Hingham is a cozy suburb and coastal town in northern Plymouth County, Massachusetts, roughly 15 miles southeast of Boston.
This quaint town is renowned for its colonial history and location on Boston Harbor.
Historically, the first European settlers stepped foot in the area in 1633, naming it Bare Cove before it was renamed and established as Hingham in 1635
Scattered around the town are striking sights of nature and beautiful attractions, making it one of the places that continuously enthrall residents and visitors.
Hingham has everything from strolling, hiking, biking, ice skating, boating, swimming, and fishing to wildlife viewing, nature exploring, and more.
If you’re seeking someplace with a suburban feel, charming views, and historical and outdoor adventures, Hingham is one of your best choices.
Take a short time out from your busy life and enjoy worthwhile experiences in this town.
Read on to see some of the best things to do in Hingham, Massachusetts!
Timothy Valentine, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Loring Hall, Loring Hall Cinema is a historic structure in the Hingham downtown.
The building is classical with a touch of modernization, ideal for people who want an ambiance of a movie house like this one.
It served as a meeting hall for social meetings, lectures, and picnics in 1852.
In 1936, it was transformed into the single-screen theater it is today.
Because the Scott family has maintained the town’s architectural features and heritage, the Hingham Historical Society granted them architectural recognition.
Now, the Patriot Cinemas company operates the movie theater.
If you happen to be in town and want to watch movies, Loring Hall Cinema should be the first place to pop into your mind.
Spend a movie date with your special someone at the historic Loring Hall Cinema on Main Street, near the Hingham Heritage Museum & Visitor Center.
The Hingham Heritage Museum and Visitor Center at Old Derby is home to the Hingham Historical Society, which collects, preserves, and exhibits Hingham’s history and culture.
This house is an educational haven that houses artifacts, historic homes and structures, maps, furniture, genealogical resources, and other old and new materials pertinent to Hingham’s historical and cultural heritage.
Locals and visitors, especially history buffs, will love exploring the museum to learn about the town’s vibrant history, told by magnificent displays and evidence.
Before departing the museum, stay at the visitor center or buy souvenirs at the gift shop, which has a “treasure corner” containing donated items for sale.
You can find the Hingham Heritage Museum & Visitor Center at Old Derby along Main Street.
Timothy Valentine, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Along North Street sits one of Hingham’s National Historic Landmarks: the General Benjamin Lincoln House.
Thomas Lincoln built this historic house in 1637.
Continental Army Major General Benjamin Lincoln, a well-respected military leader of the American Revolutionary War, was born and principally resided in this house.
Furthermore, it contains rare remarkable architectural features and underwent several modifications during the 18th century.
Today, it’s believed to be one of the oldest wood-frame structures in the nation.
Consider visiting the Benjamin Lincoln House to see its fascinating archived materials and the house itself.
The Old Ordinary is located on Lincoln Street.
The Hingham Historical Society has started operating this historic home and tavern, now a house museum, since 1686.
It served as a stopover for a meal, drink, and bed for local travelers for more than a century and a half.
The Old Ordinary is now filled with artifacts and information that make residents and visitors reminisce and learn about the town’s history.
Fascinatingly, its structure is also a notable example of the early American history and culture of architecture.
John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stodder’s Neck is a lovely park and peninsula nesting on Lincoln Street, at the Back River’s opening.
Its ample space is the best place to bring your furry friends and let them walk and run free while socializing with other dogs as they are allowed off-leash in designated areas.
It also has picnic areas and numerous benches where you can chat with other dog owners and visitors.
Consider walking, hiking, or running the park’s trails to improve your endurance.
Otherwise, you can stroll around the park, pass by the water fountain, or admire the scenic hilltop view.
Explore the shoreline or go for a swim as the waters surround the park’s three sides.
Bring your family and pets to spend a wonderful time at Stodder’s Neck.
The South Shore Country Club is your match if you’re into playing golf.
It sits on South Street, just a three-minute drive from the Bare Cove Fire Museum.
Wayne Stiles designed this golf course in 1922, featuring an extraordinary design style.
Whether a beginner or a pro, enjoy playing in the fields with 18 holes.
You’ll also be stunned by the elevated greens and lovely shade of nature.
There is a bowling alley and golf simulator if you want to try these.
The South Shore Country Club has a restaurant for you to enjoy food after your golfing experience.
Adam Gladstone / Shutterstock.com
If you want to visit one of the town’s core public recreations, head to Bare Cove Park.
Situated on Fort Hill Street along the banks of Weymouth Back River, this 484-acre park is dedicated as a wildlife sanctuary aside from recreation.
The area covers a river shoreline, wetlands, marshes, open fields, a dense forest, and a diversity of plants and wild animals, such as deer, coyotes, rabbits, and foxes.
Adam Gladstone / Shutterstock.com
Moreover, Bare Cove Park is ideal for outdoor activities like walking, jogging, and biking because it features greenwood trails and paved avenues.
Visiting this place in the morning is recommended if you seek a tranquil location to contemplate, unwind, or reflect.
Keep your dogs leashed if you take them here and observe the park’s rules and regulations.
Adam Gladstone / Shutterstock.com
The Bare Cove Fire Museum lies on Bare Cove Park Drive.
It retells the fascinating firefighting history through its marvelous collection of artifacts, documents, and equipment.
Interestingly, the museum’s exhibits include the early 20th century’s fully restored motorized engines.
Furthermore, the Bare Cove Fire Museum has helped the community by teaching about the fire service in America and promoting fire safety and prevention since 1974.
Michael Sean OLeary / Shutterstock.com
World’s End is one of the stunning parks in town, situated on a peninsula on Martin’s Lane.
Coastland, fields, marsh, tree-lined carriage routes designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, and forests comprise the 251-acre park.
You can do several things here, like setting up your picnic blanket and essentials to spend some relaxing hours with family and friends as you enjoy delicious foods and fantastic scenery.
SmarterMedium / Shutterstock.com
Watch birds in the fields or on the marsh, or go for a stroll on trails while sparking your eyes with sweeping views of the Harbor and Boston skyline offered by rocky shorelines and rolling hills.
World’s End is also great for overlooking the waters and catching the exquisite sunrise, sunset, and fall foliage.
Michael Sean OLeary / Shutterstock.com
Boasting scenic nature views, More-Brewer Park is situated on Hobart Street.
If you’re up for a leisure walk or strenuous hiking, explore the park’s well-kept loop trails to the hilltop grassland.
Likewise, you’ll also discover alluring sights like the artificial Brewer Pond and the area’s streams and wetlands.
Some trees you can encounter in the woodlands include pine, cedar, oak, birch, and maple.
If you see a variety of trees with posted numbers, some of which are original plantings of Francis Brewer, the son of John Brewer, who maintained a farm at World’s End in the 1800s.
Francis Brewer was interested in trees and planted tree species that fit the town’s climate.
If you get tired of touring More-Brewer Park’s beautiful sights, there are benches where you can sit and relax.
Yingna Cai / Shutterstock.com
Old Ship Church, also known as Old Ship Meetinghouse, was built in 1681 as a civic meetinghouse and a worship place on Sundays.
Amazingly, it is the only Puritan meetinghouse and the oldest church in the United States that remains from the 17th century, with continuous use.
Michael Carter, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Moreover, it was labeled a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Its delicate structure is architecturally an epitome of the English Gothic style.
Old Ship Church also offers tours and events.
If you’re looking for another scenic spot in the town, consider Triphammer Pond Conservation Area.
Woods surround the 19-acre Triphammer Pond, acquired by Hingham in 1945, while the conjoining Triphammer Woods was acquired in 1995 to shield the pond’s whole shoreline.
Most people go walking or hiking at this location because it offers boardwalks and trails, but you can do other outdoor activities like non-motorized boating, kayak launching, or fishing.
You can also visit this place in the winter for ice skating or devote a few hours to picnicking during the other seasons.
Triphammer Pond Conservation Area is ideal for those who prefer solitude or alone time.
You can find this place on Triphammer Road.
Adam Gladstone / Shutterstock.com
The state-owned Wompatuck State Park is another treasure in Hingham with immense grandeur.
Spanning 3,526 acres of woodlands, ponds, and streams, it offers numerous recreational opportunities and splendid views.
It extends into four towns—Hingham, Norwell, Scituate, and Cohasset—and has a visitor center.
Bring your tent for camping, try cross-country skiing, or go hunting.
Adam Gladstone / Shutterstock.com
While you can try hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling, you also have the option to get in the waters by non-motorized boating or fishing.
Plus, the park wouldn’t be complete without picnic areas for a blissful picnic or family day.
Even lazing around with luminous trees and picturesque panorama is rewarding.
Have a blast at Wompatuck State Park, located on Union Street.
Adam Gladstone / Shutterstock.com
Located on Otis Street, Bathing Beach is an excellent location to unwind, reflect, stroll around, and spend alone time with the relaxing breeze and view of the sea kissing the vibrant sky.
This beach may not be known for swimming, but it’s another excellent area to spend a picnic and watch the Hingham Harbor’s boats.
You can play Frisbee with your friends, then taste some smash burgers and ice cream from the beach house while waiting to see and photograph the sunset gleaming off the sea waters.
Hit Bathing Beach, sit on a grassy spot, and start sightseeing!
John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Many residents, tourists, and visitors come to Weir River Farm on Turkey Hill Lane.
It belonged to artist Polly Thayer Starr’s family for 100 years and was also the artist’s previous home, but she donated it to the Trustees of Reservations in 1999.
The 75-acre Weir River Farm consists of fields and pastures with oak and red cedar forests and serves as a nature preserve supporting a diversity of wildlife habitats.
On its northwest side is the passing Weir River, while shrubs and flowers boundary the garden path to display a laid-back haven.
There’s a store where you can purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, well-raised beef, pork, poultry, lamb, and other local products straight from the source at a more affordable price.
If your feet want some exploration, go hiking or biking through the trails traversing from the parking area through the fields and woods.
Don’t forget to take your kids and let them greet and see the farm animals from a near distance.
Hingham is a delightful coastal town with lots to reward the residents, tourists, and visitors.
Historic landmarks, vibrant history, admirable nature, luminous waters, gorgeous sceneries, outdoor recreations, and other attractions embody the town.
If you’re seeking a special place for a retreat, plan your trip and experience the best things to do in Hingham, Massachusetts.
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
