The Best Wildlife refuge parking in Newburyport, Massachusetts

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport, Massachusetts, is a popular tourist attraction and park managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge beach is currently closed to protect nesting piping plovers and other shorebirds, but a small section at Lot 1 remains open for visitors. Marsh-side access and all refuge trails are still open for exploration. Visitors can learn about national wildlife refuges and enjoy a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational activities at the Parker River NWR. Passes can be purchased at the refuge with cash or check, or online. The refuge periodically closes for capacity and management reasons, but there are other local beaches and recreation areas to explore.

Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours is a premier tour company located in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Our 45-passenger boat, the Yankee Clipper, operates from the Newburyport Town Dock on the Merrimack River, while our new 30-passenger catamaran style boat, the Rachel Carson, operates from the Haverhill Municipal Dock. Please note that the Newburyport waterfront is undergoing construction, but alternative parking options are available. Additionally, during the month of August, we are offering 2-for-1 tickets on the Haverhill boat.

The Bay Circuit Trail Southern Terminus is a park located at 100 Loring Street in Duxbury, Massachusetts, United States. This 230 mile multi-use trail outside of Boston offers opportunities for walking, hiking, biking, skiing, and enjoying the fresh air. The trail corridor is easily accessible by public transportation and passes through 38 towns in Eastern Massachusetts. Learn more about the history of the BCT on their About page. Visit the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Newburyport to access the trail. Take a train ride from downtown Boston to explore this local trail system. Stay updated on trail photos and project updates on the BCT Blog. Join the Appalachian Mountain Club's trail crews to help complete trail projects in your town.

Discover the Bay Circuit Trail Welcome to the Bay Circuit Trail, a stunning 230 mile multi-use trail located just outside of Boston. Situated at 180 High Plain Road, Andover, Massachusetts, our trail offers a perfect escape into Eastern Massachusetts’s breathtaking natural landscapes, passing through 38 towns with many more nearby. Whether you're looking to walk, hike, bike, ski, or simply enjoy some fresh air, the BCT provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Welcome to Stavros Reservation, a hidden gem located at 1-15 Island Road, Essex, Massachusetts. As a cherished park and tourist attraction, Stavros Reservation offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 50 acres of protected salt marsh and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Whites Hill. This coastal drumlin provides unobstructed panoramic views of Crane Beach, the Crane Wildlife Refuge, and Halibut Point. The reservation's iconic feature is the historic three-level tower built by Lamont G. Burnham in the 1880s. Originally used as a pumping tower for the Burnham farm, it is steeped in local lore and offers a glimpse into the past. A short, three-quarter-mile loop trail invites you to wander through fields and ascend the hillside to discover the tower's fieldstone base. Along the way, you'll trek through a thicket of Devil’s walking stick and find a serene clearing overlooking the expansive salt marshes towards Castle Hill.

Welcome to Jennie Lagoulis Reservation, a historic and natural treasure located on Boston Road in Newbury, Massachusetts. This unique park offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. Spanning the remarkable Four Rock property, Jennie Lagoulis Reservation is home to the storied Devil’s Den limestone quarries, a site rich in history and natural beauty. With a diverse landscape that includes uplands, wetlands, and maritime forests, this area has been a cherished playground for local children for over 300 years.