Home to the infamous Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Massachusetts sits on the beautiful Cape Cod Bay. Boasting many historical sites, Plymouth offers breathtaking views, fine dining, educational tours and boating, among other popular activities.

Historical Sites & Attractions

Plymouth Rock: Allegedly first discovered by pilgrims in 1620 after stepping onto it from their ship, the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock is not a rocky island, but rather, a large stone. In 1774, Plymouth rock was spilt in half, and the bottom was left to remain beneath a wharf that had been built 30 years prior. The top half of the rock was brought on shore, and relocated to the town's meetinghouse. Currently in the possession of the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Plymouth Rock can now be viewed from May to November.

Mayflower II: Visit a complete replica of the original Mayflower, the historic ship that carried Pilgrims from England to Massachusetts 400 years ago. Speak with the crew, tour the ship and experience firsthand what life on a colonial sea passage was like.

Plimoth Plantation: Founded in 1947, this historical museum recreates the original Pilgrim settlements and Native American villages of Plymouth's past. Visit the English Village, Wampanoag Homesite, Hornblower Visitor Center and Craft Center to learn more about life in the time of America's first settlers and their Native American neighbors.

Ghost Tours: Many tourists to Plymouth hope to catch a glimpse of former residents on one of the several ghost tours offered around the area. Visit Inns, cemeteries, and buildings around town while a guide shares local ghost stories and historical tales.

Jenney Grist Mill: Visit America's first mill, built in 1636 by the Pilgrim John Jenney. Learn more about the town's history and the Pilgrim's way of life while touring the 400 year old site with a working water wheel and grinding stones.

Pilgrim Hall Museum: Stop by the country's oldest public museum to view various possessions recovered and handed down from the original Pilgrims. Artwork and exhibitions are featured year-round, highlighting the unique aspects of life in Plymouth several hundred years ago.

The Mayflower II

Plymouth Rock

Burial Hill: Walk through one of the country's oldest cemeteries and view headstones marked from the late 1600's. With beautiful views from its hilltop location, this Pilgrim cemetery offers a bird's eye view of Plymouth, as well as several historical markers. Visit during the day, or at night on a ghost tour.

Historical Homes: Due to the city's age, there are many homes around town dating back several hundred years. Some of the most popular to visit include Spooner House, Harlow Old Fort House, Richard Sparrow House and the Howland House.

Ferries: For a quick trip to Provincetown, MA, tourists can catch a ferry from Plymouth Harbor, and enjoy the coastline views and rugged Atlantic Ocean.

When To Visit

Typically, the best time to visit Plymouth is between the months of September and November. During the fall, weather has usually cooled, making temperatures pleasant, without summer heat or winter cold. Due to its historical significance, Thanksgiving is a popular time to visit, and the month leading up to the holiday is a great time to view produce being harvested, historical museum exhibitions and gorgeous fall foliage. If you cannot or would not like to visit during the fall, spring and early summer are also recommended.

For more information on visiting Plymouth, contact the tourist board at:

Destination Plymouth
170 Water Street
Suite 10C
Plymouth, MA 02360
1-800-USA-1620
www.visit-plymouth.com