Coastal History: Exploring Maritime Heritage in Salem, Gloucester, and New Bedford

The North Shore and the South Coast of Massachusetts are steeped in America’s maritime history, encompassing the country’s oldest fishing port, a former whaling capital, and a major destination for European markets and the spice trade. Whether you’re looking for the towering sails of a schooner or the grit of a working fishing port, these three cities with direct access to the Commuter Rail offer distinct seafaring experiences.

The history of Massachusetts is directly linked to the sea from the moment the Pilgrims dropped anchor on our shores to current-day festivals involving the coastal waters. The ocean has been an integral part of the region’s story since records began. Three cities, including Salem and Gloucester on the North Shore of Massachusetts and New Bedford on the southern coastline, have been key destinations for travelers to explore the roots of our region’s maritime history.

Whether you want to explore our coastal history alone, with friends or with your children, the Commuter Rail can get you to these destinations without concerns for traffic or where you will park. Remember, thanks to the $10 Unlimited Weekend Pass, there is no need to limit your stops or fun, so you can spend the day hopping between station zones at no extra cost! If your children are along for the ride, take advantage of Kids 11 & Under Ride for Free. 

Gloucester’s Enduring Maritime Legacy 

If you are drawn to the sea and want to explore the grit and excitement of a working harbor in motion, look no further than Gloucester, Massachusetts, America’s Oldest Fishing Port. 

Start your maritime journey by hopping on the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the Commuter Rail. Be sure to choose the train heading toward Rockport, as the Line splits at Beverly. To explore the inner workings of Gloucester’s Harbor, visit the schooners, or take part in one of their maritime festivals, you will want to take the train to Gloucester Station, about 1 hour from North Station on the Commuter Rail. 

Gloucester has waterfront activities and events throughout the year, but several are worth planning in advance, depending on your maritime interests. Your first stop should, of course, be along the waterfront at the Gloucester Fishermen Memorial (.6 mi), also known as “The Man at the Wheel.” This iconic landmark, located along Stacy Boulevard, offers panoramic views of Gloucester Harbor and honors the thousands of local fishermen who have been lost at sea since 1623. While visiting this memorial, take a few extra moments and steps to view the Fishermen’s Wives Memorial (.7 mi) that honors the wives, mothers, sisters, and children of fishermen of the world who have endured because their men chose to be on the water. Throughout the year, Maritime Gloucester (.7 mi) is open to visitors for tours and to learn more about the maritime history of this vibrant city. 

If your visit is in June, be sure to stick around for the excitement of St. Peter’s Fiesta, a five-day Italian-American festival held annually to honor the patron saint of fishermen, St. Peter. During the festival, you will have the opportunity to watch the Blessing of the Fleet at Gloucester Harbor (.7 mi). Head to Pavilion Beach (.6 mi) to watch the always entertaining Greasy Pole competition or the Seine Boat races. 

If your visit is in September, make time for the annual Schooner Festival at Gloucester Harbor (.7 mi), where you can board and take tours of schooners from ports up and down the eastern seaboard. You will also have the opportunity to take a ride on the water in some of these majestic vessels. Two of the main highlights of the festival are the Parade of Sail and the Mayor’s Cup Race, where massive schooners compete for glory.

Salem: Uncovering a National Maritime Treasure 

Salem may be known for its legacy of the Witch Trials, but it was also a global powerhouse in trade, particularly the spice trade. As such, it has a long maritime history that can be explored along the waterfront. 

Take the Rockport branch of the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Salem Station (about 30 minutes on the train). From there, head to Salem Maritime National Historic Site (.7 mi), where you will find twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. While visiting the site, be sure to tour Derby Wharf (.7 mi), which was once packed with warehouses and international sailors. Today it is the site of a beautiful half-mile-long stone pier with panoramic views of Salem Harbor (.7 mi). Visit the Custom House (.7 mi), where the federal government collected taxes on the massive amounts of tea, silk, and spices arriving in the 1800s. The park’s centerpiece is a 171-foot replica of the 1797 “East Indiaman” merchant ship, The Friendship of Salem (.7 mi), which visitors can tour in season. 

New Bedford: The Golden Age of Whaling 

New Bedford was once famously known as “The City that Lit the World,” and was the premier global whaling port during the 19th century. Today, it remains the highest-earning fishing port in the U.S. and maintains a beautifully preserved 13-block historic district.

A visit to this gem on the southern coast of Massachusetts can be made from the Fall River/New Bedford Line of the Commuter Rail, about 95 minutes from South Station on the Commuter Rail. Hop off at the New Bedford Station and head to the New Bedford Whaling Museum (.7 mi), the largest U.S. museum dedicated to the American whaling industry’s history and impact. Visitors can explore massive whale skeletons, climb aboard the world’s largest whaling ship model (the Lagoda), view extensive scrimshaw collections, and enjoy scenic harbor views.

Depending on the time of year you plan to visit, there are several festivals to enjoy as you explore the region’s maritime history. Every Memorial Day weekend, visitors can witness the Blessing of the Fleet & Remembrance, a yearly tradition starting at the Seamen’s Bethel (.9 mi), (the chapel made famous in Moby-Dick) and moving to Pier 3 (.7 mi) to honor those lost at sea.

In June, head down to the Fishing Heritage Center (.6 mi)  for New Bedford’s Oysterfest, a showcase of the local aquaculture scene with fresh oysters, shucked for you by the growers of some of the region’s best!

The Scallopalooza is held annually in August and promises fun for all ages, including a scallop shucking contest and seafood tastings at the Fishing Heritage Center (.6 mi). The event offers free live music, entertainment and the region’s best fishing industry vendors.