Ahoy Matey! For those looking for a pirate-filled day, Massachusetts is certainly where the X is drawn on the map. From history-filled museums to fun days spent on the water, we have a treasure-trove of offerings. Batten down the hatches and keep on reading…
The Perfect Places for Pirate Fans Across Massachusetts
Cape Cod & South Coast
Whydah Pirate Museum | West Yarmouth
Shipwrecked in 1717, the Whydah was the first, and thus far only, pirate shipwreck to be positively identified and authenticated. The Whydah Pirate Museum officially opened its doors to the public in 2016. It is home to thousands of items and houses the largest collection of pirate artifacts recovered from a single shipwreck anywhere in the world. See artifacts including pistols, cannon, buttons, buckles and pirate treasure! Kids will love climbing aboard a Whydah ship replica!
Cape Cod Pirate Adventures | Hyannis
Take your kids on a swashbuckling boat ride into Hyannis Harbor. With tattoos and sailor vests, their crew of determined mates cast off on a childhood fantasy. Children between the ages of 3-10 are the perfect age for this thrill seeking, treasure hunting voyage.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf | South Yarmouth
Come see why this facility’s elaborate pirate theming, innovative hole designs, and meticulously groomed grounds have been a destination of families for many years. Test your luck on the imaginative Captain’s Course or the bold Blackbeard’s Course.
Riddle Escape Room: Game of Pirates | Mashpee
Following the sinking of the Whydah, rumors circulated about the location of the 4 tons of treasure lost at sea. With your friends, you have one hour to find the treasure! Think you can beat the 53% solve rate? Book here. For those in Mashpee Commons on August 7th, be sure to stop by the free outdoor screening of The Goonies where you will find your favorite 80’s characters unearth the long-lost fortune of One-Eyed Willy.
Pirate Adventures | Martha’s Vineyard
On their custom built 40-foot pirate ship, your kids will dress and talk like pirates, assemble a treasure map, battle rival pirates with water cannons, and hoist sunken treasure from the ocean floor!
Pirates & Privateers Presentation at Fort Phoenix | Fairhaven
Fort Phoenix, site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution, plays host to some fun stories and intriguing questions including the possible presence of pirate treasure on Sconticut Neck. Hear tales of pirates, learn the proper way to talk like a pirate and more during this interactive presentation.
Greater Boston
Freedom Trail Pirates & Patriots Tour | Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Hear fabulous stories of the American Revolution as it unfolded along the Freedom Trail and Boston’s 18th-century harbor. Discover the pirates and privateers who occupied America’s largest port city plying their trade – legal and illegal – as Boston struggled with independence.
New England Pirate Museum | Salem
While Salem may be more well known for witches, many notorious pirates, including Captains Kidd and Blackbeard, actually roamed the waters off Boston’s North Shore. Not only will you learn some interesting history but you will become part of the action with a visit to their dockside village. During the walking tour you’ll meet some 60 buccaneers and you’ll behold their artifacts and treasures. Visit a recreated dockside village, board a pirate ship and meander an eighty-foot batcave!
Dungeon Rock | Lynn
Legend has it that a 17th century pirate, Thomas Veale, lived in a cave in Lynn until an earthquake struck in 1638. The foundation under the cave split open and his cave tumbled in upon him, forever sealing him in Pirate’s Dungeon, which over the years became Dungeon Rock.
In 1852, Hiram Marble bought the land and, with his son, excavated the rock, trying to find Veale’s alleged treasure. Today, the cave they dug still exists and features an iron door open for a few hours each day during the warmer seasons or upon request from the local park rangers. The cave is dark, wet, cold and a flashlight is needed to explore it. Thin wooden steps lead to the cavern floor
Haunted Pirate Tour | Salem
Want to hear hair-raising stories of Salem’s shadowy past when pirates cruised the harbors? Join the Salem Museum for a family-friendly tour along the waterfront. VIew a map of the tour route here.
RP TOP 10
As Robert Paul Properties celebrates our 10th anniversary year, we are celebrating by sharing some Top 10’s of our own. Enjoyed looking through this Top 10 list? Take a look at some of our others below and check back for more in the coming weeks!