Visiting Marblehead
Eating is one of our favorite pastimes here at Shubie’s. But one of the only things we love more than eating our food is eating our food at some of our favorite spots in Marblehead! We hope that you love discovering our town. Bring your walking shoes, bikes, strollers, or scooters – Marblehead is great by foot or human-powered wheels!
Stock up at Shubie’s for picnic, snacks, goodies, and drinks and then you’re ready to enjoy what Marblehead has to offer.
- Kid-tested favorites from the food case include crispy lemon chicken tenders, pasta with peas, roasted sweet potatoes, flank steak, and quality deli meats. Have an adventurous tike? Try our Asian Buffalo Chicken Wings, Edamame Burgers, soups, and so much more! Don’t be shy – the staff is always happy to give you or your kids a taste of just about anything in the case.
- Don’t forget snacks to recharge during the day! We love kettle corn; guacamole; cheese and crackers; pretzels, chocolate– or yogurt-covered animal crackers, graham crackers and pretzels; chips and salsa; and Dave’s double cured salmon bacon.
- Finish the day with decadent desserts. Sorry, mom and dad, but you won’t be able to leave Shubie’s without giving into at least one dessert request. Cupcakes, mini black and white cookies, Star Light Creations hand-painted sugar cookies are always a hit…maybe you’ll even get a bite! We also have gluten-free and vegan desserts available.
Once you’ve grabbed snacks, lunch or a complete picnic, you’ll be ready to hit the town! Here is a list of some of our favorite locations:
The Bike Path
Did you know that years ago a train actually ran through little, out-of-the-way Marblehead? We’re grateful now for the roughly 4 miles of gravel path that allows us to walk, run, bike, skip, or scooter easily and quickly through town off of the main roads. For the most part, it is functional more than scenic, but a great way to get in a family bike ride without worrying about cars.
Marblehead Light House and the Bird Sanctuary (both on the Neck)
Take a drive over the Causeway to the “Neck” where you will find Marblehead Light House. Beautiful views of the Marblehead Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, PERFECT PICNIC SPOT. Lots of room for kids to run around, rocks to climb, and a small beach (at low tide) to search for interesting rocks and sea glass. Kids will be entertained, so you can sit, relax, and enjoy your picnic and a book. Public bathrooms, too!
When you’re done at the Lighthouse, take Ocean Ave. and turn right onto Risley Road so you can stop at the Mass Audobon Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Nature paths run through this wooded conservation land where migratory birds come to rest.
Beaches
Devereux Beach — Marblehead’s main public beach. It has the convenience of bathrooms and a playground. The downside is the expensive parking from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are lifeguards here, too, but be careful with younger ones, as there can be bigger waves and occasional undertow.
Grace Oliver’s Beach — Our favorite beach spot (don’t let too many people find out about it!) is located at the end of Beacon Street. It is a small cove with our typical rocky beach (bring your keens or water shoes if you don’t want to hear the kids complaining about the rocks). At low tide, there are lots of great tide pools and you can walk across to Brown’s Island and explore the island. At high tide, Grace Oliver’s has a bit less beach, but is perfect for swimming in its calm waters.
Fort Beach – Through Old Town, directly along Front Street near Fort Sewall. Not much beach at high tide, but low tide is fantastically fun for the kids. Rocks to climb, plenty of tide pools to explore, and usually a good spot for finding sea glass.
Fort Sewall
After you’ve explored Fort Beach, head up the hill to historic Fort Sewall, built in the mid-17th century, to defend the area. Bunkers and underground rooms used to hold prisoners can still be seen from the outside. Besides some of the most SPECTACULAR views in all of Marblehead, there is plenty of space to relax, have a picnic, and enjoy the views. This is George’s favorite spot in town!
Crocker Park
Once again, some of the best views of Marblehead Harbor. Kids will love the huge rocks to climb in the park as well as the bench swings situated throughout.
During the summer, the public dock is open. Bring your suit and jump off into Marblehead Harbor like the locals have been doing for years!
Seaside Park
There’s a playground (geared toward younger kids, but “big” kids will still be happy), baseball diamond, and public tennis courts.
“The Secret Path” (aka The Fitness Trail) is a hidden gem at Seaside. Behind the park, it is a well-defined loop through the woods that takes you past some pretty dated, but fun fitness activities, leads you to the Harbor and then ends back near the fields or tennis courts. This is a great spot for kids to explore the woods and even the beach, if you choose to climb down the rocks to the tiny rocky cove on the harbor. It’s also a great place for your dogs to run off some energy too!
Redd’s Pond and Old Burial Hill
Located at the end of Pond Street, it is a small man-made pond usually occupied by a sizeable flock of mallards. Keep your eyes out for ducklings after Memorial Day! Kids can try their luck with their fishing rod at the pond, although it will not be something to bring home to cook.
Up the hill overlooking the pond is Old Burial Hill, one of the oldest, most picturesque burial grounds in New England. Although rich with history, it also makes a great spot for hide-and-go seek.
Playgrounds
While there are plenty of natural play areas around Marblehead with the beaches, rocks, woods, and parks, sometimes only a slide will do.
- Gerry Playground on Stramski Way, right off of West Shore Drive is the newest playground in town. It has picnic benches and overlooks Salem Harbor.
- Seaside Park
- Devereux Beach
- Gatchell Field and Playground (little league baseball diamonds and small playground)
- Eveleth School and Hobbs Field (Brook Road) – 2 playgrounds, one geared for younger children and the other for elementary school aged kids.
KEEP IT LOCAL!!!
Enjoy all of the local shops throughout the town. Our abundance of local, family-owned businesses help make Marblehead the unique community that it is! Click here to see a list and map of shop/dine/stay establishments in Marblehead!