Need a fun day trip or weekend escape on the Massachusetts coast? Head to Plymouth! Explore historic landmarks, stroll scenic waterfronts, and dive into the birthplace of American history. Whether you're visiting iconic sites like Plymouth Rock, relaxing at sandy beaches, or savoring fresh seafood, Plymouth offers the perfect blend of heritage and seaside charm.

Plymouth, MA Highlights:

  • Plymouth Rock: Visit the legendary landing site of the Pilgrims, located in a waterfront park with beautiful harbor views.
  • Plimoth Patuxet Museums: Step back in time at living history museums recreating a 17th-century English village and Native American homesite.
  • Mayflower II: Tour a full-scale replica of the Mayflower ship that brought the Pilgrims across the Atlantic in 1620.
  • Plymouth Harbor: Walk the scenic waterfront, browse shops, book whale-watching tours, and dine at seaside restaurants.
  • Myles Standish State Forest: Hike, bike, or camp among pine woods, ponds, and peaceful nature trails just outside town.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Plymouth is during the spring through fall (April–October). Spring brings blooming gardens and mild weather, summer offers beach days and harbor cruises, and fall showcases beautiful foliage along with harvest festivals. Winter is quieter but filled with historic holiday charm and indoor attractions.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Plymouth is about 40–45 minutes south of Boston via Route 3.
  • By Train: MBTA Commuter Rail’s Kingston/Plymouth Line connects Plymouth to Boston’s South Station (limited service; check schedules).
  • By Plane: The nearest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), about a 50-minute drive away.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor – Modern hotel located steps from the harbor, shops, and major attractions.
  • John Carver Inn & Spa – Charming historic-style inn offering cozy accommodations, an indoor pool with a water slide, and a full-service spa.
  • Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth – Luxury French-style spa resort located in nearby The Pinehills, perfect for romantic or relaxing getaways.

Best Things to Do

Relax and Reflect in the Serene Brewster Gardens

Relax and Reflect in the Serene Brewster Gardens

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Brewster Gardens, a large park in downtown Plymouth, Massachusetts, stretches along both banks of Town Brook. Just south of Plymouth Rock, it runs from the nature trail, past Jenney Grist Mill, and underneath the two bridges. The park was established in the early 1920s, and it still occupies the original plot granted in 1620 to Elder William Brewster. In the heart of the park along the nature trail that runs along the brook is The Pilgrim Maiden, a bronze statue made by Henry Hudson Kitson in 1922, as well as a stainless steel sculpture that honors immigrants who settled in Plymouth from 1700 to 2000. The gardens are densely forested at the perimeter, with manicured lawns and shrubs along the small ponds that are scattered throughout the park. There are many seasonal plants such as black-eyed Susan and native bottlebrush.

30 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-747-1620

If You Love Classic Family Fun, Then Ride the Edaville Railroad

If You Love Classic Family Fun, Then Ride the Edaville Railroad

© Edaville Railroad

Located in South Carver, Massachusetts and open since 1947, Edaville Railroad is a two-foot heritage narrow gauge railroad line that works as an excursion train and entertainment park for tourists. One of the oldest railroad heritage operations in the country, Edaville was built by Ellis D. Atwood on his massive cranberry plantation about an hour’s drive from Boston in Southeastern Massachusetts. The park has more than 90 attractions and rides and covers 11.5 acres of the lush, green New England land. Some of the most popular attractions include the Island of Sodor, Knapford Station, Tidmough Sheds, and 11 theme rides such as Harold the Helicopter and Cranky the Crane. Visitors can enjoy a scenic 20-minute train ride on a full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine™ through the entire Edaville USA.

5 Pine St, Carver, MA 02330, Phone: 508-866-8190

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Discover Outdoor Adventures with Explore Natural Plymouth

Discover Outdoor Adventures with Explore Natural Plymouth

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Explore Natural Plymouth is an association of government, private, and non-profit organizations that is dedicated to offering visitors to Plymouth a very special experience by connecting them to the local farms, forests, wetlands, indigenous and historic sites, and diverse habitats. Their goal is to ensure that visitors as well as residents of Plymouth appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty and ecological heritage of Plymouth County and to ensure more sustainable development of tourism. Some of the members of Explore Natural Plymouth are Friends of Myles Standish State Forest, Goldenrod Foundation, Indigenous Resources Collaborative, Manomet, Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth Conservation Commission, Plymouth Farmers Market, and many others.

Step Into Colonial Life at the Jabez Howland House

Step Into Colonial Life at the Jabez Howland House

© Jabez Howland House

Built in 1667 for Jacob Mitchell and his family, the Jabez Howland House is one of the oldest houses in Plymouth. The historic two-story wood frame house is located at 33 Sandwich Street. Jacob Mitchel was a son of one of the Pilgrims Experience Mitchell. The house was subsequently bought by Jabez Howland, the son of another Pilgrim John Howland and his wife Elizabeth Tilley. The family lived in the house until John died and Elizabeth moved to Rhode Island. The house went through a number of families and served as a private residence until 1915, when it was purchased by The Pilgrim John Howland Society. They carefully renovated the house to return it back to its original look, furnished it with period furniture and décor, and opened it for tours and events. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Houses.

33 Sandwich St, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-746-9590

Uncover Pilgrim Stories at the Jenney Museum

Uncover Pilgrim Stories at the Jenney Museum

© Jenney Museum

Jenney Museum is probably the best place to learn about the history of Plymouth, the pilgrims, and how they influenced the culture, government, and values of the United States. The museum features a range of revolving exhibits on pilgrim life and organizes interesting and informative tours of Plymouth. There are three exhibition rooms that focus on different aspects of the pilgrims’ lives, their Christian values, and the influence they had on the American way of life and government. Educational tours organized by the museum are very popular and highly educational and range from a walk through the Historic District, a visit to the Forefathers Monuments, American Heritage, and Conversation with a Pilgrim.

48 Summer St, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-747-4544

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Walk Through History at the Mayflower House Museum

Walk Through History at the Mayflower House Museum

© Mayflower House Museum

The Mayflower House Museum is located in the Edward Winslow House, an 18th-century historic house museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts just across the road from Plymouth Rock. Built in 1754 for Edward Winslow and his family, the house is now operated by The Mayflower Society, or the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, which bought the Edward Winslow House in 1941 and is using it as their office and library. Edward Winslow was a great-grandson of one of the pilgrims, Edward Winslow. The mansion is wonderfully restored and furnished with original period furniture and décor. Guided tours bring to life the lives of Winslow and other influential Plymouth families that lived in the house throughout three centuries of its existence.

4 Winslow St, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-746-2590

Hike and Camp Under the Stars at Myles Standish State Forest

Hike and Camp Under the Stars at Myles Standish State Forest

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Myles Standish State Forest is located between Plymouth and Carver, 45 miles from Boston. Operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Myles Standish is the largest public recreation area in this area of Massachusetts. The lush forest is an intrinsic part of the Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens ecoregion. Covering 26 square miles, it consists mostly of scrub oak and pitch pine forests and is among the largest forest of this kind north of Long Island. There are six ponds and lakes within the forest and several ecologically important coastal Kettle Ponds. The forest is a popular place for family outings, and it offers swimming, especially in College Pond, camping, horseback riding, and hiking along the 13-mile long hiking trail.

194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, MA 02330, Phone: 508-866-2526

Stand in Awe at the National Monument to the Forefathers

Stand in Awe at the National Monument to the Forefathers

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National Monument to the Forefathers is the largest freestanding granite monument in the world. It is perched on top a hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts, seemingly staring across the ocean toward Plymouth, England. The 81-foot-tall monument took 30 years to finish and was completed in 1888 as a tribute to the legendary pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower at Plymouth. On top of the monument is a 36-foot-tall sculpture called “Faith,” and on buttresses on all four sides of the pedestal where the monument sits are smaller, intricately carved allegorical figures, each made from one block of granite. The monument was commissioned by the Pilgrim Society, which gave it to the State in 2001.

Allerton St, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 434-978-4535

Journey Back in Time at Pilgrim Hall Museum

Journey Back in Time at Pilgrim Hall Museum

© Pilgrim Hall Museum

Opened in 1824, the Pilgrim Hall Museum is America’s public museum that is still operating. It houses an incomparable collection of Pilgrim artifacts and private possessions, which tell the fascinating story of these intrepid and determined people who crossed the ocean and built lives in the new world. Some of the most significant exhibits are the Myles Standish’s sword, William Bradford’s Bible, the portrait of Edward Winslow, the cradle of Peregrine White, the New England’s first–born, William Brewster’s great chair, and the first sampler Myles Standish’s daughter embroidered in America. The museum also tells the story of the Wampanoag, the Native People who lived in the Plymouth area for 10,000 years before the new settlers arrived, and about their conflict.

75 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-746-1620

Witness Traditional Craftsmanship at the Plimoth Grist Mill

Witness Traditional Craftsmanship at the Plimoth Grist Mill

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Plimoth Grist Mill is a reproduction of the original grist or corn grinding mill built in 1636 by the Pilgrims. The reproduction, which was completed in 1970, consists of parts such as the stones, stone furniture, and spindle salvaged from the early 1800s mill near Philadelphia, PA. It is a tribute to the first grist mill built by the Pilgrims and comes as close to the original Pilgrim Plymouth grist mill as is historically possible. The original mill was run by the colonist John Jenney on Town Brook. Before the mill was built, the colonists were grinding corn by hand.

6 Spring Ln, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-830-1124

Where to Eat

  • East Bay Grille – Upscale seafood and American cuisine right on the waterfront with gorgeous harbor views.
  • Wood’s Seafood – Local institution serving up fresh lobster rolls, fried seafood, and chowder at casual dockside tables.
  • Tavern on the Wharf – Trendy spot offering creative cocktails, New England classics, and outdoor seating overlooking the harbor.

If you are interested in local events:

  • America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration (November) – Celebrate Plymouth’s role in Thanksgiving history with parades, reenactments, and festivals.
  • Plymouth Waterfront Festival (August) – Family-friendly event featuring arts and crafts vendors, live music, food trucks, and harbor activities.
  • 4th of July Celebration (July) – Fireworks, parades, and patriotic festivities light up the town’s historic waterfront.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Plymouth, Massachusetts:

  • Edaville Family Theme Park (25 min) – Classic family amusement park featuring trains, rides, and seasonal holiday festivals in nearby Carver, MA.
  • Plimoth Grist Mill (5 min) – See a working reconstruction of the 1636 mill powered by Town Brook in downtown Plymouth.
  • Nelson Memorial Beach Park (5–10 min) – Swim, kayak, or picnic at this peaceful beach close to downtown.
  • Duxbury, MA (20 min) – Explore quiet beaches, historic shipbuilding sites, and scenic drives through salt marshes.
  • Kingston Collection (15 min) – Shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment at this nearby mall and entertainment complex.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Plymouth located?
    • Plymouth is a quintessential New England coastal town located between Cape Cod and Boston.
    • It is known for its beautiful beaches and rich history.
  • What family-friendly activities are available in Plymouth?
    • Plymouth offers a variety of family adventures, including:
      • A.D. Makepeace Company – A famous cranberry farm.
      • Billington Sea Kayak – A great spot for kayaking adventures.
      • Captain John Whale Watching and Fishing Tours – Offering unforgettable marine experiences.
  • Why do most people visit Plymouth?
    • While the town has its charm, most visitors come to Plymouth for its historical significance.
    • Plymouth is where the original New World settlers stepped off the Mayflower and formed Plymouth Colony in 1620.
  • What is Plymouth Rock?
    • Plymouth Rock is an iconic symbol of the settlers' struggle for freedom.
    • It served as a stepping stone for passengers arriving on the Mayflower.
    • Today, it is preserved in Plymouth Harbor.
  • What is the Mayflower II?
    • The Mayflower II is a life-size replica of the original ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World.
    • It is usually available for visits at Plymouth Plantation Park.
  • What can visitors experience at Plymouth Plantation Park?
    • The park is a live history village that portrays the life of the Pilgrims as they adapted to their new home in New England.

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