Come Spend Some Time in Onset Village

Onset Village developed in a most interesting fashion. From any point on land, within minutes you can walk to the shore. Natural unobstructed beauty is everywhere. Public use of our beaches, bluffs and parks was made possible by the Onset Protective League; the Decree of 1916 has preserved them forever.

The unique manner in which roads were designed makes locating historical landmarks easy. Streets run East and West, Avenues North and South and the Boulevards circumvent the entire village.

Onset's beauty is captivating. Many visitors have become residents! Please visit the Village's Web Site for more information.

Historical Sketch

Onset traces its beginning to a sale in 1666 of over 8,000 acres of land; the settlers of Plimoth Plantation bought this huge tract from the native people who's regional affiliation was with the Wampanoags. This transaction, known as the Agawam Purchase, created the Agawam Plantation. In Algonquin dialect, Agawam meant "The Sandy Landing Place". Here was their summer campground.

After King Philip's War, a few families established farms then added fishing and shell fishing to their economic base.

The area was later called "Old Pan", named for the large evaporation pans used in the important manufacture of salt, which were constructed on the local salt marshes.

A thickly wooded grove of majestic oaks and tall pines growing to the very edge of the high bluffs gave the village still another name, "Pine Point".

Although three hundred years have passed since the original inhabitants were here, gazing today from Onset Bluffs, the view is of the same sparkling waters; the same lovers' moon shines on the bay. And a drive along the boulevard recalls that Victorian community of long ago.

Onset has managed to hold on to the best of both worlds.

Your Guide to Onset's Services

Restaurants * Lodging * Entertainment

Onset Sandwich Shop – 508-295-1744
Marc Anthony's La Pizzeria – 508-295-5956
Cup of the Bay Cafe – 508-295-3527
Pier View Restaurant – 508-295-5968
Onset Dunkin Donuts – 508-295-0320
Kenny's Salt Water Taffy – 508-295-8828
Harbor Watch Inn/Blue Oyster Grill - 508-295-4600
Beachmoor Restaurant & Inn – 508-759-7722
The Inn on Onset Bay – 508-295-1126
Point Independence Inn & Day Spa – 866-827-4466
Oak Crest and Anchor Inn – 508-295-8763
Onset Harbor Inn – 508-295-4600
Bay Pointe Country Club – 508-759-8802
Lazy Bean B&B – 508-295-4949
Onset Blues Café – 508-291-2471
Hyline Canal Cruises – 508-295-3883

Local Services

Onset Bay Association – 508-295-7072
US Post Office – 508-295-1021
Onset Village Hardware – 508-295-0020
Onset Village Market – 508-291-1440
ATM Located At Onset Village Market
Porter Thermometer Museum – 508-295-5504
Onset Bluffs and Gazebo
Lillian Gregerman Bandshell

Transportation * Parking

Hynes Field Parking
Temple Lot Parking
Shell Point Parking Town Pier
Bonanza Bus Lines – 800-556-3815
Gatra Trolley Service – 508-295-8343
Local Taxi Service Available

Other Information

Onset Scenic Trail - A route for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists with many views of the water.