How to Spend a Day in Newburyport

Growing up, we visited Newburyport for Yankee Homecoming every single year. The festival always takes place during the first week of August, which happens to coincide with my birthday. So when we would watch the fireworks on the final night of Homecoming, I thought they were for my birthday! I realize that was not the case, but it has remained a fond memory.

Now we may not have the opportunity to get up there for the fireworks, I still do my best to make a trip during that week of my birthday to participate in some of the fun, and it always makes it on my summer bucketlist! This year, I partnered with Shop Newburyport during my birthday visit to highlight some of the great shops and restaurants they have in the area. Here’s how to spend a day in Newburyport.

Have breakfast at The Angry Donut

With flavors like Fruity Pebble, Chocolate Sea Salt, and Peanut Butter Cookie Monster, I knew The Angry Donut was the place for me. Not only is the shop absolutely Instagram-worthy (as are the doughnuts), the actual food and drinks are amazing. While one doughnut will definitely be enough to fill you up, you may want to pick up a couple for the road!

Get in a little Retail Therapy

Lively Kids is a must-visit for parents looking for adorable kids’ clothes and toys. I absolutely fell in love with everything in this charming boutique the moment I walked in, including its owner, Erin French who was walking around with her baby girl who was oh-so-cute! We left with a gorgeous eyelet top from Mayoral (one of my favorite kid’s brands), a new pair of shell-shaped sunglasses that Arielle tried to go to bed in the other night she loves them so much, a rattan shell purse, and Jellycat plush unicorn dragon we have affectionately named LaLa that has not left Arielle’s side. Needless to say, you will be seeing many more pictures of her in her adorable Lively Kids finds and we will be visiting this new favorite store often.

Other stores you definitely want to stop in to are Bobbles & Lace for the latest fashions and cute shoes, Best of British for your favorite British foods (I love the chocolate) as well as jewelry, Barbour clothing and tea, and Dyno Records for a real time warp – so much fun! I also enjoy perusing Oldies Marketplace for antique home goods and jewelry, Native Sun and Nauti Pearl for some upscale fashion and jewelry finds. Basically, you’ll be able to get anything you want or need in Newburyport!

Grab Lunch or Dinner at Michael’s Harborside

This Newburyport mainstay is THE place to grab lunch or dinner (or both) in this port city. With an amazing view of the water from the covered deck, you’ll enjoy an incredible meal as well as the refreshing ocean breeze. While it is impossible to have a bad meal here, my favorite item on the menu is their lobster roll with onion rings. A little pro tip – only get the large one if you’re famished or able to bring the rest home with you. I got the regular-sized lobster roll and struggled to eat the whole thing because it is huge, which isn’t the worst problem to have. Finish your meal off with one of their delicious desserts like the Italian-imported gelato, you’ll thank me later.

Walk off that Delicious Lobster Roll on the Boardwalk or Playing at the Inn Street Splash Pad

I’ve always enjoyed visits to Waterfront Park. With plenty of green space, you can bring the whole family to relax either on the boardwalk or under a tree for the afternoon. It’s also the perfect place for a stroll after lunch. And if you get there early enough on the first Saturday of August, you’ll get a prime spot to watch the homecoming fireworks. Or you can head over to Inn Street where the kiddos (and mom and dad) can run through the splash pad.

Finish off your day with a Bubble Tea from Jen Ju Boba Tea

This tiny tea shop is a sight to see! You’ll find tons of options to create the boba tea of your dreams at Jen Ju Boba Tea. You can also use the vintage claw machine to snag yourself a plush boba doll (so cute) or pick up some treats. Make sure you saw hi to Tawn, the shop’s owner, when you stop in!