Looking for history, charm, and easy access to Boston? Head to Dedham, Massachusetts! One of the oldest towns in the U.S., Dedham offers colonial landmarks, local shopping, scenic parks, and classic New England vibes—just a quick ride from the heart of Boston.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dedham is in spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, colorful scenery, and outdoor festivals. Winter is festive but chilly, while summer is great for day trips and patio dining.
How to Get There
- By Car: Dedham is located just off I-95 and Route 1, about 25 minutes southwest of downtown Boston.
- By Train: The MBTA Commuter Rail’s Franklin Line stops at Dedham Corporate Center and Endicott stations, providing service to South Station.
- By Air: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is approximately 30–40 minutes away by car or rideshare.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Boston/Dedham – Full-service hotel with an indoor pool, fitness center, and easy highway access.
- Fairfield Inn Boston Dedham – Comfortable, affordable lodging near Legacy Place and the commuter rail.
- Nearby Boutique Hotels – For more unique stays, check out charming inns in neighboring towns like Westwood or Brookline.
Top Attractions
- Legacy Place – Outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with everything from Whole Foods to a movie theater.
- Dedham Square – Historic downtown area with local boutiques, cafes, a vintage theater, and charming architecture.
- Mother Brook Arts & Community Center – Gallery and event space offering art exhibits, classes, and cultural programs.
- Wilson Mountain Reservation – Great for hiking and nature walks, offering scenic views and peaceful forest trails.
Unique Attractions
1.Step Into Colonial America at the Fairbanks House - Oldest in New England
The Fairbanks House is a historic farm house in Dedham, Massachusetts. Built in 1636, it is the oldest still standing timber-frame house in North America. It was built by the Puritan settler Jonathan Fairbanks for his wife Grace and their family. The house was used by eight generations of the family until it was sold in the early 20th century. The original house was expanded many times as the family grew and architectural styles changed. Today the Fairbanks house is a historic house museum owned and operated by the non-profit organization Fairbanks Family in America. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
511, 3060, East St, Dedham, MA 02026, Phone: 781-326-1170
2.Explore Local Legacy and Artifacts at the Dedham Historical Society
The Dedham Historical Society & Museum was established in 1859 by a group of Dedham residents in order to preserve the town’s history. Their goal was to collect and preserve records, items and traditions of the history of New England and the town of Dedham. The brick building at 612 High Street, which used to host the society and the museum for a while, was built on the site of Dedham’s first post office and the home of Jeremiah Shuttleworth. The property was left to the Society by the family. The two-story structure that hosts the society today was designed by Architect Edwin J. Lewis and contains a lecture and display hall, a storage area in the basement and Society office. A second exhibition room was added in 1965, with more document storage space beneath. The former basement was modernized and adapted to contain an extensive historical and genealogical library of the town.
612 High St, Dedham, MA 02026, Phone: 781-326-1385
3.Savor Mediterranean Flavors in a Stylish Setting at Cava
Cava is a chain of almost 80 unique restaurants and a line of dips and spreads sold all over the country. The casual counter-serve restaurant concept is based on customizable format, in which a customer chooses a base of greens, grains, or pita, then adds a choice of assorted dips, spreads, proteins and toppings. All ingredients are healthy, fresh and change seasonally. Some of the favorites are butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, Greek minestrone soup, a carrot and currant topping, as well as red pepper chickpea dressing. There are millions of possible combinations. Cava’s Dedham, Massachusetts restaurant is tiny, modern and sleek spot located in Legacy Place, very popular among health-conscious crowd.
724 Legacy Pl, Dedham, MA 02026, Phone: 781-205-4766
4.Relax, Rejuvenate, and Warm Up at Fire and Spa, Inc.
Fire and Ice Spa is a Cryotherapy and Sauna Center located in Dedham, Massachusetts. The spa specializes in providing Whole Body Cryotherapy, Local Cryotherapy, Cryo-Facial Hot Sauna, Platza, Russian Spa and Brancehes Treatment Massage. Cryotherapy services are known for its numerous benefits including anti-aging, rejuvenation, weight loss, pain management, general health and wellness, muscle recovery etc. The spa provides unique below-freezing whole body and localized cryotherapy treatment and Russian steaming hot Sauna branches treatment. Fire and Spa uses only the most advanced equipment available in the field of cryotherapy. Their top-of-the-line CryoSauna chambers are safe and provide faster pain relief associated with sports or other types of injuries. Besides cryotherapy, Fire and Spa provides complete spa services as well.
115 Eastern Ave, Dedham, MA 02026-4515
5.Strengthen and Rebalance Your Body at Pilates Redefined
Pilates Redefined is beautiful, intimate Pilates Studio in the heart of Dedham, Massachusetts. The studio provides one-on-one and small group training in Pilates and functional movement, following the path of connection, function and integration. Its goal is to make their clients strong and pain-free. The studio’s owner Miriam Lundgren PMAC is dedicated to the care, wellness and empowerment of her clients. She has extensive experience helping people of all ages and skill levels, from those with chronic health issues to athletes that needed boost to greater condition. The small group and private training ensure that every client meets his or her specific needs, goals, and issues.
619 High St unit 204, Dedham, MA 02026, Phone: 857-345-0605
Where to Eat
- Blue Ribbon BBQ – Popular local joint serving up smoky, Southern-style barbecue and classic sides.
- Oscar’s – Cozy neighborhood bistro offering fresh, seasonal New American dishes in a relaxed setting.
- Kouzina Estiatorio – Authentic Greek cuisine with warm service and delicious classics like souvlaki and spanakopita.
Local Events
- Dedham Square Holiday Stroll (December) – Seasonal celebration with carolers, hot cocoa, and local shopping deals.
- Dedham Farmers Market (Summer–Fall) – Weekly market offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music.
- Art in Bloom (Spring) – Flower-inspired art exhibit and garden tours hosted by local artists and the Dedham Historical Society.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Dedham, Massachusetts
- Blue Hills Reservation (15–20 min) – Hike scenic trails, enjoy skyline views from Great Blue Hill, or visit the nature center.
- Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) (10–15 min) – Enjoy a quirky and fun collection of art “too bad to be ignored” in nearby Norwood.
- Arnold Arboretum (20–25 min) – Walk peaceful paths through curated plant collections and enjoy panoramic views of Boston from Peters Hill.
- Jamaica Pond (20–25 min) – Stroll or paddle on this scenic pond in Boston’s Emerald Necklace park system.
- Brookline Village (25–30 min) – Discover indie shops, cool cafés, and a mix of historic charm and urban energy just outside Boston.
- West Roxbury’s Millennium Park (10–15 min) – Bike or walk open trails with river views, native wildflowers, and open fields for all ages.
- Franklin Park Zoo (20–25 min) – Explore animal habitats from gorillas to giraffes in Boston’s largest zoo and park area.
- Boston’s Back Bay (25–30 min) – Visit Copley Square, shop Newbury Street, or walk the Charles River Esplanade just a short drive away.
FAQ
-
Question: Where is Dedham located?
Answer: Dedham is a small town in Norfolk County, MA, on Boston's southwest border. -
Question: When was Dedham settled and incorporated?
Answer: Dedham was first settled by Europeans in 1635 and incorporated in 1636. -
Question: What notable historic house is located in Dedham?
Answer: Dedham is home to the Fairbanks House, the nation's oldest timber-frame house. -
Question: What is significant about Mother Brook in Dedham?
Answer: Created in 1639, Mother Brook is the first man-made canal in North America, linking the Charles and Neponset River. -
Question: What organization preserves Dedham's history?
Answer: The Dedham Historical Society was established to preserve the town's history. -
Question: What famous pottery is associated with Dedham?
Answer: Dedham is known for the famous and highly coveted Dedham Pottery.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Step Into Colonial America at the Fairbanks House - Oldest in New England
- 2. Explore Local Legacy and Artifacts at the Dedham Historical Society
- 3. Savor Mediterranean Flavors in a Stylish Setting at Cava
- 4. Relax, Rejuvenate, and Warm Up at Fire and Spa, Inc.
- 5. Strengthen and Rebalance Your Body at Pilates Redefined