Harbormaster:
Newburyport Harbormaster (978) 462-3746
General Information:
City of Newburyport (978) 465-4413
Dockage, Moorings & Service:
City of Newburyport (978) 462-3746: Transients can tie up along Waterfront Park on a first-come, first-served basis from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Three-hour limit. Hourly rate depends on the size of the vessel (includes water and electric). Harbormaster collects fees on site. The city also maintains guest moorings for overnight stays at $50 per night.
Newburyport Harbor Marina (978) 462-3990: Transient-boater’s hub featuring slips for vessels up to 125 feet, plus a ship’s store with bait, tackle, soda, ice, apparel, marine supplies, and other merchandise.
Newburyport Boat Basin (978) 465-9110: Accommodate boats up to 60 feet. Also offers a private ramp with long-term parking, allowing members to store their trailer boats on land and launch any time. Also features a ship’s store with bait, tackle, soda, ice, apparel, and marine supplies.
Hilton’s Marina (978) 465-9110: Three miles from the inlet, Hilton’s can accommodate boats up to 100 feet and is a short walk to downtown. Offers service, repair, showers, laundry, pump-out, and more. Home to the Black Cow restaurant and Plum Island Coffee.
Windward Yacht Yard (978) 462-6500: Maintains slips and moorings close to downtown. Also offers showers, laundry, service, and repair.
Merri-Mar Yacht Basin (978) 465-3022: Family-owned, full-service marina offering transient moorings and slips, free parking, and showers. Also has a ship’s store and parts department.
Yankee Landing Marina (978) 815-6504: Offers moorings, slips, 50-ton Travelift, and launch ramp with parking.
Newburyport Yacht Club (978) 463-9911: Transient dockage available; reservations required. Amenities include ample parking, pool, and restrooms with showers.
Launch Ramp:
Cashman Park: Excellent all-tide launch facility on the Merrimack with ample parking, pump-out station, and restrooms. Located just west of the Gillis/Rte. 1Bridge at Cashman Park. $15 daily fee. Attendant on duty.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation: Ramp with ample parking and close proximity to the inlet on the north side of the river mouth in the town of Salisbury.
Anchorages:
Anchoring for extended periods inside the Merrimack is not recommended due to the strong and shifting currents, as well as heavy boat traffic.
Dining:
Black Cow (978) 499-8811: Casual waterfront dining overlooking the river and close to downtown.
Michael’s Harborside (978) 462-7785: A favorite among boaters, Michael’s is close to many local marinas and offers outdoor and indoor waterfront dining.
Mission Oak Grille (978) 463-9009: Housed in a former Baptist church, this restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood.
The Grog (978) 465-8008: Local watering hole with good food, wide range of craft brews, and live music.
Agave Mexican Bistro (978) 499-0428: Good Mexican food, even better margaritas.
Provisions:
Grand Trunk Wine & Cheese (978) 499-4441: Small market filled with specialty cheeses, produce, deli items, fine wine, and more.
Things To Do:
Custom House Maritime Museum (978) 462-8681: Unique collection of maritime art, model ships, displays of famous shipwrecks, a history of the Coast Guard, and much more.
Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center (978) 462-9998: Explore salt marshes, mud flats, rivers, bays, and coastal waters through guided tours, marine touch tanks, art exhibits, drop-in programs, and interpretive displays.
Firehouse Center for the Arts (978) 462-7336: Films, plays, shows, gallery, and other artful events at Market Square.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (978) 465-5753: Amazing natural salt marsh system on and behind Plum Island.
Newburyport Whale Watch (800) 848-1111: Whale-watch tours launching from Plum Island.
Cool Shops:
Modern Millie Vintage & Consignment (978) 745-0231: Eclectic boutique filled with funky outfits.
Oldies Marketplace (978) 465-0643: Used and antique furniture, books, sports memorabilia, and more.
Best of British (978) 465-6976: From textiles to tea, sweaters to hats, this shop will please any Anglophile.
Plum Island Soap Company (978) 465-0238: Plum Island shop full of locally made soaps, skincare products, gifts, and other unique items.
Brass Lyon (978)465-5002: Specializing in fun, unique gifts and nautical items. It’s the little things in the shop which will make you smile.
Where to Stay:
Garrison Inn (978) 499-8500: Boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Newburyport.
Essex Street Inn & Suites (978) 465-3148: Charming, historic inn nestled on a tree-lined street in downtown Newburyport.
Boat & Kayak Rental:
Plum Island Kayak (978) 462-5510: Kayak and paddleboard rentals. Guided tours of the Parker River also available.
