Category: About

Local Attractions

Local Attractions

Beaches & Sightseeing

Several pristine New England beaches are within a short walk or drive from Miramar. You may also enjoy local wharves, busied with commercial fishermen and recreational boaters. Summer or winter, the ocean remains majestic in its beauty.

We’ve put together a list of local attractions in Duxbury, and the surrounding towns, Marshfield and Plymouth with links to their websites and locations on Google Maps. Historic downtown Plymouth offers a nice mix of history, scenery, shops and restaurants. We recommend calling ahead, or visiting the websites  https://miramarretreat.org/ to learn more.

Bradford House Museum (Duxbury Rural & Historical Society Website)

931 Tremont Street, Duxbury, MA 02332 Directions

Contemplate the tumultuous 19th century through the experiences of the Bradford daughters. Family-friendly activities and introductory video available. Sarah Hickling Bradford supervised the initial construction stages of this Federal-style home while her husband, Capt. Gershom Bradford, was held captive by the French. This dramatic beginning was the start of a lively and full household in which the Bradfords raised their young children and maintained an extended family.

King Caesar House (Duxbury Rural & Historical Society Website)

120 King Caesar Road, Duxbury MA 02332 Directions

Guide-led experience through the home of Ezra Weston, Duxbury’s largest shipbuilder, furnished with antiques and maritime treasures exemplifying Duxbury’s shipbuilding era. Stroll the grounds, including the remnants of the wharf, now called Bumpus Park.

Local Attractions

Myles Standish Monument State Reservation

Crescent Street, Duxbury, MA 02332 Directions

A state-owned historic preserve and public recreation. The focus of the state park is a 116-foot granite shaft topped by a statue of Captain Myles Standish, the first military leader of Plymouth

Island Creek Oyster Farm

457 Washington Street, Duxbury, MA 02332 Directions

An historic 11-acre aquaculture farm. Experience the process of farming oysters directly at the source. Walk the halls of the hatchery and see the process of growing oysters first-hand.

Duxbury Beach Park

260 Gurnet Road, Duxbury, MA 02332 Directions

Beachside bathhouse with Blakeman’s (a casual seafood shack), a snack bar, ice cream & showers.

The Myles Standish Burial Ground

Chestnut Street, Duxbury, MA 02332 Directions

Also known as Old Burying Ground or Standish Cemetery this land is, according to the American Cemetery Association, the oldest maintained cemetery in the United States.

The Art Complex Museum

189 Alden Street, Duxbury MA 02332 Directions

The Art Complex Museum, located in the historic town of Duxbury, Massachusetts serves as a regional art center and houses the impressive collection of the Carl A. Weyerhaeuser family.

The museum offers a year-round schedule of exhibitions, lectures, concerts, classes, education programs, demonstrations, and tea ceremonies fulfilling the founders vision that their family’s many interests be shared with the community. This unique venue truly offers visitors an inviting place for viewing and learning about art in an intimate and comfortable setting.

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary

Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfield, MA 02050 Directions

A sanctuary owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the largest conservation organization in New England.

Daniel Webster Estate and Heritage Center

238 Webster Street, Marshfield, MA 02050 Directions

 This lovely estate named “Green Harbor” was the country home of the famous orator and statesman Daniel Webster until his death in 1852.

1699 Historic Winslow House

634 Careswell Street, Marshfield, MA 02050 Directions

The Isaac Winslow House, also known as the Winslow House Museum, is a mansion located in Marshfield, Massachusetts built around 1700. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Two Mile Farm

Union Street, Marshfield, MA 02050 Directions

Trails pass through a white pine woodland, tracking the toppled remains of old stone walls and former farm cart paths. Each trail slopes down to the marsh’s edge to afford a view of the grassy banks of the North River and the Stetson Meadows beyond. Follow the white trail markers on the outer loop for views of the river and a dramatic change in landscape when you enter a hemlock forest.

National Monument to the Forefathers

72 Allerton Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

This 81-foot-tall monument was commissioned by the Pilgrim Society. The original concept dates to around 1820, with actual planning beginning in 1850.

Jenney Museum

48 Summer Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

This museum features changing exhibits on local Pilgrim life & offers guided tours of Plymouth.

Brewster Gardens

Leyden Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

Created in the early 1920s, the park covers the original garden plot that was granted to Elder William Brewster in 1620. Located in the park are a bronze statue, The Pilgrim Maidenby Henry Hudson Kitson (1922) and a stainless steel sculpture honoring Plymouth’s immigrant settlers from 1700 to 2000.

Plimoth Plantation

137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

A living history museum founded in 1947, replicating the original settlement of the Plymouth Colony established in the 17th century by the English colonists who became known as the Pilgrims

Captain John Boats

Plymouth Town Wharf Directions

Journey to Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, a marine sanctuary and one of the primary feeding grounds for Humpback Whales, Finback Whales, Pilot Whales, Minke Whales and the endangered Right Whales.

Nelson Memorial Park

Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

The newly renovated park is a popular destination for many Plymouth residents and visitors, with a “splash pad” area where kids can cool off on hot summer days (open Memorial Day-Labor Day).

Pilgrim Hall Museum

75 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

The oldest public museum in the United States in continuous operation, having opened in 1824.

Mayflower II – Plimoth Plantation Waterfront Exhibit

Water Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

A replica of the 17th-century ship Mayflower, celebrated for transporting the Pilgrims to the New World. The replica was built in Devon, England during 1955–1956, in a collaboration between Englishman Warwick Charlton and Plimoth Plantation, an American museum.

Plymouth Rock

Water Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

The traditional site of disembarkation of William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620.

Plymouth Cruises aboard Lobster Tales

Plymouth Town Wharf, Plymouth, MA 02360 Directions

In addition to their fun-filled Pirate Cruises,  Lobster Tales offers lobster excursions, ice cream cruises and wine tastings and sunset cruises!

Outdoor Spaces

Miramar’s newest offerings are an outdoor Chapel for Masses, other liturgies and spiritual gatherings and an adjacent Rosary Garden Path. These two projects, combined with our existing Labyrinth and Stations of the Cross, serve as a catalyst to encourage various age groups to commune with Our Creator within nature. By creating outdoor creative spaces we reaffirm the words and beliefs of St. Teresa of Calcutta:

Outdoor Spaces

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence; see the stars, the moon, and the sun, how they move in silence…We need silence to be able to touch souls. 

St. Teresa of Calcutta

The Garden of Grace

Breaking ground in the Spring of 2021, The Garden of Grace will be situated surrounding the Blessed Mother statue adjacent to the outdoor Chapel area. Our goal is to create a serene gathering place, a public testament for loved ones of all faiths, living or deceased. This will be a place for finding Grace within ourselves and a worthy memorial that will stand the test of time. This will be sustainable effort to continue year after year. The offering per brick $125 with one name per brick.

Meandering Trails

Coming in the future, we are planning to develop a meandering trail through an eight-acre tract on the Miramar grounds, providing literature, statuary, guides, programs and reflections for all ages.

Chapel & Prayer Room

Chapel & Prayer Room

Chapel & Prayer Room

Indoor Chapel

Stained glass windows, excellent acoustics and cedar woodwork throughout adorn the Chapel at Miramar. Originally designed as a ballroom and comfortably seating 100, the Chapel is now the heart of prayer and adoration in https://miramarretreat.org/ the Retreat Center.

Prayer Room

For more private contemplation visit our Prayer Room on the second floor of our Main House. The Prayer Room is perfect for solitary contemplation or intimate services for a small number of participants.

Sabbaticals

Sabbaticals

Miramar Retreat Center’s “Hermitage Place” for prayer, retreat, study or sabbatical time.

If you’re looking for an extended getaway (2 1/2 weeks or more) for prayer, retreat, and spiritual renewal, or a restful, distraction-free environment to work on academic studies or dissertation, Miramar https://miramarretreat.org/ offers all this, and more.

Located a stone’s throw from Duxbury Bay and the ocean; 15 minutes away from historic Plymouth; a half hour from Cape Cod, and an hour south of Boston, your stay includes the option to enjoy the beauty and historical places surrounding Miramar.

Sabbaticals

The Miramar experience features:

  • All meals
  • Room and board, full-service personal kitchen
  • Laundry facilities on premises
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Options for spiritual direction
  • Beautiful gardens and nature at its best

Cost:

  • $90 a day (includes meals)
  • Optional spiritual direction: $40 per session
Find Peace & Serenity

Find Peace & Serenity

Overlooking Kingston Bay, Miramar Retreat Center’s 27 acres yield incredible views, lush gardens, quiet and inspiration. Visitors are welcome to explore this sanctuary and are encouraged to utilize its beauty for gatherings.

Miramar welcomes an annual average of 6,500 adult men, women and youths for a variety of day, weekend and week-long retreats. Religious and lay spiritual directors are often available, and, while Miramar is a Catholic retreat center, we welcome all denominations and lifestyles. If you desire a few hours or a single day of peace, a formal retreat or something in between, we are here for you.

Choose a double or single room, with a private bath, or the Hermitage suite for longer stays. We know you’ll enjoy our three meals served daily at eight, noon, and six – not to mention the lush grounds and breath-taking views.

Find Peace & Serenity

Miramar’s newest offerings are an outdoor Worship Space and adjacent Rosary Path. These two projects, combined with our existing Labyrinth and Stations of the Cross, serve as a catalyst to encourage various age groups to commune with Our Creator within nature. By creating outdoor creative spaces we reaffirm the words and beliefs of St. Teresa of Calcutta, We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence…We need silence to be able to touch souls.

Stained glass windows, excellent acoustics and cedar woodwork throughout adorn the Chapel at Miramar. Originally designed as a ballroom and comfortably seating 100, the Chapel is now the heart of prayer and adoration in the Retreat Center. Please join us for the Daily Morning Mass Monday through Friday at 7:30 AM. Open to the public. Rosary is Wednesday at 11:30 AM in the Chapel. Masses are also available by request. Please call Mary-Fran at 781.585.2460 for more information or to schedule.

Miramar’s 27-acre grounds overlook Kingston Bay, yielding incredible views, lush gardens, quiet and inspiration. Visitors are welcome to explore this sanctuary and encouraged to utilize its beauty for gatherings. Several pristine New England beaches are within a short walk or drive from Miramar. You may also enjoy local wharves, busied with commercial fishermen and recreational boaters. Summer or winter, the ocean remains majestic in its beauty.

You can come to Miramar for a day, soak in some of the holy, healing energy here, or come for a week and find yourself powerfully renewed. Religious and lay spiritual directors are available, and, while Miramar is a Catholic retreat center, Catholicism is in no way a prerequisite for joining us in our website https://miramarretreat.org/ .