South Shore, Massachusetts, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The South Shore is rich with fall activities for families and visitors, featuring pumpkin patches, historic lighthouses, scenic rail trails, and seasonal events. Notable attractions include the popular Sauchuk’s Corn Maze in Plympton, Scituate Lighthouse with its recent renovations, exquisite hiking trails such as the North Plymouth Rail Trail, and community events in Plymouth, Scituate, and beyond. Visitors are encouraged to check event schedules and seasonal hours to make the most of their autumn experience.
Plymouth
South Shore Fall Guide: Pumpkin Patches, Lighthouses, Trails and Seasonal Events
The South Shore offers a range of fall weekend options for families and visitors, including pumpkin patches, historic lighthouses, scenic trails, and seasonal festivals. Highlights for this season include a top-rated pumpkin patch in Plympton, restored historic lighthouses in Scituate, short coastal rail trails and large public parks for fall foliage viewing, and a lineup of community events across towns from Plymouth to Hingham.
Top attractions and immediate details
Sauchuk’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Plympton was voted the best pumpkin patch in Massachusetts in a FamilyDestinationsGuide.com poll. The site offers a corn maze, apple picking, petting goats and family-friendly games. Food trucks such as Farm Kitchen, Surf Dogz, Covered Wagon and Plymouth Party provide options like fried dough, hot dogs, kettle corn and ice cream on-site.
Scituate Lighthouse, established in 1811 and recognized as the 11th oldest lighthouse in the nation, has completed a $2 million renovation including renewal of a 92-year-old lantern room. The lighthouse is open to the public during Scituate Historical Society Open House dates. Visitors can also climb 123 steps to Lawson’s Tower for panoramic views that include the lighthouse. The Historical Society also offers “Trips to the Top” on full moon nights.
Other notable lights visible from shore include Minot’s Ledge Light in Cohasset and Duxbury Pier Light (Bug Light), which marks the channel to Plymouth, Kingston and Duxbury harbors. These are featured stops on the Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail, which highlights lighthouses accessible for viewing across the region.
Outdoor recreation and trails
For short hikes and coastal views, the North Plymouth Rail Trail is a 1.2-mile option known for ocean vistas. World’s End in Hingham is a 251-acre park designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, offering scenic trails and views of Boston’s skyline. Whitney and Thayer Woods in Cohasset and Hingham provides about 10 miles of carriage roads with South Shore and Boston skyline views. Other recommended spots for hiking and birdwatching include Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary, Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield, and Norris Reservation in Norwell.
Historic Plymouth attractions and seasonal events
Plymouth’s Thanksgiving Parade, known as America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade, is scheduled for November 22. Plymouth’s historic sites remain major draws in autumn. Plymouth Rock at Pilgrim Memorial State Park marks where the Mayflower Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony in 1620. Plimoth Patuxet Museums presents the Plymouth Colony as it existed in 1627 and has been recognized by readers in a national poll as a leading open-air museum. Its exhibits include the Patuxet Homesite, a 17th Century English Village, the Mayflower II and Plimoth Grist Mill. The Jabez Howland House is available for visitors wishing to explore a preserved 1667 pilgrim residence.
Dining and town centers
Scituate Harbor is noted for a mix of restaurants, shops and cultural activities and is recommended as a fall dining and stroll destination. Suggested dining options in Scituate include Oro, Satuit Tavern, Mill Wharf Restaurant & Pub, T.K.O. Malleys and Salt Society. Downtown Plymouth offers a variety of restaurants serving seafood and a range of global cuisines from Mexican to Indian.
Upcoming community events and family activities
Upcoming South Shore events this fall include a Corn Festival at the Emilson YMCA, a Water Lantern Festival in Weymouth, and a Fall Family Fun Day in Braintree featuring emergency vehicle displays. Local entertainment includes comedy shows at Curtain Call Theatre in Braintree. Marina Bay will host a small business vendor event with shopping, food and children’s activities. These events are suitable for families seeking seasonal activities close to town centers.
Practical visitor notes
Many outdoor and historic locations have scheduled open-house dates or seasonal hours; visitors should check event dates and seasonal schedules before planning a trip. Some attractions, such as lighthouse interiors or guided climbs, may be available only on select days or during special programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best pumpkin patch activities on the South Shore?
Top activities include corn mazes, pumpkin picking, apple picking, petting farms and family games. Sauchuk’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Plympton is widely recognized as a leading choice in the state.
Which lighthouses can I visit or view from shore?
Scituate Lighthouse is open during historical society open-house dates and has recently completed extensive restoration. Minot’s Ledge Light is visible from Cohasset and Scituate shores, and Duxbury Pier Light marks channels to several harbors. The Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail highlights additional lighthouse viewing opportunities.
What are good short hikes for fall foliage and coastal views?
Good options include World’s End in Hingham, Whitney and Thayer Woods, the North Plymouth Rail Trail, and preserves such as Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary and Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary.
When is Plymouth’s Thanksgiving Parade?
Plymouth’s Thanksgiving Parade is scheduled for November 22. The parade is an annual event drawing local visitors and families.
Are family events and festivals available throughout the fall?
Yes. Local towns host fall festivals, corn and harvest events, lantern festivals and family activity days. Check town calendars for specific dates and locations.
Quick Reference: South Shore Fall Attractions
| Attraction | Location | Key Info | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauchuk’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch | Plympton | Corn maze, pumpkin picking, petting goats, food trucks | Families, children |
| Scituate Lighthouse | Scituate | Restored lantern room, open during Historical Society dates | History and lighthouse enthusiasts |
| Lawson’s Tower | Scituate | 123-step climb, scenic views | Viewpoints and photographers |
| Minot’s Ledge Light | Cohasset / Scituate shores | Visible from shore, notable offshore light | Coastal sightseers |
| Duxbury Pier Light (Bug Light) | Duxbury | Marks channel to local harbors | Boating and shoreline viewing |
| North Plymouth Rail Trail | Plymouth | 1.2-mile trail with ocean views | Short hikes, walkers |
| World’s End | Hingham | 251-acre Olmsted-designed park, skyline views | Hikers and scenic drives |
| Whitney and Thayer Woods | Cohasset / Hingham | About 10 miles of carriage roads | Extended walks and horseback riding |
| Plimoth Patuxet Museums | Plymouth | Recreation of 1627 Plymouth Colony, Mayflower II, grist mill | History visitors and families |
| Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade | Plymouth | Annual parade scheduled for November 22 | Families and community attendees |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Your Perfect Fall Weekend on the South Shore
- Wikipedia: Fall Festival
- Patriot Ledger: South Shore Weekend Events
- Google Search: South Shore Fall Events
- WATD: South Shore Memorial Day Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Travel
- Mommy Poppins: Fall Activities for Kids
- Google News: Pumpkin Patches South Shore
- Indy’s Child: Fall Fun Guide
- Google Search: Autumn Activities New England
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
