South Shore Sights & Sounds
Cape Cod is well-known for its beaches and vacation vibes, but did you know that you can find just as much to do without crossing over the bridge? So pack up the car and make your way toward the South Shore for some of these fun activities.
Beaches
Wollaston Beach, Quincy
Just to the south of Boston, Wollaston Beach is the largest public beach in the Boston Harber, offering roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. Dog walkers, runners & cyclists frequent the promenade, where you also find parking & access to seasonal restaurants.
Duxbury Beach, Duxbury
A long, thin peninsula offers sunbathing, walking & swimming at the Outer Beach and protected clam beds, kayaking, a boat launch & bird-watching at the Inner Beach. Restrooms, showers & concessions keep you comfortable and well-fed on your beach day!
Rexhame Beach, Marshfield
Lesser-known than the nearby Duxbury Beach, Rexhame Beach is a little gem of a public beach, with trails through sand dunes leading to the South River. Conveniences including restrooms and a snack bar are available for visitors.
Museums & Attractions
Plimoth Patuxet
Probably the best-known tourist attraction of the region, Plimoth Plantation changed its name to Plimoth Patuxet in 2020 in honor of the Wampanoag name for the region. The complex is comprised of living history museums that replicate the original Plymouth Colony settlement, established in the 17th century by English colonists, some of the first people to immigrate to America seeking religious separation from the Church of England.
Children’s Museum in Easton
What child doesn’t love exploring a new museum? This children’s museum is a favorite of the region for younger kids, with everything from arts & crafts areas to a giant Light Brite and interactive floor games. Open 9:30am-3pm on weekdays and 9:30am-3:30pm on Saturdays, admission is currently just $10/person. After you’ve worn them out for a couple of hours in the morning, pop next door for brunch at the delectable Farmer’s Daughter restaurant.
Art Complex Museum
This regional arts center is located in Duxbury and houses the collection of the Carl A. Weyerhaeuser family. Set on over 13 acres of open fields and woodlands in a seaside community, exhibitions range from contemporary artists to the family’s collection with an emphasis on Shaker objects, American paintings & Asian art. STroll outside on the garden walk to travel between the museum, tea hut, Alden Studio, and sculpture displays.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking
Beauty abounds in South Shore communities, and what better way to take it all than simply walking or hiking the region? Make your way to Mattapoisett on Buzzards Bay for a coastal stroll at Nasketucket Bay State Reservation. If you’re hoping to stay closer to the city, Blue Hills Reservation in Milton offers 125 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. There are abundant hiking and nature-seeking trails & refuses all along the South Shore, so we encourage exploring a resource like this one or All Trails to find something to whet your appetite for trail-blazing.
History & Exploration
A stop at Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, home to the birthplace of John Adams, offers lovely strolls through gardens between the historic homes. Guided tours of the homes are available from mid-spring to mid-autumn. Or make your way down to World’s End in Hingham, a 251-acre park and conservation area set on a peninsula bordered by the Weir River and Hingham Harbor, offering views of the Boston skyline.
