Location: Swampscott
Top Things to do in Swampscott
Countries
10 Things to Do in Swampscott That You Shouldn't Miss
Swampscott is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States located 15 miles (24 km) up the coast from Boston in an area known as the North Shore. The population was 13,787 as of 2010. A former summer resort on Massachusetts Bay, Swampscott is today a fairly affluent residential community and includes the village of Beach Bluff, as well as part of the neighborhood of Clifton. It is known for its quiet suburban character and lovely beaches. The town was home to the scenic ocean front college, Marian Court College until 2015.
Restaurants in Swampscott
1. Fort Sewall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By Paul T - Marblehead, Massachusetts, United States
Fort Sewall sits on a small cliff at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor, across the harbor from the famous Corinthian Yacht Club. During the Revolutionary War, this harbor was important since the American ships could attack the British and then take off for the safety of Marblehead Harbor. Once inside the harbor they were insulated from the British ships pursuing them. Then to add insult to injury, the cannons at Fort Sewall would shell His Majesty's fleet!
Today, the fort is intact with sleeping quarters from 250 years ago , and other paraphernalia from the era. The modern well known Glover's Regiment holds historical events there ( in full Revolutionary uniforms and weapons traditional to the era ( as well as performing at New England Patriots football games).
The fort is a beautiful serene place with park benched overlooking the harbor and the open Atlantic Ocean. I have lived in Marblehead since 1977 (200 years short of the war) and visit it regularly.
2. Beach Bluff Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Amit M - Israel
At the heart of New England, and old ceremony is resurrected. The Stonehenge culture of sun worshiping is recreated in the park, sun circle of stone columns.
This place took some time to design and build so that on some special dates the sun would come up and shine through some holes and onto specific stone tablets in the design.
We went with friends from nearby Marblehead to the Winter Solstice ceremony, and it was a riot. Dozens of people, many of them in festive attire reminiscent of the druids of old Britain gathered before sunrise to attend. The MC read a short elegy to the sun and the sun rose dutifully at the expected moment - furthest away from Earth on its circuit.
The park is lovely on its own merit, during summer. But if you want a unique memory and a fun occasion, check out the ceremony dates in this little sun circle and come - it's fun!
3. Saugus Iron Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened. Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. This nine-acre National Park includes working waterwheels, hot forges, mills, an historic 17th century home and a lush river basin.
Reviewed By SUSAN M - Hollywood, Florida
Saugus Iron Works is a National Historic Park. This one apparently is not very popular; tours are offered only once a day and the park opens May 1st for only six months of the year. Both my husband (not a history buff) and I found it fascinating. Perfect sunny weather didn't hurt. By the time we arrived at 1:30, the day's visitor count was only 26.
This site was the first successful plant for the production of cast and wrought iron in the Americas. Production began in 1646 using technology equal to that used in Europe at the time. Iron products were needed for farm tools, barrel straps, wagon wheels, blacksmiths, building materials, etc. The men working there were indentured servants, not Puritans – arrested English artisans as well as Scottish soldiers deported after capture.
The work was demanding and dangerous. Moisture was the worst. A tiny drop of water falling on molten metal could blow up the entire furnace. Due to financial issues and embezzlement, the mill closed in less than ten years. The workers, however, stayed in New England starting other ironworks that formed the foundation of the future US iron and steel industries.
Our guide demonstrated the actual workings. Water from the adjacent Saugus River drove water wheels that provided needed power. In one building (all are reconstructions) the iron was smelted in a blast furnace and cast into pig iron (workers thought the sand molds for casting resembled a sow with piglets – thus the name). In the next it was forged into varying qualities: pounding with massive 500 pound hammers changed the molecular structure forming 'wrought' iron. Different quality iron was needed for varying products. A third building contained rolling and slitting machinery that could change the iron’s shape, producing flat and/or small items. The park museum contained a number of excavated artifacts and small working models as well as film.
The Ironworks House is the only structure at the park that survives from the 1600s. After more than a century of owner modifications, it was restored in the early 1900’s to its original condition. We were the only two on a tour through the House. The park ranger explained how original wood beams were recognized and dated, and pointed out two different saw cuts in the wood. Every screw, hook, wood shingle and nail was handmade. He really made it interesting.
Before the early 20th century excavations there was no above ground sign of any part of the Ironworks or House other than a slag heap at the edge of the river. A road actually ran across the property. So the creation and restoration of this Historic Site is quite amazing. We stayed more than three hours
4. Lynn Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By ADoucy1211 - Boston, Massachusetts
We take our dog here every weekend- it's a hidden gem! I never realized how much land is at Lynn Woods but there are multiple trails for both walkers, hikers, bikers- even for campers I've heard.
We go to the baseball field parking lot- as opposed to pennybrook which is also a nice parking area. We do the 5 mile loop to the left up toward Stone Tower and hug the trails left and all the way around until you loop back to parking lot. Beautiful trails, monuments, brooks, and views.
Highly recommend. Gets quite busy during weekends in the afternoon, especially during nice weather- the summer. Favorite time to go is early morning in the Fall or Winter where it's quiet and beautiful
5. Phillips House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 108 reviews
Phillips House is the only home on historic Chestnut Street open to the public, and it provides a glimpse into the private world of the Phillips family during the early decades of the twentieth century. The kitchen, pantry, and a domestic staff bedroom, present a rarely seen picture of how the great houses functioned as new technologies were being introduced.
Reviewed By 105joel - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Our guide, Joan, was extremely passionate about the House and the families that lived there. We had a tour of two....just my bride and I. It was great...we asked many questions and Joan was so willing to respond....great artifacts....provides outstanding insights as to how the affluent lived in those days...if you like history and nistalgia....you should enjoy this site.
6. Lynn Memorial Auditorium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Jacquie W - Hamilton, Massachusetts
This small auditorium has been pulling in big name entertainment the past few years. Prices are good and there is indeed plenty of free parking a short distance away. BUT...if you're used to attending shows in a professionally run venue, you might be disappointed here. People come in late and stand in the aisles while searching for their seats, blocking your view the whole time. And the view from the back of the room can be pretty terrible, with people moving up and down the aisles during the show. Plus, serving alcoholic beverages throughout is just asking for some rowdiness. This place is just too "laid back" for my liking.
7. Ocean House Surf Shop & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Rokclmr - South East Pa
Being a huge fan of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), I wanted to include some during my recent vacation to the Salem, MA area. I found just the place to fill my need for saltwater in nearby Swampscott, MA. Ocean House Surf Shop is a cute little location that rents both surfboards and SUP equipment to locals and tourists alike. They also have an in-house café that supplies coffee, tea, and carbs to hungry patrons.
I had the opportunity to take part in a PaddleFit class that was being hosted by OHSS. (Think gym workout on the water...) I participate in a similar class in my hometown, so I was quick to seize the opportunity to try someone else's class. I loved every minute of the experience!! Michelle is a great instructor, and I am so glad that OHSS is giving her the chance to work out of their location. While at OHSS, I learned that they staff there also offer a guided SUP tour of the Swampscott waters on Sundays. While I was unable to attend that during this trip, I will put it at the top of my list to try should I be fortunate enough to return to the area in the future.
If there was only one thing not perfect about this excursion, it was the need to port the board across the street and down a significant staircase to the water, and then back up to return the equipment when finished. But, really, that's a small price to pay to enjoy an awesome experience of SUP'ping in the Atlantic.
Ocean House Surf Shop: reasonably priced outdoor recreation in a great location. If you're in the area, give it a try!!!
8. Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By gfpatterson - Chapin, South Carolina
Stopped here to relax and enjoy the stunning views. After a stressful day dealing with work, clients, and deadlines, a stroll here and some quiet time on the bench overlooking the sailboats melted it all away! Somewhat limited, but free, parking.
9. Salem Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By Michael F - El Cerrito, California
Sure -- you can take the boring train or bus (or, heavens, even drive) to Salem from Boston. But, isn't a nice water trip enticing. The catamaran leaves from the Long Wharf in Boston and drops you at the Salem Ferry terminal, about a 15 minutes walk from downtown (with signs to see on you way there). The catamaran is pleasant, with plenty of seats and tables indoors and outdoors, on two decks. There is a snack bar (with free ginger candies if the rolling seas get to you) and less than an hour after leaving you're in Salem. A nice bonus is a tourist narration of the sights in and history of Boston Harbor at the Boston end of the trip, and a similar narration about the area from Marblehead to Salem at the Salem end of the trip. The middle of the trip does take you on what can be somewhat rough waters (the remains of hurricane Maria were churning the seas when I went on the trip). But even though I am not a strong fan of water based transportation, I found it pleasant.
10. Lynn Shore
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Precious beach walk
Reviewed By vzescape - Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
This little shoreline in Lynn has a small beach and some decent views. You can see the Boston skyline in the distance. It's a stop along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway which is an 85-mile long tour of the shore towns north of Boston. My kids collected some nice small shells and broken pottery and weathered glass. Easter Day found only a handful of people here enjoying the warm afternoon. There are benches to sit and relax in the breeze and people stroll along the pavement that runs the length of this public area. Stairs take you down to the sand and water. There's also a long pier that goes out quite a ways. No commercial buildings in view and there's metered parking on the streets. Probably pretty packed in summertime.
