Turk's Seafood
Seafood · Sushi · Fish Market
The go-to spot for fresh seafood and sushi. Also has a fish market if you'd rather cook at home.
Visit →Welcome to Mattapoisett
A charming coastal town on Buzzards Bay with a rich shipbuilding history, beautiful beaches, and a tight-knit community. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, there's always something to discover.
6,933
Population (2026 est.)
1857
Year Incorporated
26 mi
Coastline
~400
Ships Built Here
📖 History
The name "Mattapoisett" comes from the Wampanoag language, meaning "a place of resting." The town's story runs deep — from indigenous settlements to a world-class shipbuilding hub.
1750
First European settlement, originally part of Rochester. Early industries included logging, farming, and salt production from seawater.
1740–1870s
Mattapoisett becomes a major shipbuilding center, constructing an estimated 400 vessels — many for the whaling industry. The Acushnet, the whaling ship Herman Melville sailed on (inspiring Moby-Dick), was built right here.
1814
During the War of 1812, the British ship Nimrod attempted to burn Mattapoisett's shipyards. The local militia repelled them. Resident Benjamin Barstow contributed to building the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides").
1857
Mattapoisett officially incorporates as its own town on May 20th, separating from Rochester.
1878
The Wanderer, the last whaling bark built in Mattapoisett, launches from the shipyards — marking the end of an era.
Late 1800s
With whaling in decline, Mattapoisett transforms into a summer resort destination, attracting prominent visitors from New York and Boston, including Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
🏛️ Town Government
Stay informed about what's happening in Mattapoisett town government. Data sourced directly from mattapoisett.gov.
🍽️ Dining
From fresh seafood to cozy brunch spots, Mattapoisett punches above its weight for a small town.
Tastebuds
Brunch · Dinner · Full Bar
Cozy brunch haven known for creative dishes like Monte Cristo French Toast and Lobster Omelettes. Also open for dinner with a full bar.
Nick's Homemade Pizza
Italian · Pizza · Casual
Solid Italian-American fare and reliable pizza. A local staple.
Visit →Shipyard Galley
Deli · Bakery · Coffee
Handmade bread, sandwiches, and coffee. Perfect for a quick grab before hitting the beach.
Visit →Pandolfi's Diner
Diner · Breakfast · Lunch
Classic diner with a loyal following. Breakfast and lunch done right.
The Inn on Shipyard Park
Fine Dining · Waterfront
Upscale dining with waterfront views. Great for a special occasion.
Oxford Creamery
Ice Cream · Dessert
Can't visit Mattapoisett in summer without a stop here. Classic ice cream stand.
What The Taco
Mexican · Street Food · Casual
Mexican street food done right — started as a food truck and opened a permanent spot in 2024. Fresh tacos, burritos, and more.
Turk's Test Kitchen
Catering · Culinary Lab
The former Rustico space on Route 6, now Turk's Seafood's dedicated catering and menu development kitchen (not open as a restaurant).
🏖️ Beaches
Mattapoisett has some of the best beaches on the South Coast. Summer parking passes are required at most town beaches.
Mattapoisett Town Beach
Family · Calm Water · Lifeguards
Right in the village center. Small, sandy, calm water — perfect for families with young kids. Seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, and a nearby playground.
Ned's Point Beach
Swimming · Boating · Picnic Area
Near the lighthouse, with great views of Buzzards Bay. Restrooms and picnic area available. Popular for both swimming and boating.
Hiller's Cove Beach
Secluded · Warm Water · Locals' Pick
Also called Aucoot Beach. A secluded favorite among residents for its warm, calm waters. Less crowded than Town Beach.
Shining Tides Beach
Paddling · Quahogging · Harbor Views
Great for paddling, quahogging, and crabbing. Beautiful views of Mattapoisett Harbor and access to Eel Pond's salt marsh.
🗺️ Things to Do
History, nature, and coastal charm — Mattapoisett has more going on than you might expect.
Ned's Point Lighthouse
Landmark · Photography · Views
Iconic lighthouse with breathtaking views of Buzzards Bay. The grounds are open for picnicking and photography. One of the most photographed spots in town.
Nasketucket Bay State Reservation
Hiking · Dog Walking · Nature
209 acres of wooded trails, open fields, and rocky shoreline. Great for hiking and dog walking any time of year.
Mattapoisett Museum
History · Shipbuilding · Events
Learn about the town's shipbuilding legacy. Hosts events and monthly Open Mic Nights throughout the year.
Visit →Mattapoisett Rail Trail
Biking · Walking · Jogging
Paved multi-use path through scenic woodlands and wetlands. Perfect for a morning jog or family bike ride.
Mattapoisett Harbor
Waterfront · Kayaking · Paddleboarding
Walk the waterfront, watch the boats, or rent a kayak. The Town Landing has a boat ramp, kayak launch, and picnic tables.
Shipyard Park & Salty the Seahorse
Park · Gazebo · Sculpture
Community waterfront green with a gazebo. Keep an eye out for Salty the Seahorse, the town's beloved whimsical sculpture.
📅 Upcoming Events
What's happening in Mattapoisett — Spring & Summer 2026.
MAR
28
🐣 Lions Club Egg Hunt
Ned's Point Lighthouse, 11:00 AM. Annual egg hunt for kids of all ages — free and open to all!
APR
4
🥚 ORR Community Egg Hunt
Hosted by the ORR High School Early Childhood Education Program. First annual community event — fun for the whole family.
APR
11
🌉 Four Bridges
Mattapoisett Museum, 6:00–8:00 PM. Community gathering and cultural event at the historic museum on Church Street.
APR
17
Open Mic Night
Mattapoisett Museum, 6:00–8:30 PM. Live performances — all welcome.
APR
18
Lions Club Senior Dinner
Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 12:00 PM. Free turkey dinner for local seniors.
MAY
1
Wharf Cruise Night
Mattapoisett Wharf, 5:00–9:00 PM. Classic cars and waterfront views.
MAY
10
🏃 Mother's Day 5K
Starts at Mattapoisett Town Wharf, 8:30 AM. Scenic route past Ned's Point and along Buzzards Bay. Great family event — all ages welcome.
MAY
15
Open Mic Night + Cruise Night
Museum Open Mic 6:00–8:30 PM · Wharf Cruise Night 5:00–9:00 PM. Double-header evening!
MAY
31
🚲 Tour de Crème Bike Ride
9, 25, and 47-mile routes through the South Coast with free ice cream stops along the way. One of the region's most popular charity rides. What's not to love?
JUN–SEP
🚗
Summer Cruise Nights
Mattapoisett Wharf, 5:00–9:00 PM. June 5, 19 · July 3, 24 · Aug 7, 21.
JUN–AUG
🎤
Monthly Open Mic Nights
Mattapoisett Museum, 6:00–8:30 PM. June 19 · July 17 · Aug 21.
JUL
18–19
Harbor Days
Lions Club annual fundraiser — ~100 vendors, live entertainment, food, strawberry shortcake, silent auction, and raffle. The biggest event of the summer.
🏠 Real Estate
Homes currently on the market in Mattapoisett. Data sourced from major listing sites.
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🎓 Schools
Mattapoisett is part of the Old Rochester Regional School District, serving Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester.
Center School
Pre-K – Grade 3
Mattapoisett's primary school for the youngest learners.
Website →Old Hammondtown School
Grades 4 – 6
Upper elementary school serving Mattapoisett students.
Website →ORR Junior High School
Grades 7 – 8
Regional junior high serving Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester.
Website →Old Rochester Regional High School
Grades 9 – 12
Home of the Bulldogs. Strong academics and athletics program.
Website →📢 Recent School Updates
Automated school event updates coming soon. We'll parse district email newsletters to keep this section current.
District
Visit oldrochester.org for the latest district calendar and announcements.
Athletics
ORR Bulldogs schedules at oldrochesterbulldogsathletics.com
🌤️ Weather & Tides
Current conditions and tide predictions for Mattapoisett Harbor on Buzzards Bay.
🚨 Live Police Scanner
Real-time police and emergency radio traffic from the Mattapoisett, Acushnet, and Fairhaven area.
📻 Broadcast via Broadcastify — Frequency 482.8125 MHz
Recent Activity (Text Log Coming Soon)
🏛️ Town Info
Useful links and resources for residents.
Town Hall
Government · Services
Select Board, Town Clerk, Assessors, and all municipal departments. Check meeting schedules and agendas.
mattapoisett.gov →Transfer Station
Trash · Recycling · Yard Waste
Open to residents with a valid sticker. Accepts trash, recycling, branches, and yard waste. Check the town site for current hours.
Mattapoisett Free Public Library
Library · Programs · WiFi
Books, digital resources, programs for all ages, and free WiFi. A community hub since 1871.
Website →Buzzards Bay Coalition
Environment · Water Quality
Tracks the health of Mattapoisett's coastal waterways through volunteer water sampling. Get involved in protecting the bay.
Learn More →America 250 Celebration
Community · Volunteer · 2026
Mattapoisett is participating in the national semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of America's founding. Events planned throughout 2026. Volunteers welcome!
Learn More →The Wanderer Newspaper
Local News · Community
The local newspaper covering Mattapoisett, Marion, and Rochester. Your best source for tri-town news.
Read →Council on Aging
Seniors · Programs · Services
Exercise classes, social events, and support services for Mattapoisett's senior residents. Located in the Center School complex.
Info →Mattapoisett Lions Club
Community · Service · Events
Hosts Harbor Days, the annual Egg Hunt, Senior Dinners, and more. One of the town's most active volunteer organizations.
Mattapoisett Land Trust
Conservation · Trails · Nature
Protects over 500 acres of open space in Mattapoisett, with maintained trails open to the public year-round.
Explore →📰 Town News
Latest updates from around Mattapoisett — Spring 2026.
Town Meeting May Move to Saturday
The Select Board is seeking community input on moving the Annual Spring Town Meeting to a Saturday in May. This would require a bylaw amendment — take the survey on mattapoisett.gov.
New Mailbox Policy Issued
The Highway Department has released a new mailbox policy for town roads. Residents should check mattapoisett.gov for details on placement requirements and compliance.
Select Board Expanding to 5 Members
The May 2026 Annual Town Election will be the first with a five-member Select Board (previously three). The three candidates with the most votes will be elected with staggered terms to ensure continuity in future elections.
Water & Sewer Capital Plans Unveiled
The Water & Sewer Board outlined a multi-year infrastructure plan: $50K earmarked for well repairs and $40K for a new truck in FY2026, plus water main extensions along Mattapoisett Neck Road and Bandt Island Cove in FY2027. Sewer relining planned for Prospects and Pine Island in FY2028, and new mains through Main St, Beacon, and Marion Roads in FY2029. Filter replacements at the bypass treatment facility are happening now (March–April 2026). Full story →
New Housing Bylaws Finalized
The Planning Board closed public hearings on Cottage Neighborhoods and Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaws. These new rules could bring more housing options to town.
Storm Debris Cleanup
Following recent storms, the Transfer Station is accepting branches and cuttings from residents free of charge (valid sticker required). The town will not collect debris from private property curbside.
America 250 — Volunteers Needed
Mattapoisett is planning events throughout 2026 for the national semiquincentennial celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Volunteers are needed — visit mattapoisett.gov to get involved.
About
mattapoisett.org is a community resource for residents and visitors of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. We aim to be the most useful, up-to-date local guide for this beautiful South Coast town.
The live police scanner feed is provided as a public service. Automatic transcription of radio traffic is coming soon.
Know something we're missing? Get in touch.