Sightseeing
Gorgeous view of Marblehead Harbor looking over to the lighthouse. This fort and park was recently restored. Feel free to stop at The Barnacle in your way home for a beverage and maybe a lobster roll.
36 locals recommend
Fort Sewall
8 Fort Sewall LnGorgeous view of Marblehead Harbor looking over to the lighthouse. This fort and park was recently restored. Feel free to stop at The Barnacle in your way home for a beverage and maybe a lobster roll.
Built for America’s Centennial in 1876, it’s worth a peek at The Spirit of ‘76 by Archibald Willard that hangs in the main meeting room. Typically, a Marblehead resident will greet you and point out various highlights in gallery which include the original town charter made with Nanepashemet of the Naumkeag tribe. Walk upstairs and take in the gallery space, as well.
22 locals recommend
Abbot Hall
188 Washington StBuilt for America’s Centennial in 1876, it’s worth a peek at The Spirit of ‘76 by Archibald Willard that hangs in the main meeting room. Typically, a Marblehead resident will greet you and point out various highlights in gallery which include the original town charter made with Nanepashemet of the Naumkeag tribe. Walk upstairs and take in the gallery space, as well.
You can walk from the AirBnB over to Devereaux Beach, across the causeway and suddenly you’re on Marblehead Neck. Follow Ocean Avenue on the right and loop around counterclockwise. You’ll end up here at our gorgeous lighthouse. It’s probably a 3.5 mile walk round trip. If the tide is low, feel free to walk along the beach on your right and rejoin the land on the opposite end of the causeway. Stunning views and some incredible homes along the water.
14 locals recommend
Chandler Hovey Park
Lighthouse LaneYou can walk from the AirBnB over to Devereaux Beach, across the causeway and suddenly you’re on Marblehead Neck. Follow Ocean Avenue on the right and loop around counterclockwise. You’ll end up here at our gorgeous lighthouse. It’s probably a 3.5 mile walk round trip. If the tide is low, feel free to walk along the beach on your right and rejoin the land on the opposite end of the causeway. Stunning views and some incredible homes along the water.
Another great walk downtown, with a breathtaking view of our harbor. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I live year round. This is a good stop on your way to Crosby’s Market—if you like a good walk. You cannot drive through Crocker Park but you might see some of my students jumping off the rocks.
27 locals recommend
Crocker Park
Another great walk downtown, with a breathtaking view of our harbor. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I live year round. This is a good stop on your way to Crosby’s Market—if you like a good walk. You cannot drive through Crocker Park but you might see some of my students jumping off the rocks.
A gorgeous mansion built in the late 1700s by Jeremiah Lee, once the wealthiest merchant in Massachusetts. The hand-painted wall paper is perhaps more well known than the house. Lovely outside garden space as well.
9 locals recommend
The Jeremiah Lee Mansion
161 Washington StA gorgeous mansion built in the late 1700s by Jeremiah Lee, once the wealthiest merchant in Massachusetts. The hand-painted wall paper is perhaps more well known than the house. Lovely outside garden space as well.
Food scene
Fabulous good. Great ambience and excellent service but this is not inexpensive. Worth every penny though.
47 locals recommend
5 Corners Kitchen
2 School StFabulous good. Great ambience and excellent service but this is not inexpensive. Worth every penny though.
Great wine store. Fabulous cheeses and gourmet items. But George Shube, the owner, is the piece de resistance. Grab dinner, enjoy lunch, assemble the fixings for a charcuterie, or simply poke around the housewares and gifts. Shubie’s is a Marblehead experience not to be missed. Note: They do NOT stay open late.
32 locals recommend
Shubie's Marketplace
16 Atlantic AveGreat wine store. Fabulous cheeses and gourmet items. But George Shube, the owner, is the piece de resistance. Grab dinner, enjoy lunch, assemble the fixings for a charcuterie, or simply poke around the housewares and gifts. Shubie’s is a Marblehead experience not to be missed. Note: They do NOT stay open late.
Great healthy food. Salads, smoothies, and other items that will make you feel good. Walkable from the AirBnB.
9 locals recommend
Eat Well Kitchen
12 Atlantic AveGreat healthy food. Salads, smoothies, and other items that will make you feel good. Walkable from the AirBnB.
This spot had an incredible location but has always lacked a good chef. Until now. Lydia Shire’s, Boston chef extraordinaire, has a son Alex and he’s now the chef at The Landing. If it’s a nice day, you can sit outside. Gorgeous setting. You’re now in OldTown or “downtown” as the locals call it. Plenty of shops and galleries and what-have-you.
43 locals recommend
The Landing Restaurant
81 Front StreetThis spot had an incredible location but has always lacked a good chef. Until now. Lydia Shire’s, Boston chef extraordinaire, has a son Alex and he’s now the chef at The Landing. If it’s a nice day, you can sit outside. Gorgeous setting. You’re now in OldTown or “downtown” as the locals call it. Plenty of shops and galleries and what-have-you.
Crosby's Marketplace
62 Central StIf Tonja is working the bar, let her know you’re staying at our AirBnB. I taught her son, Doyle, who now plays professional ice hockey. If you like fried seafood, this place is fabulous. If it’s a rainy day, see if you can get a table along the water and watch the waves splash the windows. It’s as though you are out in the ocean.
39 locals recommend
Barnacle Restaurant Inc
141 Front StIf Tonja is working the bar, let her know you’re staying at our AirBnB. I taught her son, Doyle, who now plays professional ice hockey. If you like fried seafood, this place is fabulous. If it’s a rainy day, see if you can get a table along the water and watch the waves splash the windows. It’s as though you are out in the ocean.
Good appetizers. Nice vibe. Walkable from the AirBnB. About 6 minutes. Donna runs the restaurant and there’s no one who works harder. Sit at the bar and enjoy or maybe get a spot with open windows in the summer.
13 locals recommend
Caffé Italia Trattoria
10 School StGood appetizers. Nice vibe. Walkable from the AirBnB. About 6 minutes. Donna runs the restaurant and there’s no one who works harder. Sit at the bar and enjoy or maybe get a spot with open windows in the summer.
Famous spot for locals for breakfast. Basic fare. Basic surrounds but it has a great nostalgic feel. If two eggs over are your go-to breakfast, walk down to The Driftwood and enjoy. Pretty sure it’s cash only— adding to the idea that you’re inside a Norman Rockwell painting.
20 locals recommend
Driftwood Restaurant
63 Front StFamous spot for locals for breakfast. Basic fare. Basic surrounds but it has a great nostalgic feel. If two eggs over are your go-to breakfast, walk down to The Driftwood and enjoy. Pretty sure it’s cash only— adding to the idea that you’re inside a Norman Rockwell painting.
I’m a pizza lover and Vesuvius has the best in town. Hands down. Located about a 10 minute walk from the AirBnB, you’ll want to call ahead because the ambience is nothing to speak of but the pizza makes up for it.
7 locals recommend
Cafe Vesuvius Marblehead
18 Bessom StI’m a pizza lover and Vesuvius has the best in town. Hands down. Located about a 10 minute walk from the AirBnB, you’ll want to call ahead because the ambience is nothing to speak of but the pizza makes up for it.
Shopping Scene
Wayne and Kim George own this gorgeous clothing store filled with preppy and nautical haberdashery. Check the sale rack! Buy yourself a buoy decal—no words. The logo says it all.
7 locals recommend
F L Woods Nautical Merchants
76 Washington StWayne and Kim George own this gorgeous clothing store filled with preppy and nautical haberdashery. Check the sale rack! Buy yourself a buoy decal—no words. The logo says it all.
Cassandra, the owner, has curated so many items that you will not have seen anywhere. Her eye for design and one of a kind treasures is legendary. Plus, the store smells wonderful and it’s about 30 seconds from the AirBnB. Enjoy!
C'est la Vie Home & Garden
51 Atlantic AveCassandra, the owner, has curated so many items that you will not have seen anywhere. Her eye for design and one of a kind treasures is legendary. Plus, the store smells wonderful and it’s about 30 seconds from the AirBnB. Enjoy!
Harriet, the owner, has an incredible eye. Genuine antiques mixed with vintage finds and other assorted gems. This is a 10 minute walk from the AirBnB.
Marblehead Antiques
118 Pleasant StHarriet, the owner, has an incredible eye. Genuine antiques mixed with vintage finds and other assorted gems. This is a 10 minute walk from the AirBnB.
A hidden gem tucked behind the Marblehead Veterans Middle School. You never know what you’ll find here and Diane, the manager, has organized the store in a way that belies it’s a thrift shop. 100% of the profits go to our public schools and donations are approaching $2,000,000. Hours are limited. Check online for specifics. Always open Saturday mornings.
Magic Hat Thrift Shop
217 Pleasant StreetA hidden gem tucked behind the Marblehead Veterans Middle School. You never know what you’ll find here and Diane, the manager, has organized the store in a way that belies it’s a thrift shop. 100% of the profits go to our public schools and donations are approaching $2,000,000. Hours are limited. Check online for specifics. Always open Saturday mornings.
Heather Dalton owns this curated shop of coastal clothing for women. Lilly Pulitzer, Sail to Sable, and Gretchen Scott to name a few. Heather always has fabulous young women working in the store, many of whom have been my students. A great shop for a stylish cocktail dress, cozy wrap, or yummy cotton sweater. Heather has a great eye for all things colorful, classy and elegant.
Seaside Allure
9 Pleasant StHeather Dalton owns this curated shop of coastal clothing for women. Lilly Pulitzer, Sail to Sable, and Gretchen Scott to name a few. Heather always has fabulous young women working in the store, many of whom have been my students. A great shop for a stylish cocktail dress, cozy wrap, or yummy cotton sweater. Heather has a great eye for all things colorful, classy and elegant.
Coffee and more
Good coffee. Great vibe. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside. Enjoy not having a big box brand of java.
12 locals recommend
Java Sun Coffee Roasters Inc
35 Atlantic AveGood coffee. Great vibe. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside. Enjoy not having a big box brand of java.
Good coffee. Good breakfast sandwiches. Plus a few other items that are worth the walk down Atlantic Avenue. Try Maria’s. Try Plus Cafe and you decide.
Plus Cafe
34 Atlantic AveGood coffee. Good breakfast sandwiches. Plus a few other items that are worth the walk down Atlantic Avenue. Try Maria’s. Try Plus Cafe and you decide.
Starbucks regulars need their fix and ours is located on Pleasant Street. Check out the park across the street that honors our veterans.
11 locals recommend
Starbucks
89 Pleasant StStarbucks regulars need their fix and ours is located on Pleasant Street. Check out the park across the street that honors our veterans.
Art Scene
Local museums and galleries in and around Marblehead.
World class museum in a one of a kind city. Spend the extra few dollars and visit the Chinese House, a relic of Mao’s time in power. Museum is free for educators. The cafe is a fabulous lunch spot!
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex StWorld class museum in a one of a kind city. Spend the extra few dollars and visit the Chinese House, a relic of Mao’s time in power. Museum is free for educators. The cafe is a fabulous lunch spot!
Perhaps one of the most petite museums ever. Dedicated to the work of folk artist J.O.J. Frost but filled with other treasures and rotating exhibits.
7 locals recommend
Marblehead Museum
170 Washington StPerhaps one of the most petite museums ever. Dedicated to the work of folk artist J.O.J. Frost but filled with other treasures and rotating exhibits.
Also located near Jeremiah Lee and The Marblehead Museum, this association displays local artisans. Hours are limited so be sure to check.
11 locals recommend
Marblehead Arts Association
8 Hooper StAlso located near Jeremiah Lee and The Marblehead Museum, this association displays local artisans. Hours are limited so be sure to check.
Outdoor Scene
Beautiful rocky beach on a private reservation that the public can use. All you need to do is pay the parking attendant. If you went to the public beach at the other end, you’d have to lay there as well and this beach is quiet and much less crowded. That said, you’ll want a beach chair unless it’s low tide because the sand is scarce. Enjoy!
Goldthwaite Beach Reservation
Goldthwaite Beach ReservationBeautiful rocky beach on a private reservation that the public can use. All you need to do is pay the parking attendant. If you went to the public beach at the other end, you’d have to lay there as well and this beach is quiet and much less crowded. That said, you’ll want a beach chair unless it’s low tide because the sand is scarce. Enjoy!
Woodsy walking trails located on Marblehead Neck at the end of a neighborhood. You’ll wonder if you’ve parked in the right place. You have. It’s free. Enjoy the natural world away from the bustle of town.
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
10 Risley RdWoodsy walking trails located on Marblehead Neck at the end of a neighborhood. You’ll wonder if you’ve parked in the right place. You have. It’s free. Enjoy the natural world away from the bustle of town.
Located at Riverhead Beach, the harbor side of our peninsula. Poking around our harbor on a paddle board or kayak is so much fun! Plus, there’s parking and the beach concession is across the street for ice cream or other nibbles.
SUP East Coast Style
102 Ocean AvenueLocated at Riverhead Beach, the harbor side of our peninsula. Poking around our harbor on a paddle board or kayak is so much fun! Plus, there’s parking and the beach concession is across the street for ice cream or other nibbles.
Wyman Woods
If you’re a walker who loves the woods, check out Wyman Woods for a natural escape.
Named for a 19th century woman who lived off Doliber Point, Grace Oliver’s is a small community beach with the best tide pooling around. An ideal place to bring children. At low tide, you can walk out to Brown’s Island.
9 locals recommend
Grace Oliver Beach
Named for a 19th century woman who lived off Doliber Point, Grace Oliver’s is a small community beach with the best tide pooling around. An ideal place to bring children. At low tide, you can walk out to Brown’s Island.
Named for Wilmot Redd, the only Marblehead resident hanged in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, this tranquil pond is nestled next to Old Burial Hill non Sundays, you’ll often find pond boat enthusiasts racing their model yachts.
9 locals recommend
Redd's Pond
Named for Wilmot Redd, the only Marblehead resident hanged in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, this tranquil pond is nestled next to Old Burial Hill non Sundays, you’ll often find pond boat enthusiasts racing their model yachts.
Entertainment
This is a movie theater with 3 small theaters BUT you can drink and eat while you watch whatever is showing. After a 20 year hiatus, the Warwick was brought back to Marblehead and it’s working hard to stay open. Check it out!
15 locals recommend
Warwick Place
123 Pleasant StThis is a movie theater with 3 small theaters BUT you can drink and eat while you watch whatever is showing. After a 20 year hiatus, the Warwick was brought back to Marblehead and it’s working hard to stay open. Check it out!
Go online. Check out what’s being produced. Walk 6 minutes to a show and grab dinner at Caffe Italia head of time.
Marblehead Little Theatre
12 School StGo online. Check out what’s being produced. Walk 6 minutes to a show and grab dinner at Caffe Italia head of time.
Live music venue located within the Unitarian Universalist Church on Mugford Street. Go online for details of performers. As always, walkable from AirBnB.
Me & Thee Coffee House
28 Mugford StLive music venue located within the Unitarian Universalist Church on Mugford Street. Go online for details of performers. As always, walkable from AirBnB.