Coastal Charm: Your Ultimate Guide to Interzone Travel along the Rockport/Newburyport Line

The scenic Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line is your ticket to exploring charming seaside communities, coastal marshes, and historic fishing towns as you take advantage of Interzone Travel. 

Whether you are a family looking to explore without the hassle of traffic or a college student looking for a weekend adventure, the Newburyport/Rockport Line is one you will enjoy hopping on and off all weekend long. Thanks to the $10 Unlimited Weekend Pass, there is no need to limit your stops or fun, so you can spend the day hopping between station zones at no extra cost! 

The Newburyport/Rockport Line is a picturesque, charming coastal line that runs from Boston’s North Station to Beverly, where it splits, continuing to both Newburyport and Rockport. Be sure to double-check the schedule to ensure you are on the right line. 

Let’s explore a fun-packed day from watching the sunrise on the beach to enjoying an evening of live entertainment. Each business listed is within a mile of the station mentioned, unless otherwise noted.

Swampscott’s Sun-drenched Sands

Fifteen miles north of Boston is the seaside town of Swampscott, known for its scenic beaches and historic homes. Start your journey at one of the picturesque beaches, such as Fisherman’s Beach (.9 mi), or King’s Beach (.6 mi), where you can enjoy a lazy day listening to the waves lap, play in the soft sand or (if you get up early enough) watch the sunrise along with catching a beautiful Boston skyline view. 

If you stay for the day or get hungry during your visit, the restaurant Mission on the Bay in Swampscott (0.5 mi). Savor an unforgettable dining experience with a menu that blends classic New England, Brazilian, and Asian cuisines. Enjoy breathtaking views from the chef’s tables or relax with a cocktail at one of the two bars, including the unique Roof Deck Bar.

Explore Salem’s History & Waterfront 

While you’ve likely heard of the City of Salem, also called Witch City, you probably know only part of its story. While the city has plenty of attractions that tie into its witch history, you might find yourself more bewitched by the scenic seaside views or the New England charm. Salem mixes its notorious history with a lively, quirky, and at times spooky energy that is unlike any other stop along the Newburyport/Rockport Line.

Start your tour of the city with a photo opp at the famous Bewitched Statue at Lappin Park (.6 mi) or at the Old Town Hall (.2 mi). Once you have secured your Instagram-worthy snapshot to commemorate your stop at Salem, keep on track by chugging along to visit the Peabody Essex Museum (.6 mi), which offers free admission to students from select universities, or stop by the Witch Trials Memorial (.5 mi) to get you acquainted with the town’s history! 

As you continue your way through “Witch City”, fuel your adventurous spirit with sips from Front Street Coffee House (.3 mi), sweet treats from Lulu’s (.5 mi), or sit down for fresh seafood at Turner’s Seafood (.4 mi).  

Enjoy the Nightlife in Beverly 

Beverly Station is conveniently located in downtown Beverly, just steps from bars and restaurants offering fun live entertainment, including local bands, trivia nights, and karaoke. Once you step off the Commuter Rail at Beverly Station, you have a pick of dining establishments depending on your mood and the style of entertainment you seek. 

Head to Fibber McGees (.3 mi), where you will find a lively, casual atmosphere serving classic American comfort food, with a fun late-night menu including wings, burgers, and steak tips. The pub also hosts trivia nights and features a popular “Wing Night” on Tuesdays. 

The Gentile Brewing Company (.2 mi) offers events including live acoustic music, drag bingo, trivia nights, and specialized events like trivia or book clubs. They also host food trucks and hold special event nights. Meet your friends or plan a fun date night! 

The Pickled Onion (.4 mi) offers some of the hottest karaoke around on Friday nights and is known for its competitive trivia and apps nights. Explore the full menu and live entertainment schedule, featuring a wide range of bands. 

Sala Restobar (350 feet) serves a creative fusion of Southeast Asian street food, modern Latin flavors, and Spanish-style tapas. The menu features shareable plates such as Korean street tacos, cheeseburger bao buns, kimchi fried rice, and miso-glazed salmon, alongside signature cocktails and craft beers. On weekends, enjoy live music as you dine. 

Take a Stroll in Manchester-By-the-Sea

Originally a small fishing village, Manchester, MA has become a destination for Bostonians to escape the chaos of the city and enjoy a slower pace of life, with soft, sandy beaches and a downtown that is as charming as it is beautiful. 

Whether you want to spend the day strolling in and out of the quaint shops that line the downtown area or enjoy the small harbor at Masconomo Park  (.1 mi) with the myriad of boats that cruise by, the choice is yours as life seems to slow down in this quiet coastal town. 

If you are up for a short walk from the Manchester-by-the-Sea platform, head up Beach Street to Singing Beach (.2 mi), known for its sand that makes a unique sound when walked on and for breathtaking views. Before you head up the hill to enjoy the views and smell of the salt air, take some time to explore the downtown area. Whether you want to stop into the Manchester By The Sea Bookstore (.2 mi) to grab a book as you relax on the beach, or grab a coffee and a delicious snack at the Laughing Gull Cafe (.2 mi), you will feel yourself relax as you explore this quintessential New England coastal town. 

Ride into Rockport: 

The term coastal charm is embodied in the small seaside community of Rockport! There is much to explore in Rockport beyond the sun-soaked beaches; each street is lined with local shops for you to saunter into. 

Start your trek into downtown with Salty’s Bagels (500 ft), and fuel your engine for the day of fun ahead. Salty’s is just a few steps away from the platform, making it a convenient and must-try stop! Open just on weekends and in small batches, a stop at Salty’s is as much about the journey as it is about the bragging rights. 

As you move through town, support local businesses by stopping into shorelined storefronts like The Paper Mermaid (.6 mi) and Rockport Candle Company(.8 mi) for cute mementos of your time spent in Rockport. If you find yourself needing a little boost before you head to Bearskin Neck, stop at Brothers Brew Coffee (.7 mi)  for a comforting cup of Joe! 

Bearskin Neck is a neighborhood in Rockport that will have your artistic friends grabbing for their canvas. This little nook of town is bursting with color and history waiting to be explored. A walk to Bearskin Neck promises beauty of all kinds, from sweeping oceanfront views of Old Granite Pier (1 mi) to colorful paintings housed in galleries and art shops like R. Lerch Gallery (.9 mi), Joe’s Fresh Prints (.9 mi), and Art Nook Gallery (.9 mi).  

Before hopping back aboard, do as the locals do and visit Rockport Brewing Co. (.1 mi). Sip on a cold one, or take a four-pack to go for a lingering taste of your day trip on Interzone Travel!