Things to Do in Cohasset Massachusetts

Cohasset, Massachusetts is a small but plentiful destination to visit near Boston. We put together this quick guide so you don’t miss the unique places you can explore and various activities you can do in this hidden gem.

From long hikes and sandy beaches to farmer’s markets, you will never run out of adventures. If you prefer a quiet vacation, you can also discover your safe haven in this small town!

Take a break, enjoy the sun, and find the fun that best suits you! In this list, we have put together 7 Things to Do in Cohasset to get you started in planning your next getaway.

Updated: January 2021. Originally published: October 2014.

Our trip to Cohasset, MA

Our farm stay in Cohasset was a thing of serendipity. It’s the perfect example of the unconventional, intentional travel that we love so much.

We met Michael and Michele at Jake’s Off-Road Triathlon in Jamaica. We were serving a two-year term with the Peace Corps on island and they had flown out for vacation. As we all prepared to race on our various relay teams, we got to talking and really hit it off.

The following year, Michael and Michelle flew out again for the triathlon and we returned from our corner of the island as well. When they asked us what our plans were after Peace Corps, we told them that we hoped to travel and also learn some new skills- like gardening and farming. Little did we know, they owned a farm!

They generously offered to host us at their farm in Cohasset, Massachusettes–just across the bay from Boston. We would exchange a little of our manual labor for room, board, and a great learning experience. It was another “unofficial help exchange,” as described in Michelle’s book.

It just so happened that we could easily tack on a long “stop-over” in the Boston area on our way home from our big Fall Europe trip. So we made a week out of it and even got to briefly visit a few friends in Boston as well.

7 Great Things to do in Cohasset Massachusetts

1. Check out Cohasset Farmer’s Market

The Cohasset Farmer’s Market has been a staple in the town since 1996 to support local farmers and artisans. Traveling families will surely enjoy everything that this Farmer’s Market has to offer.

Need fresh produce? Food to take on-the-go? A quick rest from a long journey? Or want to take your kids for some crafting lessons? Well, you’ll get all of those done here and more.

We were fortunate enough to participate in the last market of the season and, although it was significantly dampened by a rainstorm, it was still easy to tell how vibrant and important the market is to the community. We came away with some top-notch salmon, a few fresh vegetables, and delicious home-made pumpkin pie!

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

Nothing better than exploring the great outdoors at Cohasset! Step out of your comfort zone, immerse yourself in nature, and you will surely enjoy every bit of it!

Whitney and Thayer Woods

A 6.3 km-long trail, Whitney and Thayer Woods is popular to both locals and tourists for several reasons. This nature reserve/forest is known for its glacial erratics and vernal pools, featuring bridges over streams, carefully sited benched, a hermit’s shelter, and a secluded holly grove. If you want to be surrounded by nature and relax, a quick trip to Whitney and Thayer Woods would surely do the trick.

Aaron River Resvoir

This 136-acre reservoir sits on the eastern side of Wompatuck State Park with so many activities to choose from: fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, and many more.

Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary & Wheelright Park

Find tall pines, holly trees, and an assorted range of flora in these 232-acre deep-forest stretching from Jerusalem Road to Sohier Street. These trails are great for spotting wildlife such as nineteen different species of birds, deer, and even coyotes and foxes.

Black Rock Beach

Do you see the long shoreline stretching from the South of Boston Harbor to the North of Cohasset? It’s the Black Rock beach and Straits Pond! View the sunrise by the beach or take a detour at the Black Rock House for some history.

Wampatuck State Park

Explore Wompatuck State Park’s many flat, paved hiking and biking trails, wonderful views, and camping sites.

3. Visit a Local Farm Near Cohasset

Cohasset, Massachusetts is the home to numerous local farms where you can enjoy fresh produce, interact with farm animals, and chance upon rare and interesting products!

Holly Hill Farm

You can pay a visit to this historical landmark all year-round! Holly Hill Farm is a family-friendly establishment where you can enjoy farm-to-table meals, learn how to grow organic plants, discover local artisanal products, as well as relax with yoga sessions for all ages!

Dalby Farm

Join educational interactive adventures at the one and only Dalby Farm. Students and adults alike, everyone can join in the activities the farm has to offer. Learn about farm animals, taste freshly harvested eggs and honey, and score unique handmade gifts!

Weir River Farm

A 75-acre working farm, Weir River Farm & Turkey Hill has pastures and fields beautifully surrounded by red cedar and oak woodlands. One of the last farms in Hingham, this family-friendly farm is sure to enthrall visitors with its various farm animals.

Cranberry Bog Tours

Leo and Andrea Cakounes’ largest organic cranberry bog on Cape Cod is an amazing feast for the eyes. Join daily tours of the bog offered seasonally and learn about how the cranberry bog is operated for 12 months a year. Freely view the equipment used and don’t miss a visit to the farm animals.

4. Visit the beach in Cohasset

With its Pristine soft white sand, locals will never get enough of Cohasset Sandy Beach, just North of town. Relax by the beach, explore the Sandy Beach House, Sandbar, and join Sandy Beach movie nights.

The beach is owned and maintained by local volunteers, with facilities and lifeguards funded by donations. For this reason, you’ll need a parking sticker to get in–best to visit with a local resident.

5. Discover Cohasset Village Historic District

Tourists will surely enjoy the trip back in time with Cohasset’s colorful history. With its first residents coming in as early as 1747, this small town features numerous historical and cultural landmarks.

Some of these include the Government Island with a lighthouse that signals “1-4-3” (or “I love you”); the St. Stephens Episcopal Church which houses the longest running Carillon Concert in North America; the Old Town Hall where the Cohasset Dramatic Club has been performing for almost a century; and the 1810 Captain John Wilson House which features 19th Century Cohasset decor.

The historic district of Cohasset also hosts various celebrations such as the Strawberry and Lobster Festival, Cohasset Triathlon, and many more.

6. Take in Local Art

Cohasset’s local art scene is something every tourist will surely appreciate. They offer a variety of places for you to immerse yourself in captivating art.

Visit the South Shore Music Circus, which showcases the talents of world-class entertainers; the South Shore Art Center down at 119 Ripley Road, which houses galleries, exhibitions, and festivals all year-round; and the Fernwood Gallery, which is on its way to becoming as popular as the Art Center.

Restaurants: Where to Eat in Cohasset

French Memories – $$ – This French pastry shop specializes in traditional and authentic desserts and various types of bread including croissants. Find fresh pastry, desserts, and various tasty cheese and paté selection. Don’t miss out on these tasty treats!
60 S Main St. 

Nguyen’s Kitchen – This restaurant brings traditional Vietnamese food to the streets of Cohasset! Established in 2018, Nguyen’s Kitchen’s dedicated crew aims to provide the best quality food and service with amazing pho, stir fry, pad Thai, and more!
156 King St. 

Bia Bistro – $$$ – If you’re looking for high-end yet homely cuisine, Bia Bistro’s founder Brian Houlihan has everything you’ll need. Want some local lobster paired with the best wine? Or maybe duck confit with cocktails? Bia Bistro has more to offer, so take your family and friends to celebrate any occasion.
35 S Main St. 

The Fresh Feast – $$ – The Fresh Feast offers dine in, delivery, and catering services for gourmet prepared foods, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Made with local and natural ingredients only, the Fresh Feast will surely live up to its name as you eat each dish they put out!
105 Ripley Rd.

Lenny’s Hideaway – This funky bar offering authentic Mexican food and even a spinning vinyl takes you from the barrio to the beach! You’ll find food cooked the traditional way, which we know is always the best.
8 Stagecoach Way

Hotels & Vacation Rentals: Where to Stay in Cohasset

Looking for an ideal place to stay in Cohasset? Check out these highly rated hotels and vacation rentals. Disclosure: This section contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Kimpton Hotel Born – $$$ – This top rated downtown hotel features mountain views from downtown and offers free bicycle rental.
Check price and availability >

Nantasket Beach Hotel – $$ – Just a few steps away from Nantasket Beach, this hotel offers bright rooms equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator, and a Keurig coffee machine.
Check price and availability >

7. Take a Day Trip to Boston

Our final thing to do in Cohasset is actually a day trip outside of town. Cohasset is just about an hour down the coast from Boston, whether by car, commuter train, or ferry boat.

Upon our arrival, we realized how fortunate we were to experience this place in Autumn. The Fall leaves were absolutely beautiful.

Geocaching along Commonwealth Avenue

Beautiful willows at Boston’s Public Garden

Near Chinatown

Mike’s Pastry in Boston’s North End was a must-do. They are well-known for their cannolis of various flavors and have a wide selection of Italian pastries as well. Modern Pastry had good cannolis, too, but apparently Mike’s gets more hype.

Flour Bakery has multiple locations in Boston. Jedd is a big fan of Pastry Chef, Joanne Chang’s, cook books so that’s what brought us in. Everything on the menu was tempting. We ended up ordering a sweet potato sandwich with sticky bun, which were both amazing.

We hope this list of Cohasset places and activities will help you find the best things to do in Cohasset for your trip. Please share your own recommendations for this area in the comments below!

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