Incorporated as Manchester in 1645, this New England town officially became known as Manchester-by-the-Sea in 1989. Visit today to appreciate the historic town and surrounding setting of parks and beaches. A busy harbor connects the former Manchester to the sea. Learn about the town’s past at the Manchester Historical Museum in the 1823 Trask House.
Sit on a bench to view the goings-on at Manchester Harbor. Watch fishermen heading out in early mornings and returning later with their catch of local seafood. Enjoy fresh fish for lunch or dinner along with other local favorites of clams, lobster, scallops and shrimp at the town’s many one-of-a-kind restaurants.
Masconomo Park stands at the harbor’s northern end, offering exceptional views of the action on the water. Rent a motorboat, sailboat or kayak to join fun water activities on the long and wide port waterway.
Head south to Tuck’s Point on the western shoreline, where kids can play and swing while you spread out a picnic on the lawn or picnic tables. Go east to enjoy Atlantic Ocean beaches. Singing Beach is the closest, about a 10-minute walk from Masconomo Park. Sunbathe, build sandcastles and swim in the brisk water. Farther east along the shore are Graves Beach and White Beach. Note that some beach parking is limited to local residents with permits.
Coolidge Reservation is a peninsula between Black Beach and Gray Beach. Come here to wander through the pine forest, enjoy views from Bungalow Hill or the grassy lawn or watch for turtles, shorebirds, monarch butterflies and other wildlife along Clarke Pond. Farther inland, visit The Monoliths, formerly called Agassiz Rock, to marvel at how glaciers deposited these two large granite rocks..
Drive north from Boston to Manchester-on-the-Sea in about 40 minutes or ride the train for an hour. One community highlight is the annual Fourth of July celebration. Come to see the small-town parade with floats, marching bands and antique cars. Enjoy fireworks at Singing Beach on Independence Day eve.
