Newburyport includes part of Plum Island, a popular destination for locals and vacationers.
Northern Plum Island
The northern part of the island is actually filled with vacation cottages and beaches, both public and private. Many of the beaches stretch for great distances and offer semi-private areas for those willing to make the walk. Swimmers be warned, the waves can be quite strong in this area. The Plum Island Lighthouse can also be found in the northern section of the island. Be prepared to pay for parking when visiting the northern beaches.
Southern Plum Island Recreation
The Southern part of Plum Island is occupied mostly by Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Sandy Point State Reservation.
Visitors to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge can enjoy walking trails, beaches,canoeing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, and observation of local wildlife. Both are quite popular recreational spaces and welcome a large volume of visitors, especially on warm weather days. Sandy Point is at the very southern tip of Plum Island. The 77-acre park is home to the piping plover and the least tern, threaten species. Be sure to check before heading to the southern beaches of Plum Island as they may be closed and certain times of year to protect the piping plover.
Visitors to the Sandy Point State Reservation not only experience beautiful sandy beaches but also participate in outdoor activities such as walking, beach combing, fishing and birding. Access to the reservation is located through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.