Marion Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, stay, eat, and explore in Marion, Massachusetts with our comprehensive travel guide.


Marion is a small, picturesque coastal town located in SouthCoast, Eastern Massachusetts, in New England, the United States of America. The town is known for its charming natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll introduce you to the best places to visit, stay, eat, and explore in Marion.

Introduction to Marion

Marion is a quintessential New England town that offers visitors a peaceful respite from city life. The town has a rich Colonial history, and many of the buildings in the downtown area date back to the 18th century. Marion’s location on the Sippican Harbor and Buzzards Bay makes it a great destination for beachgoers and boating enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Marion

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Marion Natural History Museum - A small local museum that showcases the flora and fauna of the region. It also has exhibits on the town’s history and culture.

  2. Marion Art Center - A non-profit organization that hosts art exhibitions and workshops throughout the year.

  3. Sippican Historical Society Museum - A museum dedicated to preserving the rich history of Marion and the surrounding area. The museum has exhibits on local industries, such as shipbuilding and cranberry farming, and displays historic objects and photos.

  4. Tabor Academy - A private co-ed boarding school located in Marion that dates back to 1876. The campus has several historic buildings, including a chapel and a library.

Natural Attractions of Marion: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Silvershell Beach - A secluded beach that offers visitors pristine white sand, calm waters, and scenic views of the harbor.

  2. Aucoot Cove - A small inlet that is home to a wide range of bird species. Visitors can kayak or paddleboard through the water and observe the local wildlife.

  3. Washburn Park - A popular picnic spot that offers visitors scenic views of the Sippican Harbor and Buzzards Bay.

  4. Hammett’s Cove - A great spot for birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. The cove is surrounded by a dense forest, which adds to its natural beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Marion

  1. The Marion Town Forest - A 110-acre forest that has several hiking and biking trails. The forest is home to several species of plants and wildlife.

  2. Kittansett Club - A private golf course that offers visitors scenic views and a well-maintained bike trail.

  3. Weweantic River - A scenic river that runs through the town and offers visitors a peaceful spot for kayaking and birdwatching.

Best Things to Do in Marion: Activities and Tours

  1. Buzzards Bay Swim - A yearly event held in August, in which swimmers from all over the world come to swim 1.2 miles across Buzzards Bay to raise funds for ocean conservation.

  2. Tabor Boy - Visitors can take a cruise on the famous Tabor Boy, a replica of a 19th-century schooner. The boat offers visitors scenic views of the harbor and Buzzards Bay.

  3. Marion Village Farmers’ Market - A weekly event held during the summer months that features fresh, locally grown produce and handmade crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Marion

Day Activity
1 Explore downtown Marion and visit the Marion Art Center
2 Go birdwatching in Hammett’s Cove and hike the Marion Town Forest
3 Take a picnic to Washburn Park and enjoy the scenic views
4 Visit the Marion Natural History Museum and Tabor Academy
5 Take a cruise on Tabor Boy and go swimming at Silvershell Beach
6 Rent a kayak and paddle through Aucoot Cove
7 Finish the trip with a visit to the Sippican Historical Society Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Marion

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Lobster Roll - A classic New England dish that is a must-try while in Marion.

  2. Clam Chowder - A creamy soup made with seafood and potatoes.

  3. Cranberry Pie - A sweet and tart dessert made with fresh cranberries that are abundant in the area.

Local Beverages

  1. Buzzard’s Bay Brewing - A local brewery that offers visitors a wide range of craft beers.

  2. Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery - A vineyard that produces several award-winning wines and offers tasting tours.

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

  1. The Sippican Harbor Inn - A historic inn located in the heart of the town. The inn has spacious rooms that offer scenic views of the harbor.

  2. The Island House - A cozy bed and breakfast that is located in a renovated carriage house. The rooms are spacious, and the inn offers a delicious breakfast.

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

  1. Cranberry Products - Fresh cranberries are abundant in the area, so be sure to bring home some cranberry jams, sauces, or pies.

  2. Handmade Crafts - The Marion Village Farmers’ Market is an excellent place to find handmade crafts made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Marion

Marion is a small, tight-knit community, and visitors should be respectful of the local culture and customs. Residents take great pride in the town’s history and natural beauty, and visitors should respect the environment and wildlife.

Best Time to Visit Marion

The best time to visit Marion is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is mild and pleasant, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and kayaking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Marion

Do:

  1. Take a picnic to Washburn Park and enjoy the scenic views.
  2. Rent a kayak and paddle through Aucoot Cove.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or disturb the local wildlife.
  2. Ignore the cultural heritage and history of Marion.

Safety and Health

Safety in Marion

Marion is a safe town, and visitors should exercise the same level of caution as they would in any other small town in the United States.

Health in Marion

The town has an excellent healthcare system, and visitors who need medical attention can visit the Marion General Hospital or the nearby Tobey Hospital.

Getting to Marion: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Marion

  1. New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB) - Located 11 miles from Marion.
  2. T. F. Green Airport (PVD) - Located 37 miles from Marion.

Bus Stations Near Marion

  1. New Bedford Bus Station - Located 10 miles from Marion.
  2. Peter Pan Bus Station - Located 16 miles from Marion.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car or hail a taxi from the nearby airports or bus stations.

How to Get Around in Marion

The town is small, and visitors can easily walk or bike around. Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Marion: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Cape Cod - A popular summer destination located 35 miles from Marion. Cape Cod offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, museums, and art galleries.

  2. Martha’s Vineyard - A picturesque island located south of Cape Cod. Visitors can take a ferry from Falmouth, located 20 miles from Marion.

Conclusion

Marion is a charming town that offers visitors a peaceful respite from city life. The town’s rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty make it a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a relaxing escape from the city. With our comprehensive travel guide, we hope you have all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to Marion.