Local Overview

Rockcleft is located in the seaside community of Marblehead, Massachusetts, a small town on a peninsula 15 miles north of Boston. The house itself can be found on Marblehead Neck, a smaller peninsula that is connected to the main part of Marblehead by a half mile long causeway. The causeway is open to cars, bicycles and pedestrians,  and it affords views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Marblehead harbor on the other.  There is much to see and do both in Marblehead and in the surrounding communities.

 


Within Marblehead

  • A walk or bike ride along the Marblehead Rail Trail, a 4-mile long pathway that meanders through wooded areas and continues on into the neighboring towns of Swampscott and Salem.
  • A walk through the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, located just 1/4 mile from Rockcleft, offering a one mile trail through 20 wooded acres, with the opportunity for bird and animal sightings.
  • A visit to Devereux Beach, Marblehead’s largest beach, which offers a playground, restaurant, picnic tables, and parking. Lifeguards on duty during specified hours. 
  • Renting stand-up paddle boards at Riverhead Beach and exploring the boats and sites in Marblehead Harbor.
  • Eating in Marblehead’s many restaurants, from waterfront dining at the Landing to seafood at the Barnacle or sandwiches and pizza at Cafe Vesuvius.
  • A visit to one of Marblehead’s many beautiful oceanfront parks, including Chandler Hovey park (featuring the Marblehead Lighthouse), Castle Rock (for the climb and the views), and Fort Sewall (for the scenery and the history).
  • A visit to one of Marblehead’s many historical sites, including the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, the King Hooper Mansion, Old Burial Hill, the Old Townhouse, and Abbot Hall (home of the painting the Spirit of ’76). 
  • Wandering through Marblehead’s two quaint shopping districts, one newer and one dating from the 1600s, with both offering a variety of dining and shopping options.
  • Exploring the older part of Marblehead at the far end of the peninsula, with many houses bearing plaques dating from the 1600s and providing information about the original owner’s name and occupation.
  • A visit to one of Marblehead’s many playgrounds, including Gatchell’s, Hobbs, and Gerry, with climbing structures and slides as well as open fields for children and adults to enjoy. 

Salem, Massachusetts, about a 10 minute drive from Marblehead, offers many additional options for eating, shopping and entertainment

  • The Salem Witch Museum, Witch House, and Witch Dungeon offer educational insights into the witch trials that took place in Salem in the 1600s.
  • The world class Peabody Essex Museum with a variety of unique exhibitions from around the world.
  • The House of the Seven Gables,  well known as the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name.
  • Pickering Wharf, a harbor front shopping and dining district offering views of beautiful boats and the opportunity to stroll to the end of the nearby pier, ideally after first stopping by Captain Dusty’s for some homemade ice cream.
  • Salem Willows, which offers ocean front parks, beaches, and walking paths as well as an old fashioned arcade, including a carousel and miniature golf course. 
  • A variety of specialty walking tours are available, many focusing on the Salem Witch Trials.
  • Boat and trolley tours also offer the opportunity to explore Salem by land or water and learn about the town’s history.
 

Boston is easily accessible from Marblehead via train, car or ferry and offers an even wider range of entertainment options from museums and Duck Boat tours to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Marketplace, the North End, Newbury Street,  Boston Common, and Fenway Park.