Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Marshfield, MA

With centuries of history, stunning seascapes, and seafood sourced directly from the ocean, Marshfield epitomizes a traditional South Shore town.

Visitors can enjoy a selection of public beaches, including two expansive, dune-lined barrier beaches that extend for miles.

Additionally, one can explore the residence of the Winslow family, which played a significant role in Colonial Massachusetts throughout much of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Notably, Daniel Webster, a prominent statesman of the 19th century, known as the Farmer of Marshfield for his deep interest in agriculture, was a resident here. A substantial portion of Webster’s estate is now designated as a Mass Audubon sanctuary, while his home serves as a venue for seasonal events, including a splendid Christmas display.

1. Rexhame Beach

Situated at the tip of a long peninsula in northern Marshfield, Rexhame Beach presents a beautiful expanse of sand and pebbles, framed by dunes.

The unspoiled beauty of the Atlantic lies to the east, while the South River flows behind the beach to the west, heading northwards to its estuary three miles up the coastline at the peninsula’s tip.

The village of Rexhame has a history tracing back to the 1630s, and this extensive shoreline was acquired by the town in 1950.

Lifeguards are present at Rexhame Beach from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, and the South River is a favored spot for kayaking (it is advisable to plan trips based on the tides).

2. 1699 Historic Winslow House & Cultural Center

This site offers significant historical interest, featuring a house on land originally granted to Edward Winslow (1595-1655), a passenger of the Mayflower and Governor of the Plymouth Colony.

The current structure was constructed by Edward’s grandson, Isaac Winslow (1671-1738), and remained within the family’s staunchly Loyalist descendants until 1822.

One distinguished inhabitant was John Winslow (1703-1774), noted for his role in relocating the Acadians from Nova Scotia in 1755. The house is remarkable for its lack of modern alterations and has functioned as a museum since 1920.

Guided tours are available during the summer months, along with a calendar of special events throughout the season.

3. Duxbury Beach

Flanking the shore to the north and south of Marshfield are extensive barrier beaches belonging to nearby communities, but due to geographical peculiarities, they can only be accessed from this town.

To the south lies Duxbury Beach, stretching six miles into Cape Cod Bay. This beach enjoys a reputation as one of the finest in the state and is also notably accessible.

A designated swimming area is located towards the beach’s northern end at Duxbury Beach Park, a pristine site for swimming, paddling, basking in the sun, and relishing the breathtaking natural scenery.

All amenities at the park are ADA accessible, and a snack shack and restaurant are available for visitors.

4. Daniel Webster Estate and Heritage Center

Daniel Webster (1782-1852), who served as Secretary of State under three presidents and was a distinguished orator, acquired this estate in 1831, investing significantly in various enhancements over the years.

With a keen interest in agricultural science, he transformed the farm into one of the most productive in the region during his tenure.

The Queen Anne-style residence currently standing was constructed after a fire in 1878 that destroyed the original house. Encompassing 14 acres of lawns and verdant woodlands, the estate is now maintained by the town and a preservation trust.

Summer tours are available, and various seasonal events take place, such as Victorian teas and a festive showcase for holiday decorations in early December.

5. Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary

Nearly 600 acres from Daniel Webster’s estate is now a sanctuary managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. This land flanks the Green Harbor River, which eventually leads to a natural harbor at its mouth, housing the town’s marina.

An intriguing aspect regarding the former agricultural land is that it was converted from the estuary through the construction of a dike downriver in 1872.

This alteration incited a prolonged dispute between local farmers, who supported the change, and fishermen, who were opposed.

The sanctuary hosts a diverse range of habitats, including upland forest, marshlands, grasslands, and red cedar swamps, with numerous boardwalks facilitating exploration of the wetter areas.

An observation platform situated on Fox Hill offers sweeping views of the grasslands, while white nesting gourds by Webster Pond provide a habitat for a colony of purple martins.

6. Brant Rock Beach

At low tide, a lovely beach is accessible at the convergence of Ocean St and Dyke Rd in Brant Rock.

This location is supervised by lifeguards throughout the season and features a picturesque esplanade along Ocean St, offering magnificent sunset views.

As the tide rises, the beach may narrow significantly, yet the rocky outcrop can still be reached via a jetty, even during high tide.

There is also a pathway extending inland, connecting the Brant Rock Esplanade to the Harbor Walk, which follows the final stretch of the Green Harbor River to the marina.

At Marshfield Town Landing, visitors can observe a bustling commercial harbor, with fishing vessels moving to and fro.

7. Two Mile Farm

The tidal North River, which is twelve miles long, forms the boundary between Marshfield and Scituate to the north and has been acknowledged as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior and designated a Scenic River by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Located in western Marshfield, Two Mile Farm is one of several reservations along the riverbank, encompassing nearly 70 acres and managed by the Trustees of Reservations.

Remarkably, the name of this reservation originates from an early grant intended for harvesting salt hay for “two miles along the river and half a mile inland on each side.”

Trails at Two Mile Farm meander along old cart paths, past stone walls and through groves of white pine, leading down to the marsh’s edge.

8. Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary

This stunning wildlife sanctuary, managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, allows visitors to explore the salt marsh along the North River.

With 2.5 miles of trails across the 225-acre property, visitors are invited to wander through grasslands and oak-pine woodland.

A highlight is the River Loop, which guides you into the river valley and extends to an observation platform where you can walk out over the water.

Here, it is possible to observe seals in the water or on the riverbanks, in addition to the diverse avian population. The Massachusetts Audubon Society offers numerous nature-focused programs, including guided seasonal walks and informative lectures regarding the region’s captivating natural history.

9. Green Harbor Lobster Pound

Marshfield offers various locations for seafood sourced directly from the ocean and renowned New England specialties. Among these, a seasonal lobster shack in Green Harbor stands out, operating from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.

The feature attractions here are the lobster rolls, available in regular and jumbo sizes, complemented by an array of fried specialties such as whole clams, clam strips, scallops, shrimp, and haddock. For sides, the homemade onion rings and sweet potato fries are highly recommended.

10. Green Harbor Golf Club

The Green Harbor Golf Club, a public 18-hole course, has been owned and operated by the same family since its inception in 1971, now transitioning into its third generation. The establishment is renowned for its lavish greens, crafted from Vesper Velvet bent grass.

Designed to accommodate novice golfers with its spacious fairways, the course also provides a challenge to seasoned players through its strategic pin placements, bunkers, and water hazards on several holes.

The venue features Winslow’s, an entertainment facility that includes a kitchen, bar, and driving range. The driving range boasts 16 covered hitting bays equipped with Power Tee for automatic loading and TopTracer Range technology for ball tracking and engaging games.

11. Haddad’s Ocean Cafe

Offering a splendid view of the ocean at Brant Rock, this family-owned seafood restaurant has been operating since 1937.

For four generations, Haddad’s Ocean Cafe has maintained its commitment to serving exceptionally fresh seafood, sourced daily from local fishermen.

The extensive lunch and dinner menu features a raw bar with locally sourced oysters from Duxbury along with various lobster dishes, such as twin boiled lobster, fried lobster, lobster casserole, baked stuffed lobster, and lobster rolls.

Additional regional favorites comprise fried haddock, clam strips, fried scallops, clam chowder, and an ample selection of non-seafood entrees.

12. Humarock Beach

Extending north along the peninsula from Rexhame Beach for over three miles, Humarock Beach is part of the adjacent town of Scituate.

This barrier beach boasts spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic to the east and expansive views of the lower reaches of the South River to the west.

The most convenient approach to the beach is by walking from Rexhame Beach, particularly since a beach sticker is required for parking in the local lot. The unique situation of Humarock Beach being part of Scituate, while only accessible from Marshfield, can be traced back to a significant storm surge during the Portland Gale of 1898, which redefined the South River’s course.

13. Levitate Music and Arts Festival

Initially founded in 2003 as a community-oriented surf store in Marshfield, Levitate has since developed into a standalone brand, featuring a line of apparel, pop-ups, camps, three permanent retail locations, and a summer festival.

The festival, inaugurated in 2013 to commemorate Levitate’s tenth anniversary, has expanded tremendously, taking place over three days each July at the fairgrounds.

The Levitate Music and Arts Festival attracts globally recognized musicians and artists, while also fostering local talent in the spirit of inclusivity.

Recent editions have featured well-known names such as Vulfpeck, Jack Johnson, Phil Lesh, Damian Marley, Stick Figure, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

14. Marshfield Fair

Among the prominent events in southeastern Massachusetts, the Marshfield Fair has been held every August since 1867, with only a few exceptions.

This ten-day festival celebrates rural life, featuring 4-H exhibits and competitions, demonstrations, carnival rides, live musical performances, magic shows, and exciting entertainment such as demolition derbies and tractor pulls.

Food enthusiasts are catered for with indulgent fair cuisine, while children can enjoy various activities, including a craft corner, a petting zoo, and a model railroad.

The Marshfield fairgrounds also host numerous events year-round, including the Marshfield Farmers’ Market every Friday afternoon from June to September.

15. Fishing Charters

Marshfield is recognized as a hub for sport fishing, supported by several fishing charter companies located at the marina in Green Harbor.

Local operators include Black Rose Fishing Charters, Big Fish Charters, Cathy Ann Sport Fishing, and Crimson Tide Fishing Charter.

For those aiming to catch cod or bluefin tuna, the prime season occurs in a brief window during September, with a closed season for cod persisting for the remainder of the year.

For striped bass and haddock, fishing opportunities arise earlier in the year, with the peak seasons generally occurring in May and June.