pasta, small plates and beer on tap.

York, ME

First settled by Europeans in 1624, York is now a well-known summer resort town. It is home to three 18-hole golf clubs, four sandy beaches and Mount Agamenticus. During summer months, residents and tourists crowd Short Sands Beach as well as Long Sands Beach, more than a mile of sand stretching between York Beach and York Harbor. If you visit York, you must check the Cape Neddick Light, A.K.A Nubble Lighthouse, one of the most beautiful lighthouses in New England. It is the perfect photo opportunity and while there, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Fox’s Lobster House.

Boston, MA

Settled in 1630, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the most populous city in New England. It is home to 50-some colleges and esteemed institutions like Symphony Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts and Faneuil Hall still anchor the city’s hold on music, art and history. Check out the nation’s oldest public park, the 50-acre Boston Common, enjoy Italian dining in Boston’s North End, and stroll down Newbury Street for great shopping and head into the heart of Back Bay.

Portland, ME

Settled in 1632, Portland is the most populous city in Maine, with a population of 67,067 as of 2017. The Greater Portland metropolitan area is home to over half a million people, more than one-third of Maine's total population. Portland has a bit of a Brooklyn hipster vibe to it and is often buzzed-about for it’s exciting collection of restaurants, bars and breweries. It is a lobster-lover’s paradise, where waterfront industry, a dynamic local art scene and the smell of the sea make for one of the East Coast’s finest north Atlantic escapes. If you're a beer aficionado, you must visit some of Portland's best breweries, like Allagash Brewery, Bissell Brothers Brewing Co., Rising Tide Brewing Co. and Maine Mead Works, to name a few. Our #1 restaurant suggestions are Duckfat and Eventide Oyster


Top Local Attractions

Deep-sea fishing and whale-watching

There are many deep-sea fishing and whale-watching options,  but our recommendation is Captain's Fishing Parties & Cruises, out of Newburyport/Plum Island. Captain’s Fishing Parties & Cruises is family owned and operated for over thirty-nine years and has grown into one of the most versatile and accommodating fleets on the North Shore. They offer whale watching, fishing, sunset cruises, charters and more.

Clipper Rail Trail & Harborwalk

While delivering wonderful views of the Merrimack River, the 3.3 mile “Rail Trail” is set apart by its trailside art. More than a dozen sculptures, ranging from figurative to abstract to interactive art for children and families, are installed along the Clipper City Rail Trail. It’s a wonderful trail to walk, jog or bike. The sculptures serve as visual focal points that enhance this unique public space and draw people along the trail. The murals, custom planters, garden installations, custom signage, boardwalk, pedestrian bridge, and other functional elements are all designed with a special touch. The trail starts at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Newburyport Station and ends at Parker Street at the base of the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Breweries

To many people’s surprise, the area is an up-and-coming brewery destination. Newburyport, Hampton and Portsmouth all boast a variety of unique breweries with delicious craft beers to try on location or to bring back home. Favorites include Newburyport Brewing Company and Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport, Redhook Brewery and Cisco Brewers in Portsmouth and Smuttynose in Hampton.

Indoor rock climbing

According to Climbing Magazine, MetroRock Indoor Climbing is one of America’s best gyms. With a location in Newburyport, MA there is rock climbing for all ages. This is a great alternative to the beach or tradition gym if you’re looking to get active.

Bird Watching

The Parker River Natural Wildlife Refuge is located on Plum Island and was established in 1941 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. The refuge is comprised of more than 4700 acres of diverse habitats including sandy beach and dune, cranberry bog, maritime forest and shrub land, and freshwater marsh. The most abundant habitat on the refuge is its 3,000+ acres of salt marsh, one of the most productive ecosystems in nature. Parker River provides pristine coastal habitat for over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as a large variety of mammals, insects, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The refuge also provides critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.

Sandy Point State Reservation

Located at the southern tip of Plum Island, Sandy Point stretches 77 acres. It features a beautiful pristine coastal beaches, great for swimming and sunbathing. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, there is free parking available for up to 50 cars and the Reservation closes temporarily when the lot is full. The reservation is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and is an important nesting area for the piping plover and the least tern. Access to the reservation is through the adjoining Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Farmer’s Market

The Newburyport Farmer's Market is an eclectic market with a variety of grown and produced fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and homemade specialties. Swing by for local goods every Sunday year-round from 9am-1pm at the Tannery Marketplace in downtown Newburyport.

Joppa Flats

Located at 1 Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport, Joppa Flats overlooks the Merrimack River and the Joppa Flats Education Center offers unique educational opportunities for people of all ages. Here, you can explore the region’s wildlife-rich habitats (salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays, and coastal waters) through guided tours, marine touch tanks, art exhibits, drop-in programs, and interpretive displays. It offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing opportunities, birding programs for participants of all abilities (more than 300 species of birds recorded locally each year) and more.

Drive the Scenic Route 1A North

Located Route 1A hugs the coastline directly after you cross into the NH border, offering unobstructed views of the ocean. It’s a pleasant drive with beach towns and million-dollar beach houses lining the entire coastline until Odiorne State Park in Rye. The drive offers several must-stop picturesque locations including Fox Hill Point, Rye Harbor, Sawyers Beach, Jenness State Beach and Petey’s Summertime Seafood, which is one of the most popular seafood restaurants along the Seacoast, for good reason. As you continue north of Rye, consider taking Route 1B into New Castle for the most dramatic approach into Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME.

 
 

Top Local Restaurants & Bars

Sunset Club

Sunset Club is Plum Island’s newest gem, and has quickly become the local hot spot for those looking for good drinks, food, views and lawn games. Starlite Management Company, owners of Newburyport’s The Paddle Inn, Somerville’s Trina’s Starlite Lounge and Parlor Sports, and Boston’s Audubon, are excited about their newest restaurant addition. Located at 2-8 Old Point Road on Plum Island at the former Angie’s Service Station, The Sunset Club faces west and overlooks the salt marsh, Merrimack River, and the stunning nightly sunset. It’s a 164-seat establishment. Primarily operating outside, the restaurant and bar will feature an outdoor firepit with seating, shaded picnic tables, bike and car parking, and an area with games for adults and kids. An old barn has been converted to offer four-season indoor seating with a large bar with sunset views.

Bar 25

Bar 25 is one of Newburyport’s newest restaurant additions and serves Middle Eastern-inspired food and amazing craft cocktails. The space is 3 levels, with 2 bars, an outdoor patio and a 3rd level lounge that is open to 1am on weekends. The overall atmosphere is a fun combination of Middle Eastern flavors, Prohibition-era cocktails, and a swanky, cozy space. The concept is close to the heart of owner Reza Rahmani, who immigrated from Iran as a child. He draws upon his family’s recipes as a jumping off point for the menu, rooted in Persian food combined with a vision of contemporary shared plates, cocktail culture, and conviviality. This is a must-visit spot for drinks and tapas-style foods. What do we personally love about Bar 25? It’s very unique and different from any other place in Newburyport, and feels like a 1920’s speakeasy in the heard of Newburyport. The concept is fun, and it’s a great place to socialize.

The Paddle Inn

With Newburyport roots and their hearts at the beach, the menu at The Paddle Inn focuses on classic comfort food dishes in popular beach communities around the world. It’s got a hip, casual atmosphere with exceptional food, drinks and service. As avid beach lovers and surfers themselves, the menu highlights comfort food from coastal communities around the world – from Thailand to Jamaica and Chef Maitland’s family home off Florida’s Gulf coast.

The Black Cow

The Black Cow is a downtown Newburyport staple, now with a new location boasting ocean views from its roof top deck, fine dining, a variety of seafood and sushi, and a great place to socialize. The space is dominated by a sailboat with a 28-foot-tall mast which was purchased online and converted into an oyster bar.

The DECK

The DECK is a seasonal open-air bar and restaurant known for their burgers, seafood and tropical cocktails with stunning views of the Merrimack River. Their selection of cocktails, local brews and famous rum buckets will keep you cool. They offer complimentary valet service and live entertainment all summer long.

Tuscan Sea Grill and Bar

One of the newest Newburyport restaurants, opening July 2020, The Tuscan Sea Grill and Bar brings coastal Italian cooking to a waterfront location on Newburyport’s Merrimac Street. Tuscan Brands is acclaimed for celebrating culinary traditions from all over Italy. Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar features locally sourced seafood, a raw bar, Tuscan Brand’s famous scratch made pasta, as well as house made artisan breads, Neapolitan style pizzas, house made desserts, gelato, and more. The restaurant’s beautiful waterfront location overlooking the Merrimack River has sweeping harbor views and boasts ample outdoor seating for warm weather al fresco dining.

The Grog

A stone’s throw away from historic downtown Market Square, The Grog, has been serving locals and visitors for over 45 years. Some might call it Newburyport’s version of Cheers, “where everyone knows know your name!” The Grog has built a reputation for great food, friendly service and fun casual pub style atmosphere. They are also know for always being open, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Brick & Ash

Brick and Ash is a two-tiered restaurant in a cool space that dates back to the early 1800’s. If you are looking for a place that brings it when it comes to food and mood, look no further than Brick & Ash. Known for its playful vibe, fun food and barbecue, Brick & Ash is the perfect spot for food, drinks and games with their pool tables, dart boards, shuffle board, Jenga and big fireplace.

The Poynt

The Poynt is a great restaurant located right on the water in Newburyport with indoor sitting, outdoor tables and a very social bar scene. Their international flavors include an all-American Burger, homemade Italian Pasta, a French Tarte Flambe and Chinese Style Lobster. A big portion of The Poynt’s menu is devoted to small plates to encourage sharing, like Tuna Tartar with a homemade rice cracker; the Kung Pao Roll with spicy tempura shrimp, peanuts, and chili aioli; and Crispy Fried Oysters with Black Pepper Beurre Blanc and American Caviar, a taste of luxury for just thirteen bucks.

Michael’s Harborside

Michael’s Harborside is Newburyport’s premier waterfront steak and seafood restaurant. Overlooking the Merrimack River, Michael’s is known for their lobster roll and burgers, and features sports, trivia nights, live entertainment and family-friendly dining. 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. Michael’s features year-round weekly specials, live entertainment and family-friendly dining.

Plum Island Grille

The Plum Island Grille is a charming Mediterranean-style restaurant located on Plum Island, just five minutes from downtown Newburyport, MA. Their award winning sunset views, some of the best north of Boston, are reminiscent of Key West providing stunning views of the sun setting over the marsh of Plum Island. The menu offers an eclectic variety of small plates, fresh seafood, farm raised meats, gluten-free and vegetarian entrees.

Plum Island Beachcoma

The Beachcoma is a true neighborhood gathering place where you’re sure to meet friendly locals and visitors. The staff is welcoming and the food menu is vast. They host events all throughout the week but Sunday’s tend to be the busiest day with talented local musicians coming to play shows.

Bob’s Lobster

Bob’s Lobster is a one-stop shop for fried seafood, clam chowder, Lobster poutine and award-winning Lobster rolls. Stop by and pick up a clam bake to take to the beach, or eat at one of the no frills picnic tables.

Mad Martha’s

On Plum Island, just steps from the beach, is a little seaside shack you might not even notice. It is a house, converted into a restaurant called Mad Martha’s, which customers can’t get enough of. Mad Martha’s is a cozy breakfast joint sitting 36 people, it’s open until 2pm and they serve a unique and authentic variety of foods and daily specials. It’s the perfect way to start your day before heading to the beach. BYOB is highly recommended.


Want to own your own home in Newburyport?

Sean Bakhtiari is a licensed Realtor in New Hampshire and Massachusetts with Compass Real Estate. He lives on Plum Island and specializes in Greater Newburyport, North Shore Massachusetts, NH’s Seacoast, Southern NH and the Greater Boston area.

Contact Sean today if you’d like to discuss buying, selling or investing in real estate.