Located about 40 miles north of Boston, Amesbury is a largely residential city in Essex County. It's one of the oldest communities in the United States, and its long history is filled with several significant “firsts” that shaped the country's economic, political, and cultural history. It all began in the 1630s, when English settlers established a settlement near the mouth of the Powwow River. Before long, they began to take advantage of the 90-foot drop in the river to generate power.
Amesbury began as a modest agricultural community, but it developed aggressive maritime and manufacturing industries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its maritime activities included shipping, shipbuilding, and fishing. The town produced a number of famous ships, such as the speedy Alliance that led the American Navy in battles during the American Revolution, and the whaler Essex that inspired Herman Melville's Moby Dick and Nathaniel Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea.
During the 19th century, Amesbury saw the construction of several textile mills, as well as the nation's first mechanized nail-making factory. The Merrimac Hat Company manufactured more hats than any other factory in the country. In the mid-1850s, the town became a major producer of carriages.
Amesbury was incorporated as a city in 1997. Today, it has a population of about 17,400 and covers a total area of 13.7 square miles.
What is the most opportune season to visit Amesbury, MA?
In Amesbury, average temperatures vary dramatically throughout the year. The city experiences cold temperatures for about 6 months in a year and pleasant temperatures for the remaining months. In comparison to other travel destinations around the world, it's in the 27th percentile for comfortable weather. The best time for outdoor activities in Amesbury is from mid-May to early-July, when average temperatures typically range from the low 60s to mid-70s.
The busiest months for tourism in Amesbury are June, August, and September. While the city is liveliest during these months, you have to be prepared to fork out more for accommodation as hotels will be charging the highest rates. In addition, you may have a hard time getting the right accommodation because many hotels will be fully booked. If you want to save money and have more accommodation options, consider visiting Amesbury in May or July.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Amesbury, MA:
Amesbury by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Amesbury, MA. You can use these illustrations to determine the most cost effective months to book a room in Amesbury throughout the year.
What luxury hotels are in Amesbury, MA?
4 Star Average Prices: $150.73
If you don't mind spending more on accommodation, you can have an ultra-comfortable and memorable stay at Exeter Inn. Located about 8.3 miles north of Amesbury in Exeter, this historic Classic Georgian-style hotel is within a short drive to popular attractions such as Pettengill Farm, the historic Jackson House, and Hampton Beach State Park. It features 46 beautifully decorated rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, hair dryer, and premium bedding. As a guest, you can make use of amenities such as a fitness center, banquet hall, on-site restaurant, bar and lounge, business center, and laundry services.
Andover Inn also provides a delightful stay with its cozy and charming atmosphere, warm hospitality, and excellent amenities. It's situated about 17.3 miles southwest of Amesbury in Andover, 4.2 miles from Lawrence Heritage State Park, 6.7 miles from Boxford State Forest, and 9.2 miles from Buttonwoods Museum. All the 30 rooms in this historic hotel come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, pillowtop bed, luxury Frette linen, and coffee maker. During your stay, you can work out in the fitness center, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, and get work done in the business center.
Are hotels in the Amesbury area affordable?
3 Star Average Prices: $161.59
If you want to keep your travel expenses low, stay at Best Western Plus The Inn at Hampton. This hotel is located about 8.3 miles northeast of Amesbury in Hampton Beach, 1.9 miles from Hampton Salt Marsh Conservation Area, 3.3 miles from Hampton Beach State Park, and 8.9 miles from Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historic Site. It has 71 air-conditioned rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and hair dryer. In addition, it offers amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, business center, and laundry facilities.
Best Western Merrimack Valley is another budget-friendly hotel worth checking out. Situated 10.5 miles southwest of Amesbury in Haverhill, it's 2.5 miles from Buttonwoods Museum, 3.9 miles from Crystal Lake Golf Club, and 12 miles from Canobie Lake Park. Each of the hotel's 126 rooms is equipped with free wired and wireless internet connection, flat screen TV, satellite programming, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Onsite amenities include an indoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, and business center.
2 Star Average Prices: $164.79
How can you get the best discounts in Amesbury?
If you're working for the government or serving in the military, you're eligible for a discount at Ashworth by the Sea. This hotel is about 7.5 miles northeast of Amesbury and provides easy access to attractions such as Hampton Salt Marsh Conservation Area, Hampton Beach State Park, and the historic John Paul Jones House. It offers 107 rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerator, and pillowtop bed. While staying in this hotel, you can take advantage of amenities such as a casino, nightclub, indoor pool, on-site restaurant, café, bar and lounge, and business center.
Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter offers special rates to senior citizens. Situated about 8.8 miles north of Amesbury in Exeter, it's less than a mile from American Independence Museum, 11 miles from USS Albacore Museum, and 11.1 miles from Water Country. The hotel has 111 rooms with free wired and wireless internet connection, LCD TV, premium channels, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and hair dryer. Available amenities include an indoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, fireplace in the lobby, on-site convenience store, 24-hour business center, event facilities, and complimentary area shuttle.
What Amesbury hotels are the best value?
If you want good value for your money, consider booking a room at Best Western Hampshire Inn. Located about 4 miles northeast of Amesbury in Seabrook, this hotel is a short distance away from attractions such as Seabrook Science and Nature Center, Pettengill Farm, and Hampton Beach State Park. It has in-room amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TV, cable programming, and a fully equipped kitchenette, as well as an indoor pool, fitness center, and event facilities.
Lamie's Inn offers you a chance to stay in a historic building at a reasonable price. It's situated 7.7 miles northeast of Amesbury in Hampton Beach, 3.3 miles to Hampton Beach State Park, 7.5 miles from Water Country, and 9.5 miles from Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historic Site. This Georgian-style hotel has 32 individually furnished rooms with free Wi-Fi, LCD TV, cable programming, refrigerator, designer toiletries, pillowtop bed, and premium bedding. Additionally, it features amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, tranquil garden, the famous The Old Salt Restaurant, and business center.
What top attractions in Amesbury, MA should you visit?
Regardless of whether you have a particular interest in history, you'll be impressed with Amesbury's historical offerings. You can start exploring the city's colorful past with a visit to Bartlett Museum. Housed in a 19th century building, this museum features an extensive collection of artifacts related to Amesbury and its surrounding areas, ranging from fossils and Native American objects to antique furniture and children's toys. The exhibits include a timeline of historically significant events, replicas of a Victorian parlor and a colonial kitchen, a schoolroom, a natural history room, and a carriage house.
After touring the museum, you can check out some of Amesbury's most notable historic buildings. Learn about the life of a famous poet at The John Greenleaf Whittier Home and Museum, find out how wooden boats were built in the past at the Lowell's Boat Shop, get to know the Discoverer of Christian Science at the Mary Baker Eddy Historic House, and view early-American architecture and artifacts at the Macy-Colby House, one of Amesbury's oldest homes.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you can expect to have a great time, too. Located just a few miles from the ocean, Amesbury provides easy access to many beautiful beaches. You can have a fun day out with your family or friends at Hampton Beach State Park. This 50-acre park features miles of soft-sand beach, picnic areas, pavilions, a playground, campsites, a park store, and restrooms.
For hiking, biking, or horseback riding, head down to Maudslay State Park. This park has rolling meadows, towering plants, 19th-century gardens, and one of the largest naturally occurring mountain laurel stands in Massachusetts. It offers miles of well-maintained trails leading to a number of scenic areas, as well as picnic areas and a visitor center.
Amesbury has so many interesting attractions that you'll probably need a few days to fully explore it. To ensure that you'll have a pleasant vacation, make a point to stay at a hotel that's centrally located and adequately equipped.
FAQs about hotels in Amesbury
How much does a cheap hotel in Amesbury cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Amesbury can be as cheap as $164.79 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Amesbury cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Amesbury has been $161.59 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel in Amesbury cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Amesbury has been $150.73 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Amesbury, MA
Below are reviews of the city of Amesbury, MA from an actual visitor's perspective.
" My time was spent in Georgetown and Newburyport"
Score
4.0 / 5
Regina S., from 27-May-2026
"Very Peaceful & Quiet"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very peaceful and quiet and people were polite & friendly !!! 😃❤️
Christopher G., from 15-Mar-2026
"Clean and friendly"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lori C., from 02-Jan-2026
"Great Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Close to beach
James R., from 23-Jul-2025
"Beautiful Area"
Score
5.0 / 5
Many beautiful areas in and around Amesbury. The Merrimac River is beautiful. Lots to do in the area.
Linda H., from 25-Mar-2025
"Very Beautiful Area"
Score
5.0 / 5
Many beautiful areas in and around Amesbury. The Merrimac River is beautiful. Lots to do in the area.
Linda H., from 25-Mar-2025
"Excellent restaurants, brew pubs, shops & rail trails!"
Score
4.0 / 5
So impressed with the revitalization of downtown. Numerous restaurants, brew pubs, and shops. Excellent rail trail provides walking and biking access to other area towns. We'll be back!
Kathy R., from 10-Nov-2024
"Felt Like Home!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The city was very cute and felt like home. I was only there for a limited amount of time for a wedding but it was very enjoyable!
Taylor J., from 05-Aug-2024
"Convenient Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Drag Show at the local brewery! Convenient location to the interstate and Newburyport.
Vanessa G., from 12-Feb-2024
"Amesbury is a great little town to visit!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Amesbury is a great little town to visit!
Kenneth M., from 23-Jan-2024
"Close to Newburyport."
Score
4.0 / 5
Close to Newburyport.
John M., from 14-Mar-2023
"Clean Well Maintained Hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
Hotel was not for from the club we were going to, everything worked and it was clean. We would stay there again.
Kimberly O., from 03-Jan-2023
"Beautiful Hotel very clean"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were there to visit overall area Newburyport and the beaches Amesbury is good too!
Rebecca B., from 12-Jun-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Amesbury, MA shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 13 reviews