Plymouth

Travel Guide
Plymouth featuring shopping

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

Plymouth featuring kite surfing

Plymouth Cultural District

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Plymouth Cultural District, you might make a stop by sights like Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock.

Plymouth Cultural District
Default Image

Ponds of Plymouth

While Ponds of Plymouth may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Water Wizz and The Strand.

Ponds of Plymouth
Default Image

Buttermilk Bay

Buttermilk Bay might not have many top sights, but Water Wizz and Onset Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Buttermilk Bay
John Carver Inn & Spa
John Carver Inn & Spa
3 out of 5
25 Summer Street, Plymouth, MA
The price is HK$1,081 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
HK$1,081
HK$1,290 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and updated, common spaces were a little dated and run down. The pool was cool but seemed to be lacking some maintenance."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

John Carver Inn & Spa
Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
3 out of 5
180 Water St, Plymouth, MA
The price is HK$973 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
HK$973
HK$1,304 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Was overall very great and comfortable bed"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth
Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth
3 out of 5
4 Home Depot Dr, Plymouth, MA
The price is HK$939 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
HK$939
HK$1,049 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Beautiful and clean. Staff very accommodating"

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Hilton Garden Inn 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.
Beautiful Priscilla Beach Few Min.Walk to Beach!
Beautiful Priscilla Beach Few Min.Walk to Beach!
Plymouth
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Plymouth Rock and Priscilla Beach Theatre ...
10/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Plymouth getaway
"Love the house the communication with Colleen was awesome. Close to the beach. Great neighborhood. Can’t wait to go back."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2024

Beautiful Priscilla Beach Few Min.Walk to Beach!
Peaceful waterfront cottage with furnished deck, beautiful view, firepit
Peaceful waterfront cottage with furnished deck, beautiful view, firepit
Plymouth
Stay at this cottage in Plymouth. Enjoy a garden, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Plymouth Rock and Jungleplex are located nearby.
6.8/10 (10 reviews)
Family vacation
"Nice little house on the lake. We enjoyed it."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2024

Peaceful waterfront cottage with furnished deck, beautiful view, firepit
Lovely oceanfront cottage with deck, grill, & panoramic views
Lovely oceanfront cottage with deck, grill, & panoramic views
Plymouth
Book a stay at this beach cottage in Plymouth. Enjoy a beach locale, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Ellisville Harbor State Park and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (55 reviews)
Quiet Cottage on the Cape Cod Bay
"Quiet, beautiful cottage Sunrise was my favorite part of the day. The house has so much history."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2024

Lovely oceanfront cottage with deck, grill, & panoramic 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

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 47.05882352941177%
4 - Good
8
" "4 - Good 47.05882352941177%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5.882352941176471%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Jolie petite ville historique

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

plymoth plantation is definitely worth a visit even when it’s bad weather. Everyone was great. You can really interact with the players who will provide insight into the way of life back in 1620

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Currently a lot of building work and renovation taking place (Mayflower is in Connecticut being refurbished) ready for next years 400 anniversary

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful town with tons of history / very relaxing and locals very friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Plimouth plantation is a great place to visit and Toscana Ristorante on Sandwich Street is a lovely friendly Italian restaurant with great food