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Things to Do in South Shore

Things to Do in South Shore

Massachusetts New England, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the South Shore's the beauty of nature with a range of outdoor pursuits.

Hiking & Cycling Routes

Hiking & Trekking

Wompatuck State Park (Hingham), World's End (Hingham), Borderland State Park (Easton/Sharon), Myles Standish State Forest (Carver) offer varied difficulty.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Wompatuck State Park for paved and unpaved trails. Whitney and Thayer Woods (Cohasset/Hingham) for off-road cycling. Duxbury Beach (paved road). Rail trails for easy cycling.

Adventure Sports Note

Few choices for radical adventure sports locally; focus on water-based activities or extensive hiking.

Water Sports & Wildlife

  • Whale Watching: Tours from Plymouth Harbor to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.
  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Harbors, rivers (North and South Rivers), freshwater ponds. Rentals available.
  • Fishing: Deep-sea charters from the coast towns, freshwater fishing in local ponds.
  • Swimming: Public beaches like Duxbury Beach and Rexhame Beach during warmer months.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Whale Watching: Main wildlife encounter activity.
  • Birdwatching: Mass Audubon sanctuaries, coastal wetlands.
  • Seal Spotting: Sometimes on rocks or the beaches in colder months.
  • Diverse resident and migratory species.

Nature Parks

  • Wompatuck State Park (Hingham): Miles of trails.
  • World's End (Hingham): Scenic coastal walks.
  • Borderland State Park: Trails and historic mansion.
  • Myles Standish State Forest: Extensive trail network.

Coastal Beaches

  • Duxbury Beach: Long barrier beach.
  • Rexhame Beach (Marshfield): Popular public beach.
  • Nantasket Beach (Hull): Expansive sandy shores.
  • Horseneck Beach State Reservation: Large beautiful beach further south.

Important Note on Adventure Sports

The South Shore has few facilities for extreme adventure sports. Travelers seeking high-adrenaline activities should consider areas outside the immediate region or focus on the abundant water-based and hiking opportunities.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with the local culture through workshops, performances, and local happenings.

Workshops & Performances

  • Art, Craft, Music, Dance: South Shore Art Center (Cohasset), Plymouth Center for the Arts.
  • Cultural Performances: South Shore Music Circus (seasonal), Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, local theater groups.
  • Language Learning: Not applicable for English speakers; daily life immersion offers practical exposure.
  • Community-Based Tourism: Support local businesses, attend town events, farmers' markets, craft fairs.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Plymouth Waterfront Festival

A popular summer event with food, music, and craft vendors.

Cranberry Harvest Festivals

Occur in the fall in surrounding towns, celebrating the region's cranberry heritage.

Town-Specific Events & Reenactments

Holiday parades, summer concert series, and historical reenactments (Plymouth).

Relaxation & Wellness

Mirbeau Inn & Spa (Plymouth) for upscale services. Local yoga studios for classes. Public beaches for relaxation.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live music at South Shore Music Circus (Cohasset) or local pubs. Theater at Plymouth Center for the Arts. Limited dedicated nightclubs.

Shopping & Markets

Farmers' markets, antique shops, artisan workshops, and boutique shopping in Hingham Square or Derby Street Shops.

Relaxation & Wellness

Unwind and rejuvenate in the middle of the South Shore's tranquil settings.

Spa & Relaxation Options

  • Mirbeau Inn & Spa (Plymouth): Upscale spa services, massages, facials, body treatments.
  • Day Spas & Therapists: Available in larger towns throughout the South Shore.
  • Hot Springs & Natural Therapy: No natural hot springs in the region; focus on spa or nature spots.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: Standard Western medicine is prevalent; some alternative practitioners may be found.

Yoga, Meditation & Beach Clubs

Yoga and Meditation

Local yoga studios are common in most towns, offering classes. Retreats may appear periodically.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Public beaches offer relaxation and swimming. Some exclusive private beach clubs are in more affluent areas. Hotels often have pools for guest use.

Wellness Resources

Check local listings and community boards for wellness events or practitioners.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

South Shore Music Circus (Cohasset) for major acts. Local bars and pubs often have live music groups, especially on weekends.

Theater & Performance

Plymouth Center for the Arts. Local community theaters present various productions.

Bar Districts & Late Night

Downtown Plymouth has a concentration of bars. Hingham Shipyard has dining and drinking. Dedicated nightclubs are rare; Boston is the closest for extensive options.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, unique souvenirs, and fresh produce at the South Shore's shopping destinations.

Traditional Markets & Artisan Crafts

  • Farmers' Markets: Seasonal markets in Plymouth, Hingham, Scituate for produce, artisan foods, crafts.
  • Antique Shops: Scattered throughout Duxbury, Hanover, Cohasset for one-of-a-kind discoveries.
  • Local Craft WORKSHOPS: Local artists sell work at galleries, boutiques, craft fairs.
  • Local Arts: Plymouth has shops with Pilgrim-themed or maritime-inspired crafts.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Hingham Square

Features boutique clothing stores, home goods, and specialty shops in a charming village setting.

Cohasset Village

Offers similar boutique shopping experiences.

Derby Street Shops Hingham

An upscale outdoor mall with national retailers.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Cranberry Products: Jams, candies, juices, wine.
  • Area Seafood Products: Canned chowder, smoked fish.
  • Nautical-themed Gifts: Lighthouse replicas, ship models.
  • Pilgrim-themed Historical Items (Plymouth).

Ethical Shopping

  • Look for "Made in Massachusetts" products.
  • Back small, independent businesses.
  • Inquire about the origin of goods.
  • Contribute to the local economy.

Shipping & Customs

  • International visitors: Know home country's customs regulations.
  • USPS and private carriers (FedEx, UPS) ship items.
  • Factor in shipping costs.
  • Be aware of potential customs duties.

GetYourGuide - Activities & Experiences

Book Unique Experiences
  • Explore and book local activities.
  • Find whale watching tours.
  • Discover food tours.
Seamless Booking
  • Easy mobile access.
  • Instant confirmation.
  • Customer reviews.

For booking a wide array of activities and experiences in the South Shore, visit GetYourGuide.

Local Culture Tip

For a true taste of local culture, visit a farmers' market. You can find fresh produce, local treats, and unique artisan crafts, connecting you with the community.

Activity Planning Summary

Things to Do

  • Explore historical sites like Plimoth Patuxet and Adams National Historical Park.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at clam shacks and waterfront restaurants.
  • Relax on scenic beaches or go whale watching from Plymouth Harbor.
  • Discover one-of-a-kind goods at farmers' markets and stylish shops.

Helpful Reminders

  • A car is generally recommended for convenient regional exploration.
  • Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially for peak seasons.
  • Communicate any dietary restrictions clearly when dining out.
  • Seek local recommendations for authentic experiences and hidden gems.
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