One of the best-kept secrets of Massachusetts’s South Shore, Duxbury is a hidden gem. This beautiful place is a stretch of coast between Boston and Cape Cod. The small town has a rich history and beautiful landscape, making it a wonderful place to explore. Even though the city is not very popular, it offers an excellent place to see, with stunning waterfronts, fresh seafood, serene ponds, lakes, arts, sports and a bustling community. The town has unique places to dine and beautiful area parks. Visit the museums to learn about the local history, or relax on the beach; there is a bevy of exciting things to do in this place. For a quiet and relaxing getaway, check out these top things to do in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
1. Spend a day chilling by the sea at Duxbury Beach
Duxbury Beach is one of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in the entire region. This beach is immaculate and family-friendly. It has an inviting appeal, making it a great place to spend the day. Duxbury Beach offers both an oceanside and a bayside for your relaxation. All you need to do at this 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) long beach is to relax, chill out and enjoy the day at the seafront. The beach also has a pavilion where you can buy snacks, food and drinks.
Duxbury Beach
Address: Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Duxbury Beach
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 8am - 11pm; Sun - Thu: 8am - 10pm
2. Stroll in Bay Farm
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bay Farm is a spacious parkland preserve sitting on over 32.4 hectares (80 acres) of land. This beautiful place is found along Kingston Bay. If you would like to be on a simple trail offering incredible views of the Kingston Bay, Clark’s Island, Saquish, Gurnet Light and the Myles Standish Monument, then this place is perfect for you. The venue has large open spaces for playing. It is a favorite location for people walking their dogs, bird watchers and even cross-country hikers.
Bay Farm
Address: 100 Parks St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Bay Farm
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Go on an enlightening tour of the historic Alden House Museum
Built in the 16th century, this historic house is still in its original form. A National Historic Landmark, this house is open to visitors and tourists. Alden House offers you the chance to tour its property and learn about its undying history. Listen as the story of the house is brought to life by your guide, and admire the archeological sites and the beautiful grounds that adorn the home. It is a special place to visit, especially if you are a member of the Alden family.
Alden House Museum
Address: 105 Alden St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Alden House Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: 5 - 8 USD
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4. Explore the woodlands at North Hill Marsh Pond
How Terry spends Mother’s Day Terry Doherty
Posted by Michael J. Doherty on Sunday, 12 May 2019
This beautiful sanctuary is located within Duxbury’s Eastern Greenbelt. North Hill Marsh is 40.5 hectares (100 acres) of lovely luxuriant open space, punctuated with massive oak trees, wetlands and pine woodlands. Its undisturbed natural landscape is home to several species of wildlife. The sanctuary also has a 36.4-hectare (90-acre) pond where you can see aquatic wildlife, mainly migratory waterfowl. You can even go on a trail that circles the lake and goes through Duxbury Town Forest. This is a beautiful place to explore.
North Hill Marsh Pond
Address: Duxbury, Massachusetts 02332
Website: North Hill Marsh Pond
5. Admire the monuments at Myles Standish Monument State Reservation
Myles Standish Monument State Reservation is a historic preserve in Duxbury, Massachusetts. This preserve is state-owned and also doubles as a public recreation area in the town. The main attraction in this park is the 35.4-meter (116-foot) granite shaft topped by a statue of Captain Myles Standish. Myles Standish was the military leader of Plymouth Colony, where this park initially belonged. The site also offers walking trails, serene spots for picnics, picnic tables and several more recreational options.
Myles Standish Monument State Reservation
Address: Crescent St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Myles Standish Monument State Reservation
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
6. Taste the best American cuisines at The Sun Tavern
The Sun Tavern is a gorgeous casual fine-dining restaurant. This upscale dining place is in a charming farmhouse dating back to pre-revolutionary days. The Sun Tavern offers you a place to enjoy a great dining experience in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Taste deliciously made American cuisines while sitting in front of a relaxing fireplace. It has an extensive menu of food and good drinks as well. This place has won several awards of excellence, making it one of the best places to dine in Duxbury.
The Sun Tavern
Address: 500 Congress St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: The Sun Tavern
Opening hours: Sun: 4pm - 9pm; Tue - Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
7. Admire the contemporary paintings at Art Complex Museum
This is the last week for the very popular New England Watercolor Society Biennial North American Open - it runs through...
Posted by The Art Complex Museum on Wednesday, 9 January 2019
Among the many things to do in Duxbury, a visit to this museum should not be missed. The Art Complex Museum is a massive structure of glass and wood, located on over 5.3 hectares (13 acres) of land. The museum showcases the beautiful artworks and paintings from the artists in the region. The works of these talented people are displayed across three galleries in the museum. Admire the Weyerhaeuser collections focusing on Shaker objects, works on paper, American paintings and even Asian art.
Art Complex Museum
Address: 189 Alden St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Art Complex Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
8. Enjoy fresh seafood at The Oysterman
Oysterman is one of the top restaurants in the town. It is quiet, beautiful and centrally located. This restaurant serves delicious, incredibly fresh, and very well prepared and presented dishes. Make sure you try out the oyster meal here; it is mouth-watering. The staff at The Oysterman is friendly and welcoming. While the food is always excellent, this restaurant also has a great menu of drinks and beer for you to enjoy. There is outside seating from spring through the fall season also.
The Oysterman
Address: 3807, 30 Railroad Ave, Duxbury, MA 02332, United States
Website: The Oysterman
Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 11pm; Mon - Thu: 11;30am - 11pm; Fri: 11:30am - 12am
9. Relax by the picturesque Mill Pond
Posted by Kellymarie ZL Photography on Sunday, 4 March 2018
Mill Pond is a 5.3-hectare (13-acre) pond in the village of Island Creek. The water body is situated south of Island Creek Pond, and it is serene and beautiful. It is a great place to relax and chill out by the waterside. Island Creek passes right through the pond. Although it’s not the most significant place for fishing, the lake has both aquatic and nonaquatic plants in it, giving it a unique look. Mill Pond is open to everyone all year round.
Mill Pond
Address: Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Mill Pond
10. Tee off at North Hill Country Club
North Hill Country Club is a lovely nine-hole track set on a fantastic piece of land. North Hill Country Club offers a challenging course which keeps players on their toes with exciting twists and turns. If you do not know how to play golf, you can enjoy watching people play on the beautiful green course. With many fun holes and perfect playing conditions, North Hill Country Club is an excellent place for a fun and relaxing time out.
North Hill Country Club
Address: 4415, 29 Merry Ave, Duxbury, MA 02332, United States
Website: North Hill Country Club
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 6am - 7:30pm; Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 7:30pm
11. Relax at the calm Pine Lake
Just another beautiful day on Pine Lake.
Posted by Jim Treis on Monday, 4 September 2017
If you would prefer to enjoy a relaxing time in a peaceful place surrounded by nature, then this lake area is where you should go. Pine Lake is a 9.3-hectare (23-acre) lake in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Located in the village of Tinkertown, Pine Lake is close to Island Creek Pond as well. Its surrounding landscape is filled with tall trees, a natural forest, woodland pines and wetlands, creating a refreshing atmosphere. It gives you a calm and serene environment to spend your day. You can even go on a scenic walk through its natural landscape.
Pine Lake
Address: Duxbury, Massachusetts 01776
Website: Pine Lake
12. Get a manicure at Lux Nails and Spa
Your vacation in Duxbury is not complete without a trip to the spa. Lux Nails and Spa is the best place to enjoy a spa treatment in the city. Enjoy calming couple massages, body treatments, scented oil therapies and many more. If you are female, you should not miss getting your nails done here. Lux Spa is clean and beautifully decorated. The masseuses here are friendly and easy to talk to. You will get an unforgettable experience at this fantastic place.
Lux Nails and Spa
Address: 40 Depot St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Lux Nails and Spa
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 4pm; Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm
13. View exotic wildlife at Mass Audubon's North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Posted by PCN, PACTV Community News on Monday, 27 January 2014
This beautiful sanctuary is located within Duxbury’s Eastern Greenbelt. North Hill Marsh is 404.7 hectares (1,000 acres) of lovely luxuriant open space, punctuated with massive oak trees, wetlands and pine woodlands. Its undisturbed natural landscape is home to several species of wildlife that you can watch and even photograph. Go on a calming walk through the sanctuary and get a glimpse of exotic wildlife, interacting peacefully with each other in their natural habitat. It’s a must-see for lovers of nature.
Mass Audubon's North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Mayflower St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Mass Audubon’s North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Watch a show at Duxbury Performing Arts Center
Duxbury Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art indoor recreation center in the town. The center is home to several performing acts and a large screen where you can watch movies. From a new thrilling film or an old classic, you can watch anything of your choice here – as long as it is on show. This center is also used as a venue for a wide range of cultural and civic events every year. It is one of the best theaters that Duxbury has to offer.
Duxbury Performing Arts Center
Address: 73 Alden St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: Duxbury Performing Arts Center
15. Explore the historic King Caesar House
King Caesar House was built in 1809 for the son of a successful businessman, Evra Weston. Owning one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the country back then, the owner of this house lived in affluence and luxury. The interior of this house still features moldings, wall coverings and furnishings from the 19th century. Explore the grounds and tour the grand home. See the amazing architecture and learn more about the history of this elegant home.
King Caesar House
Address: 120 King Caesar Rd, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Website: King Caesar House
Price: 4 - 10 USD
16. See the real Plymouth Rock on Clark's Island
Pulpit (Election) Rock, on DRHS property on Clark's Island, Plymouth. Annual picnic: 8/6/17 11-2. http://duxburyhistory.org/events/annual-clarks-island-picnic/
Posted by Duxbury Rural & Historical Society on Monday, 31 July 2017
Clark’s Island is a pretty little wooded island nestled near Duxbury. This beautiful and quiet region is an integral part of the city’s history. It is home to Pulpit Rock - which according to the locals is the “Real Plymouth Rock” (there is a dated inscription on the rock to back this claim up), Cedarfield house, beautiful grasslands and rustic buildings. If you are lucky, you can attend a ceremony on the sizeable glacial boulder called Pulpit Rock or Election Rock.
Clark's Island
Address: Duxbury Bay MA 02332, USA
17. Enjoy a quiet time at Upper Chandler Pond
Posted by Timothy Wooster on Friday, 28 July 2017
Duxbury is filled with beautiful lakes, ponds and natural forests. One place that gives you all these things is Upper Chandler Pond. The pond is a 4-hectare (10-acre) pond spanning across Duxbury and Pembroke in Massachusetts. The lake, like the others, is calm and charming. It is surrounded by unmarred natural landscapes and woodlands, making it an excellent place for a quiet time in nature. Spend an afternoon relaxing by the pond or an evening stroll around the beautiful lake.
Upper Chandler Pond
Address: Duxbury, Massachusetts 02332
Website: Upper Chandler Pond
Discover Duxbury’s hidden treasures
Duxbury is a historic and beautiful small town in Massachusetts. With picturesque landscapes completely undisturbed by tourism, world-class waterfronts, fresh seafood and much more, there are many exciting things to do in Duxbury, Massachusetts. So pack your small getaway bag and discover this fantastic summer destination.
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