Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Braintree, MA

Chartered as early as 1640, Braintree is a town on the South Shore that formerly encompassed Quincy within its borders.

This historical context indicates that several significant figures in the foundational history of the United States were born within the original limits of Braintree, including John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and John Hancock.

Another noteworthy individual born in Braintree was the military engineer General Sylvanus Thayer (1785-1872), who played a key role in reorganizing West Point into the prestigious academy recognized today.

The birthplace of Thayer is preserved by the Braintree Historical Society, featuring period rooms styled as they would have been during the year of his birth.

Braintree is also the location of the expansive South Shore Plaza, which stands as the largest shopping mall in the region and ranks among the largest in the nation.

1. Blue Hills Reservation

Located on the granite slopes in the western part of Braintree is one of the largest undeveloped areas in Greater Boston.

The Blue Hills Reservation is a 7,000-acre state park that boasts a long chain of peaks, with the highest point being the 635-foot Great Blue Hill.

Just a few minutes from South Shore Plaza, you will find the eastern trailhead and parking for the blue-blazed Skyline Trail, which traverses several summits, including Blue Hill, offering breathtaking views of the Boston skyline.

In total, there are 125 miles of trails throughout the reservation, with the areas south of I-93 and west of Route 28 being ideal for mountain biking.

2. General Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace

The birthplace of Sylvanus Thayer (1785-1872) serves as the focal point for the Braintree Historical Society campus.

A proponent of engineering education, Thayer is honored as the “Father of West Point,” having become superintendent of the academy in 1817 and establishing a curriculum that has largely remained effective to this day.

The Sylvanus Birthplace was moved to its present location at the Town Hall Mall in 1960 and is a 2½-story saltbox house constructed in 1720 by Thayer’s grandfather, Nathaniel Thayer.

The structure achieved its current aesthetic around 1800, with approximately two-thirds of the original timbers still intact.

The interior features preserved period rooms from the year of Thayer’s birth, alongside exhibits detailing the railroads, military history, and the industry’s development in Braintree, particularly highlighting the handheld fan-making trade of the 19th century.

3. South Shore Plaza

Adjacent to the Braintree Split interchange on I-93 is the largest mall in New England, and among the 16 largest in the United States.

Operated by the Simon Property Group, South Shore Mall commenced as an outdoor shopping center in 1961, later being enclosed by the mid-1970s and undergoing significant expansion in the early 1990s.

Currently, there are nearly 200 tenants, including notable retailers such as Nordstrom, Sears, Macy’s, Target, Primark, Apple, Gap, H&M, Hollister, J. Crew, LEGO, Loft, Old Navy, Sephora, and The North Face.

The food court offers a variety of options, including the cherished local chain Pizzeria Regina, alongside locations for Red Robin, Chipotle, California Pizza Kitchen, and The Cheesecake Factory.

If you’re seeking entertainment, the AMC Braintree 10 is located across Route 1 at the South Shore Place shopping center.

4. Quincy

Considering that Quincy and Braintree were part of the same municipality until 1792, the historical narratives of both towns intersect significantly.

At the Adams National Historical Park, visitors can explore the birthplaces of second president John Adams (1735-1826) and his son, sixth president John Quincy Adams (1767-1848).

This location is one of several historic sites associated with the Adams and Quincy families, which also includes the birthplace of Founding Father John Hancock (1737-1793), situated at the Quincy Historical Society.

Quincy’s scenic coastline features a stunning 2.5-mile Wollaston Beach that faces the Boston Harbor Islands and is lined with nearby eateries specializing in traditional lobster rolls and fried clams.

5. Washington Street

This thoroughfare runs longitudinally through Braintree, extending from the town line with Quincy all the way to Holbrook.

The northern stretch of Washington Street leads through two local commercial districts at Braintree Square and South Braintree Square.

The latter, located at the intersection with Peart St, is vibrant with independent dining options featuring pho, sushi, Thai cuisine, diner fare, Italian dishes, traditional South Shore-style bar pizza, and breakfast selections.

Additionally, Washington Street provides a view of the Town Hall and the adjacent Town Hall Mall, a historic green space used for outdoor community events such as the summer farmers’ market.

6. United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum & USS Salem

Located in East Braintree along the Weymouth Fore River, the original site of the Fore River Shipyard, operational since 1883, was moved to Quincy Point in 1901.

This shipyard primarily constructed vessels for the U.S. Navy and played a critical role in supporting the nation’s World War II efforts after accelerating production in 1938.

One notable vessel launched from the shipyard was the USS Salem (1943), a Des Moines-class heavy cruiser that currently serves as a museum ship docked on the Fore River.

Visitors can spend extensive time exploring the intricate interiors of this 700-foot ship, encountering exhibits related to the shipyard, model ships, historic weaponry, and artifacts from numerous U.S. Navy cruisers.

7. Braintree Farmers’ Market

The Town Hall Mall serves as an ideal location for a farmers market, taking place on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM from mid-June through mid-October.

This vibrant community event, organized by volunteers, features a variety of activities and entertainment throughout the season.

While a comprehensive list of offerings would require an entirely separate discussion, consumers can expect to find local fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, granola, eggs, honey, flowers, plants, preserves, sauces, cheeses, maple syrup, fresh-roasted coffee, pickles, cookies, bread, and pies.

Additionally, a diverse selection of take-out food is available, including Colombian-style arepas and lamb kabob bowls. An engaging Thanksgiving market is also held outside the Town Hall later in the season.

8. Pond Meadow Park

Established for flood mitigation in the 1970s, the 20-acre pond at the center of this park is situated on Smelt Brook, which flows northward and connects with the Monatiquot River.

The pond is nestled within 320 acres of woodlands, featuring miles of color-coded trails, including a 1.5-mile paved loop around the water.

The pathways can be unexpectedly steep and wind through forests filled with birch, sumac, pine, maple, sassafras, and cedar, occasionally revealing sizable granite boulders.

During the summer months, visitors may spot turtles by the pond, while anglers can expect to catch bass, bullhead, pickerel, sunfish, and bluegill.

9. Gilbert L. Bean Barn and Mary Bean Cunningham Resource Center

Located on the same grounds as the General Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace, a colonial-style barn was erected in 1975 to complement the historical site.

This structure features post-and-beam construction reminiscent of early American barns from the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, visitors can explore a diverse array of artifacts reflecting Braintree’s colonial history.

The Mary Bean Cunningham Resource Center, added in 1995, houses the historical society’s library and resource center while providing climate-controlled space for its substantial collections.

10. Sunset Lake

One of the most picturesque local attractions is this town-owned, 58-acre lake situated on the southern side of Braintree.

Surrounded by waterfront residences and apartment complexes, the lakeshore is interspersed with parks and recreational areas, as well as Braintree High School located to the northwest.

On the eastern shore lies Sunset Lake Beach and Park, available for swimming and sunbathing during the summer season.

Additionally, the bandstand at the beach hosts a weekly summer concert series, featuring performances every Tuesday night across various genres throughout the season.

Further southeast, at the intersection of Pond and Washington Streets, is the charming Furlong Park, complete with flower beds, small lawns, ample tree cover, and a quaint picnic area.

11. Watson Park

This 22-acre park boasts stunning views along the Monatiquot River, showcasing anchored yachts and a line of majestic homes on the Weymouth side of the river.

At Watson Park, visitors can access the Monatiquot River Walk, which continues along the bank for a mile, meandering through oak and sumac trees down to the sandy shores of Smith Beach.

The park also features the Petersen Splash Pad, open daily from early July through the end of August, although proof of residency is required as of the latest information.

The Monatiquot River Walk extends along the opposite bank as well, connecting to the Weymouth Landing Access Ramp situated within a small park area.

12. Widowmaker Brewing

This rapidly growing craft brewery is located in an industrial park just off I-93, in close proximity to the Blue Hills Reservation.

Widowmaker Brewing established itself in this brick facility in 2017 and has since expanded to feature a 15-barrel brewhouse with over 400 barrels of fermentation capacity.

The taproom offers a selection of around a dozen beers, with popular choices including hoppy IPAs such as Blue Comet, Almost Home, and Ecstasy of Gold, as well as the approachable Dive Bar Devil (Lager) and Spike the Punch (Sour).

The taproom is open from Wednesday to Sunday, hosting a different food truck each day that serves a variety of offerings including lobster rolls, burgers, choripan, chicken sandwiches, and more.

13. Braintree Town Forest

This remarkable community asset encompasses 130 acres of hilly forest in the southern part of Braintree.

Similar to the Blue Hills Reservation, Braintree Town Forest is dotted with granite boulders deposited by glaciers on its elevated terrains.

Cranberry Brook flows through the eastern and southern sections of the forest, where the surrounding streets are quiet residential areas, minimizing the noise on the trails.

At the Peach St entrance, visitors will find a kiosk featuring trail maps and information about the forest’s flora and fauna.

14. Braintree Municipal Golf Course

This golf course, owned and operated by the town, is one of the most affordable options on the South Shore, consistently maintained in excellent condition considering the price of green fees.

A notable aspect of this municipal course is the frequent presence of water, especially on the back nine, where the Monatiquot River comes into play on the initial holes.

Players may also find themselves challenged by the sloping greens, making it advisable to review the course layout before making shots, particularly if you are a first-time visitor.

The signature hole is the par 3 sixteenth, which signifies the beginning of several less challenging holes to conclude your round. Different rates apply for residents and non-residents, which are only slightly different on weekdays for early or late afternoon play.

15. Hollingsworth Park

Designed for active recreation, this park is beautifully located along the wooded banks of Farm River, which drains from the nearby Great Pond.

Hollingsworth Park is a well-known spot for families in Braintree with children involved in little league teams, featuring a series of five ballfields.

These range from Duffy Field used for tee-ball to the illuminated Brooks Field, which hosts all major league games for ages 10-12. Families can also enjoy a recently renovated playground, which underwent updates in the 2010s after almost four decades.