The Compass Rose Inn is one block from Market Square, a historic district with early 19th century architecture. A very short walk leads to the Waterfront Park, Firehouse Center for the Performing and Visual Arts, unique shops, antique stores, numerous art galleries, and widely acclaimed restaurants.

The Custom House Maritime Museum and Cushing House Museum (Historical Society of Old Newbury) offer a glimpse of 18th and 19th century life. Across the river is the Lowell Boat Shop, home of the Amesbury dory. Now a working museum, it preserves over 200 years of boat-building tradition.

Nearby are Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. With 10 miles of ocean beach, sandy dunes and salt marsh estuaries, it is home to many birds and animals. Maudslay State Park, with 450 acres of rolling meadows, towering pine forests, and spectacular mountain laurel, is beautiful. The 19th century gardens of this expansive estate are being restored and a new art/theater is the site of concerts and special performances

Newburyport is convenient for day trips to many New England attractions. South are the historic ports of Gloucester, Marblehead, Salem and Boston. Sturbridge Village is easily accessible on interstate highways. Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Maine’s rocky coast are to the northeast. The White Mountains of New Hampshire lie to the north.