10 Must-See Places in Scituate
Scituate is a small seacoast community located between Boston and Plymouth: from its beaches to its historical sites, there are at least 10 must-see places around town.
Scituate is the epicenter of The Irish Riviera, and is the most Irish town in America. The town was home to the now lost industry of Irish mossing. You can learn more about Irish mossing at the Maritime & Irish Mossing Museum.
Scituate Lighthouse
Built around 1811, this iconic structure also know as Old Scituate Light, was the 11th lighthouse built in the United States.
There is plenty of free parking and a small beach on the harbor side of Cedar Point, great for small kids with shallow water and the small jetty to explore. Bring water shoes as it can be rocky.
Visit the Lighthouse Keeper’s blog to read about the Lighthouse and to see webcams for a view of the harbor and the jetties.
You can visit the grounds of the Lighthouse any time of the year. There are 4 days of the year when the Lighthouse is open for tours, check the Scituate Historical Society’s website for days and times.
The lighthouse top is currently undergoing renovations. Be sure to watch the video of the top being removed. It will be replaced sometime in the Spring of 2023.
Front Street
Front Street is home to small shops, restaurants and an art gallery. There is parking behind Front Street in Cole Parkway where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along scenic Scituate Harbor. Stop at the Lucky Finn Cafe for a cup of coffee and a dose of scenery from their harborside deck. There are plenty of restaurants for lunch and dinner, and be sure to go to Nona’s for dessert!
For a unique shopping experience, visit Native (it’s next to Maria’s Sub Shop). Shop at Joye and Goodies ll for gifts and don’t miss the Welch Company for gifts, linens, furniture and more!
Lawson Tower
Lawson Tower was built in 1902 to disguise a water tank that was interfering with the view from Dreamwold Estate. Thomas Lawson, a wealthy Boston businessman, negotiated with the Scituate Water Supply Company to enclose the tank with this tower built in the style of a European castle turret.
An elaborate bell system was later installed in the top of the tower and a skilled carillonneur continues to play themed medleys on special occasions.
Minot Beach
Minot Beach is named for Minot’s Ledge, about a mile offshore. Drive along Glades Road to enjoy the beautiful views of Minot Ledge Light and Massachusetts Bay. If you want to walk along the beach, you’ll find access at the corner of Gannett Road & Glades Road. There is another access through a passageway on the left side of the Minot Post Office, and from two parking lots on Bailey’s Causeway. View a replica of Minot Ledge Light at Government Island in Cohasset, where there are also some memorials and historic markers.
On this map, North Scituate Beach is Minot Beach!
Peggotty Beach
Peggotty Beach is a half mile of hard packed sand and has an access from Peggotty Beach Road. It is within walking distance from downtown Scituate Harbor. Beach passes that are valid on Tuesdays and Thursdays only for Peggotty Beach are available for sale at the Harbormaster’s Office for $20 per day. Passes must be purchased on the day they are used (no advance purchase).
Widows Walk Golf Course
Widow’s Walk opened in 1997 and is America’s first “environmental demonstration course,” Built on the site of the Boston Sand and Gravel Co, the course’s architect chose to use the original ups and downs of the quarry.
There are beautiful views of the marshes and out to the North River. If you are not a golfer, you can visit the newly renovated restaurant called the Drift In which is open year round.
In the winter, while the course is closed, dog walkers are allowed to roam the acres of property, making it a pet friendly destination in the off season.
Town Fishing Pier
At the east end of Front Street is the town fishing pier. This working pier serves the town’s commercial fishing fleet. Stop by and watch the boats unload their catch.
The Mann Farmhouse
The original farmhouse was built in the late 1600’s and the house was occupied by the Mann family for over 200 years. Fun fact: Percy Mann had a run-in with the town’s officials in the 1920’s over vehicle registration fees, driver’s license fees, and car insurance. He would just drive his Buick touring car into the back yard, park it, and never drive it again. Over the next century, a tree grew up through the middle of the car, which remains there today.
Stockbridge Grist Mill
Built in 1650, this grist mill was powered by a dam built to harness the First Herring Brook. The mill was used to grind corn which was plentiful at this time in Scituate. This Colonial grist mill is the oldest mill of its kind in America.
Scituate Mossing Museum
Scituate’s Maritime & Irish Mossing Museum is located in the former home of an 18th century Revolutionary War captain. There are six exhibits, including the Portland Gale, Scituate Shipwrecks, Lifesaving Stations, Shipbuilding, Irish Mossing, and Captain James himself. The museum is handicapped accessible.
These 10 places are just the tip of the iceberg! Visit Scituate for a day trip or stay for a while!
