Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
America's iron and steel industry started on the banks of the Saugus River. In the 1640s colonists built a blast furnace, forge and rolling mill here, the first integrated ironworks in North America, and the reconstructed site is now a national park unit where waterwheels still turn. Saugus itself is a town of about 28,000 people roughly ten miles north of Boston.
Modern Saugus is best known for Route 1, a busy commercial strip that has kept some of its mid-century roadside landmarks, from the Polynesian-style Kowloon restaurant to a giant orange dinosaur at a mini-golf course. Away from the highway, the town center around the 1875 Town Hall feels older and calmer, and first-period houses survive from colonial days.
Green space is surprisingly close. Breakheart Reservation offers lakes and rocky hills for hiking, a paved rail trail crosses town, and salt marshes border the Saugus River on its way to the sea. Salem, Lynn and the beaches of Revere and Nahant are all within a short drive.
A reconstruction of the 1640s ironworks on the Saugus River, with a blast furnace, forge, rolling mill and working waterwheels. A museum displays original artifacts dug up on the site, and rangers lead tours and demonstrations in season. Admission is free; the grounds and river trail are lovely in autumn.
One of the best-preserved first-period houses in New England, built around 1692 and now owned by Historic New England. Its steep roof, massive chimney and hand-hewn frame show how early colonial houses were built. It opens to the public only on select days a year, so check the schedule before visiting.
A 640-acre state reservation with two freshwater lakes, hardwood forest and rocky outcrops with views toward Boston. Paved roads closed to cars suit walking and biking, while rougher trails climb the hills. Pearce Lake has a small summer swimming beach, and the visitor center has free trail maps.
A small family donut shop in Saugus that has been frying since 1955 and draws fans from across Greater Boston. Honey-dipped, coffee rolls and oversized crullers are classics, and gluten-free options are available. Lines form early on weekend mornings and popular flavors sell out, so arrive before 9.
A Route 1 institution since 1950, this huge Polynesian-themed restaurant has dining rooms decorated like ships and tiki huts. The menu mixes Cantonese, Thai and Polynesian dishes with big cocktail bowls, and a comedy club runs in one wing. Go on a weeknight for an easier table and parking.
A large enclosed shopping mall on Route 1 in Saugus with department stores, chain retailers and a food court under one roof. It is a practical stop on a rainy day or for errands while staying north of Boston. Parking is free and plentiful, and the surrounding stretch of Route 1 has many more restaurants.
A handsome 1875 brick and stone town hall facing the rotary in Saugus Center, still the seat of local government. Its tower and arched windows anchor the small downtown, near war memorials and churches. Pair a look at the building with a coffee in the center before heading to the Iron Works nearby.
A classic roadside mini-golf course on Route 1, known for the big orange dinosaur that has watched over the highway for decades. Holes wind past waterfalls and figures, and there are batting cages next door. It is open seasonally from spring to fall, and evenings are cooler and lit up.
No reviews yet. Been to Saugus? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Saugus? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Anthony92931, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Anthony92931, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nlynch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Daderot at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Daderot at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Nlynch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Daderot at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: GMushinsky, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Joseph Reagle, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Joseph Reagle, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Joseph Reagle, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Daderot at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Daderot at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Bmzuckerman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Anthony92931, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fletcher6, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Daderot, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Daderot, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: John Margolies, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
