Fun Things to Do in Marblehead

Marblehead is a charming coastal town north of Boston, offering spectacular oceanscapes, rich history, and an emerging arts scene. Whether you’re spending the day or a long weekend in Marblehead, let us help you find the best things to do during your time here. 

Beach and Nature Adventures in Marblehead

Marblehead is your summer escape with beautiful beaches to explore. Additionally, explore outdoor historic sites and parks that are accessible year-round.  

Beaches & Lighthouses

Marblehead Light

Right on Marblehead Neck is Marblehead Light, the only standing cast iron lighthouse in New England. While the lighthouse is closed to the public, Chandler Hovey Park (the park that surrounds the lighthouse) is open year round, offering coastal views, walking paths, and picnic areas.

Gas House Beach 

Gas House Beach is a lesser-known beach with a unique charm, located on Little Harbor in Marblehead. This rocky beach is perfect for swimming and shell collecting. Plus, when it’s low tide, a sand and rock bar emerges that lets you walk to Gerry Island. 

Devereux Beach

As a popular destination for residents and tourists alike, Devereux Beach spans 5.48 acres with a sandy and cobblestone shoreline. It’s a perfect spot to swim, sunbathe, fish, and even kayak; the beach also offers kayak rentals (single kayak costs $20 for one hour/ $5 for each additional 30 minutes, while double kayak costs $25 for one hour/ $10 for each additional 30 minutes. For non-residents, parking is $25 from Monday to Thursday and $30 on Friday, Saturday, and holidays.

Parks

Fort Sewall

Fort Sewall is one of the oldest English coastal fortifications in the United States, originally built to defend against British invaders during the Revolutionary War. Today, the fort is part of a public park where you can soak in the breathtaking views of Marblehead Harbor and Cape Ann and explore historic structures like bunkers and underground rooms that detained prisoners.  

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary 

This 20-acre sanctuary is a part of the Mass Audubon organization, dedicated to preserving nature and wildlife. A popular place to spot unusual birds, the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary offers two main trails, the Warbler Trail and the Audubon Trail.

Find more places for outdoor adventure North of Boston.

Maritime and Local History in Marblehead Museums 

Did you know that Marblehead had a hand in establishing the U.S. Navy? Learn more fun facts about this coastal area by checking out museums.  

Marblehead Museum

The Marblehead Museum collects artifacts, documents, and photographs that showcase the town’s rich history. It includes three properties: the J.O.J. Frost Gallery and Carolyn Lynch Education Center, the Jeremiah Lee Mansion and Garden, and the Civil War & Grand Army of the Republic Museum.

J.O.J. Frost Gallery and Carolyn Lynch Education Center 

This is a permanent gallery dedicated to local artist J.O.J. Frost’s paintings and sculptures that capture colonial and maritime history. 

Jeremiah Lee Mansion and Garden 

The Georgian mansion and garden were built for Jeremiah Lee, who was a prominent Colonial merchant. In the mansion, you’ll find original decorative woodwork and 18th-century English hand-painted wallpapers. 

Civil War & Grand Army of the Republic Museum

The museum preserves the original meeting room of the Marblehead Post #82 of the Grand Army of the Republic. This exhibit features uniforms, weapons, and period photographs that illustrate Marblehead’s role during the Civil War.

Abbot Hall Maritime Museum

Learn about Marblehead’s significant impact on the maritime industry at the Abbot Hall Maritime Museum. Here, you can explore how Marblehead became the birthplace of the American Navy, uncover the stories of heroes of the U.S. Navy, and discover the history of the three ships named the USS Marblehead, including some artifacts from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War II.

Find more places to get in touch with history North of Boston.

Freshly Caught Seafood and Refreshing Drinks at Marblehead Restaurants

Take a break from exploring and eat at Marblehead’s many restaurants. 

The Landing

Feast on some delicious, fresh seafood while enjoying the views of Marblehead Harbor at The Landing. The restaurant offers a seasonally changing menu, led by Chef Noe Ortega and Brayan Medina. The outside deck is open year-round, with exceptional heating during the colder winter months.   

Driftwood

For those looking to grab breakfast before a beach day or need a lunch break, head to Driftwood, a classic American joint that’s been around since the ‘60s. You’ll find a variety of dishes from corned beef hash with eggs, blueberry pancakes, and a classic New England lobster roll.

Barnacle Restaurant

Barnacle Restaurant is the oldest family-owned restaurant in Marblehead. Situated right on the water, the restaurant offers gorgeous views of Marblehead Harbor and a menu filled with New England seafood dishes, including lobster that they catch from their own boat!

Marblehead Brewing Co.

Marblehead Brewing Co. is a monastic brewery located in the shrine of St. Nicholas, serving Colonial ale, an easy-drinking and lightly effervescent drink similar to what residents sipped on in the 1700s. The brewery is currently undergoing renovations.

Find more places to enjoy delicious food North of Boston.

Captivating Sounds and Artistic Creations in Marblehead

Get involved with the local art scene by visiting the town’s art associations, live performance spaces, and festivals.  

Marblehead Arts Association

The Marblehead Arts Association is a nonprofit organization residing in the historic King Hooper Mansion at 8 Hooper Street. Dedicated to supporting the local arts community and over 500 artists, the association hosts six galleries that rotate every six weeks. If you’re interested in learning more about various art forms, the arts association also offers painting and drawing classes.  

Me&Thee Music

Groove to some live music at Me &Thee Music events at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Me&Thee Music has featured several greats throughout the years, including Pete Seeger, Tracy Chapman, and Shawn Colvin. Shows occur twice a month from September to May (closed in January). 

Marblehead Festival of the Arts

Catch the Marblehead Festival of the Arts, held over the weekend of July 4. Operating annually since 1962, the summer festival highlights different art mediums, from visual exhibitions to performing arts. Check out the 2025 schedule.

Find out more about art all around North of Boston.  

Shopper’s Paradise in Marblehead

Stroll through the streets of Marblehead and discover a mix of local shops, antique stores that offer handmade crafts, and stylish clothing.  

Bus Stop

Shop for yourself or the women in your life at Bus Stop. Originally serving as a bus stop, taking riders to Boston or Salem, this store has had many transformations. First, the store housed crafts by owner Kathy Bruin and local artists. Now it is a women’s boutique store that sells affordable clothing and accessories. 

Marblehead Antiques

Find connections to the past at Marblehead Antiques. Founded in 1975 by a mother and daughter duo, Beverly and Harriet Norman, this antique store carries vintage Marblehead memorabilia, plates and serving ware, paintings and framed art, and decorative pieces.  

Marblehead Mercantile

The family-owned boutique offers a large selection of charming, casual seaside apparel in addition to gifts that feature original artwork and historic landmarks. Choose from apparel, sea salt soaps, mugs, and other sea-themed accessories.  

Find more shopping opportunities North of Boston.

Charming Stays in Marblehead Hotels

Marblehead offers hotels for you to rest your head after a long day at the beach or museum. Here are just a couple of accommodation recommendations. 

Harbor Light Inn 

The Harbor Light Inn is a family-run establishment with 20 rooms that offer Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Located in the historic district of Marblehead, the inn is within walking distance of the town’s shops, restaurants, and historic sites. 

The Hotel Marblehead

Built in 1871, The Hotel Marblehead combines timeless elegance with modern amenities. The hotel has an expansive history, initially serving as a Victorian home before being converted into a summer guest house, where famous guests like Amelia Earhart stayed. Devereux Beach and downtown Marblehead are a short walk away from the hotel. 

Find more places to stay North of Boston.

Want to explore more of the North of Boston area? Come visit and find things to do in Amesbury and Cape Ann.