Scituate, Coastal town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States
Scituate is a coastal town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, lying between Boston and Plymouth. Several beaches line the Atlantic shore, drawing visitors who enjoy the ocean and sandy waterfront.
European settlers arrived at this stretch of coast in the 17th century and built homes near the harbor. During the War of 1812, minor skirmishes occurred with British ships off the shore.
The name comes from a Wampanoag word referring to a place with cold brook water. Locals often gather at the beaches on warm days, where families with children play in the sand and walkers follow the shoreline paths.
Two commuter rail stations link the town with Boston and make it easier to reach from the region. Visitors planning a summer trip should keep in mind that beaches get busier on weekends.
Two sisters fooled attackers during the War of 1812 by playing fife and drum to mimic an approaching troop. This episode is still remembered today and shows the resourcefulness of early residents.
Location: Plymouth County
Inception: 1630
Founders: Timothy Hatherly
Elevation above the sea: 9 m
Website: http://scituatema.gov
GPS coordinates: 42.19583,-70.72639
Latest update: December 17, 2025 07:35
Old Scituate Light
1.3 km
Josephine M. Hagerty House
9.4 km
Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary
4.7 km
North River Wildlife Sanctuary
4.9 km
WPA Field House and Pump Station
5.6 km
Woodworth House
3.2 km
First Trinitarian Congregational Church
2.8 km
Men of Kent Cemetery
1 km
Capt. John Wilson House and Bates Ship Chandlery
8 km
Pratt Historic Building
7.7 km
First Baptist Church of Scituate
4.7 km
Capt. Benjamin James House
2.5 km
Cohasset Common Historic District
8.1 km
Peggotty Beach
1.2 km
Bryant-Cushing House
6.4 km
Caleb Lothrop House
7.4 km
Government Island Historic District
7 km
Cohasset Central Cemetery
8.7 km
North Scituate Beach
4.9 km
Crescent Beach
11.9 km
Minot's Ledge Light
8.7 km
Humarock Beach
7.2 km
Lawson Tower
2.5 km
Norwell Village Area Historic District
6.6 kmFirst Cliff
1.1 km
Minot Beach
6.1 km
Bassing Beach
7.1 km
Pleasant Beach
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