MARBLEHEAD

The best way to experience Marblehead in the summer is on foot. Everything is close to everything else. Downtown and Old Town have restaurants, parks, museums, and culture, and we highly encourage visitors to embrace their inner flaneur and walk around, exploring it all.

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FOOD & DRINK

North Shore cuisine consists of seafood, strong cocktails, and thin-sliced roast beef. You can find all three in abundance in Marblehead. Here are some of our favorite spots:

  • The upstairs bar at Maddie’s Sail Loft serves excellent steamers, fish, and does a great Dark & Stormy. If you choose to brave a Thunderdome, stick to having only one.

  • The Driftwood is a great old-school diner in Old Town for breakfast, and the Muffin Shop is a great place for muffins.

  • For prepared food, sandwiches, beer & wine, Shubie’s Marketplace has fantastic selection.

  • Favorite downtown bars include The Barrelman and (for the adventurous) The Ripper.

  • For harbor side dining, we recommend The Barnacle. It might be too crowded. If so, The Landing is a fine backup.

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PARKS & REC

Marblehead is a beautiful place, and the parks are among our favorite places to appreciate the nautical flavor. Try not to leave town without climbing on some rocks and looking at the water (and maybe jumping in). Bring a picnic lunch (from Shubie’s!) or simply walk around.

  • Chandler Hovey Park (pictured on home page) contains an historic lighthouse and the best views in town.

  • On the opposite side of the harbor, Crocker Park (docks pictured above) is a great place in Old Town to sit and watch the sailboats.

  • Adjacent Goldthwait Reservation is Devereux Beach, which has a beach restaurant (the Neck Run Cafe) and more amenities for a beach day.

  • For an impromptu wiffle ball game, shooting some hoops, or tennis, Seaside Park is the place to go.

  • Downtown and Old Town both contain plenty of boutique shopping for those in need of New England garb & souvenirs.

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ART & HISTORY

Established in 1649, Marblehead has ample colonial historical sites. All are quick visits and easily accessible on foot from other attractions.

  • We recommend stopping by Fort Sewall, an 18th century coastal fortification which notably sheltered the U.S.S. Constitution from British frigates during the War of 1812. Excellent harbor views.

  • Abbot Hall Maritime Museum, the historic town office between downtown and Old Town, houses the Spirit of ‘76.

  • There are many colonial mansions down the street owned by the founding fathers, most notably The Jeremiah Lee Mansion and King Hooper Mansion.

  • Right next to Jeremiah Lee is the Marblehead Museum, noted for its J.O.J. Frost collection.

  • Historic Old Burial Hill is among the largest revolutionary war burial grounds in the country.