Swampscott, Coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts
Description
Swampscott is a coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts, stretching along the Atlantic shoreline with rocky coasts and several beaches facing Massachusetts Bay. The community includes residential neighborhoods, parks and an established center near the water.
History
Francis Ingalls founded the first tannery of the Massachusetts Bay Colony here in 1629, beginning European settlement. The area later developed into an independent municipality with ties to coastal economy and fishing.
Culture
The town takes its name from the language of the Naumkeag people who lived along this coast long before Europeans arrived. Their presence shaped the landscape for thousands of years before colonial settlement began.
Practical
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority operates regular rail and bus connections linking the town to Boston. Visitors heading to the beaches should be prepared for rocky terrain and changing tides.
Did you know?
The Swampscott Fish House is considered the oldest continuously operating fishery building in the United States. Its function has remained unchanged for generations while the surrounding coastal landscape has transformed considerably.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Essex County).
Lynn Shore Reservation
1.6 km
Diamond Historic District
1.7 km
John Humphreys House
187 m
Fort Ruckman
5.7 km
Olmsted Subdivision Historic District
224 m
Swampscott Fish House
739 m
Henry Cabot Lodge House
5.5 km
Robert "King" Hooper Mansion
5.6 km
Egg Rock Light
4.5 km
Elihu Thomson House
141 m
Swampscott Cemetery
1.4 km
Nahant Civic Historic District
5.2 kmNahant Thicket Wildlife Sanctuary
5.4 km
Preston Beach
3.2 km
Canoe Beach
5.8 kmAbbott Park
418 m
Stony Beach
4.7 kmTuckers Beach
5.1 km
Josephs Beach
5.7 km
Whales Beach
1.4 km
Phillips Beach
2.6 km
Fishermans Beach
778 m
Pond Beach
5.5 km
Short Beach
4.6 kmForty Steps
5.5 kmCowfort
5.5 kmBlack Wills Cliff
382 mGoldthwait Beach
5.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes