Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Swampscott, MA

This North Shore seaside community boasts a history of 400 years, with a fishing fleet that has been a part of its identity throughout this period.

One of Swampscott’s early inhabitants was Deborah Moody (1586- c. 1659), a Nonconformist who became the sole woman to establish a village in colonial America.

During the early 1800s, Swampscott was significant for the invention of the lobster pot by Ebenezer Thorndike, and the flat-bottomed Swampscott dory was notably developed for lobster fishing in the area.

Subsequently, Swampscott evolved into a sought-after resort, giving rise to the distinguished Olmsted Subdivision Historic District.

This neighborhood was designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who is noted for his work on Central Park, and features a town hall that was formerly the residence of inventor Elihu Thomson.

1. Olmsted Subdivision Historic District

With Monument Avenue at its base, this network of curving residential streets was designed by the illustrious landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) in the late 19th century.

The land was acquired by the Swampscott Land Trust in 1887 and previously belonged to Enoch Reddington Mudge (1812-1881), forming a piece of the Humphrey estate that dates back to the 1630s.

The district is characterized by grand residences showcasing a variety of architectural styles popular at the turn of the 20th century, including Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, Shingle Style, Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial, Bungalow, and American Foursquare.

A Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument (1883) is located on Mudge Square at the lower end, while Monument Avenue gently descends toward the oceanfront. The Town Hall lawn and Linscott Park offer expansive views over Nahant Bay.

2. Elihu Thomson House (Swampscott Town Hall)

Swampscott’s Town Hall is an extraordinary municipal building. This Colonial Revival mansion was constructed in 1889 for the inventor Elihu Thomson (1853-1937), who is known for several contributions to electrical engineering.

He co-founded the Thomson-Houston Electric Company, which later merged with Thomas Edison’s Edison General Electric Company to form General Electric Company.

Following Thomson’s passing, his residence was bequeathed to Swampscott by his heirs and has housed town offices since 1944. The expansive lawn serves as a venue for numerous events, including Summer Concerts by the Sea and Swamptoberfest in September.

3. Fisherman’s Beach

Arguably the most picturesque location in Swampscott is this crescent-shaped beach, lined with a cluster of houses on a wooded slope.

Anchored in the bay are numerous small vessels, many of which are still utilized for commercial fishing. Additionally, a wooden pier extends out into the bay from the Fish House, offering scenic views from its tip.

No parking sticker is necessary for Fisherman’s Beach, which employs a lifeguard during weekends from late June to mid-August.

The beach’s name originates from the numerous fishing huts that once populated the oceanfront (discussed further below). Adjacent to Fisherman’s Beach, a park contains an English cannon, cast in 1798, which was seized during the War of 1812 and acquired in 1835 by Swampscott fishermen for use as a fog signal.

4. Swampscott Fish House

In the late 19th century, as Swampscott transitioned into a resort town, the beachfront was populated by hundreds of fisherman’s shanties.

To streamline the shoreline, the town consolidated these structures into a single, municipally owned fish house.

The Swampscott Fish House, still standing next to Fisherman’s Beach, is the oldest functioning fish house in the United States and the only one operated by a town.

Constructed in the Shingle style, with Colonial Revival accents and a hipped roof, the Fish House, as of this writing, supports around 20 commercial fishermen based in the harbor, in addition to housing the Swampscott Yacht Club since 1933.

5. John Humphreys House

In the 1890s, as the Olmsted district was being established, this historic house was relocated from Elmwood Road to 99 Paradise Road.

The precise age of the John Humphreys House remains a topic of debate. It is believed to have been constructed in the 1630s, acquired by Deborah Moody from John Humphrey (c. 1597–1651) after the first deputy governor of the Massachusetts Bay Company returned to England.

Other assessments suggest a construction date around 1700. Regardless, it stands as a well-preserved representation of First-period architecture and is the oldest extant house in the town.

6. Humphrey Street

This thoroughfare, named in honor of John Humphrey, meanders northeast through Swampscott and into Marblehead.

At its southern end, between King Beach and Fisherman’s Beach, lies a quaint downtown area populated with locally-owned businesses.

Within a five-minute walking radius, there are at least ten eateries, catering to diverse tastes, whether one desires New England-style seafood (Mission on the Bay), New American cuisine (G Bar & Kitchen), breakfast fare (Lincoln’s Landing), pizza (Volo Craft Pizza), or frozen delicacies (Kell’s Kreme, O-Yo Frozen Yogurt).

Throughout the area, one can find charming boutiques and gift shops, all conveniently located within close proximity to two beaches.

7. Swampscott Farmers’ Market

From mid-June through October, the lawn in front of Swampscott Town Hall transforms into a vibrant farmers’ market.

This event distinguishes itself by prioritizing locally grown and produced foods, featuring only a limited number (maximum of four) of art and craft vendors each week.

The paramount objective is to bolster agriculture in the region, thereby providing attendees with an exceptional array of seasonal fruits and vegetables, ranging from strawberries to pumpkins.

Complementing this selection are fresh roasted coffee, maple syrup, eggs, honey, homemade sauces, baked goods, and a variety of prepared foods, from crepes to Chilean specialties.

Throughout the season, activities cater to all ages at the market, including dance-offs and kite-making.

8. Beach Bluff Park

Positioned along the Swampscott/Marblehead town line, this waterfront park occupies what was once a vacant beach lot.

Beach Bluff Park has been developed since the early 1990s by the Clifton Improvement Association (CIA). Native grasses have been planted on the top of the sea wall, and a plank-paved walkway navigates the area.

The benches offer a pristine viewpoint, particularly if one arrives early in the day to witness the sunrise.

The striking Sun Circle, resembling a henge, is a captivating piece of public art that aligns with the sun during equinoxes and the winter and summer solstices. Below, Prescot Beach is a small stretch of sandy shore that necessitates a resident parking sticker.

9. Harold A. King Town Forest

Located in the northwestern section of Swampscott, this area features one of the few large parcels of wooded uplands within the town.

The Harold A. King Town Forest spans nearly 50 rugged acres, situated on a terminal moraine strewn with boulders deposited during the last Ice Age. The forest exhibits a moderately steep slope leading down to wetland areas.

This land was slated for development in the early 1970s, but was acquired for the town through eminent domain due to its historical significance as a moraine and its potential for passive recreation.

The main loop trail extends approximately a mile through the forest, starting from the parking lot at the end of Nichols St.

10. Swampscott Lilac Garden

If visiting during May, one should not miss the opportunity to visit the north end of Monument Avenue, where this exquisite garden comes into full bloom.

The Swampscott Lilac Garden, featuring approximately 130 lilac bushes and two trees, is complemented by the elegant architecture of the Olmsted Subdivision Historic District, and includes a small kiosk and a bench for contemplation.

A variety of lilac species flourish in this garden, showcasing various hues of purple and pink. Some are highly fragrant while others possess little to no scent.

11. King’s Beach

The westernmost beach in Swampscott extends into Lynn. Although not particularly suited for swimming or spending prolonged periods on the sand, King’s Beach provides access to Lynn Shore Drive.

Here, visitors can stroll along the northern end of a stunning esplanade, complete with a wide walking path and benches spaced at intervals. The vistas over Nahant Bay are truly captivating, especially during the morning hours.

For those interested, it is possible to walk from King’s Beach all the way to the southern terminus of Nahant Beach, covering several miles without encountering road traffic.

12. Marblehead – Salem Rail Trail

On the eastern side of Swampscott, visitors can access a rail trail that connects to the historic districts of two of Massachusetts’ most notable towns.

Spanning 4.5 miles, the Marblehead – Salem Rail Trail comprises two branches: one extending northeast from Swampscott to Marblehead center, and the other proceeding from Marblehead center to Salem.

Originally part of the Boston & Maine Railroad, portions of the trail’s corridor date back to the Eastern Railroad established in the 1830s, while the Swampscott Branch was laid down in 1873 to create a direct route between Marblehead and Boston.

Adventurous individuals can begin their exploration at Bradlee Avenue in Swampscott, traversing through leafy residential neighborhoods leading to downtown Marblehead.

13. Mary Baker Eddy Historic House

Another significant historical figure associated with Swampscott is Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910), who founded the Church of Christ, Scientist in 1879.

Swampscott plays a crucial role in her narrative, as it is where she experienced a fall on an icy sidewalk in Lynn in 1866.

Eyewitness accounts describe her as being in critical condition following the incident, which profoundly influenced her perspective, to the extent that she later referred to her residence in Swampscott (23 Paradise Road) as the birthplace of Christian Science.

This house is owned by the Longyear Museum, and the upper-floor rooms have been restored to reflect the style of the 19th century when she resided there. Visits are available Thursday to Sunday from May through October, and the rest of the year by appointment.

14. Castle Creek Adventure Land

Featuring several attractions in a single location, this family entertainment center is situated on the town line, just over in Salem.

The primary attraction at Castle Creek Adventure Land is the karting track, equipped with single and double-seated electric carts, offering rides that can extend up to eight laps.

Additionally, the facility includes an 18-hole mini-golf course, featuring waterfalls, bridges, caves, fountains, and a fairytale castle, with lighting available for play after sunset.

For serious golfers, there is a fully lit 40-stall driving range, equipped with several covered and heated tees that remain available year-round.

Finally, Castle Creek boasts an ice cream stand offering over 50 flavors of award-winning Richardson’s Ice Cream, produced in Middleton, MA.

15. Swampscott Arts and Craft Festival

During the second weekend in September, Linscott Park hosts a juried craft festival that has been a staple on the calendar for over a decade. Approximately 80 carefully selected artisans showcase their creations each year.

The range of skill sets displayed is remarkable, encompassing ceramics, turned wood, oil painting, paper crafts, basketry, metal sculpture, quilts, photography, watercolors, leatherwork, and much more.

Live musical performances are an integral part of this complimentary festival, accompanied by an array of exceptional food options.