Our Favorite Spring Activities on the North Shore

Spring on the North Shore of Massachusetts is an exciting time! The days are getting warmer and longer, flowers and trees are blooming, and residents are finally venturing outside. As the world around us comes alive again, there’s something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy. Keep reading to learn some of our favorite springtime activities on the North Shore!

With the snow finally gone (hopefully), now is the moment to enjoy the natural world again. The North Shore of Massachusetts is home to many hiking and biking trails perfect for stretching your legs and breathing fresh air. The Coastal Trails Coalition offers a network of paved paths in Newburyport, Amesbury, Salisbury, and Newbury that are ideal for biking with the whole family. You can enjoy the bustle of Newburyport on the Clipper Rail Trail or the solitude of the Old Eastern Marsh Trail in Salisbury, to name a few. If hiking is more your speed, check out the Trustees’ plethora of trail options. Whether you’re looking for great views or dog-friendly options, there’s something to appease every type of hiker. We recommend the Sunset Hike & Firepits at the Crane Estate on Saturday, March 29.

In addition to the natural wonders, the North Shore is home to various inspiring museums. Flex your cultural muscles at places like the Peabody Essex Museum or the Hammond Castle Museum. Hammond Castle, which reopens April 5, is an almost 100-year-old medieval-style castle built on the coast of Gloucester that now houses a STEAM museum. Pro-tip: Follow up your museum trip with a visit to Beauport’s 1606 Restaurant for delicious seafood and more dynamic ocean views. If you’re looking for a fun spot to take the kids, the North Shore Children’s Museum is the spot! Don’t miss their Spring Egg Hunts on Saturday, April 12.

The warmer weather means more and more restaurants will start offering outdoor dining options. If you’re looking for great views with your food, check out C.K. Pearl in Essex, The Deck in Salisbury, Mile Marker One in Gloucester, and SurfSide in Salisbury. One of our favorites, Sunset Club on Plum Island, will reopen on April 2. With a firepit, lawn games, and the best sunset views, this fun island bar and restaurant overlooking the Great Salt Marsh is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the spring weather (especially before the summer crowds move in). At the start of May, downtown Newburyport will transform into an outdoor dining paradise, with many restaurants installing patio seating in the street. We also can’t forget the many local breweries, like Riverwalk Brewing Co. and Mill 77 Brewing, with outdoor options to sip and enjoy your favorite beverages in the sun.

Spring also means the start of boating season! As a coastal community, ocean activities are a must-do when exploring the North Shore. While we may not get on the water until late spring, there’s no better feeling than watching the docks and boats return to the water. One of the best ways to explore our coast and seas is to take a whale watch tour. Newburyport Whale Watch starts mid-May. Their tour leaves right out of downtown Newburyport, allowing you to explore the town’s fabulous restaurants and shops when you return.

Springtime festivals are another great way to enjoy our corner of New England! One of our favorite local farms, Cider Hill Farm, reopens April 18. In addition to shopping their market and exploring the property’s rolling hills, Cider Hill also hosts a popular Tulip Festival. Starting May 3, get ready to tip-toe through the tulip fields and pick your own bouquet for your home. Later that same month, visit Newburyport for its Annual Spring Fest, happening May 24-25. Enjoy live local bands, food trucks and libations, and a range of artisans and craft vendors along the historic waterfront. It’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all this area has to offer!

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