By Sandi Barrett
Contributing Writer
MARSHFIELD – When you are considering a spot for a little slice of summer that isn’t too far away from the Boston area and doesn’t have the crowds and traffic of Cape Cod, the South Shore town of Marshfield is a fun getaway. The villages of Brant Rock, Ocean Bluff, Fieldston, and Rexhame are all part of the coastal area in the town. Long, family-friendly beaches, cozy vacation rentals, and delicious seafood eateries dominate the landscape. There is not a single high-rise hotel, just lots of day-trippers and weekly vacationers looking for a place to spend quality time with their kids and grandkids.
Brant Rock
Brant Rock Beach offers beach goers some sand, a few rocks, and a jetty. Seasonal lifeguard stations and public restrooms can be found along the narrow beach. Along the beach adjacent Brant Rock Esplanade, you will find a mix of sit-down restaurants and grab-and-go eateries.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
An interesting structure is Brant Rock Tower. It is the only landmark you will need. The eight-story fire control tower was built in 1943 during the WWII era. These types of towers were part of Boston’s defenses, designed to direct artillery fire against enemy ships. The towers were strategically triangulated along the coast to maximize target seeking strategy. Today, the concrete monolith stands high above the shore as a curious backdrop to your beach day.
Rexhame Beach
Another great local beach is Rexhame Beach. It is a long, mostly sandy beach with swaths of rocky spots in the mix. This beautiful beach is perfect for family gatherings and lazy summer days soaking up the sun. You have to navigate over the dune to reach the water, but there are long mobi-mats making the trek mostly accessible.
Marshfield beaches allow leashed pets on the town beaches year-round. Bring your four-legged fur baby along for a day of fun in the surf.
Audubon sanctuary
Mass Audubon’s Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful spot for a stroll through the wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands. Amateur birder watchers and season birders will find a plethora of birds frequenting the sanctuary. A few of the trails are gravel; most have mowed grass, a little uneven, but wide and stroller-friendly.
Download the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab and identify birds by their song or through a photograph. It is a wonderful way to engage with nature while walking the sanctuary.
If you need a break from the beach, Green Harbor Golf Club is a great way to stretch your legs (it is a walking-only course) and practice your swing. The course’s 18 holes are forgiving enough for newbie hackers while offering challenges for seasoned duffers. It is a perfect vacation golf course to enjoy a low-pressure round of golf.
Dining options
Mae’s Sandwich Shop assembles delicious sandwiches made with fresh and healthy ingredients. Additionally, they offer yummy pastries and fun snacks to round out your beach picnic basket. Add a few to your beach cooler to keep the hangries at bay.
If a sit-down lunch is more to your liking, go to Liv Creative Cuisine downtown for outdoor seating with artisan dishes that are a feast for your eyes and satisfy your appetite. Start with an upscale version of a classic charcuterie board then move on to an iconic fish and chips or a fun spaghetti squash skillet. Wash it all down with a specialty cocktail for the win.
Enjoy the quintessential seafood dinner on the harbor at Roht Marine. At Erich’s Clam Shack you can enjoy all the fried seafood goodies. If you want a more land-focused plate, there are great pizza options for your dining pleasure. Grab a cocktail from the Boat House Bar and enjoy an adult beverage while watching the boats coming and going.
Photo/Olivia Sinnott
Roht Marine services include boat rentals and luxury boat charters. Come for the view and a meal and stay for a few days at the River Inn where you can immerse yourself in the joys of marina life.
Across the beautiful town of Marshfield you will find family friendly beaches, eateries, and activities for the entire family to enjoy. It is a wonderful spot for a multi-gen, skip-gen, or family reunion vacation. Just a short drive from many points in eastern Massachusetts, Marshfield is a casual beach destination you will return to again and again. And there’s no backed-up bridge to cross to get there.
RELATED CONTENT:
Family-friendly resorts on Cape Cod are ideal for multi-gen reunions
Block Island is a beautiful and convenient island getaway destination
