Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Wareham, Massachusetts

Once referred to as “The Gateway to Cape Cod”, the coastal town of Wareham offers significantly more than merely a stopover.

Firstly, there are 54 miles of coastline along Buzzards Bay, characterized by a deeply indented shoreline where public beaches are warmed by gentle waters in summer.

The standout among these is certainly Onset Beach, a magnificent arc of golden sand, complemented by picturesque views of forested points, historic residences, and islands dotting the bay.

In Wareham, one can explore renowned cranberry bogs, enjoy the freshest seafood, observe some of the finest amateur baseball globally, and kayak through an extensive network of coves, bays, rivers, and ponds.

1. Onset Beach

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Onset Beach, with its gentle curve of soft golden sand, sits at the head of the bay it is named after, extending far inland and sheltered by Wickets Island and Onset Island.

This creates crystal-clear waters that remain shallow for quite a distance, providing a safe environment for young children to enjoy wading.

Beyond the beach, Onset itself is a small coastal community that originated in the 1880s as a summer retreat for Spiritualists, featuring charming cottages built as second residences for those desiring to communicate with the deceased.

The waters of Onset Bay are ideal for paddling, and the Nemasket Kayak Center, which will be discussed later, has a location right on the beach.

2. Swift’s Beach

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Situated in front of a tranquil residential area on Swift’s Neck, this remarkable beach is positioned at the mouth of the Wareham River. Facing southeast, Swift’s Beach is fully sheltered from ocean swells.

Here, one finds a generous stretch of sandy shoreline, dotted with tufts of grass, and during peak summer, the shallow waters are pleasantly warm.

When the tide recedes, expansive tide pools emerge, teeming with clams and hermit crabs. Access to Swift’s Beach requires obtaining a day pass from the Town of Wareham’s Department of Natural Resources.

3. Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

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A significant portion of the Great Neck peninsula in Wareham is designated as a priority habitat for state-listed rare species.

In collaboration with several public and private organizations, Mass Audubon has established and manages a sanctuary that spans over 200 acres.

There are four miles of historic carriage roads and deer paths, many made accessible through the generosity of private landowners, taking visitors through pine forests to the marsh edges.

From these vantage points, one may spot resident ospreys during spring and summer or perhaps catch a glimpse of a wading heron, while great horned owls make their nests within the woods.

4. Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

The Cape Cod Canal serves as a vital intracoastal waterway, facilitating navigation between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. Completed in 1914, this seven-mile canal features a paved bikeway along its north side and an additional 6.5 miles on the south side.

Among the most striking attractions is the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, which opened in 1935. This vertical lift bridge spans 544 feet, reaches 271 feet in height, and can clear 135 feet when raised.

From the bikeway, visitors can observe the bridge in action as it raises for water traffic or lowers for trains. At the time of its construction, it boasted the longest vertical lift span globally and is presently the second-longest of its kind in the United States.

5. Shell Point Beach

Beach

Situated along the coastline and connecting with Onset Beach, Shell Point Beach is notable in its own right and deserves recognition.

The beach is positioned on a sandy cape, bordered by Sunset Cove on one side and Onset Bay on the other. Much like its neighbor, Shell Point Beach features a gentle slope, and due to its sheltered location, the water here resembles a tranquil pool.

A small parking area runs along the spine of Shell Point, providing expansive views of the picturesque shoreline, which is enhanced by waterfront residences and quaint docks.

Recently, a parking fee has been instituted for access from May through September.

6. Lindsey’s Restaurant

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This family-owned seafood restaurant in East Wareham has been a cornerstone of the community for over 75 years. Established in 1948 by Paul and Frances Lindsey as a fried clam take-out operation, it has since evolved.

The establishment underwent remodeling in 1979 by their son Buzzy and daughter-in-law, Cheri, who continues to manage the restaurant.

All fish and shellfish served at Lindsey’s Restaurant are sourced from local wholesalers operating around Cape Cod.

Consequently, one should not miss the opportunity to savor New England classics such as lobster rolls, scallops, clam cakes, clam chowder, lobster bisque, and, undeniably, fried clams.

7. Myles Standish State Forest

Myles Standish State Forest

Located just beyond Wareham’s northern border lies the largest publicly-owned recreational area in southeastern Massachusetts.

Myles Standish State Forest encompasses over 12,000 acres of pitch pine forests and scrub oaks, which are ecologically significant due to their glacially formed kettle hole ponds.

Four out of five campgrounds within the forest are positioned near ponds, allowing visitors to traverse from one shore to another across 13 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of paved bicycle paths, and 35 miles of equestrian trails.

The flat terrain and abundance of quiet paved trails render this area ideal for biking, while opportunities for thrilling off-road rides await on intersecting sand and gravel paths.

8. Water Wizz of Cape Cod

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Among a range of visitor destinations, shops, and chain restaurants along Route 28 in East Wareham, there is a family-operated water park that has been in operation for over 40 years.

Continuously evolving, Water Wizz of Cape Cod consistently enhances its assortment of rides and attractions, ensuring ample enjoyment for both younger children and teenagers.

Thrills can be experienced on rides such as Devil’s Peak, which descends almost vertically from a height of 75 feet, alongside the high-speed Pirate’s Plunge and the serpentine tube ride, Squid Row.

The Herring Run River serves as a classic lazy river, while the waves at the Mussel Beach swell pool reach heights of 3.5 feet. Younger children will appreciate the zero-depth playground at Little Neck Beach, and Captain Kid’s Island features a large tipping bucket.

9. Spillane Field

Baseball

Wareham hosts a collegiate summer baseball team that competes in the West Division of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).

The history of organized baseball on Cape Cod extends back to the 19th century, and the CCBL currently showcases some of the finest amateur baseball one could wish to attend.

Thus far, more than 1,400 major league players have honed their skills in the Cape League, with many having played for Wareham’s local team.

The Wareham Gatemen joined the league in 1927 and secured their first league championship in 1930, accumulating a total of nine championships thereafter.

The home field, a 3,000-seat stadium located adjacent to Wareham High School, honors the esteemed educator and coach, Clem Spillane (1934-2017), who maintained an impressive winning record throughout his career.

The season commences in mid-June and concludes by mid-August, with the all-star game typically held at Spillane Field in late July.

10. Makepeace Farms

Makepeace Farms

Cranberries are often the first thought that arises when discussing southeastern Massachusetts, and Wareham is home to one of the globe’s largest cranberry producers, the A.D. Makepeace Company.

With a history spanning approximately 170 years, Makepeace is a founding member of the Ocean Spray cooperative and is recognized as the largest private landowner in eastern Massachusetts.

Visitors can find a storefront at Makepeace Farms (146 Tihonet Rd), which includes a gift shop dedicated to everything cranberry-related, along with a café offering menu options such as cranberry walnut chicken salad or a traditional Thanksgiving roasted turkey sandwich.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of cranberry cultivation, guided tours of the bogs can be arranged through the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association.

In spring, one can observe how the bogs are prepared for planting; in summer, they burst into bloom, and in the fall, the iconic wet harvest takes place.

11. Nemasket Kayak Center

Kayaking

The ample number of ponds and leisurely flowing rivers surrounding Wareham creates an excellent setting for paddling activities.

The Nemasket Kayak Center operates several locations in the area but is primarily based at Makepeace Farms, located at 146 Tihonet Rd.

Here, visitors can rent single or double kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards for durations ranging from one hour to a week.

The center also organizes guided paddling tours to several scenic locales, including Agawam Mill Pond, the Agawam River, Mario Harbor, Onset Bay, Wickets Island, and along the Weweantic and Sippican Rivers.

A paddling school is available, offering basic lessons for kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard techniques, alongside stand-up paddleboard yoga classes.

12. Little Harbor Country Club

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Adjacent to the Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary lies an executive 18-hole par 56 golf course. With a total distance exceeding 3,000 yards, Little Harbor Country Club is an excellent option for beginners and individuals looking to refine their approach and short game.

However, the course does feature a few par 4s, necessitating a full range of clubs. A significant advantage of this course is the opportunity to complete all 18 holes in as little as three hours, making it accessible for those preferring to walk, though carts are available.

The air-conditioned clubhouse includes a fully stocked snack bar and a pro shop featuring leading brands.

13. William Minot Forest

William Minot Forest

Located conveniently just off the eastern bank of the Wareham River, over 200 acres of town-owned forest await exploration.

This land was conveyed to the town as early as the 1950s and has been carefully managed for over 70 years, promoting biodiversity and offering a picturesque natural environment for walks. William Minot Forest boasts undulating terrain shaped by glaciers over 10,000 years ago.

Several miles of tranquil woodland trails enable visitors to traverse the area, including a route leading north across Minot Avenue and over the railroad tracks to Bryant Farm, another town-owned space featuring sprawling marshlands beside the Wareham River.

14. Tremont Nail Factory District

Tremont Nail Factory District

Founded in 1819, the Tremont Nail Company was one of the first manufacturers of cut nails in the United States and operated out of Wareham until 2006, when production was relocated to Mansfield.

The historical mill complex, once powered by water, has been preserved as a U.S. Historic District, containing five buildings that are over a century old, many of which have remained largely unchanged since the mid-19th century.

Although tours of the site have occurred in the past, if you have an interest in industrial history, you may explore the premises externally. At the time of writing, one of the buildings houses EcHo, an artisan homeware shop.

15. Wareham Crossing

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Located near the junction of I-495 and I-195 in western Wareham, there exists an open-air shopping center comprising nearly 50 stores and eateries.

Opened in 2007, Wareham Crossing combines a power center with a pedestrian-friendly outdoor mall, featuring charming storefronts, street amenities, and landscaped greenery.

A selection of retailers includes LOFT, Torrid, L.L. Bean, GameStop, Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle, and Famous Footwear. For larger chains, shoppers will find Target, Petco, T.J. Maxx, JCPenney, Lowe’s, and more.

Dining options range from Starbucks to Red Robin, QDOBA, and LongHorn Steakhouse.

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