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, Pilgrim Memorial Hall Museum and Mayflower II 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
$181 nightly
The price is $202 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$202 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (1,021 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
John Carver Inn & Spa
John Carver Inn & Spa
3 out of 5
25 Summer Street, Plymouth, MA
$194 nightly
The price is $216 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$216 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
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! (1,007 reviews)
"The Staff is great. Very friendly and helpful. The only thing that was an issue was the technology. The internet was down for two days and the television had technical difficulties."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$134 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$150 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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! (1,010 reviews)
"fair-good"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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 Harbor and Plymouth ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (60 reviews)
"The room is super nice, clean and modern. It’s so close to everything in town. The balcony was a really nice addition to the room. Sat there every morning and night to enjoy people watching."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 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 Harbor and Plymouth Memorial Hall ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"Everything was gorgeous and clean. We already can’t wait to go back"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Thomas Sea Suites
NEW! Coastal Comfort with Stunning Harbor Views
NEW! Coastal Comfort with Stunning Harbor Views
118 Rocky Hill Road, Plymouth, MA
Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Plymouth Harbor and Carriage House Crafts Center are located nearby.
NEW! Coastal Comfort with Stunning Harbor Views
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Plymouth

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
178
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
124
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Unfortunately, the day we stayed, there was bad weather so it severely limited what we could do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Quaint New England town. Lots of history. Spend more than one night, too much to see and do in a day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We were there to watch our grandson/nephew play in the state championship game at Gillette stadium and our son lives in Plymouth which is why we did no sightseeing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Visit Plymouth plantation and do not rely on info in the web concerning opening hours of Plymouth restaurants and sights 

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice town center. There was a wonderful parade in anticipation of Thanksgiving.

Cities near Plymouth