Plymouth, MA

Travel Guide

Plymouth featuring shopping
Pilgrim Hall Museum which includes flowers
Burial Hill which includes a cemetery
Plymouth featuring 4 wheel driving
Plymouth showing a church or cathedral

Originally settled in 1620, the birthplace of Thanksgiving remains a great place to connect with the origins of American history. 

For many, Plymouth remains a distant, folkloric place more often read about than seen. The oceanfront view from Burial Hill is where Colonial Pilgrims first landed in the New World. In this community the Pilgrims braved harsh conditions to establish a haven for religious and political freedom. Come to Plymouth to deepen your understanding of this town’s special spot in American history and stay for the fruits of its New England maritime industry.

History tourism in Plymouth centers on Plymouth Harbor. Walk down the coast from Mayflower II, the working replica of the original Mayflower boat on which the Pilgrims arrived. Relax in the oasis of Brewster Gardens. Wander to the end of the gardens to find the Jenney Museum, showcasing the Pilgrims’ industrial and agricultural life.

Continue the Pilgrim experience at Plimoth Plantation, a full-scale reenactment of Pilgrim society in the 17th century. See a sweeping collection of objects from Pilgrim art, culture and daily life at the Pilgrim Hall Museum.

Plymouth also features coastal attractions that proudly represent New England maritime culture. Look out onto the harbor during sunrise or sunset and watch fishing boats make their rounds. Enjoy their catches at casual cafés or fine dining restaurants. Wherever you eat, sample the fresh fish and boiled lobster that this region is known for.

Boat trips are a popular summer pastime. The Pilgrim Belle offers a paddlewheel tour of several of Plymouth’s historical sites, as well as Clark’s Island and Gurnet Point. If you have a longer stay, ride the Plymouth-Provincetown Express Ferry to Plymouth’s bohemian neighbor, Provincetown, Massachusetts. This pleasant cruise is worth the trip in itself.

Plymouth is a 45-minute drive from Boston and an hour from Providence. Fly into Boston’s Logan International Airport or the airport at Warwick near Providence and drive down the coast. Most of Plymouth’s historic sites and many hotels are walkable distances from each other. Plan enough time to appreciate the significance of the historic events that unfolded here.

Where to stay in Plymouth

Mayflower II which includes sailing

Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District

If you're spending some time in Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District, Mayflower II and Plymouth Harbor are top sights worth seeing.

Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District
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North Plymouth

Though North Plymouth might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like National Monument to the Forefathers and Plymouth Harbor.

North Plymouth
Plymouth featuring kite surfing

Plymouth Cultural District

4.5/5(97 area reviews)

While visiting Plymouth Cultural District, you might make a stop by sights like Spire Center for the Performing Arts and Mayflower II.

Plymouth Cultural District
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Ponds of Plymouth

When in Ponds of Plymouth, you can plan a visit to Water Wizz and The Strand, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Ponds of Plymouth
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Buttermilk Bay

When in Buttermilk Bay, you can plan a visit to Water Wizz and Onset Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Buttermilk Bay
Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor

3 out of 5
180 Water St, Plymouth, MA
$176 nightly
The price is $197 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$197 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free parking, free water park access, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"had a great stay - young gentleman at the desk greeted us and checked us in efficiently and answered all questions - very pleasant check in experience. really liked the pool - kids did too - great location"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
John Carver Inn & Spa

John Carver Inn & Spa

3 out of 5
25 Summer Street, Plymouth, MA
$167 nightly
The price is $187 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$187 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,024 reviews)
"Q"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

John Carver Inn & Spa
Best Western Plus Cold Spring

Best Western Plus Cold Spring

2.5 out of 5
180 Court St, Plymouth, MA
$149 nightly
The price is $166 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$166 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great, central location. Very clean and well kept."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Best Western Plus Cold Spring
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Harbourtown Suites

Harbourtown Suites

4 out of 5
150 Water St, Plymouth, MA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly condo in Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Plymouth Rock and Plymouth ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (61 reviews)
"Had a wonderful stay! Very clean, beautifully decorated, with attention to detail. Location was excellent, especially for walks along the dock, with many restaurants in close walking distance. Only critique, was the thin floor/ceiling, could hear down stairs neighbors walking on the hard wood floors ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Harbourtown Suites
Thomas Sea Suites

Thomas Sea Suites

3.5 out of 5
150 Water St, Plymouth, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Plymouth Rock and Plymouth Harbor are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
"Everything about our stay was wonderful. Would definitely stay here again!!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Thomas Sea Suites
Oceanfront Beach House In Plymouth

Oceanfront Beach House In Plymouth

Plymouth
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Plymouth. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (151 reviews)
Sanctuary
"I rented Maureen's home months prior to my stay thinking I was going to have a great ocean side summer getaway from our home in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. I did not realize the significance of her home and how it would heal me. My dad passed away July 7 just a couple days into our vacation. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Oceanfront Beach House In Plymouth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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