Hull (Massachusetts)

Hull is a town in Massachusetts in the South Shore region. The town is a series of islands connected by sandbars and causeways that comprise the Nantasket peninsula. The beaches are among the best in New England with fine gray sands. == Get in == === By car === From Boston take Interstate 93 South to Route 3 South to Exit 14 (Route 228). At exit 14, go left and follow Route 228 north about 10 miles. === By public transit === The ferry is certainly the most scenic and interesting way to arrive; but the terminal is—let's say—austere. Although the views are great, no protection from the sun and elements mean you won't be hanging around long. 1 Hull Terminal (Hingham/Hull Ferry, F2H), 180 Main St. 8AM-6PM, varies. Ferry service connecting to Long Wharf in Boston. Certain routes also stop at Hingham and Logan Airport. Review the schedule, service runs year round with many more trips offered in summer. No connections to George's Island or the Boston Harbor Islands were offered from Hull in 2023, you'll have to connect through another station. Handicap accessible with a long ramp. No bicycle parking here, but bikes are allowed on MBTA ferries. $9.75 to Long Wharf, free parking (200 spots, resident only, strongly enforced). (updated May 2023) The MBTA provides route 220 bus service from Quincy Center to Hingham, where you can connect with the 714 bus to Hull. The 714 runs every hour up and down the peninsula and connects with the ferry terminal at the end. == Get around == Hull is a narrow peninsula and therefore has one major road in and out, Nantasket Avenue. Hull is surrounded by two waterfronts, the "beach side" and "bay side". Most neighborhood streets run in a grid-like fashion leading to either the bay or beach side, and cross over Nantasket Ave which runs down the middle of the peninsula. One can travel Nantasket Ave. all the way to the tip of Hull, known as Hull Gut, which is where the local high school, ferry and windmill are located. A good view of Boston proper can be seen across the channel. == See == 1 Hull Lifesaving Museum (Point Allerton Lifesaving Station), 1117 Nantasket Ave, ☏ +1 781 925-5433. M Th 10AM-2PM, F-Su 10AM-4PM, Tu W closed. Lifesaving exhibits on history and tools. Children's area with a play attic for youngsters, complete with dress-up trunks, games, puzzles, maritime activities, and a climb-on sailing ship. Nice observation cupola with great views. $8, kids under five and active servicemembers free. (updated May 2023) 2 Paragon Carousel Station, 205 Nantasket Ave, ☏ +1 781 925-0472. Sa Su 11AM-4PM, seasonally. A 1928 carousel rescued from the Nantasket Park closure. $3, $25 ten rides. (updated May 2023) == Do == 1 Nantasket Beach Reservation, 212 Nantasket Ave, ☏ +1 781 925-1777. Sunrise-sunset daily. Over 3.5 miles of fine, hardpacked sand beach. 1,000-car parking lot. Lifeguards, bathhouses and refreshments. No cooking or alcohol. Free. Parking $40, MA residents $15. (updated May 2023) == Buy == == Eat == 1 Jake's Seafood Restaurant, 50 George Washington Blvd, ☏ +1 781 925-1024. M W Th 4-9PM, F Sa noon-9PM. Seafood and market. Seasonal hours. (updated May 2023) 2 The Parrot, 1 Hull Shore Dr, ☏ +1 781 214-9300. 11AM-1AM daily. Large bar and grill overlooking the ocean and Nantasket Beach. $25-45. (updated May 2023) 3 The Drift (Steamboat Wharf Marina), 48 George Washington Blvd, ☏ +1 781-502-9111. Seafood. == Drink == 1 Daddy's Beach Club, 280 Nantasket Ave, ☏ +1 781 925-3600. Noon-1AM daily. Local hangout, live music, biker friendly. (updated May 2023) 2 The C Note, 159 Nantasket Ave, ☏ +1 781 925-4300. F Sa 8PM-1PM, Seasonal April-Dec. Casual. Quality blues & rock club and billiards. (updated May 2023) 3 Jo's Nautical (Darcy’s), 125 Main St (By the ferry terminal). Th F 4:30PM-1AM, Sa Su noon-1AM. This local maritime hangout is open year round with boats for sale. Enjoy the view from "below sea level." Live music on Friday nights. They don't have a phone. (updated May 2023) == Sleep == 1 Nantasket Beach Resort, 45 Hull Shore Dr, ☏ +1 781 925-4500, toll-free: +1 888 641-4175. (updated May 2023) 2 Nantasket Beach Hotel, 115 Nantasket Ave, ☏ +1 781 925-4100. (updated May 2023) == Go next == Boston or Cape Cod are easy next stops. For an excellent backroads daytrip to Plymouth, take Nantasket Ave southeast to follow the beach coast up towards Gunrock Beach onto Jerusalem Road. Jerusalem Road is a beautiful winding road that offers views of oceanfront mansions. Visit Cohasset village, a quaint New England style town. From there pick up scenic route 3A to take to Scituate and then Duxbury, more quaint New England villages. The shopping and restaurants in Hingham are great. The Boston Harbor Islands are right next door.