Swampscott MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Swampscott, Massachusetts.
1. Elihu Thomson House
HISTORIC TOWN HALL
The Elihu Thomson House, built in 1889, now serves as Swampscott's Town Hall and is one of the town's most significant historic landmarks. Visitors can appreciate the architectural beauty of this historic building while learning about its importance to Swampscott's heritage. The house represents the town's rich history and stands as a testament to its past.
2. Swampscott Fish House
AMERICA'S OLDEST ACTIVE FISHHOUSE
The Swampscott Fish House, built in 1896, holds the distinction of being the oldest active fish house in the country. The historic building connects visitors to Swampscott's maritime heritage as a seafaring fishing village that once hosted a large commercial fishing fleet. This landmark celebrates the town's fishing tradition, including Ebenezer Thorndike's invention of the lobster pot in 1808.
3. Beach Bluff Park
SCENIC COASTAL VIEWS
Beach Bluff Park offers visitors stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from its prime coastal location in Swampscott. The recreational area is conveniently located right off the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the shore while taking in the picturesque seaside scenery that Swampscott is known for.
4. Preston Beach
POPULAR SHORELINE DESTINATION
Preston Beach is one of Swampscott's beloved coastal attractions where visitors can enjoy the town's scenic shoreline. The beach provides a perfect setting for relaxing by the water, swimming, or simply taking in views of the Atlantic Ocean. As one of the top attractions in Swampscott, Preston Beach exemplifies why this seaside community has been attracting visitors for generations.
5. Mary Baker Eddy Historic House
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BIRTHPLACE
The Mary Baker Eddy Historic House is where Mary Baker Eddy lived in the 1860s and is considered one of the birthplaces of Christian Science. Visitors can tour this historic home to learn about Eddy's life and the origins of the Christian Science movement. The house preserves an important piece of both religious history and Swampscott's connection to influential historical figures.
6. Olmsted Subdivision Historic District
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE AREA
The Olmsted Subdivision Historic District, located on Monument Avenue, showcases the architectural heritage of Swampscott. This historic area features distinctive homes and landscaping designs influenced by the renowned Olmsted firm, known for their work on many significant American landscapes. Visitors can stroll through this district to appreciate the elegant residences and thoughtfully planned urban design that reflects Swampscott's prosperous past.
7. King's Beach
POPULAR WATERFRONT RECREATION
King's Beach is a popular recreational area in Swampscott that offers visitors access to the town's beautiful coastline. The beach is conveniently located right off the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, connecting to Swampscott's historic downtown area. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean that highlight why Swampscott became a renowned seaside destination.
8. Fisherman's Beach
HISTORIC FISHING HERITAGE
Fisherman's Beach honors Swampscott's legacy as a seafaring fishing village that once hosted a large commercial fishing fleet. This beach connects to the town's historic downtown area and provides a glimpse into the maritime traditions that shaped Swampscott's identity. Visitors can appreciate both the natural beauty of the coastline and the cultural significance of this area to the community's history.
9. Lilac Garden
FRAGRANT FLORAL DISPLAY
The Lilac Garden is one of Swampscott's cherished historic landmarks that offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy the fragrant blooms and meticulously maintained grounds that showcase the horticultural heritage of the town. The garden provides a serene setting for relaxation and appreciation of natural beauty within this coastal community.
10. Swampscott Railway Depot
HISTORIC RAILROAD STATION
The Swampscott Railway Depot, built in 1868, served as a railroad depot for the Eastern Railroad and represents an important piece of the town's transportation history. Today, the historic structure stands as a reminder of how rail service helped develop Swampscott and connect it to neighboring communities. Visitors interested in transportation history can appreciate this well-preserved example of 19th-century railroad architecture.
11. John Humphreys House
18TH CENTURY HERITAGE
The John Humphreys House, dating back to the 1700s, is one of the oldest houses in Swampscott and currently serves as home to the Swampscott Historical Society. This historic property offers visitors a glimpse into early colonial life and the architectural styles of 18th century New England. History enthusiasts can explore the preserved rooms and exhibits that showcase Swampscott's development from a small fishing village to the charming coastal town it is today.
12. Bay View Arts
LOCAL ART GALLERY
Bay View Arts showcases the creative talents of Swampscott and surrounding communities through rotating exhibitions of local artwork. The gallery provides a cultural hub where visitors can appreciate paintings, sculptures, and other artistic expressions inspired by the coastal landscape and maritime heritage. Art enthusiasts will enjoy discovering the works of both established and emerging artists that capture the unique character and beauty of this seaside town.
13. Vinnin Square Plaza
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Vinnin Square Plaza serves as Swampscott's premier shopping destination, offering a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and services. Shoppers can find everything from everyday necessities to specialty items in this convenient commercial center. The plaza provides a modern complement to Swampscott's historic attractions, giving visitors a complete experience of the town's amenities.
14. Salem Witch Museum
WITCH TRIALS HISTORY
The Salem Witch Museum, located in nearby Salem, offers visitors a compelling examination of the infamous 1692 Salem witch trials through life-sized stage sets, figures, and narration. This popular attraction provides historical context for understanding the mass hysteria and tragic events that unfolded in colonial Massachusetts. Just a short trip from Swampscott, the museum serves as one of the region's most visited historical sites that illuminates an important chapter in New England's past.
15. Marblehead Rail Trail
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Marblehead Rail Trail utilizes an abandoned 4-mile branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad that originates in Swampscott, transforming former train tracks into a scenic recreational pathway. Visitors can walk, jog, or bike along this trail that connects Swampscott to neighboring Marblehead while enjoying natural surroundings. The trail offers a perfect opportunity to experience the coastal beauty of the area while following a route that once served as an important transportation link for the community.