Plymouth, Massachusetts Things to Do: Plymouth Travel Guide
Plymouth, Massachusetts Things to Do: Plymouth Travel Guide
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Looking for Plymouth, Massachusetts things to do?
Known as "America's Hometown," this harbor town on the South Shore is where the Pilgrims built their colony in 1620, made peace with the Wampanoag, and shared the harvest feast we now call the first Thanksgiving.
Today, you can board a full-size Mayflower, see Plymouth Rock, walk the oldest streets in town, and step into a recreated Wampanoag homesite and 17th-century English village. Add fresh seafood, whale watching, and a pretty waterfront, and Plymouth is an easy day trip or weekend from Boston.
Top Things to Do
1. Take the Plymouth Historic Pilgrim Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk from the Mayflower II to the Jabez Howland House.
2. Board the Mayflower II—Explore the full-size replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims in 1620.
3. See Plymouth Rock—Visit the famous rock under its granite portico at Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
4. Visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums—Step into a Wampanoag homesite and a recreated 1620s English village.
5. Explore Pilgrim Hall Museum—See real Pilgrim belongings in America's oldest continuously operating public museum.
6. Climb Burial Hill—See the graves of early settlers and views over the harbor.
7. Tour the Plimoth Grist Mill—Watch a working water-powered mill grind corn.
8. Go whale watching—Take a boat out to Cape Cod Bay to see humpback whales in season.
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Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Plymouth Historic Pilgrim Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Mayflower II and ends at the Jabez Howland House. Along the way, it visits Plymouth Rock, the Massasoit statue, Brewster Gardens, Leyden Street, Burial Hill, the Richard Sparrow House, and the Plimoth Grist Mill. The walk takes a little over an hour.
Free Things to Do
1. Pilgrim Memorial State Park—See Plymouth Rock, the waterfront, and Pilgrim Mother Garden.
2. Coles Hill—Visit the Massasoit statue and the first burial ground.
3. Brewster Gardens—Stroll the peaceful gardens along Town Brook.
4. Burial Hill—Walk among early settlers' graves.
5. 1749 Court House Museum—See one of America's oldest wooden courthouses.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Mayflower II—Board the replica ship ($19 adult).
2. Plimoth Patuxet Museums—Wampanoag homesite and English village ($35 adult, or $44 with Mayflower II).
3. Pilgrim Hall Museum—Real Pilgrim artifacts ($15 adult).
4. Plimoth Grist Mill—A working 17th-century-style mill ($11 adult).
Food!
Woods Seafood
A casual seafood spot on Town Wharf, known for fried clams and lobster rolls.
Tavern on the Wharf
A lively waterfront restaurant with harbor views, known for seafood and pizza.
East Bay Grille
A harborside restaurant known for steaks, seafood, and sunset views.
Where to Stay
Upscale
Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor—a waterfront hotel with harbor views, steps from the Mayflower II. Roughly 200-400/night.
Moderate
Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth—a comfortable hotel near the waterfront. Roughly 170-300/night.
Budget
Governor Bradford Inn—a simple inn right on the harbor, across from the town wharf. Roughly 120-220/night.
1 Day Itinerary
Morning: Board the Mayflower II, then start the Plymouth Historic Pilgrim Walking Tour.
Afternoon: Lunch on the waterfront, then visit Pilgrim Hall Museum.
Evening: Watch the sunset over the harbor and dinner at East Bay Grille.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Spend the morning at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, then go whale watching in the afternoon.
Extra Time: Visit in November for Thanksgiving events, or explore Plymouth Long Beach.
FAQ's
1. How far is Plymouth from Boston?
About an hour by car, or a little over an hour by commuter rail.
2. Is Pilgrim Memorial State Park free?
Yes. The park and Plymouth Rock are free to visit, open sunrise to sunset. Nearby street parking is metered in season.
3. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes. Buy Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II tickets online, and book hotels early for summer and Thanksgiving.
4. When are the museums open?
Most sites open in spring and close in late November or early December. Check each site's hours before you go.
5. What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for hills and old sidewalks, layers for the sea breeze, and sunscreen in summer.
6. Is Plymouth good for families?
Yes. Kids love the Mayflower II, the working grist mill, and the recreated villages.
7. When is the best time to visit Plymouth?
Late spring through fall. November brings Thanksgiving events and parades.
8. Is Plymouth walkable?
Yes. The waterfront and historic downtown are close together. Plimoth Patuxet is a short drive south.
9. Did the Pilgrims really land on Plymouth Rock?
Historians aren't sure. The story came from a local elder more than a century later, but the Rock is still a powerful symbol.
10. How much time should I spend in Plymouth?
One day covers downtown and the waterfront. Two days lets you add Plimoth Patuxet and whale watching.
Recommended Tours
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