Parking Information Archives

Plum Island Parking Details and Tips for Visitors and Residents

By Caitlin Dowling, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Caitlin is a freelance editor/writer and former news producer for CNN. As a local mom of three, her family can be found enjoying all Newburyport has to offer, from strolling downtown to biking the rail trail to swimming at the beach.

Plum Island Parking, Center Lot, Newbury, MA

A day trip to the island offers great eats, adventures and beaches—but before you hop in the car it’s important to learn the details on Plum Island parking. Because the island is made up of two municipalities, a national wildlife refuge and a state reservation, knowing the rules and choosing the best place to park your wheels can feel overwhelming. Street parking is off-limits for non-residents, so lots are the way to go—and there are a variety of options depending on how and where you plan on spending your day.

Plum Island Point Parking Lot:

This lot is located at the very end of Northern Blvd, holds 121 cars and directly next to the beach playground and public restrooms. The address is 278 Northern Boulevard, Newburyport, MA. It’s the perfect spot to park if you’re planning on hitting North Point Beach or visiting the Plum Island Light House. The parking cost for non-residents and Newburyport residents without a North Point lot sticker is $15 on weekdays and $20 on holidays and weekends. Because this Plum Island parking lot is technically located in Newburyport, those residents score a discount. But it’s important to note that Newburyport residents MUST get a free parking sticker at the Harbor Master Office, 27 Rear Water Street, in order to be eligible for the discount. Parking for residents with stickers is $10 on weekdays and $12 on holidays and weekends.

If you happen to show up at the Plum Island North Point lot when there isn’t a parking attendant it’s ok to park, but this doesn’t mean you get in for free. You will most likely find an envelope on your windshield when you get back with a bill you can pay choose to pay when exiting or mail in later.

Plum Island Center Parking Lots:

Plum Island parking options for the center of the island are the town of Newbury’s territory. The privately owned lots located directly across the street from the main beach are the ideal spot for visitors hoping to walk to restaurants, the local convenience store, and an ice cream shops. Pricing for these private lots is set by owners and varies depending on weekdays vs. weekends with an average cost of $20 per day. Free parking with a three hour limit is available along Sunset Drive but make sure to carefully read signs and adhere to Town of Newbury guidelines. Newbury residents with a valid permit can park in the resident spaces at the Plum Island Center parking lot, along Northern Blvd on the east/beach side of the street and the Town Ramp on High Road at the Parker River Bridge. Newbury residents can apply to purchase a parking permit for $25 per year, per vehicle online or in person by completing the application. Proof of residency is required. Make sure you don’t park even briefly in the beach front Plum Island center parking unless you have a valid Newbury parking sticker. You will get ticketed or towed. Portable restrooms are located on the edge of the beach front parking lot.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Parking:

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge gate house serves as the entrance for the Refuge is the national refuge and for Sandy Point State Reservation at the very far southern point of Plum Island. The refuge boasts a total of seven parking lots with an additional bonus lot at Sandy Point. Restrooms are located at lots 1 and 4 and portable restrooms are available for use at other lots. The beach is accessible from the following lots: 1,2,3,6 and 7 but some lots are closed at certain points to protect the Piping Plovers.

To park on the refuge costs $5 per vehicle, per day. Plan on visiting often? Purchase an annual pass for $20 which can be done right at the entry guard shack when an attendant is on duty or at the refugee headquarters. If you prefer to visit the refuge on a bike or by foot, there is a daily cost of $2 per walker or biker at the refuge entrance.

Sandy Point State Park Parking:

Sandy Point State Reservation is a state park but you still need to pay to get on the reservation. Parking is the same $5 day, with no additional charge to access the Sandy Point lot. Be warned—this beach is extremely popular, so if you are planning to visit during peak months you need to get there early. Cars often form a line to get in, with a one in/one out policy.

Special Events:

During large events such as Plumfest, there is an additional option for Plum Island Parking. The Plum Island Airport opens up its airfield as an additional option. While the airport is slightly farther from the center of Plum Island, shuttle services make it easy.

Guide to Parking Permits in Newburyport

Residents and employees, and in one case even non-residents, may apply for parking permits that allow them to park in the city without having to feed the meter or obey time restrictions on streets. But parking permits are different for the parking garage, parking lots, and residential streets. Like paying the meters, all parking permits are now digital, meaning you do not need to display anything in your car. Permits are all registered by plate, so once you have completed your application online you’re ready to park.

Sound complicated? That’s why we’ve created a guide on how to get your parking permit, what type of permit makes sense for you, and any restrictions that may apply. Read on for the full parking permit breakdown below.

Types of Parking Permits

Parking Lot Permits: With the exclusion of the Waterfront Parking Lot, which does not allow permit parking, if you purchase a parking lot permit you may park in any of the other six lots in downtown Newburyport without paying the meter. To apply as a resident you must have proof of residency (ie. utility bill, mortgage bill, etc) and for employee permits, you must have proof of local employment (ie. paystub, contract, etc). Residents $15/year; Employees $160/year; Seniors $5/year.

Parking Garage Permits: Located at the corner of Merrimac Street and Titcomb Street, the garage offers a covered parking option for residents, employees, and the only option for non-residents to secure a coveted parking spot in town. During the busy seasons in Newburyport, this can be a great option for frequent out of town visitors. Residents $60/month; Employees $50/quarter ($200/year); Non-residents $80/months.

Resident Parking Permits: For residents of Newburyport that live on streets with posted time limits, you may apply for a FREE parking permit to override time restrictions. These permits must be renewed annually and require proof of residency. Residents in these zones may also apply for visitor parking permits for guests.

Please note rates are subject to change by the City of Newburyport. Rates in this post are from February 2020.

Parking Garage in Newburyport

The newest addition to the parking scene in Newburyport is the two-story covered parking garage located at the entrance of town at Merrimac Street and Titcomb Street. The entrance on Titcomb Street is for permit holders while the entrance off of Merrimac is for general public parking. This 207 spot garage offers parking protected from the elements, permit parking options for employees and residents, and 24-hour parking, an option not available in the city’s parking lots.

Similar to the city’s parking lots, those choosing to park in the parking garage can opt to pay by kiosk or by downloading the Park Mobile app on their phone. Whichever method you choose to pay by, make sure to have your license plate handy as Newburyport parking is paper-free and your plates are how you register to park. Parking in the garage is $1/hour no matter what time of day.

Because this parking garage is situated at the entrance of town, it provides easy access to all downtown shopping, restaurants, the Waterfront Park, and the boardwalk. On busy weekends when traffic backs up along the main access point into town, Merrimac Street, opting for the parking garage can save you time arriving and departing by avoiding downtown congestion.

Also because the parking garage is located on the edge of town, many visitors choose to park in the lots in the downtown area, meaning on busier weekends, the garage is a great option to score a spot!

For visitors spending more than an afternoon, the parking garage offers one of the only options, aside from private parking, to have a car in town overnight and for multiple days.

Newburyport is a premier destination for both day visitors and those looking for an extended vacation. For visitors or residents out enjoying their city, make sure to check out all of the amazing restaurants, one of a kind shops, and unique experiences available in Newburyport. And if you are going to eat, shop, and play in town, consider purchasing a VIP Card to receive local discounts.

Please note rates are subject to change by the City of Newburyport. Rates in this post are from February 2020.

Parking Lots in Newburyport: Locations & Payment

Whether you’re a Newburyport resident or visiting for the day, knowing where the city’s parking lots are located is essential. On busy days, street parking is hard to come by and on days when events are happening in the downtown area, parking lots can frequently fill up. But there are seven different lots to choose from, and some of these lots are not as well known. Read on to find out where each city parking lot is located, how to pay, time limits, and more. You’ll be parking like a local, even if you are just visiting for the day!

The city parking lots vary in fees, time limits, and permit restrictions. All lots do require payment when parking is enforced. From January to the end of March, you must pay to park Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. During the busier months, April through December, you must pay to park Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. It is important to note that you may not park overnight in any of the city parking lots.

Payments for parking can be made at kiosks located throughout each lot, but to skip the lines that sometimes build-up, you can also download the Park Mobile app to pay directly through your phone. Whichever method you choose, make sure to have your license plate handy! Parking in Newburyport is paper free, so you must enter your plates to register for parking.

Waterfront Lot: The first lot many come across as they head into town is the Waterfront parking lot, located right off Merrimac Street along the—you guessed—waterfront. The Waterfront Lot offers 60 metered parking spots and it’s entrance is right after the intersection of Green Street and Merrimac. This location gives you quick access to the boardwalk and Waterfront Park. Please note, there is NO PERMIT PARKING in this lot. If you are a resident with a permit, you must still pay to park in this lot. Parking $1/hour, all day.

NRA West Lot: Literally connected to the Waterfront Lot, the NRA West Lot is the slightly larger gravel section to the right with 68 parking spots. This lot also has great access to the boardwalk and Waterfront Park and DOES allow for permit parking. So, if you are a permit holder, bypass the paved spots for the gravel spots! There are also spots in this lot designated specifically for permit parking. To gain access to this parking lot, you must enter through the Waterfront Lot. Parking $1/hour, all day.

NRA East Lot: Located on the other side of Waterfront Park and the downtown area, you can gain access to this lot at the intersection of Water Street and Ferry Wharf Road. Offering 175 spots, parking here will give you quick access to the boardwalk, Oldies Marketplace, and the Custom House Maritime Museum. Permit parking is permitted in this parking lot. There are also spots in this lot designated specifically for permit parking. Parking $1/hour, all day.

Green Street Lot: This lot is the largest parking lot, with 227 spots, and is located directly across Merrimac Street from the Waterfront. Green Street parking lot gives you direct access to Inn Street shops and restaurants. There are three entrances to this lot—from Merrimac Street, Green Street, and Unicorn Street. Residential permit parking is permitted but you must still follow the time limit rules. Employee parking permit holders may park all day from January 1st through April 1st. This lot offers special parking spots for military plates and compact cars. Parking $1.50/hour, 3 hour limit.

State Street Lot: This smaller lot, with only 31 parking spots, is located at the top of State Street at the Harris Street intersection. On busier days, this lot may be overlooked and is a great alternative to the main downtown lots. You do however need to keep in mind that there is a parking time limit. State Street Lot gives you close access to downtown shops and restaurants and is located right next door to the Newburyport Public Library. While permit parking is permitted, you must still follow the time limit rules. This lot is one of the few parking lots that also has electric car parking/charging stations. Parking $1/hour, 3 hour limit.

Hale’s Ct. Lot: This lot, tucked off of Pleasant Street, is a lesser-known parking lot located very close to downtown. While it is slightly off the beaten path, making it a less obvious place to park, the lot only offers 17 spots so parking here is hit or miss. You can enter the lot off of Hale’s Court, a small side street connected to both Pleasant Street and Prince Place. Permit parking is allowed at this lot. Hale’s Ct. Lot also has parking spots specifically for compact cars. Parking $1.50/hour, all day.

Prince Place Lot: Located right around the corner from the Hale’s Ct. Lot is this hidden of a gem lot with 43 parking spots. The Prince Place Lot entrance is located off of Prince Place, a small side street off of the main downtown State Street. Parking here will also give you great access to downtown shops and restaurants. Permit parking is allowed. Parking $1.50/hour, all day.

Please note rates are subject to change by the City of Newburyport. Rates in this post are from February 2020.

Snow Emergency and Parking Ban Info for Newburyport

Snow Emergency, Parking Ban, Newburyport

The City of Newburyport will declare a snow emergency and parking ban when snow fall predictions for the area are at least 3 inches. Here’s a breakdown on everything you need to know when the city declares a snow emergency. And with snow, comes the issue of snow removal and resident responsibilities. Below are tips to keep you fine free and shoveled out when there’s snow fall in Newburyport.

How to Know if There’s a Parking Ban:

Look for the “Blue Lights”, flashing blue emergency beacons located at major intersections. These lights are turned on 6-7 hours in advance of the ban. When the lights are shut off, the parking ban has ended.
Call the Department of Public Services at 978-463-0472 or the Snow Emergency Information Line at 978-465-4464 ext. 1797.
The ban will be broadcast on Cable Access, WBZ radio and the city’s website homepage.
Sign up for email alerts by visiting the city’s website and selecting emergency alerts from the Department of Public Services

Where to Park During a Ban:

During a snow emergency all cars must be moved from public streets. Those that are not moved are at risk of being towed at the owner’s expense if the car directly affects snow removal, or fined a $50 ticket.

Residents may move their cars to any of these alternative parking locations during a snow emergency:

Green Street Municipal Lot
Cashman Park, (off Merrimac Street)
Cushing Park (off Washington Street)
Waterfront Trust Lot
NRA West Lot
NRA East Lot (Behind the Custom House)
Prince Place Lot (corner of Hales Court and Prince Place)
State Street Lot (corner of Harris Street and State Street)

Please Note: All vehicles must be moved from these lots within 12 hours following the end of the parking ban or they will be towed/ticketed.

Garage: The parking garage is not available for snow emergency parking, however it will remain open for garage permit holders and paying customers.

Snow Removal Information:

It may take several hours for snowplows to make it to your street, regardless of snow emergency status, but if you do think that your area has been neglected call 978-465-4464 to put in a snow removal request.
Property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks. This should be done within six hours after the snow stops if daytime or before noon if the snow stops during the night. Much like the parking ban, a fine of $50 can be issued for failure to shovel your sidewalk.
If you are able to help those in need of shoveling, contact the Council on Aging at 978-462-8650 or rrobillard@cityofnewburyport.com.

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