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.
