Cohasset Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive Cohasset tour guide. Explore the culturally rich museums, scenic hiking/biking routes, local food and drink scene, and nearby destinations to inspire your travel itinerary.


Introduction to Cohasset

Nestled in South Shore, Eastern Massachusetts, Cohasset is considered one of Massachusetts’ best-kept secrets. The town of Cohasset is located about 25 miles south-east of Boston and boasts a rich history, scenic views, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. This guide aims to help you discover the perfect blend of activities and tranquillity in Cohasset and inspire your travel itinerary.

List of Places to Visit in Cohasset

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Paul Pratt Memorial Library - A historical building, the library was first built in 1878 to resemble a medieval fortress. Today, it is a public library with a rich collection of books, art, and historical items.
  • The South Shore Art Center - The centre is home to a collection of fine arts from local and international artists. Visitors can take part in art workshops and exhibitions in various media.
  • The Cohasset Historical Society Museum - A small museum dedicated to preserving Cohasset’s historical past. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the museum to learn about Cohasset’s rich history.

Natural Attractions of Cohasset: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sandy Beach - A serene oasis stretching one and a half miles along the Atlantic, Sandy Beach is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, sunbathers, and walkers.
  • The Cohasset Harbor - Boasting scenic views of the harborside and moored boats, the Cohasset Harbor is a perfect spot for fishermen and sailors.
  • Wheelwright Park - Known for its picturesque landscapes and scenic trails, Wheelwright Park also has an impressive array of wildlife for visitors to spot.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cohasset

  • Whitney and Thayer Woods - A series of romantic and serene trails weaving throughout nature’s beauty is the Whitney and Thayer Woods. Hikers and bikers can enjoy the many tree-covered paths nestled inside this expansive reserve.
  • The Old Colony Rail Trail - Visitors can take in Cohasset’s cultural and natural history on the Old Colony Railroad trail, a seven-mile bike ride that weaves through nearby coastlines, woods, and historical sites.

Best Things to Do in Cohasset: Activities and Tours

  • The Turkey Hill Reservation Hike - As a six-mile loop trail, visitors hike through the ancient boreal forest, scenic vistas and rocky ridge of the Turkey Hill Reservation.
  • Captain John Boats - Offering tours out of Cohasset Harbor, Captain John Boats takes visitors on deep sea fishing trips coupled with marine life sightseeing and learn-to-fish classes.
  • Cohasset Golf Club - Known as one of the top golf clubs in New England, the Cohasset Golf Club is well known for its scenic view and agility required to complete the course.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cohasset

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Paul Pratt Memorial Library, followed by a walk along the Sandy Beach
Day 2 Hiking the Whitney and Thayer Woods trail, followed by lunch in Cohasset Village
Day 3 Scenic bike ride along the Old Colony Rail Trail, followed by a boat tour of Cohasset Harbor
Day 4 Visiting Wheelwright Park followed by dinner on Cohasset Harbor
Day 5 Explore Cohasset’s history with a visit to the Cohasset Historical Society Museum, followed by an afternoon of golf at the Cohasset Golf Club
Day 6 Hike the Turkey Hill Reservation and spend a serene afternoon at Spa Oceana getting pampered.
Day 7 Departure day, but be sure to grab souvenirs from the Village Trader in town.

Food and Drink Scene of Cohasset

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Red Lion Inn - A nineteenth-century colonial village eatery for foodies, featuring traditional New England fare and a rich wine list.
  • The Olde Salt House - Famous for its crab and lobster rolls, the Olde Salt House is a must-visit eatery when in Cohasset.
  • The Corner Stop Eatery - The Corner Stop Eatery boasts of farm-to-table styles of cooking and a reputation for crafting the best eggs benedict in Cohasset.

Local Beverages

  • Oysterman - A craft brew pub that brews its beer right on the premises. Guests can take part in brewery tours and pub crawls.
  • Atlantic Package Store - Known for its extensive wine collection and hard to find spirits and beers, the Atlantic Package Store is a hot spot for mixology lovers.

Where to Stay in Cohasset: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Red Lion Inn - A luxurious 18th-century hotel with modern facilities, the Red Lion Inn features a unique blend of New England charm and old-world elegance.
  • The Atlantica on the Cohasset Harbor - Located in the heart of Cohasset, this elegant hotel offers luxe guest rooms and an array of on-site amenities, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring.

What to Buy in Cohasset: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Village Trader - A high-end consignment shop in the heart of Cohasset Village, the Village Trader is the best place to buy high-quality American-made goods, such as jewelry, pottery, and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Cohasset

Cohasset boasts of a rich cultural history that dates back over 5000 years. The town is known for its many cultural events, including Cohasset’s Farmers Market, West African dance classes, and the Cohasset Village Christmas Stroll.

Best Time to Visit Cohasset

The best time to visit Cohasset is between May to September when the town is basking in all its summer glory. Autumn is also a good time to visit as the fall foliage in Cohasset is known for its beautiful, vibrant colors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cohasset

Do:

  • Take a relaxing hike or bike ride on the many routes and trails running through Cohasset.
  • Visit the local art galleries and museums to soak in the local history and culture.
  • Go fishing or take a boat tour of the Cohasset Harbor.
  • Grab some lobster and crab rolls at the Olde Salt House.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter or pollute the Cohasset Harbor and its surroundings.
  • Do not be loud or cause a scene in public.
  • Do not forget to try the local cuisine!

Safety and Health

Safety in Cohasset

Cohasset is known for being one of the safest towns in Eastern Massachusetts and boasts of a lower crime rate compared to other cities in the region. Nevertheless, visitors should take care of their belongings while exploring less crowded areas, such as remote hiking trails.

Health in Cohasset

Visitors to Cohasset will be pleased to know that the town hosts some of the best medical clinics and hospitals in Eastern Massachusetts. In case of a medical emergency, locals suggest getting in touch with the South Shore Hospital located in Weymouth, Massachusetts.

Getting to Cohasset: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cohasset

Boston’s Logan International Airport is the closest airport to Cohasset, about 21 miles away. The Boston airport offers several transportation options, such as taxis, ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, or rental cars.

Bus Stations Near Cohasset

The closest bus station to Cohasset is the Hingham MBTA station, about 8 miles away. Visitors can catch the MBTA bus from Hingham to Cohasset Harbor.

Other Options

Visitors to Cohasset can also rent Harley Davidson bikes for taking scenic rides, book car rentals to spend the day getting around, or enjoy scenic train rides by taking the commuter rail.

How to Get Around in Cohasset

Visitors can easily get around Cohasset on foot or rent bikes to explore vigorously. Also, taxis or ride-share services are available for those who prefer using vehicle services.

Where to Go Next from Cohasset: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Boston, Massachusetts - The city of Boston boasts of several landmarks, museums, and restaurants, making it a rich cultural destination.
  • Plymouth, Massachusetts - The popular tourist spot- Plymouth, boasts of National Parks and landmarks, including Plymouth Rock, and the famous Mayflower II.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for relaxing beach walks, outdoor adventures, discovering local history and culture, or want to indulge in delicious cuisine, Cohasset has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your next adventure to Eastern Massachusetts’ hidden gem and create unforgettable memories.