Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Saugus, MA

Approximately ten miles north of downtown Boston, Saugus is notable for being the location of the first integrated ironworks in North America.

Established in 1646, the Saugus Iron Works produced over a ton of iron daily at its peak and is now a compelling National Historic Site since its rediscovery in the 1940s.

The Saugus River gracefully winds through the town, extending from the hilly northern region at the expansive 600-acre Breakheart Reservation to its estuary in the Rumney Marsh, a significant salt marsh ecosystem.

You need not venture far to enjoy a day by the ocean, with Revere Beach and Lynn Beach just a few minutes away, and the Northern Strand Community Trail conveniently connects pedestrians and cyclists to the shoreline.

1. Saugus Iron Works

This National Historic Site is recognized as the origin of the American iron and steel manufacturing industry.

The Saugus Iron Works were founded by John Winthrop the Younger (1606-1676) and were in operation from the mid-1640s until the 1670s.

During its operation, a variety of products including weapons, tools, nails, horseshoes, and cookware were produced. After being lost to history, the site was uncovered by an archaeological excavation in 1948, which revealed the foundations of several structures and yielded over 5,000 artifacts.

The National Historic Site currently contains several reconstructed buildings, powered by seven large waterwheels and is accessible through an insightful self-guided tour. Among the original structures is the notable Appleton-Taylor-Mansfield House, which dates back to around the late 1680s.

2. Breakheart Reservation

In the northern section of Saugus along the Saugus River, there exists 600 acres of rugged hardwood forest surrounding two sizable lakes, all maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The riverside at Breakheart Reservation features a competitive ironworks, founded in the 1660s but which ceased operation shortly thereafter, succeeded by an array of mills that persisted up to 1902.

The reservation includes circular inner and outer trails through the woods, and offers hills that provide breathtaking vistas of Boston and northern New Hampshire.

A trail map is available at the visitor center by the entrance. Pearce Lake (Lower Pond) features a beach and a designated swimming area, supervised by lifeguards until Labor Day.

3. Northern Strand Community Trail (Bike to the Sea Trail)

Saugus is welcoming to both pedestrians and cyclists through this 11.5-mile trail that winds through the town along the lower stretches of the Saugus River.

This trail extends from Everett to Nahant, primarily following the route of the former Saugus Branch Railroad, which was established in 1853 as part of the Boston & Maine Railroad.

Local parking facilities are available along the trail at Essex St, Central St, and Chestnut St, providing stunning views of the river’s marshes.

This trail is particularly advantageous for those planning a day at the shore, as Lynn Beach and Nahant Beach are merely minutes away.

4. Boardman House

This historic house in Saugus remains largely unchanged since the early 18th century. The Boardman House was constructed in 1692 and remained within the same family up until 1911.

The house displays an impressive amount of original wooden features and fittings, including the notable chamfered timber framing, oak clapboards, roofboards, and skirt boards, allowing visitors to envision domestic life over 300 years ago.

Since 1911, the house has been under the stewardship of Historic New England and opens to the public on the second Saturdays and third Thursdays from June through October.

5. Revere Beach

Saugus is situated moments away from a three-mile expanse of sandy shoreline, which became the first public beach in the United States in 1896.

Revere Beach has served as a popular summer destination for over 170 years, accessible by public transport since 1875.

Currently, it is exceptionally convenient to visit, as there are two T-Stops on the Blue Line. Revere Beach is renowned for the New England Sand Sculpting Festival, a free event held every July, attracting approximately one million visitors to the beachfront.

Over three days, expert sand sculptors from around the globe transform the beach into a unique gallery, accompanied by live entertainment, excellent food, and fireworks displays.

6. Kane’s Donuts

This award-winning chain has only three locations, two of which are found in Saugus. The original Kane’s Donuts is situated at 120 Lincoln Ave, a family-run bakery established in 1955 that quickly became a community favorite.

A couple, Peter and Kay Delios, who own a restaurant, took over the store in the 1980s, and now their children manage the three locations.

The Lincoln Ave branch serves as the kitchen for Kane’s extensive line of gluten-free donuts (more than 10 varieties), offered alongside over 40 traditional donut options, ranging from cookies & cream to crème brûlée.

7. Lynn Woods Reservation

At the shore of Walden Pond, a small section of this expansive 2,200-acre forest park extends into the northeast corner of Saugus.

The Lynn Woods Reservation is the second-largest municipal park in the nation, covering nearly one-fifth of the adjacent city of Lynn.

Established in 1881, the reservation comprises three operational reservoirs amidst rolling wooded hills, interspersed with over 30 miles of scenic trails for various activities, including hiking, horseback riding, running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.

Visitors can take time to explore Dungeon Rock, a hidden tunnel utilized by 17th-century pirates, alongside more established areas such as the Houghton Horticultural Garden and The Rose Garden.

8. Rumney Marsh Reservation

Located at the estuary of the Saugus River, this critical salt marsh acts as a nursery for various fish and shellfish species, while also serving as a resting area for migratory birds.

Approximately 600 acres of the estuary are safeguarded as the Rumney Marsh Reservation, where visitors can explore this sensitive environment via a north-south trail originating from the parking area on Ballard St.

This trail spans roughly 2.5 miles as an out-and-back route, providing numerous opportunities for birdwatching, paired with unobstructed views of the Boston skyline.

9. Iron Town Diner

For decades, this neighborhood diner at the Village Park Shopping Center has been a cherished destination for hearty breakfast and satisfying lunch options.

The Iron Town Diner features an extensive menu encompassing pancakes, waffles, French toast, hashes, benedicts, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and a wide array of salads, sandwiches, and wraps for lunch.

Notable among its breakfast specialties is the Cinnabon French Toast, which is topped with a delightful frosting glaze, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. This diner is distinguished by its numerous homemade offerings, including English muffins, sourdough bread, and home fries.

10. Prankers Pond

Currently a tranquil location for walks and fishing, this pond on the Saugus River has a rich industrial past.

Prankers Pond was first impounded around 1770 and was once home to various mills until the arrival of the textile manufacturer Edward Pranker (1772-1865), who took control in 1838.

His successful flannel and bedsheet manufacturing operation expanded sufficiently to necessitate the construction of a second mill by 1846. The business, however, collapsed following the Panic of 1907, and today Prankers Pond serves as a peaceful retreat between Route 1 and Central St.

A winding path follows the shore from Lake Cir to Cliff Rd, providing benches and picnic tables near the water. Anglers can expect to catch species such as yellow perch, bluegill, and largemouth bass in these waters.

11. MarketStreet Lynnfield

Adjacent to Lynnfield along I-95 is a mixed-use development that opened in 2013, evolving into a premier shopping destination for the North Shore.

Designed with walkable streets, and featuring trees, flowerbeds, lawns, a summer splash pad, and a winter ice rink, MarketStreet Lynnfield hosts over 80 shops and services.

Notable retailers include Apple, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Nike, Banana Republic, LOFT, Gap, J. Crew, American Eagle, and Levi’s.

The development also includes a Whole Foods market, along with a selection of restaurant chains such as Sweetgreen, Wahlburgers, Panera Bread, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse.

12. Cedar Glen Golf Course

Located within the Breakheart Reservation, this 9-hole course is positioned along Water St. Established in 1928, Cedar Glen Golf Course holds the distinction of being the nearest 9-hole course to Boston on the North Shore.

This course is noted for its challenging third hole, often described as the most difficult par 3 in New England.

The layout is a par 33, consisting of one par 5, six par 4s, and two par 3s, all situated amid deep woods on gently rolling terrain. After your round, you can relax on the awning-shaded patio, which offers an excellent view of the first fairway.

13. Square One Mall

Saugus features a convenient shopping hub at this enclosed mall, which opened its doors in 1994.

Owned by the Simon Property Group, Square One Mall presents a blend of local shops and services, together with a comprehensive selection of national and international retailers.

Among the many well-known brands found within are Foot Locker, Hollister, Lids, Macy’s, Forever 21, T.J. Maxx, Victoria’s Secret, Torrid, GameStop, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Aeropostale.

The food court is situated on the upper level and includes options like Dunkin’, Taco Bell, as well as other eateries offering pizza, Thai, Japanese cuisine, fried chicken, and Cuban fare.

14. Town Line Luxury Lanes

As indicated by its name, this contemporary bowling alley located near Square One Mall serves as a communal gathering spot for several neighborhoods, including Saugus.

Town Line Lanes features a substantial facility with 48 bowling lanes, equipped with luxurious seating, cutting-edge scoring systems, a new sound system, and a unique bumper system designed for both novice and experienced bowlers to play together.

Every weekend, Atomic Bowling introduces an exciting twist, showcasing blacklight, neon decor, and music. The venue also offers various attractions, including a billiards room with 15 pool tables, an arcade room with 50 game machines, a sports bar, and a nightclub.

15. Mount Hood Municipal Golf Course

Located along the border with Melrose, this 18-hole golf course is nestled within 300 acres of hilly parkland. Established in 1936, the course features significant elevation changes, wide fairways, and relatively small greens.

The surrounding lush hardwood forest provides a tranquil setting, making it easy to forget the proximity to a metropolitan area.

Almost half of the tees are elevated, offering impressive views ranging from the Boston skyline to New Hampshire. There are additional practice greens available for those wishing to improve their short game, along with beverage service and a fully-stocked pro shop.