Scituate Harbor is a centuries-old fishing village, steeped in maritime history, that has become a vibrant commercial community – bustling yet authentic. About an hour north of the Canal by powerboat, the harbor is picturesque, well-protected and easy to navigate. Aim for the red/white “SA” bell about half a mile east of the harbor, then follow the well-marked channel through the breakwater and past the iconic Old Scituate Lighthouse.
Front Street is the main street along the harbor. It is alive with boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, coffee and ice cream shops, breakfast spots, gourmet shops, a hardware store and a great market.
Scituate Harbor features many restaurants. You’ll find casual dining at (the dock n’ dine) TKO Malley’s, the Satuit Tavern, Barker Tavern and the Mill Wharf. Scituate also offers contemporary gastro pubs like Galley and Restaurant ORO, each with a cool urban vibe you wouldn’t expect in a small, seaside town.
If you’d like to stay overnight, the Harbor is served by a yacht club and several marinas. Mill Wharf Marina is the largest in town, offering transient slips and amenities and a fuel dock. Scituate Maritime Center is operated by the town and offers 78 slips, a skiff/dinghy dock, a public kayak ramp, public restrooms and showers. Both take reservations via Dockwa. Another option is Scituate Harbor Marina. Transient moorings are administered by the town harbormaster (781-545-2130).
This is a great powerboat day trip. With the prevailing summer Southwest wind, your cruise up and down Cape Cod Bay is off of a lee shore, so calmer sea conditions should prevail.