Known for its history, and that famous rock 😉, I often get asked if Plymouth, MA is worth visiting when there are so many places along the Massachusetts coast to explore. And if you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’ve come to the right place! This post is all about Plymouth, and my honest answer on if this coastal town is worth your time.
And with that, let’s get started!
New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
So, Is Plymouth, MA Worth Visiting?
Yes! I often see people referring to Plymouth as “so much more than a rock,” and I couldn’t agree more. If you’re hoping there’s more to Plymouth than a rock, then you’re in luck because there are many more things to do in this coastal New England town.
While the history and museums in Plymouth are wonderful, there’s also great shopping, fantastic dining, lovely coastal scenery, wineries, breweries, one of the best spas in New England, gardens, and lots more to check out to make it worth your time.
Is Plymouth Rock Worth Visiting?
So … it really is just a rock. That said, it’s pretty much in the center of town, so you’re bound to run into it at some point, meaning you won’t have to go out of your way to see it.
So, what is Plymouth Rock, exactly? Well, it’s a rock that signifies the Pilgrims’ landing in Plymouth. But, here’s the thing: there’s not really any evidence or documentation that the Pilgrims actually step foot or touched the rock. It became known as the Pilgrims’ stepping-stone to the New World when a man in his 90s, named Thomas Faunce, said that his father, who was on the Mayflower, claimed the rock served as the actual landing area when they arrived in Plymouth. But really, it’s more so just an emblem of the town’s significant history since no one knows if Mr. Faunce was of sound mind when telling that story (or, if that story even ever happened, since his claim was made sometime in the 1770s).
Personally, I did find it to be rather … underwhelming 😂 And I think that has a lot to do with the fact that it tops everyone’s list of things to do in Plymouth, so the hype surrounding it is always substantial. The historical significance is, of course, absolutely impressive, but the rock itself isn’t that big or especially exciting to look at.
The other thing to note about it is it’s housed inside a giant memorial now, so you can’t get too close to it, either. While you’ll be able to get a good look at it, you won’t be able to touch it, or walk on it – which is actually a good thing anyway, since we all want it to last for many more years to come.
Lastly, it may be surprising to know that Plymouth Rock is actually quite small. It’s often referred to as a boulder, and while it may technically qualify as a boulder, it doesn’t feel overly significant in size once you see it in person. That may be another reason people are often disappointed when seeing it.
So, is it actually worth visiting? Yes, but only because you literally pass by it while seeing everything else in Plymouth. If it was out of the way, I would say for most people, it’s probably not worth it. It is a fun New England bucket list item to check off your list, though!
Top Things To Do In Plymouth, MA Worth Seeing
1. Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Definitely one of the most popular things to do that makes Plymouth, MA worth visiting is the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, which is the perfect showcase of the town’s history and heritage.
This museum is spread out over the town, and encompasses five exhibits total, three of which are outdoors. The two most popular ones to visit are the 17th Century English Village, and the Mayflower II. The English Village is a recreation of an authentic Pilgrim settlement, and also features actors playing the part, and this is where you really feel like you’ve been transported back in time. It’s also the exhibit that’s often used in stock photos of Plymouth.
The Mayflower II is also a really fun exhibit to experience, as it’s an exact replica of the ship the Pilgrims sailed to the New World on. With your admission ticket, you can climb aboard the ship, and feel what it must have been like for the Pilgrims during their voyage. However, you can also see the outside of the ship from different places around the Pilgrim Memorial State Park area. Without a ticket to enter the ship, you’re also able to get up close to part of it, if you’re just curious for a quick snapshot of what it looks like. To climb aboard and see in the side, you’ll need a ticket.
The Grist Mill is another popular exhibit, where you get an inside look into the still-working mill. On Saturdays, they even do demonstrations with the mill, and during any visit, you can purchase freshly-ground grains to take home with you. Your admission to the exhibit allows you interior access, but you can also get a good look at the mill from outside for free. The Grist Mill is located very close to Jenney Park, which is a relaxing place to experience when in the area.
→ Click here to check out tickets for the Plimoth Patuxet Museums
It’s good to know that not all the exhibits are walkable to each other, so you’ll need a car, depending on which ones you plan to see, and what your itinerary is like.
Curious about the different spelling? Yeah, I was, too! The Plimoth spelling is simply the traditional way the town was spelled during its earliest years. The museum kept this spelling as a way to differentiate between the town, Plymouth, and the museum.
2. The Charming Downtown & Shops
There are lots of places to enjoy traditional, New England style architecture around Plymouth, and one of the best ways to do that is simply stroll around downtown. But not only that, downtown is filled with charming shops and wonderful restaurants, too.
If you’re along the waterfront, there are lots of great shopping opportunities on Water Street, including the cute little Shoppes at Village Landing. This is where you’ll find Fedele’s Chocolates and some lovely gift shops. Nearby on Water Street, you’ll see shops lining the road, too.
Also, be sure to meander up to Main Street by way of Leyden Street (which I talk about later 😉). Here, you’ll find an idyllic street with shops, cafés, and restaurants that are worth exploring!
3. The Beaches
Since Plymouth is a coastal town, we have to talk about the beaches! Now, I will say, Plymouth doesn’t have the most beautiful beaches in New England, but they’re still definitely worth visiting when in town. The reason I say this is because most of the beaches tend to be pretty rocky, especially at high tide, so they’re not the best for long walks, or laying around in the sand. However, at low tide, they can be really nice!
The best and most popular beach to visit in Plymouth is Long Beach. This 3-mile long barrier beach is located about a 10-15 minute drive outside of downtown, and most people choose to visit this one because it’s the most scenic, and also, it’s open to the public. I recommend visiting at low-tide if you want to walk a ways along the shoreline, as there are definitely rocks along the coastline at high tide. But at low tide, it’s much more enjoyable.
If you happen to be renting a house nearby, you may also get access to White Horse Beach, but this beach is for residents and renters only.
You can also head over to Ellisville Harbor State Park, which offers both swimming and nature trails.
4. Brewster Gardens
Located just a few steps from the Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock, is the Brewster Gardens. At just about 3 acres, this park is home to beautiful plants and flowers, trees, brooks, benches, and ponds, and is such a beautiful place to enjoy nature. While it’s fairly small, it packs in a lot of wonderful ways to enjoy the area.
The Pilgrims actually built many of their homes near what is now Brewster Gardens, as the fresh water supply here was especially beneficial. Because it brings history and modern day together, it’s such a special place to visit when you’re in town.
5. Jenney Pond Park
Right by the historic Grist Mill, which is part of the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, you’ll find Jenney Park, which I recommend budgeting a few extra minutes for if you visit the Grist Mill. While not the most extensive park, it’s very charming and quaint, and especially beautiful in the fall season surrounded by foliage.
It also tends to be less crowded than the main downtown area, even though it’s just a 10-15 minute walk away. There’s a scenic bridge that makes for great photos, and you can peacefully walk around the pond to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Pro Tip: The parking lot at Jenney Pond is free for an unlimited amount of time, so this is a good place to park if you’re coming in for the day, and want to explore downtown on foot.
6. Pilgrim Memorial State Park
One of the biggest reasons Plymouth, MA is worth visiting is because of Pilgrim Memorial State Park, which is centrally-located in the downtown and waterfront areas. It’s here that you’ll find the Mayflower II docked, Pilgrim Rock, walking trails along the water, and scenic views of the harbor.
The focal point of the park is, as mentioned, Pilgrim Rock, which is now housed and protected inside an open-air Memorial. To get from one side of the park to the other, you’ll need to walk right by the Memorial, so this is when you’ll want to take a look at Pilgrim Rock.
But honestly, I think everything else about the park is what makes it so great. It’s a beautiful waterfront area that makes it easy to stroll around, enjoy the views, and even have a picnic or relax for a while on one of the benches. This is one of my personal favorite areas of Plymouth.
You also get a pretty good view of the Mayflower II from most points around the park, which makes for fun photos!
7. Leyden Street
One of the most historic streets in New England is Leyden Street, which can be found within walking distance of Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Not only does it have historical significance, it’s also one of the most beautiful streets in town, so it’s absolutely worth walking down during your visit!
Said to be the oldest continually inhabited street in New England, it dates back to the Pilgrim’s landing in 1620. It’s also since gone through a few name changes, as it was originally called First Street when the Pilgrims settled in the area. It wasn’t officially named Leyden Street until 1823, in recognition of the town in Holland that originally offered a place of refuge during the persecution that ultimately led to the Pilgrims’ voyage to the U.S.
Now, Leyden Street is also said to be the oldest continually used streets in the entire country, as modern vehicle traffic is allowed on the street. It’s also especially photogenic, and lined with historic houses, and is a really cool street to walk down and feel the history.
8. Night Ghost Tour
Where there’s lots of history, there’s always ghost stories, and Plymouth has lots of them, as you can imagine! If spooky stories about the past, and ghost sightings are up your alley, you’ll want to book a night ghost tour during your visit.
Dead of the Night Ghost Tours takes visitors on a two hour lantern-guided tour through town, and you’ll get the inside scoop on all the hair-raising history, ghost sighting, and strange paranormal activity that’s taken place in Plymouth over the years.
9. Whale Watching
For those who don’t care for ghosts and spooky stories, then a whale watch tour is definitely going to be more your speed! Massachusetts is one of the best places in the U.S. for whale watching tours, and departing from Plymouth is no exception.
Massachusetts is a world-class whale watching destination primarily due to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, which is known for having lots of active marine life, including whales.
The best tour to check out during your visit is with Captain John Boats. This tour sets sail to Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, so your chance of spotting a whale is very high. The most common types of whales to see in the area are humpback, minke, pilot, and finback, and tours last about 3.5-4 hours.
It’s good to know that whale watching in New England takes place from April/May – October, so if this is high on your list, you’ll want to visit around this time.
10. Head Out For A Different Kind Of Cruise
Whale watches aren’t the only way to get out on the water in Plymouth! If you’re short on time, or aren’t interested in a whale watch tour, there are some more options that are wonderful, which are Lobster Tales, and Pilgrim Belle Cruises.
Lobster Tales is an awesome choice with tons of different options, including ice cream cruises, lobstering cruises, sunset sails, and fun pirate-themes cruises for the kids.
The Pilgrim Belle is a traditional paddlewheel boat that also offers different options, including scenic harbor cruises, and sunset sails.
11. Pilgrim Hall Museum
If you want an inside look into what life was like for the Pilgrims, you’ll want to head to Pilgrim Hall Museum, which is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and artwork from the first settlements. You’ll get to see actual Pilgrim possessions while reading stories that bring history to life.
Also at the museum, you’ll learn about the Wampanoag, and the history of these Indigenous People inhabiting the land for thousands of years before the Pilgrims even arrived.
The museum does require paid admission to visit, and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
12. The Plymouth Jetty
Another one of my personal favorite spots in Plymouth is the jetty. Located at Plymouth Harbor, and just a 10-minute or so walk from the Pilgrim Memorial State Park area, the jetty is the perfect place to enjoy the waterfront, and views of the town from a different perspective.
The scenic wooden bridge turns into a long breakwater that you can walk out onto, and from there, it’s pretty cool to see the town from out on the water, which is especially fun if you’re not able to take a boat tour during your visit.
You’re likely to also see fishing boats coming and going from the harbor for a classic New England experience.
13. National Monument To The Forefathers
Just under a mile outside of town is the National Monument to the Forefathers, and this is a beautiful statue to see while in town. It doesn’t require a lot of time, but it’s worth seeing just to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Completed in 1888, the statue is dedicated to the Pilgrims and stands 150 feet tall, which is rather impressive to see in person.
14. Burial Hill
For another dose of history, head to Burial Hill Cemetery, which is a short walk Main Street. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Burial Hill is the final resting place of several Pilgrims.
The oldest marked grave here dates back to 1680, and it’s very interesting to walk around and see all the tombstones from the 17th and 18th century.
It’s easy to visit Burial Hill from downtown, and if you walk through the cemetery from Main Street, it connects you directly to the old Grist Mill.
15. Sparrow House
Lastly for historic sites in Plymouth, you’ll want to consider visiting Sparrow House, which is a very short walk from the Grist Mill. Built in 1640, it’s the oldest house in Plymouth, and now serves as a museum, art gallery, and artisan gift shop.
Visitors can tour the inside of the house for a small fee, but many people come here for the wonderful gift shop attached to the house. Inside the shop, you’ll find all kinds of unique, hand-crafted pieces made in the U.S., which is the perfect place to find a beautiful gift or souvenir to take home.
16. The Breweries & Wineries
One of the most fun things to do in Plymouth, MA is visit the local breweries and wineries! There are quite a few great places to check out while in town, so this is definitely something you’ll want to have on your radar while you plan out your itinerary.
Some breweries to check out in Plymouth are Independent Fermentations Brewing (which also makes Kombucha!) and Mayflower Brewing Company.
Some wineries to check out in Plymouth are Plymouth Bay Winery (which is right downtown on Water Street) and 1620 Winery.
17. Thanksgiving, Of Course!
I mean, I can’t talk about Plymouth and not mention Thanksgiving, right? The Thanksgiving festivities are one of the biggest reasons Plymouth, MA is worth visiting in November. It was the birthplace of the holiday, after all! And no surprise here, the town celebrates Thanksgiving in many ways throughout the month of November.
The Saturday before Thanksgiving Day, there’s a historically accurate parade through town that also celebrates the local community. There’s also a canned food drive that takes place during the parade, so be sure to donate if you can!
In November, you’ll also get to experience an authentic Thanksgiving feast surrounded by Pilgrims (well, actors portraying Pilgrims, of course 😉). During this Story of Thanksgiving dinner experience at the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, enjoy historic performances and stories while you dine on a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This experience also includes 2-day admission to the museum, so you can spend your Thanksgiving holiday learning as much about the early settlers as you can!
Also in November, there are special concerts at Memorial Hall, a Harvest Market which features local produce and artisan-made crafts (the perfect place to stock up for Thanksgiving dinner if you’re planning to cook at home!), as well as a waterfront festival with wine and beer gardens, children’s activities, food trucks, and a historic village.
Where To Stay In Plymouth, MA
Mirbeau Inn & Spa: Not only is this one of the top resorts and spas in New England, it’s definitely the most luxurious place to stay in Plymouth. It’s located outside of downtown, so you will need to drive to get to most attractions, but it’s the perfect sanctuary to come back to after a day of exploring. You’ll feel transported to the French countryside, and also have an awesome spa and wonderful dining on-site.
Psst! Need more convincing? I have a whole post on my experiences with Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Plymouth, if you want more information 😉
→ Click here to check rates & availability at Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Thomas Sea Suites: A beautiful group of condos to choose from, these are perfect to feel more like a local during your visit, as well as if you want to stay at a place that’s modern, decorated with an elevated coastal vibe, and stay within walking distance to everything downtown. These also come with full kitchens.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Thomas Sea Suites condos
Hotel 1620: Perfect for those who also want to stay downtown within walking distance to everything, this hotel offers lots of room options to choose from, an indoor pool and children’s splash pad, and is located right at the cute little Village Landing Marketplace for easy shopping.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for the Hotel 1620
How Many Days Do You Need In Plymouth?
Plymouth can be done as a day trip, weekend getaway, or a longer vacation – it really just depends on your preference!
If you’re a big history buff, and you’re excited to see all the historical sites and museums, I think a weekend or longer is a good idea since there’s so much history to take in.
If you’re just looking to hit up the top sites, like explore downtown, hop aboard the Mayflower II, and maybe see a beach, you can do this all in a day as most of Plymouth is walkable.
For a balance between these two options and not feel super rushed on your trip, two days, or a weekend, is perfect.
How To Spend A Day In Plymouth, MA
With even just a day, you can cover a lot of ground since many of Plymouth’s best things to see are located within walking distance of one another in the downtown area. Here’s how I suggest you plan your day trip:
Arrival & Morning
✓ Start along the waterfront, and visit the Jetty before heading over to Pilgrim Memorial State Park. The walk between these two locations is about 10 minutes, or just under a half mile. You can also stop at some of the shops on Water Street, which is the street you’ll walk on to get to the park.
If you want to visit either the 17th Century English Village and Historic Patuxet Homesite exhibits at the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, I would suggest you start there instead.
✓ Explore Pilgrim Memorial State Park, and visit the Mayflower II if that interests you. This is a great area to enjoy the waterfront scenery.
✓ In this area, you’ll pass by Plymouth Rock, so pop over to take a peek!
Early Afternoon
✓ Grab lunch downtown, and head to Main Street for shopping.
Afternoon
✓ Walk up to Burial Hill, through the cemetery, and find your way to over to the historic Grist Mill, Jenney Pond, and the Sparrow House.
✓ Take the same route you took earlier, and head back to downtown, and visit the Brewster Gardens on your way.
✓ Stop at Plymouth Bay Winery for a tasting, if that interests you.
Evening
✓ Grab dinner, and if time allows, take a sunset stroll on the beach before leaving.
Is Plymouth, MA Walkable?
For the most part, Plymouth is very walkable, but there are some places that you will need to drive to during your trip, so a car is recommended.
The downtown area of Plymouth is the most walkable part of town, and here, you’ll be able to walk to the best shopping areas, many restaurants, a winery, the Mayflower II, waterfront park, Plymouth Rock, Leyden Street, Brewster Gardens, Burial Hill Cemetery, the grist mill, and the jetty. All these attractions are within .6 miles of each other, with most of them being a 10-minute walk or less.
The attractions you’ll need to drive to are the the 17th Century English Village and Historic Patuxet Homesite exhibits at the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, the beaches, the National Monument To The Forefathers, and Mirbeau Inn & Spa if you choose to pamper yourself, which I highly recommend, of course!
How To Get From Boston To Plymouth
The best, fastest, and easiest way to get from Boston to Plymouth is to drive, as the drive takes just under 1 hour, depending on traffic.
There is no direct train or ferry service between Boston and Plymouth, either. There is a train option that takes you to nearby Kingston, but you’ll then need to take a 10-minute taxi or Uber ride to Plymouth.
The Plymouth & Brockton bus line offers service between Boston and Plymouth, and takes about 1 hour.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Plymouth
Plymouth is really great year-round, but the most popular times to visit are in the summer and in November for the Thanksgiving festivities. Because Plymouth is home to beaches, coastline, and boat tours, it makes for a popular place for a summer vacation. And with the Thanksgiving Day parade, as well as an authentic Thanksgiving dinner event with actors portraying Pilgrims, it’s the top destination to visit in New England for the holiday.
To avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Plymouth is spring or fall, with May, June, September, and October being great months to plan a trip. Plymouth is also one of the few destinations in New England that experiences fall foliage late in the season, and it often peaks in early to mid November. If you want to visit New England later in the fall season, and will miss peak foliage elsewhere, this is a great place to check out.
Winter is the off-season in Plymouth, and while you’ll find some really nice hotel rates and the fewest crowds, it’s good to know that some places will be closed in the winter months, including the Plimoth Patuxet Museum and its exhibits, boat tours, and Pilgrim Hall Museum. However, many places are still open, and it’s rather nice to experience the town without the crowds for a peaceful getaway.
Is Plymouth Part Of Cape Cod?
No, Plymouth is not part of Cape Cod, but it’s easy to see why some may think that because it’s one of the last towns you pass through on your way to the Cape. Plymouth is part of the South Shore region of Massachusetts, but is not part of the Cape Cod peninsula.
Plymouth is only about 30 minutes to the border of Cape Cod, though, making it very easily accessible when visiting this area.
What Is Plymouth, MA Known For?
Plymouth, Massachusetts is most known for being the landing site of the Pilgrims when they arrived to the New World on the Mayflower in 1620. However, it’s good to know that the first landing location was actually in Provincetown, MA, before they decided to sail over to, and officially settle, in Plymouth.
Plymouth is also known as “America’s Hometown,” as well as for its Thanksgiving celebrations in November.
Wait, So The Pilgrims Didn’t First Land In Plymouth?
Nope! When they came over on the Mayflower, they first landed in Provincetown on Cape Cod, which is the very tip of Massachusetts when looking at it on a map. They stayed for about 67 days, and decided to leave because the land wasn’t suitable for farming to create a sustainable lifestyle. After leaving Provincetown, they landed at Plymouth Rock, and that’s where they began creating their new life, and why Plymouth is known as the landing place of the Pilgrims.
More posts you may find helpful:
- Fall In Massachusetts: Where To Go & What To Do
- Ultimate Cape Cod Day Trip Guide + Itineraries
- Visiting Massachusetts In The Winter
- New England In November
- Thanksgiving In New England
- Best Stops To Make When Driving From Boston To New York City
That’s A Wrap On If Plymouth, MA Is Worth Visiting
And there you have it! The inside scoop on whether Plymouth, MA is worth visiting on your next trip to the East Coast. Just remember, it’s “so much more than a rock!” If you’re looking for a cute coastal town with great shopping, lovely scenery, cool things to do, and, of course … history, Plymouth should be on your radar. Happy planning!
