The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Newburyport, MA Day Trip
Looking for some inspiration for a dog-friendly Newburyport, MA day trip?
Newburyport is, by far, one of the most dog-friendly towns around. So much so, that we find ourselves going back over and over again.
Sometimes, it’s just for coffee and a quick walk along the waterfront. Other times, we’ll spend a longer amount of time, and it’s always with our dogs.
We love it for its walkability, relaxed atmosphere, and the fact that dogs are welcome in so many places.
That leads us to the point of this guide. If you’re wondering if there’s enough to do with your dog in Newburyport, the answer is a resounding yes.
Whether you live locally and you’re looking for an easy day trip with your dog or you’re a first-time visitor looking for ideas, this guide is for you.
We’re going to lay out a complete dog-friendly Newburyport, MA plan that not only your dogs will love, but you will too.
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Dog-Friendly Day Trip to Newburyport At-a- Glance
Morning: Coffee, relax by the waterfront, and Clipper City Rail Trail
Afternoon: Lunch, downtown, and optional afternoon activity
Late Afternoon: Dinner and sunset by the water
Notes About This Dog-Friendly Day Trip
- This itinerary involves quite a bit of walking, and some dogs may not be up for completing the entire Rail Trail loop. You can easily shorten this by walking a small portion of it and still enjoy the rest of the itinerary.
- Even if you don’t stay for a full day, you can customize your own plan using the ideas we’ve noted.
- The amount of time you spend in Newburyport will really depend on you and your dog. It could be anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.
- We’ll note how much time we recommend for each activity to help you better plan your visit.
Our Complete One Day Dog-Friendly Newburyport Itinerary
New England has a lot of “port” towns, but Newburyport is easily one of our favorites.
First and foremost, it’s an easy drive for us so we don’t need to dedicate an entire day to visiting. Sometimes we head over early in the morning for coffee and bagels by the water. Other times, we’ll walk the Clipper City Rail Trail and then grab some dinner afterwards.
However, what we love most about Newburyport is that it’s genuinely welcoming to dogs. Many stores and restaurants place water bowls outside, and several restaurants offer dog-friendly seating on their patios.
The other thing that makes Newburyport an ideal day trip for your dog is that it’s fairly compact, so you don’t need to walk too far to get between the downtown area and the waterfront.
It also has a lot of green space which is perfect if your dog needs a little space. You’ll often find the waterfront park and boardwalk filled with people and their furry companions, especially on the weekends. Having a place where you can bring your dog to get away from the crowds for a bit is great.
With all that said, let’s get into our dog-friendly plan.
Morning: Coffee, Waterfront, and Clipper City Rail Trail
We’ve already mentioned that we sometimes visit Newburyport just to grap some coffee and enjoy the waterfront, so that’s where we’re going to start.
Grab Coffee at a Dog-Friendly Café
We recommend starting your day by grabbing a coffee from one of Newburyport’s downtown cafés. There are a few in the area but a couple we like are Plume Cafe and Coffee Factory. Both have outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
Pro Tip:
Some of the outdoor seating areas at many of the cafes only have a few tables. If they’re all taken, we recommend heading over to the waterfront. There are tons of benches and Adirondack chairs lining the promenade.
From the cafes, it’s just a short walk to the Waterfront Promenade Park, where you and your pup can enjoy views of the Merrimack River.
You’ll find lots of green space here where you can stretch your legs after a long drive. There’s also a boardwalk that runs alongside the river which is one of the prettiest places in town. This is our favorite place to sit when we visit.
It’s also the perfect spot to let your dog sniff around while you enjoy the beautiful harbor views and passing boats.
We recommend spending anywhere from a half hour to an hour along the waterfront. If you think of it, bring a book with you. The mornings are usually pretty quiet, so it’s a nice time to read a book while you drink your coffee.
Walk the Clipper City Rail Trail
Next on the agenda is a walk along the Clipper City Rail Trail. This is a completely paved walking path that winds its way through various sections of Newburyport.
The entire loop is approximately 3.3 miles long. However, there are multiple trailheads which make it easy to walk certain sections of the path without completing the entire loop. You can learn about the different trailheads here.
Regardless of which section of the trail you decide to do, the trail is mostly flat, so it’s an easy walk for both people and dogs.
Another reason we love this trail so much is because there’s always something different to look at. Along the way, you’ll see everything from waterfront harbors and historic homes to wooded areas and gardens.
You may even come across some of the public art that’s displayed along certain sections of the trail including murals and interactive sculptures.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way for a quick water break, and some areas do have some shade in case your furry friend needs some time out of the sun.
The complete loop can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on your speed. If we do the whole loop, it usually takes us closer to 2 hours because we tend to stop quite a bit for water and pictures.
If you want to walk the entire trail, we recommend doing it early in the morning or on a day that isn’t supposed to get too hot. Some parts of the path are in full sun, so it can get a little toasty for the pups.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to bring water and a collapsible water bowl with you. There isn’t anywhere along the trail to get water or to use a restroom. If you don’t have one, we use the Springland water bottle with built-in water bowl. It’s convenient and you can clip it to a backpack.
After completing you trail walk, you can grab something cold to drink and spend a little more time enjoying the waterfront area.
Afternoon: Lunch & Explore Downtown Newburyport
One of the best things about Newburyport is that you don’t need to venture too far to get from one place to the other.
The waterfront promenade is only a couple of minutes away from the downtown area including popular Market Square.
This is where you want to go when you’re ready for lunch. There are numerous casual restaurants around in and around the square as well as the surrounding streets.
Oregano and Stone Crust Pizza are two casual places that offer dog-friendly outdoor seating.
If you visit Newburyport during the summer, they sometimes have festivals, like Yankee Homecoming Market Place, that take place near the waterfront.
During the festivals, you’ll often find food trucks and food stalls that offer everything from tacos and pizza to ice cream and smoothies. This is a great option if you’re looking for a quick and light lunch.
After lunch, spend some time wandering through Newburyport’s charming downtown. State Street is lined with locally owned boutiques, bookstores, and specialty shops, some of which welcome well-behaved dogs inside.
Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s fun to just roam around to see what’s offered. You can probably spend a couple of hours wandering the downtown area.
Late Afternoon Options for You & Your Dog
If you’re not ready to call it a day just yet, there are some additional activities to consider for the rest of your day.
Option 1: Plum Island
If you want to end your day with a visit to the beach, Plum Island will be your best option.
The time of year you’re visiting will determine which beach your dog is allowed on. Some sections that have seasonal restrictions, others have time-of-day restrictions, and others don’t allow dogs at all.
You can check the specific restrictions here.
Option 2: Maudslay State Park
Maudslay State Park is only a short drive from downtown Newburyport, so it makes for a perfect stop before heading home.
This park offers multiple dog-friendly trails, many of which are shaded. You’ll also find many picnic tables scattered throughout the park, so you can either pack a cooler or grab some food on the way to the park. It’s the perfect place for a casual dinner with your pooch.
Option 3: More Time Downtown
There’s always a chance you’ll decide to spend more time in the downtown area. If that’s the case, you can grab dinner at one of the dog-friendly restaurants along the water and watch the sun go down.
The Goat offers a dog-friendly patio which is right on the water. It’s a perfect spot to grab a burger and a beer at the end of the day.
Afterwards, you can grab some ice cream from Michael’s Harborside Take Away and you can end your day with a quick visit to Cashman Park. This park allows off-leash dogs during certain hours of the day. You can find out more info here.
Things to Know Before Visiting Newburyport With a Dog
Before heading out with your best friend, there are a few helpful things you should know about visiting Newburyport with dogs.
Parking in Downtown Newburyport
Considering how compact Newburyport is, we’ve always been impressed with the amount of available parking options.
That said, lots and garages fill up quickly in the summer, especially on the weekends, so try to get there early.
There is a fee for parking, although it’s very reasonable in our opinion. For many lots, it’s about $2.00 an hour for up to 3 hours.
Dog Rules & Seasonal Restrictions
While much of Newburyport is dog-friendly, double check with restaurants before assuming it’s ok to bring your dog on their outdoor patios.
Also keep in mind that each dog-friendly restaurant has their own rules as far as where dogs can sit. Some of this is dictated by city ordinances.
If you want to bring your dog to the beach, be sure to check the seasonal restrictions before heading out. Many don’t allow dogs during the peak season. Others only allow them during certain hours. You can check the most up-to-date info here.
Bring a Collapsible Water Bowl
Don’t forget to bring a collapsible water bowl and some water with you when visiting Newburyport for the day.
There isn’t a ton of shade along the waterfront or downtown area so it can get pretty hot by mid-day.
Many businesses have water bowls outside which is very convenient, but it’s best to have your own anyway.
Most of the dog-friendly restaurants will offer you a bowl of cold water for your friend as well.
Best Time to Visit
Newburyport is a popular destination year round, but since it’s a port town, the busiest times of the year coincide with the nicer weather. When the weather is cooler, you tend to see more residents and less day visitors.
Pro Tip:
If you have a reactive dog and want to visit in the warmer months, it’s best to visit early in the morning. When it starts to get crowded, it becomes more difficult to avoid other dogs and people both along the waterfront and in the downtown area.
Answering Your Questions About Dog-Friendly Newburyport
Is Newburyport dog-friendly?
Yes, Newburyport is very dog friendly.
Can dogs go into shops in Newburyport?
Some shops do allow dogs inside, but you should always check before bringing them inside.
What are the best dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport?
Several restaurants allow dogs on their outdoor patios including Sea Level Oyster Bar and The Goat.
Our Final Take: Dog-Friendly Newburyport, MA
There you have it, our dog-friendly Newburyport, MA day trip plan. Hopefully we’ve convinced you that there’s no need to leave your pooch at home when visiting this beautiful waterfront town. There’s plenty to see and do for both of you.
So whether you visit for a couple of hours or decide to make a day of it, Newburyport is a must for you and your furry companion. You never know, you may even end up becoming a frequent visitor, just like us.
Talk soon!
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