Scituate Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Scituate, Massachusetts. Your ultimate travel guide to Scituate awaits!


Introduction to Scituate

Located in Eastern Massachusetts, in the South Shore region, Scituate is a charming coastal town that is perfect for a peaceful yet exciting vacation. Founded in 1636, Scituate has a rich history dating back to the early settlers. The town is known for its breathtaking coastal views, picturesque lighthouses, and a plethora of fun-filled activities. Traveling to Scituate will give you a perfect chance to enjoy long walks on sandy beaches, delicious seafood, and exciting adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Scituate

Here are some of the best places to visit in Scituate:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Scituate Historical Society Museum: The museum showcases a broad range of exhibits on Scituate’s rich maritime history, house architecture, and important historical events.
  • The Old Scituate Lighthouse: Built-in 1810, the Old Scituate Lighthouse is a must-visit site offering visitors access to the top of the lighthouse to get an amazing view of the coast.
  • Cudworth House: The oldest building in Scituate, the Cudworth house offers a glimpse of colonial life in the 17th century.

Natural Attractions of Scituate: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Minot’s Ledge: Enjoy unforgettable vistas of the Atlantic Ocean while taking a brisk walk on the beach.
  • Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum: A perfect family outing located on a quiet coastal inlet, the Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum showcases Scituate’s history of seaweed harvesting and coastal lifestyle.
  • Wampatuck State Park: Take a hiking or biking trail through over 3500 acres of pristine forests, wetlands, and rolling hills of Wampatuck State Park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Scituate

Scituate boasts of some of the most popular hiking and biking trails in Massachusetts, offering an unparalleled view of the town’s beautiful scenery. Here are some of the best routes you can take:

  • Scituate Lighthouse to Cedar Point: This trail is perfect if you’re a fan of coastal trails, with breathtaking views of Cedar Point and the lighthouse.
  • Driftway Conservation Park: This trail is ideal for serious hikers looking for an adventure. The trail offers a view of an extensive network of wetlands, salt marsh, and ponds.

Best Things to Do in Scituate: Activities and Tours

  • Take a boat ride: Take a ride from the Scituate harbor and experience the town’s beauty from the sea.
  • Fishing Charters: Scituate is known for its high-quality seafood. Book a fishing charter to enjoy catching the freshest and most delicious fish.
  • Scituate Harbor Yacht Club: A perfect spot for sailing enthusiasts or anyone looking for a glimpse of yacht culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Scituate

To make the most of your Scituate vacation, you can follow this week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Start your Scituate vacation by exploring the Scituate Harbor. Visit the Old Scituate Lighthouse, and the nearby Harbor shops.

Day 2: Hike or bike through the Wampatuck State Park.

Day 3: Take a boat ride around Scituate and experience the town’s beauty from the sea.

Day 4: Visit the Scituate Historical Society Museum and Cudworth House to learn more about the town’s rich history.

Day 5: Head over to nearby Plymouth for a day trip as it offers a chance to experience the popular Plimoth Plantation Exhibit.

Day 6: Relax at one of the town’s beaches, such as Peggotty Beach.

Day 7: Visit the Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum, located on the charming coastal inlet, which showcases Scituate’s history of seaweed harvesting.

Food and Drink Scene of Scituate

Scituate is famous for its seafood, but the town has a lot more to offer in terms of food and drink.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll: A classic New England dish, Scituate offers some of the freshest Lobster Rolls in the state.
  • Clam Chowder: Scituate’s harbor is home to some of the freshest clams in the state. Make sure to try their fresh Boston Clam Chowder, either in a bread bowl or a cup.

Local Beverages

  • Widow’s Walk Brewery: Named after the famous local landmark, Widow’s Walk Brewery offers a variety of craft beers worth sampling.
  • Tink’s Lemonade: Tink’s Lemonade is a roadside lemon-aid stand that’s been in business for over fifty years, and visitors will enjoy their delicious lemonades.

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

There are several places you can stay in Scituate, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some of our top picks:

  • The Inn at Scituate Harbor: A lush waterfront hotel with a charming bed-and-breakfast vibe.
  • The Seaside at Scituate: A boutique hotel with balcony views of the harbor beach.

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

  • Coastal-themed Murals and paintings: Scituate is known for its beautiful murals and paintings that can remind you of the town’s natural beauty at home.
  • Seafood: Bring home the freshest seafood in Massachusetts from Scituate.

Local Culture and Customs of Scituate

Scituate’s culture is heavily influenced by its maritime history and proximity to the ocean, which is reflected in everything from food to festivals. Respect for nature and the environment is a core theme in the town.

Best Time to Visit Scituate

Summer is the peak season in Scituate, with the warmest weather and a packed event calendar. However, as the town is small and has fewer hotels, this can make it a bit pricier. Spring and fall are also excellent times to visit when the weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Scituate

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife of Scituate.
  • Take the time to visit the town’s museums and historical sites to learn more about Scituate’s rich maritime history.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the clean environment of Scituate.
  • Don’t enter private property without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Scituate

Scituate is generally safe. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Health in Scituate

Scituate is a small town with excellent health facilities, including enough pharmacies, clinics, and care centers for emergency services.

Getting to Scituate: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Scituate

  • Logan International Airport: Boston’s Logan International Airport is the closest airport to Scituate, with easy access to the town via taxis, buses, or car rentals.

Bus Stations Near Scituate

  • Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company, which operates seven days a week, can take you to Scituate’s harbor from Boston’s South Station in under an hour.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: The closest Amtrak station is located 30 miles north in Boston.

How to Get Around in Scituate

The best way to get around Scituate is by car, bike, or on foot. The town is small enough to explore everything either on foot or by bike.

Where to Go Next from Scituate: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Plymouth: A historic city located just 16-miles from Scituate, offering plenty of outdoor activities and attractions.
  • Boston: Boston is an easy day trip from Scituate with access via the nearby Amtrak station or Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company.

Conclusion

Scituate is a charming coastal town known for its rich maritime history, breathtaking scenery, and wide range of activities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, swimming, or exploring the town’s museums and historical sites, Scituate has something for everyone. Plan your trip today to discover the charm of this beautiful Massachusetts town!

Beach at Humarock Beach at Humarock Old Scituate Light House Old Scituate Light House