Discover Marblehead

History Across Multiple Sites

Marblehead offers a variety of reasons to stay: historic sites, views of the harbor and coast, as well as beaches and trails for different activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Marblehead, these themes can help you choose a destination that matches your interests.

The Marblehead Museum comprises a campus with four properties in Marblehead’s historic district. These include the J.O.J. Frost Gallery, Exhibits, and Gift Shop, the Jeremiah Lee Mansion and Gardens, the Brick Kitchen Visitor Center, Exhibits, and Research Center, and the Civil War & Grand Army of the Republic Museum. The four buildings offer different points of connection to history within this museum campus.

Sites beyond the museum also tell the story of the town’s past. Fort Sewall was once an armed fort owned by the United States and used to defend against British attackers. Today, it is a peaceful park with views of Marblehead Harbor. Gas House Beach combines present-day beach use with the history of early settlement: in 1629, the first settlers founded the settlement known as “Marble Harbor” here. This small community beach lies on Little Harbor, in one of the oldest parts of Marblehead’s waterfront. Old Burial Hill Cemetery offers a different view of the town, with vistas of Old Marblehead, the harbor, and the sea.

Harbor Views and Beach Spots

The 3.74-acre Chandler Hovey Park, also known as Lighthouse Point, is located on Marblehead Neck. From there, you can look out over the harbor entrance and the coastlines of Beverly and Manchester-by-the-Sea. The park has the Marblehead Light Tower, gazebos, picnic tables, restrooms, swimming areas, and parking. Fort Beach is at the entrance to Fort Sewall; from there, you can see the end of Marblehead Neck and Chandler Hovey Park.

Devereux Beach is a swimming beach with an access mat. A beach wheelchair is available at the parking attendant’s station. As these amenities may change, it’s best to confirm them before your visit. Kayaks are also available to rent at Devereux Beach: Fridays through Sundays without a reservation, and Mondays through Thursdays by appointment only. Rental availability and schedules may also change, so check the details in advance.

Trails and Activities

The abandoned Boston & Maine Railroad corridor begins near downtown Marblehead on Pleasant Street. The approximately four-mile trails are used for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. So the options go beyond walks: depending on your planned activity, you can consider the corridor for hiking or biking, as well as horseback riding or cross-country skiing. The length is approximate; when choosing an outing, the specific points of reference are the activities listed and the trail’s starting point near Pleasant Street.

Discover more destinations: Amesbury, Haverhill, Newburyport, Newbury, Methuen, Boxford, Gloucester, Danvers

For the broader travel overview: Essex.