Forget Cape Cod – New England's Less-Crowded Haven Has Fresh Seafood & Sprawling Beaches

If you wanted to experience a quintessential New England beach vacation, you might wonder where to begin. You can visit Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which is full of vibrant small beach towns that have quaint beachside homes, fresh seafood, and beautiful shorelines next to the bay. But what if you could get the same experience in a much less crowded spot? Well, for that, you can head north to the small town of Newburyport.

Situated near the border with New Hampshire, Newburyport has all the trappings of Cape Cod towns, but without the throngs of tourists. Want to spend time on the beach? Head out to Plum Island, where you can also see the Plum Island Lighthouse. Want fresh New England seafood? Downtown Newburyport sits along the Merrimack River, and there are plenty of places to find clam chowder, lobster rolls, and crab claws. Finally, since Newburyport was established in 1764, it provides the quaint historic charm you'd find in other, larger colonial-era cities.

So, if you're ready to have a quieter, more laid-back New England vacation, let's dive into what you can expect from Newburyport.

Like Cape Cod, Newburyport offers plenty of waterfront scenery. The city sits along the Merrimack River, with access to Atlantic beaches on Plum Island. Newburyport is firmly a port town (as its name implies), complete with all the highlights, like docks, harbors, and waterfront restaurants and businesses.

Speaking of restaurants, the largest collection of them is in downtown Newburyport, centered around the Gillis Memorial Bridge. For fresh seafood while overlooking the river, try Michael's Harborside Restaurant, featuring whole lobsters, raw oysters, and fresh-caught haddock. Or, for an Italian spin in a chic, modern atmosphere, head over to the Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar. If you really want a unique, memorable experience, though, reserve a seat through the Lighthouse Preservation Society to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the top of a lighthouse. Not only do you get the best views of the city and the surrounding area, but you also get to experience a piece of Newburyport's maritime history.

Outside of downtown, the city's other main attraction is the beach on Plum Island. While the barrier island extends much farther south, Newburyport manages the sprawling sands around the northern tip, which are excellent for relaxing, playing, and enjoying the scenery. But for the best views, you can reserve a spot on a tour of the Plum Island Lighthouse. Tours are very limited, though, so plan well in advance if possible. And if you want to explore more of the area's natural side, head south to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which covers pretty much the rest of the island and has its own uncrowded sandy beaches.

Since Newburyport is located in Massachusetts, the best way to reach it is to fly into the historic U.S. city full of renowned colleges, culture, and unique sights, aka Boston. From there, it's about an hour's drive north. Once you arrive, there is a small cluster of hotels in the center of town, most of which align with the colonial aesthetic of the area. For example, the Essex Street Inn is a charming historic duplex in the heart of downtown. Alternatively, you can stay at Blue — Inn on the Beach, which puts you right on the sand. 

Outside of eating seafood and relaxing on the beach, though, what is there to do in Newburyport? First, you can explore more of the city's rich history at places like the Custom House Maritime Museum or the Powder House Park and Learning Center. These spots invite you to step back in time and experience life in the city's early days. Or you can wander around the Market Square Historical District and appreciate all the 19th-century architecture. Then, head over to the Waterfront Promenade Park, where you can sit and watch the ships. But if you prefer to be on the water, you can book a cruise through companies like Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours and see the harbor and the river from a different perspective. 

Finally, staying in Newburyport puts you close to other quintessential New England beach towns. So, depending on the length of your stay, you can explore more of the region, including Rockport, a gorgeous coastal town that's perfect for a New England getaway. It's only about 45 minutes southeast.