Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Melrose, MA

Just minutes from downtown Boston on the MBTA Haverhill Line, Melrose is a suburban city with a vibrant downtown area, a charming Victorian architectural aesthetic, and convenient access to parks and natural environments.

The recreational opportunities surrounding Melrose are extensive. Notably, the Middlesex Fells Reservation offers lakes and numerous trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

To the south lies Pine Banks Park, featuring rugged terrains shaped by volcanic and glacial activities, while to the east, the Mt Hood Municipal Golf Course presents elevated tees with vistas of the Boston skyline.

1. Middlesex Fells Reservation

Overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, this expansive water-enriched reservation is situated just a minute or two west of downtown Melrose.

The Middlesex Fells Reservation consists of several operational and non-operational reservoirs, two of which continue to supply water to the metropolitan Boston area. The largest, Spot Pond, serves as a sanctuary for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

For those planning a hike in the 2,200 acres of natural beauty, the linear Cross Fells Trail starts in Melrose at the end of Goodyear Ave, traversing the southern regions of the reservation through parts of Malden and Medford.

2. Downtown Melrose

Melrose’s tree-lined central commercial district offers a delightful atmosphere, showcasing 19th and early 20th-century architecture, impressive civic buildings, and a plethora of small businesses.

At the northern edge, Main Street borders the eastern side of the picturesque Ell Pond, which will be discussed further below.

Downtown Melrose also serves as a culinary hub with charming bakeries, cafes, an international selection of restaurants, and the well-known Turner’s Seafood Grill & Market (as mentioned later).

Entertainment thrives at Memorial Hall, home to the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, along with events such as the Annual Victorian Fair, which transforms Main Street into a vibrant marketplace of vendors each September.

For shopping, visitors can explore family-owned businesses offering cosmetics, athletic wear, home decor, toys, apparel, flowers, and unique gifts.

3. Pine Banks Park

Located to the south of Melrose, extending into Malden, this densely wooded park encompasses over 110 acres and is jointly owned by both municipalities.

Visitors will be immediately captivated by Pine Banks Park’s distinctive topography, shaped by ancient volcanic activity.

This geological history has created 50-foot cliffs that feature Mount Ephraim, offering sweeping views over the park and the Boston skyline.

In the lower areas, Pine Banks Park functions as a recreational park, complete with a charming pond, a children’s playground, a quarter-mile track, a soccer field, two baseball fields, a softball field, and a rugby pitch, which serves as the home ground for the Mystic River Rugby Club.

4. Memorial Hall

Downtown Melrose is home to an exceptional performing arts venue, situated within the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building.

This solemn granite structure, completed in 1912 as a tribute to Civil War service members, underwent several restoration phases during the 1990s and 2000s.

A notable feature is the grand organ, installed in 1919, which remains in its original position at the rear of the stage.

With a seating capacity of 800, Memorial Hall hosts the Melrose Symphony Orchestra (MSO), established in 1918 and recognized as the oldest continually operating volunteer orchestra in the United States.

The MSO presents a diverse season of performances, offering something for nearly every musical preference, including an annual Holiday Pops, Opera Night, Family Concert, and the traditional May Pops Finale.

5. Ell Pond

This 23-acre Great Pond is a central feature of Melrose, located just steps away from Memorial Hall on the western side of Main Street.

The name Ell Pond derives from its distinctive L-shape, and the stretch of Main Street adjacent to it is particularly picturesque during sunset over the water.

The northern and western shores of Ell Pond are enhanced with numerous recreational facilities, including the Lloyd Memorial Swimming Pool (operational during the summer), the Melrose Rotary Skate Park, along with tennis courts, multi-use sports fields, and the Melrose Dog Park.

The Ell Pond Lake Trail follows this section of the shoreline, connecting the pool in the west to the dog park in the northeast.

6. Turner’s Seafood Grill & Market

With a reputable history in the wholesale seafood business since 1954, Turner’s established an authentic New England seafood restaurant, fish market, and oyster bar on Main Street in Melrose in 1994.

Turner’s Seafood Grill & Market was conceived by the four sons of the company’s founder, James F. Turner, and has become a culinary destination that draws patrons from throughout the Boston area and North Shore.

Patrons can indulge in New England classics such as clam chowder, lobster bisque, lobster rolls, crab cakes, fried clams, and scrumptious daily specials listed on the blackboard.

7. Spot Pond

The recreational center for the Middlesex Fells Reservation is located just five minutes west of Melrose Center, offering abundant water-related activities during the summer months.

On the eastern shore, visitors can rent canoes or kayaks to navigate the 298-acre pond adorned with numerous small islands.

Adjacent to the rental facility is the historic John Botume House (1849), the last remnant of the various lakefront residences constructed in the 19th century, now serving as a visitor center for the reservation.

From this location, you can walk south along the pond’s eastern shore, experiencing the beauty of the hardwood forest.

8. Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

This historical site located along the Saugus River, just ten minutes east of Melrose, is regarded as the birthplace of the American iron and steel industry.

Established in 1646, the first integrated ironworks in North America allows visitors to explore reconstructed facilities powered by water, including a blast furnace, forge, rolling mill, shear, slitter, and a quarter-ton trip hammer.

The original structure on site dates back to the 1680s and is believed to have been the residence of the ironmaster.

Through a self-guided tour, guests can learn about the historical significance of the iron works, the iron production process, and the importance of herbs in the 17th-century Herb Garden.

9. Mt Hood Municipal Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course was established as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1936 and is set within 300 acres of wooded parkland.

Designed in harmony with the natural topography, the course offers dramatic elevations, with eight holes featuring elevated tees that provide distant views extending to Boston, southeast to Revere Beach, or north to New Hampshire.

While the fairways are generally wide, precision is crucial on approach shots to successfully reach the small greens.

There are two practice greens available for those wishing to refine their skills, alongside a fully stocked pro shop.

10. Stone Zoo

One of the region’s premier family attractions is situated on the northern shore of Spot Pond within the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

Stone Zoo has roots dating back to 1905 and has undergone extensive enhancements since being revitalized by a non-profit organization in the early 1990s.

Visitors will encounter a diverse array of wildlife across ten distinct exhibit areas, including snow leopards, Mexican gray wolves, gila monsters, Linne’s two-toed sloths, white-cheeked gibbons, roadrunners, American alligators, and many other fascinating species, representing close to 60 varieties.

A recently opened exhibit, the indoor Animal Discovery Center, showcases reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids ranging from poison dart frogs to Arizona blond tarantulas. During the holiday season, the ZooLights display transforms the Yukon Creek area into a magical winter scene.

11. Melrose Common

Often regarded as the premier neighborhood park in Melrose, Melrose Common features a rectangular layout situated slightly east of the downtown area. This park is particularly well-suited for families, boasting two expansive playgrounds equipped with soft, bouncy surfaces, a sandbox, and up-to-date play equipment.

A nearby convenience store offers treats such as ice cream. For sports enthusiasts, the park includes a baseball court, two baseball fields, and a large multi-purpose field designed for soccer. Along the edges, magnificent trees provide ample shade, particularly on the southern and eastern sides.

12. Town Line Luxury Lanes

This extensive bowling alley serves as a community hub for numerous nearby areas, including Melrose, featuring 50 lanes equipped with bumpers for younger players and offering Atomic Bowling on weekends, complete with blacklight, neon aesthetics, and an energetic atmosphere.

Additional attractions within the facility include a newly established billiards hall with 15 Pro Imperial pool tables and a game room with over 50 arcade games, along with several ticket redemption machines.

For refreshments, a fast-food outlet called Temptations Grill and a sports bar named Luxury Boxx provide a variety of food options alongside numerous large screens for viewing games.

13. Liberty Bell Roast Beef & Seafood

Melrose is the founding location of a small fast food chain that began its operations in 1976. Renowned for its roast beef sandwiches, featuring thinly sliced, tender roast beef on grilled hamburger rolls, Liberty Bell has been a North Shore specialty for over 70 years.

Customers can choose from Junior, Big, or Super sandwich sizes, typically accompanied by fresh fries and/or onion rings.

As the name implies, there is also an extensive selection of New England-style seafood dishes available, including clam chowder, fried haddock, fried scallops, fried clams, and lobster rolls.

14. Melrose Arts Festival

Every year, during the last weekend of April, Memorial Hall hosts an annual arts and crafts exhibition, now well into its second decade.

Melrose boasts a thriving art community, which is prominently displayed during this juried event showcasing over 40 exhibitors from Melrose and its vicinity.

This occasion provides attendees with the opportunity to meet and converse with local artists while exploring a wide array of artworks, from watercolors to ceramics and handmade jewelry.

The Melrose Arts Festival is free to attend and features a community art project, live music, and local culinary offerings. During our visit, the food truck present was Tenoch Mexican.

15. Annual Victorian Fair

Melrose, with its abundance of stunning 19th-century homes, serves as an ideal backdrop for a Victorian-themed celebration on Main Street.

Traditionally held on the second Sunday in September, the Annual Victorian Fair has been a staple for over 40 years, drawing upwards of 10,000 visitors to the downtown area.

With participation from numerous local businesses, services, and non-profit organizations, the fair features live performances, children’s entertainment, a 5k run, fundraising initiatives, a diverse array of vendors, and the highly anticipated Big Ticket Raffle.