Overview
Rockland is a town in the South Shore region of Massachusetts. Its population was about 18,000 in the 2020 census.
Abington is a town with a population of roughly 17,000 (2020).
Hanover is a town with a population of roughly 15,000 (2020).
Hanson is a town with a population of roughly 11,000 (2020).
Norwell is a town with a population of roughly 11,000 (2020).
Pembroke is a town with a population of roughly 18,000 (2020).
Where Toll House cookies were invented, Whitman is a town with a population of roughly 15,000 (2020).
2 sights · 4 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Rockland
South Shore Natural Science Center
See Eco Zone, a multidimensional, interactive exhibit depicting the ecosystem of southeastern Massachusetts. Live animals, the outdoor trails, environmental education programs, lectures and special events.
The Company Theatre
Theatre with stage productions and "celebrity showcases" throughout the year.
Boston Bowl
A fun family activity open during all seasons. Candlepin and 10-pin bowling, an arcade, concession stand, bar. Has a sister location in Dorchester.
Emilson YMCA
Full exercise room equipped with weights and cardio machines. Full size lap pool and swimming pool with slide, basketball court, game room, as well as indoor and outdoor tennis courts.
Rockland Ice Rink
Public skating, hockey hour, ice rentals, skating lessons, and home to various hockey teams in the area.
Starland Sports and Fun Park
Great family outing! Has 27 holes of miniature golf including 2 courses, 8 batting cages, a laser tag arena, rock climbing walls, a nice Go-Kart track, a golf driving range, arcade, and snack bar. Outdoor patio and beer …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Mar and Oct. (climate data from nearby Braintree)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 17 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 30 mi away. Directions
This small collection of towns can all be found directly east of Brockton. They're easily reached via Route 3, exiting onto Route 228 south. Routes 18, 58, 123 and 139 also serve the towns. From Rockland: Hanover is about 2 miles east, Abington is 2½ miles south east, Whitman is 5 miles south, and Hanson is 5 miles south east.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $128–$134 a night (typical $134), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$170, mid-range ~$210, comfortable ~$300.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning South Shore Natural Science Center, Rockland Ice Rink
- Lunch Strawberry Fair Restaurant
- Afternoon Boston Bowl
- Dinner The Olde Hitching Post
- Evening The Fours
Day 2
- Morning The Company Theatre, Emilson YMCA
- Lunch Connie's Restaurant
- Afternoon Starland Sports and Fun Park
- Dinner JC's Dairy
- Evening Players Sports Bar & Grille
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
This small collection of towns can all be found directly east of Brockton. They're easily reached via Route 3, exiting onto Route 228 south. Routes 18, 58, 123 and 139 also serve the towns. From Rockland: Hanover is about 2 miles east, Abington is 2½ miles south east, Whitman is 5 miles south, and Hanson is 5 miles south east.
By bus
By train
Abington, Whitman and Hanson are on the MBTA Plymouth/Kingston commuter rail line to Boston.
Get around
In order to get around these small towns, it is quicker and more convenient to drive from point to point. If you're looking for a way to exercise or be outdoors, there is a small 2.5 mi rail trail mostly in Rockland. It doesn't go anywhere or connect to anything, but it is scenic.
See
Do
Do Boston Bowl
A fun family activity open during all seasons. Candlepin and 10-pin bowling, an arcade, concession stand, bar. Has a sister location in Dorchester.
Buy
Eat
Eat Connie's Restaurant
Traditional breakfast restaurant. Ceramic mug coffee, blueberry pancakes, American flags, homefries, the placemats covered in tiny ads, you already know the place.
Eat JC's Dairy
Locally run ice cream shop, very friendly staff with great ice cream, floats, and milkshakes.
Eat Joe's Coffee Shop
A great breakfast and lunch diner that offers home cooked meals. This establishment has been in Hanover for over 60 years. Fresh cooked foods that fill your plates to the brim. Also has catering for special events.
Eat The Olde Hitching Post (The Tavern at the Post)
Family restaurant offering classic New England dishes and tavern featuring live music on the weekends. Kid friendly.
Eat Siam Cuisine
Thai. Excellent noodle dishes.
Drink
Drink Players Sports Bar & Grille
Daily specials, great sports bar atmosphere.
Drink The Fours
Great food and sports bar mini-chain, often acclaimed by local papers like the Boston Globe and Phantom Gourmet.
Sleep
Go next
- Boston — a multitude of things to do including duck tours, shopping, restaurants, sporting events, museums and concerts.
- Hingham
- Marshfield
- Norwell
Nearby
Brockton
City / town · 13 listings · 6 mi away
Weymouth
City / town · 9 listings · 6 mi away
Braintree
City / town · 15 listings · 8 mi away
Hingham
City / town · 25 listings · 8 mi away
Quincy
City / town · 23 listings · 9 mi away
Stoughton
City / town · 10 listings · 10 mi away
Cohasset
City / town · 10 listings · 10 mi away
Halifax
City / town · 6 listings · 10 mi away
My experience
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