Water Activities in Newburyport

The days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter. If you’re looking to enjoy some water activities this summer, look no further than the Merrimack River. There’s plenty of fun to be had right here in Newburyport, including kayaking and paddleboarding down the river. You can also fish from a boat or even swim on Plum Island —just make sure you don’t go too far out!

Kayak or Paddleboard in the Merrimack River

The Merrimack River is a great place to kayak or paddleboard. If you’re looking for some fun exercise, it’s also a great way to get out in nature. Kayaking and paddleboarding rentals are available downtown and at Plum Island, so you can easily enjoy this activity as part of your Newburyport vacation. It’s a fun way to burn approx. 300 calories per hour!

Fish from land or sea

• The best place to fish is at the mouth of the Merrimack River. You can find some excellent fishing spots along the north shore, especially near Salisbury Point and Plum Island.

• There are great catches to be had if you’re willing to put in a little effort. Bluefish, mackerel, striped bass, perch and flounder are all common catches here.

• You’ll need proper equipment for this trip; rod and reel combos make it easy for beginners but also allow more experienced anglers to cast farther out into deeper waters without having to deal with tangles or knots in their line.

• Don’t forget plenty of bait! The most popular baits include worms (either live or dead), herring pieces (“chumming”), squid strips and mackerel.

Swim and play Beach Volleyball

You can spend a day at the Plum Island beach. The water is refreshing and inviting, there are plenty of other people around for you to socialize with, and there are a variety of food options if you get hungry or thirsty! Make sure that you apply sunscreen beforehand so that your skin doesn’t burn—and bring along a bottle of water just in case.

If sand sports are more up your alley, then stay ashore and give volleyball a try. There are oftentimes nets setup near the Newburyport end of the beach. You can play all day long while enjoying sunshine and sea breezes as they gently caress your face.

Bike or Walk Along the Merrimack.

The Merrimack River is a great place to get out and enjoy all that the area has to offer. With so many options for water recreation, it’s easy to spend a weekend on the water kayaking, fishing and swimming at Plum Island State Park. But if being in or on the water isn’t your forte, moving alongside it just might be!

Explore historic sites and beautiful natural scenery as well as activities such as hiking and biking along the rail trail. The river sections run from Cashman Park through downtown and out to Joppa. It’s not very long or difficult so it’s a wonderful experience for all levels.