Kingston Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around Kingston, Massachusetts. Explore the culture, food, nature, and outdoor adventure opportunities of this charming New England town.


Explore Kingston, Massachusetts - A Comprehensive Tour Guide

Nestled in the heart of South Shore, Kingston is a charming town in Eastern Massachusetts. Surrounded by the natural beauty of cranberry bogs, rivers, and forests, Kingston is a popular destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and biking trails to museums and historical landmarks, there’s a lot to explore in this quaint New England town. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around Kingston, Massachusetts.

List of Places to Visit in Kingston

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Jones River Village Historical Society Museum - located in the heart of Kingston, this museum showcases the town’s history through exhibits and artifacts from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

  2. The Major John Bradford Homestead - A historic house museum that offers a glimpse of the life of Kingston’s earliest settlers.

  3. The Kingston Public Library - established in 1891, this library is a treasure trove of historical information with an extensive collection of books, photographs, and documents.

Natural Attractions of Kingston: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. The Bay Circuit Trail - A 230-mile hiking trail that passes through Kingston and offers scenic views of the town’s forests, marshes, and wetlands.

  2. The Cranberry Watershed Preserve - A protected area that features several miles of hiking trails that wind through the town’s cranberry bogs and upland forests.

  3. The Kingston Town Landing - This public boat ramp provides easy access to the Jones River and Kingston Bay for kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kingston

  1. The Bay Circuit Trail - As mentioned earlier, The Bay Circuit Trail offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling.

  2. The Kingston Rail Trail - A 5-mile long bike path that follows the route of an old railroad track through Kingston.

  3. Myles Standish State Forest - Just a short drive from Kingston, this state forest offers plenty of hiking, biking, and camping opportunities with over 26 miles of trails.

Best Things to Do in Kingston: Activities and Tours

  1. Jones River Kayak and Canoe - Take a guided tour of the Jones River on a kayak or canoe, and explore the town’s natural beauty from the water.

  2. Kingston Farmer’s Market - Held every Saturday from May to October, this farmer’s market features local produce, crafts, and live music.

  3. Kingston Collection - A mall that offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including a movie theater and an arcade.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kingston

Day 1 Explore the Jones River Village Historical Society Museum
Day 2 Hike or bike the Bay Circuit Trail
Day 3 Visit the Major John Bradford Homestead
Day 4 Explore the Cranberry Watershed Preserve
Day 5 Take a guided kayak or canoe tour of the Jones River
Day 6 Visit the Kingston Public Library
Day 7 Shop and dine at the Kingston Collection

Food and Drink Scene of Kingston

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Lobster Rolls - A local specialty usually served on a hot dog bun, filled with fresh, locally caught lobster meat.

  2. Plymouth County Cranberry Sauce - A traditional sauce made with local cranberries that adds a bit of tartness to any dish.

  3. Quahog Chowder - A hearty chowder made with clam, potatoes, and onions, commonly found at local restaurants.

Local Beverages

  1. Mayflower Brewing Company - A local brewery that produces a range of craft beers using traditional brewing methods.

  2. Dirty Water Distillery - A distillery that produces various spirits, including gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey.

  3. Cape Cod Winery - A vineyard that offers wine tastings and tours where visitors can sample locally-made wines.

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

  1. SpringHill Suites by Marriott - A modern hotel located in the Kingston Collection that offers convenient access to the town’s dining and entertainment options.

  2. The Jones River Motel - Located near the center of the town, this motel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation options for travelers.

  3. The Winslow House Bed and Breakfast - A historic bed and breakfast that offers a unique and charming lodging experience for visitors.

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

  1. Crafts from Farmsteads of New England - A shop that offers locally handcrafted items, including soaps, jewelry, pottery, and more.

  2. Cranberry Products - Cranberry-related products, such as jams, jellies, and sauces, are an excellent souvenir that will remind you of your trip to Kingston.

  3. Wampum Jewelry - Jewelry made from wampum shells, which were once used as currency by Native Americans, is a unique and meaningful souvenir to bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Kingston

Kingston prides itself on its rich history and natural beauty. The town is known for its friendly and welcoming locals who are proud of their heritage and are happy to share it with visitors. Visitors are encouraged to respect the town’s cultural and environmental heritage and to follow local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Kingston

The best time to visit Kingston is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the town is less crowded. During the summer months, the town is bustling with tourists and can be hot and humid at times.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kingston

Do:

  • Respect the town’s cultural and environmental heritage
  • Explore the town’s natural beauty and historical landmarks
  • Attend the Kingston Farmer’s Market to experience local produce, crafts, and music

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the town’s natural resources
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Kingston

Kingston is a relatively safe town, but visitors should still take precautions and avoid wandering alone in unfamiliar or deserted areas at night.

Health in Kingston

Medical facilities are easily accessible and of good quality in Kingston. Visitors should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance in case of any medical emergencies.

Getting to Kingston: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kingston

  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) - Located 32 miles northwest of Kingston

Bus Stations Near Kingston

  • Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Company - A bus company that provides service to and from Kingston

Other Options

  • Travel by car - Kingston is easily accessible by car, and there are several highways and major roads that lead to the town.

How to Get Around in Kingston

The best way to get around Kingston is by car, bike, or foot. There are also local taxi and car rental services available if you don’t have a vehicle.

Where to Go Next from Kingston: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Plymouth, MA - A nearby town famous for its role in American history, including the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving.

  2. Cape Cod, MA - A popular summer destination located just a short drive from Kingston, known for its sandy beaches, seafood, and quaint towns.

  3. Boston, MA - The capital of Massachusetts, located less than an hour’s drive from Kingston, is a bustling city known for its history, culture, and food scene.

Conclusion

Kingston, Massachusetts, is a beautiful and charming town that offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone to explore in this town. With its warm and welcoming locals, delicious local food and drink, and comfortable accommodation options, Kingston is the perfect destination for a New England getaway.

Cranberry harvest at Bog Hollow Farm, Rt 106 Cranberry harvest at Bog Hollow Farm, Rt 106