Living in Newburyport, MA offers the unique advantage of coastal charm paired with excellent regional access. For residents who enjoy exploring beyond their hometown, the location is ideal for quick getaways that offer relaxation, recreation, and cultural discovery. From historic cities to quiet seaside towns and outdoor retreats, there are countless weekend trips from Newburyport, MA that cater to a range of interests and lifestyles.
These destinations are easily accessible by car or rail and allow residents to experience everything from the mountains of New Hampshire to the cultural vibrancy of Portland, Maine. Whether you're searching for a romantic escape, a family-friendly adventure, or a solo retreat, these regional gems provide a perfect change of scenery without the need for long travel days. For clients of Zaniboni Luxury Group, the ability to enjoy these short trips is a key lifestyle benefit of living in this part of the North Shore.
Portsmouth, NH: Waterfront Dining and Colonial History
Located just 25 miles north of Newburyport, Portsmouth, New Hampshire is one of the most popular weekend trips from Newburyport, MA for those who enjoy a mix of culture, shopping, and coastal charm. This historic seaport city offers cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial architecture, and a vibrant arts scene.
Market Square is a lively hub filled with boutique shops, independent bookstores, and local restaurants. The Strawberry Banke Museum offers a walk through time with restored homes and costumed interpreters, making it a great stop for history enthusiasts. Dining along the waterfront at places like River House or Martingale Wharf offers scenic views paired with fresh seafood. With easy access via I-95, Portsmouth is a quick and rewarding getaway year-round.
Market Square is a lively hub filled with boutique shops, independent bookstores, and local restaurants. The Strawberry Banke Museum offers a walk through time with restored homes and costumed interpreters, making it a great stop for history enthusiasts. Dining along the waterfront at places like River House or Martingale Wharf offers scenic views paired with fresh seafood. With easy access via I-95, Portsmouth is a quick and rewarding getaway year-round.
Portland, ME: Art, Cuisine, and Coastal Living
For a slightly longer weekend escape, Portland, Maine offers a sophisticated urban experience just under a two-hour drive from Newburyport. This coastal city blends maritime history with a contemporary art and culinary scene, making it one of the top weekend trips from Newburyport, MA for those seeking variety in a single destination.
The Old Port district features cobblestone streets, working fishing docks, and an array of galleries and high-end shops. Food lovers are drawn to Portland’s award-winning restaurants, such as Eventide Oyster Co. and Fore Street, known for locally sourced dishes and elevated coastal cuisine. The Portland Museum of Art and the nearby lighthouses along Cape Elizabeth offer cultural and scenic experiences that round out the perfect weekend.
The Old Port district features cobblestone streets, working fishing docks, and an array of galleries and high-end shops. Food lovers are drawn to Portland’s award-winning restaurants, such as Eventide Oyster Co. and Fore Street, known for locally sourced dishes and elevated coastal cuisine. The Portland Museum of Art and the nearby lighthouses along Cape Elizabeth offer cultural and scenic experiences that round out the perfect weekend.
The White Mountains, NH: Nature and Outdoor Recreation
For those who prefer mountain air and outdoor adventure, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are an excellent option. Roughly two and a half hours from Newburyport, this region is ideal for hiking, skiing, or simply relaxing in a rustic lodge or luxury inn.
Popular spots include Franconia Notch State Park, home to the Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain, and North Conway, which offers tax-free shopping, charming downtown streets, and access to scenic routes such as the Kancamagus Highway. In the winter months, skiing at Loon Mountain or Bretton Woods provides a refreshing change of pace for active travelers. During the fall, leaf-peeping in this area is among the best in New England, making it one of the most visually rewarding weekend trips from Newburyport, MA.
Popular spots include Franconia Notch State Park, home to the Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain, and North Conway, which offers tax-free shopping, charming downtown streets, and access to scenic routes such as the Kancamagus Highway. In the winter months, skiing at Loon Mountain or Bretton Woods provides a refreshing change of pace for active travelers. During the fall, leaf-peeping in this area is among the best in New England, making it one of the most visually rewarding weekend trips from Newburyport, MA.
The Berkshires, MA: Culture and Countryside
Western Massachusetts’ Berkshires region presents a different flavor of weekend getaway—one steeped in culture, performing arts, and rural beauty. About a three-hour drive from Newburyport, the Berkshires are known for their seasonal festivals, world-class museums, and upscale country inns.
Highlights include the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams, Tanglewood concerts in Lenox during the summer, and the historic estates of Edith Wharton and Norman Rockwell. The rolling hills and wooded trails make this an ideal destination for peaceful retreats or romantic weekends, especially in the quieter shoulder seasons of spring and late autumn.
Highlights include the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams, Tanglewood concerts in Lenox during the summer, and the historic estates of Edith Wharton and Norman Rockwell. The rolling hills and wooded trails make this an ideal destination for peaceful retreats or romantic weekends, especially in the quieter shoulder seasons of spring and late autumn.
Ogunquit, ME
Ogunquit is a classic Maine seaside village located approximately 45 minutes to an hour north of Newburyport via I-95 North, making it an ideal destination for a quick coastal getaway. The name Ogunquit means "beautiful place by the sea" in the indigenous Abenaki language, a description the town certainly lives up to.
The town is famous for the Marginal Way, a mile-and-a-quarter paved cliff walk that offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky shorelines, and secluded coves. This walk connects the main village area with Perkins Cove, a charming former fishing harbor now filled with boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront dining accessible by footbridge. Ogunquit also boasts a large, wide sandy beach that stretches for over three miles, popular for swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months.
The town is famous for the Marginal Way, a mile-and-a-quarter paved cliff walk that offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky shorelines, and secluded coves. This walk connects the main village area with Perkins Cove, a charming former fishing harbor now filled with boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront dining accessible by footbridge. Ogunquit also boasts a large, wide sandy beach that stretches for over three miles, popular for swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months.
Newport, RI: Gilded Age Grandeur and Seaside Elegance
About two and a half hours from Newburyport, Newport, Rhode Island, is best known for its opulent mansions, yacht-filled harbors, and colonial history. This elegant seaside town offers a refined coastal experience with a strong emphasis on historic preservation and architectural beauty.
Visitors can tour the Newport Mansions, including The Breakers and Marble House, walk the Cliff Walk for sweeping ocean views, or dine along Thames Street at renowned seafood spots. In the summer months, the Newport Jazz Festival and Folk Festival draw music lovers from across the region. Whether for romantic weekends or cultural excursions, Newport adds a luxurious option to the list of weekend trips from Newburyport, MA.
Visitors can tour the Newport Mansions, including The Breakers and Marble House, walk the Cliff Walk for sweeping ocean views, or dine along Thames Street at renowned seafood spots. In the summer months, the Newport Jazz Festival and Folk Festival draw music lovers from across the region. Whether for romantic weekends or cultural excursions, Newport adds a luxurious option to the list of weekend trips from Newburyport, MA.
Woodstock, VT
Woodstock offers an entirely different, idyllic experience, transporting visitors to a picturesque inland village about three hours northwest of Newburyport, typically via I-93 North and I-89 North. Often cited as one of the prettiest towns in America, Woodstock meets you with a village center defined by the immaculate village green, surrounded by well-preserved Federal and Greek Revival architecture, including the famous Woodstock Inn & Resort.
Activities here focus on the rural heritage and beauty of the Green Mountains. Visitors can explore the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which features a working dairy farm and extensive carriage trails. The nearby Billings Farm & Museum provides educational displays on Vermont's agricultural history. The town's shops and restaurants, concentrated around the central green, offer high-quality, locally sourced goods and fine dining.
Activities here focus on the rural heritage and beauty of the Green Mountains. Visitors can explore the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which features a working dairy farm and extensive carriage trails. The nearby Billings Farm & Museum provides educational displays on Vermont's agricultural history. The town's shops and restaurants, concentrated around the central green, offer high-quality, locally sourced goods and fine dining.
Contact Zaniboni Luxury Group to Learn More About Weekend Trips from Newburyport, MA
The variety and accessibility of weekend trips from Newburyport, MA are part of what makes living in this coastal community so appealing. With a rich mix of nearby destinations offering everything from cultural attractions to outdoor recreation, homeowners can enjoy the best of New England without needing to travel far.
If you're considering a move to or from the Newburyport area and want to understand the full lifestyle benefits of this region, contact Zaniboni Luxury Group today. Their team of knowledgeable real estate professionals can help you find a home base that keeps you close to the best weekend getaways New England has to offer.
If you're considering a move to or from the Newburyport area and want to understand the full lifestyle benefits of this region, contact Zaniboni Luxury Group today. Their team of knowledgeable real estate professionals can help you find a home base that keeps you close to the best weekend getaways New England has to offer.
