Plymouth

Travel Guide

Plymouth featuring shopping
Pilgrim Hall Museum featuring flowers
Burial Hill featuring 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

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
The price is P8,763 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P8,763
P11,491 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & 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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
John Carver Inn & Spa
John Carver Inn & Spa
3 out of 5
25 Summer Street, Plymouth, MA
The price is P10,131 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
P10,131
P11,915 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & 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! (1,003 reviews)
Great place
"We love staying at John carver when we visit Plymouth.. the staff are great and friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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
The price is P7,572 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P7,572
P8,458 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & 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! (1,003 reviews)
"Excellent place"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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! (84 reviews)
"Everything about our stay was wonderful. Would definitely stay here again!!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Thomas Sea Suites
The Club at New Seabury
The Club at New Seabury
3.5 out of 5
95 Shore Drive West, Mashpee, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Mashpee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions South Cape Beach State Park and Popponesset ...
9/10 Wonderful! (325 reviews)
"Great stay! Didn't notice it being dated or dirty at all like some reviews said. We loved it!"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

The Club at New Seabury
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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