Things to Do in Plymouth and the South Shore
America's Hometown, where the Mayflower passengers built their colony.
See top-rated activities »About Plymouth
Plymouth, about 40 miles south of Boston, is where the Mayflower passengers settled in December 1620 after first anchoring at the tip of Cape Cod. The town calls itself America's Hometown, and its history is concentrated along a short stretch of waterfront. Plymouth Rock sits under a columned portico in Pilgrim Memorial State Park; it is smaller than most visitors expect, and historians debate its role, but it remains a popular stop. Mayflower II, a full-size reproduction built in England in the 1950s and restored for the 2020 anniversary, is docked at the State Pier nearby.
The main attraction is Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a few miles south of downtown. Its 17th-century English Village is staffed by interpreters in period clothing who stay in character as specific colonists, and its Historic Patuxet Homesite presents Wampanoag life, with Native staff speaking from a modern point of view. Together they tell the story of the colony from both sides. The museum also runs a working grist mill in town. Plan at least half a day, and note that the season ends around Thanksgiving.
Back in town, Pilgrim Hall Museum, opened in 1824, holds belongings of the Mayflower passengers, including furniture and a cradle. Burial Hill, above Town Square, has gravestones going back to the late 1600s and views over the harbor. The waterfront has whale watch and harbor cruise boats, seafood restaurants and a long beach at Plymouth Long Beach. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration brings a parade with historical floats from several centuries.
The South Shore between Boston and Plymouth is mostly coastal suburbs, but Duxbury Beach, with a long wooden bridge over the bay, and the cranberry bogs inland, which are flooded for harvest in October, make easy detours. Plymouth is also a convenient stop on the way to Cape Cod, about 20 minutes from the Sagamore Bridge.
Don’t Miss
A recreated 1627 English Village and a Wampanoag homesite, plus Mayflower II and a grist mill; the season runs into late November.
A full-scale reproduction of the 1620 ship, part of Plimoth Patuxet Museums.
A small harbor-side park around the traditional landing rock.
Opened in 1824 and among the oldest public museums in the country, with Pilgrim possessions.
A hillside burial ground with 17th-century gravestones and views over the harbor.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Plymouth
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Plan your time in Plymouth
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Get free trip quotes »Plymouth — FAQ
How much time do I need in Plymouth?
A full day covers Plimoth Patuxet, Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock and a walk through town. Add a whale watch or harbor cruise in summer.
Is Plimoth Patuxet open all year?
No. The museums run a season from spring through about the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Check the museum's site for exact dates.
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