Hull MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hull, Massachusetts.
1. Nantasket Beach Reservation
PRISTINE COASTAL PARADISE
Nantasket Beach Reservation is a popular coastal destination featuring a long stretch of sandy shoreline along Massachusetts Bay. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various beach activities with great amenities throughout the area. The beach offers stunning ocean views and is perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
2. Hull Lifesaving Museum
MARITIME HISTORY PRESERVED
Hull Lifesaving Museum is housed in the historic Point Allerton U.S. Lifesaving Station and tells the remarkable story of Captain Joshua James and his crew who saved over 500 lives from shipwrecks in Boston Harbor. The museum offers interactive exhibits and panoramic views from a lookout tower, providing visitors with an immersive maritime experience. Beyond a traditional museum, it serves as an essential community resource offering life-changing educational experiences related to coastal heritage.
3. Paragon Carousel
HISTORIC AMUSEMENT TREASURE
The Paragon Carousel has been operating along the shores of beautiful Nantasket Beach for over 90 years since its construction in 1928 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. This historic carousel features four rows of 66 intricately carved horses and two rare Roman chariots, decorated with 35 original paintings, 36 cherubs, and 18 goddesses while a Wurlitzer Band Organ fills the air with music. As the last remaining attraction from the beloved Paragon Park amusement park that closed in 1985, the carousel attracts upwards of 100,000 visitors each summer and serves as a lasting reminder of Hull's golden era.
4. Fort Revere Park
HISTORIC MILITARY LANDMARK
Fort Revere Park is a fascinating historic outdoor recreation area occupying six acres on Telegraph Hill in Hull Village. The park is home to two seacoast fortifications that offer visitors a glimpse into America's military past. Visitors can explore the grounds while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
5. World's End
SCENIC PENINSULA PARADISE
World's End is a stunning 251-acre property featuring sweeping views of the Boston skyline amidst rocky shores and broad hillsides. The peninsula offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and simply relaxing in the great outdoors. This conservation area combines natural beauty with carefully designed landscapes for visitors to enjoy year-round.
6. Bumpkin Island
TRANQUIL HARBOR GETAWAY
Bumpkin Island is a small and picturesque island with a rich history having been home to Native Americans, fish-drying operations, tenant farmers, a naval training camp, and even polio patients over the centuries. Today, the island serves as a quiet camping destination for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat from the mainland. The island offers beautiful views and opportunities to connect with nature while exploring its historical sites.
7. Nantasket Kayaks
WATERFRONT ADVENTURE CENTER
Nantasket Kayaks offers visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful waters around Hull through kayak and paddleboard rentals. Guests can paddle along the coastline to discover hidden coves, wildlife, and stunning views of the Boston Harbor Islands. The rental service provides equipment and guidance suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
8. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
ISLAND WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area encompasses 34 islands and peninsulas spread across Boston Harbor, offering a unique wilderness experience just minutes from downtown Boston. Visitors can explore historical forts, hiking trails, beaches, and campgrounds across the various islands accessible by ferry. The park provides opportunities for swimming, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and learning about the rich natural and cultural history of Boston Harbor.
9. Miss Peddock's Island Charters
HARBOR EXPLORATION TOURS
Miss Peddock's Island Charters offers guided boat tours exploring the Boston Harbor Islands from Hull. The charter service provides narrated excursions highlighting the history, ecology, and unique features of Peddock's Island and surrounding areas. Visitors can enjoy wildlife sightings, photography opportunities, and a relaxing day on the water with knowledgeable local guides.
10. Art on the Rocks
CREATIVE COASTAL GALLERY
Art on the Rocks is a charming gallery showcasing local artists' work inspired by Hull's coastal beauty and maritime heritage. The gallery features rotating exhibits of paintings, photography, sculpture, and handcrafted items that capture the essence of New England coastal life. Visitors can browse and purchase unique art pieces while connecting with the creative community of Hull.
11. The Anchor of Hull
WATERFRONT DINING DESTINATION
The Anchor of Hull is a popular waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and classic New England fare with spectacular views of the harbor. The restaurant features a laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying local specialties like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fried seafood platters. Visitors appreciate the outdoor seating area where they can watch boats coming and going while dining on freshly prepared coastal cuisine.
12. Adams National Historical Park
PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SITE
Adams National Historical Park preserves the homes of two American presidents, John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams, along with four generations of their distinguished family. The park includes the birthplaces of both presidents as well as the Old House at Peace field, which was home to the Adams family for four generations. Visitors can take guided tours through the historic homes and learn about the significant contributions the Adams family made to American history and politics.
13. Hornstra Farms
TRADITIONAL DAIRY EXPERIENCE
Hornstra Farms is a traditional family-owned dairy farm that has been operating since 1915, offering fresh milk, ice cream, and other dairy products. Visitors can tour the farm to see the milking operations, meet the cows, and learn about sustainable farming practices that have been preserved for generations. The farm store sells homemade ice cream, milk in glass bottles, and seasonal treats that showcase the quality of locally produced dairy.
14. JFK Presidential Museum & Library
PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY SHOWCASE
The JFK Presidential Museum & Library is a stunning waterfront tribute to President John F. Kennedy, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. The museum houses an extensive collection of historical materials related to Kennedy's life and presidency, including photographs, documents, and video footage that bring his era to life. Visitors can explore exhibits on the Space Race, the Peace Corps, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Kennedy's influential 1000 days in office.
15. Webb Memorial State Park
HARBOR PENINSULA RETREAT
Webb Memorial State Park is a scenic 36-acre peninsula extending into Hingham Bay, offering spectacular views of the Boston skyline and harbor islands. The park features serene walking trails, picnic areas, and grassy fields perfect for relaxation and outdoor recreation. Visitors can fish from the shoreline, observe coastal wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of nearby Boston.