The Essential Guide to Plymouth, MA
Famed as the site of the first Pilgrim settlement, Plymouth, MA, is loved for its classic New England charm.
By Cathryn McCann|Jul 06 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanFounded in 1620, Plymouth, MA, is a coastal town south of Boston that’s anchored in history as the site of the first Pilgrim settlement. But while all its historical markers and sites may be the initial draw, Plymouth has a quintessential New England feel and historic architecture, downtown shops, and expansive ocean views that keep visitors coming back year after year. From tasty cuisine to cranberry festivals, there’s always plenty to do in “America’s Hometown.”
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
Intrigued by this seaside town that is equal parts historical and modern New England? Here are some of our favorite places to eat, things to do, and places to stay in Plymouth, MA.
Things to Do in Plymouth, MA
PLIMOTH PATUXET
This living history museum (formerly Plimoth Plantation) allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past as they walk through a 17th-century English village, tour a replica of the Mayflower (the ship is currently receiving a full restoration and will return in 2019), and visit the Wampanoag Homesite and the beautiful and iconic Plimoth Grist Mill. The plantation, with its interactive elements and ocean view, is a great destination for families. Named a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Historical Experience.”
SEE MORE: Plimoth Patuxet| New England Living History Museum
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
PLYMOUTH FARMERS’ MARKET
Set on the grounds of Plimoth Plantation, this market gets extra points for its scenic backdrop and living-close-to-the-land vibe. Held outdoors every Thursday from May to October (and once a month indoors during winter), it rounds up the region’s bounty from 40 vendors that run the gamut from farmers and fishermen to beekeepers and bakers. Relatively speaking they’re a small group, but one clearly devoted to a larger mission—our Pilgrim forebears would no doubt have approved. Named a 2018 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Farmers’ Market.”
HISTORIC SITES
While you shouldn’t miss Plymouth Rock, touted (more as legend rather than fact) as the first bit of land touched by the Pilgrims after their voyage across the ocean, there are also many historical sites available for touring — including homes of original Mayflower passengers. Among the options are the Jabez Howland House, the Richard Sparrow House, the Spooner House, Hedge House, and Harlow Old Fort House. And be sure to take a moment to view the National Monument to the Forefathers, a towering 81-foot-tall statue on the Allerton Street hilltop that commemorates the Pilgrims.
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
PILGRIM HALL MUSEUM
For history you can enjoy indoors, head to Pilgrim Hall Museum, easily spotted from the street thanks to its ornate architecture and stone columns. Built in 1824, it’s among the oldest public museums in America and brimming with American Indian and Pilgrim artifacts. You can even touch a piece of Plymouth Rock here.
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
Given Plymouth’s setting on the coast of Massachusetts, there are plenty of lovely natural areas to explore here. Check out Pilgrim Memorial State Park, Nelson Memorial Park, Myles Standish State Forest, Ellisville Harbor State Park salt marsh estuary, or White Horse and Plymouth Long beaches. You can hike the Town Forest Trail (7.9 miles), Center Hill Preserve Trail (1.7 miles), or Russell and Sawmill Pond Trail (1.8 miles), or head to some of the preserves and conservation areas for more options. For a little exploration from the water, try Billington Sea Kayak.
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
THE SPIRE
Otherwise known as the Spire Center for Performing Arts, this impressive three-story, 225-seat performance hall downtown is the place for enjoying theatrical and musical productions while visiting Plymouth.
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
CRANBERRY HARVEST CELEBRATION
Every October, locals and visitors alike gather in nearby Wareham for this weekend celebration of the Massachusetts state berry. Hop on a bus for a ride to a stretch of bogs to learn about the harvest process, or slip on some waders and get right into the flooded cranberry bog. Enjoy food, music, crafts, paddleboat rides on Tihonet Pond, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, wagon rides, and even helicopter rides.
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
COLONY PLACE SHOPPING
If you’ve had your fill of history, head to Plymouth’s premier shopping and dining destination, Colony Place. At the region’s largest open-air retail center, located just minutes from downtown, you can browse among 40 stores and get a bite at any of nearly a dozen restaurants on-site.
Places to Stay in Plymouth, MA
MIRBEAU
A 50-guestroom retreat in a French manor house, Mirbeau surrounds its guests in beauty, thanks to detailed architecture, Monet pond gardens, and lovely landscaping and decor. On-site dining is available at the Bistro & Wine Bar. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Chateau Lodging.”
THE JESSE HARLOW HOUSE
This bed-and-breakfast on Watson’s Hill, overlooking downtown and the harbor, offers a perfect blend of history (it was once the home of Revolutionary War captain Jesse Harlow) and modern luxury (full gourmet breakfast, silk drapes, landscaped gardens). Plus, it’s within walking distance of many Plymouth attractions and dining options.
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
WHITFIELD HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
If you want to be in the heart of history, consider the Whitfield, an 1782 Federal home on Plymouth’s second-oldest street. Located in the historic waterfront district, the house was occupied by descendants of the original owner for 200 years before being passed to its current owner, in 1987.
JOHN CARVER INN & SPA
This 80-room boutique hotel is a solid option for families, as it provides a range of amenities that appeal to all ages. The on-site Pilgrim Cove Indoor Theme Pool features an 80-foot water slide, waterfalls, and a Jacuzzi. Pamper yourself at the Beach Plum Spa, dine at the Hearth ’n Kettle Restaurant or WaterFire Tavern, and then settle into one of the spacious rooms or fireplace suites. Named a 2014 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Indoor Pool.”
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
PINEWOOD LODGE CAMPGROUND
For fans of the great outdoors, Pinewood Lodge Campground — with its 200 acres of white pine forest, 3,000 feet of lake frontage, six-acre island, and 300 campsites — is a great option. Enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, exploring, or just relaxing. The campground has a store with all the supplies you may need, plus modern bathroom facilities and RV hookups.
PILGRIM SANDS HOTEL
If you like the idea of walking out of your room and onto the beach, Pilgrim Sands might be the place for you. Its private beach leads to Plymouth Long Beach, which offers miles of seaside strolling. If the ocean doesn’t beckon you, however, Pilgrim Sands features both an indoor and outdoor pool, plus beachfront dining and a lounge. Named a 2012 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Base for Families.”
Where to Eat in Plymouth, MA
LEENA’S KITCHEN
This downtown dining destination specializes in farm-to-table cooking that spotlights seasonal ingredients from local producers. From beet salad to braised lamb, there’s a dish for every palate at this inviting and relaxing eatery.
KKATIE’S BURGER BAR
Sometimes you just really need a good burger, and that’s what you’ll get at “Kuh-Katie’s,” served fresh and prepared to order. With a full menu of burgers (plus other options), there’s plenty to choose from, but we suggest trying “The Plymouth Rock”: four quarter-pound patties stacked with cherrywood-smoked bacon, cheese, crispy onion rings, and “special sauce” on a grilled roll.
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
RYE TAVERN
Built in 1792 by Josiah Cornish, the building that is now Rye Tavern was for years a popular inn, tavern, and stopping place for horse-drawn carriages. The tavern now has a new name, but it looks and feels much the same as it did centuries ago, with its preserved historic details and welcoming atmosphere.
THE NEW WORLD TAVERN
With 32 drafts on tap and more than 120 bottle selections, the New World has a beer to complement anything on its menu of hearty tavern food. Plus, it often hosts live entertainment, so stop by to grab a meal or just to enjoy some music while sipping a cold one. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Beer List.”
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
LOCAL YOLK COMPANY
If you’re all about a good breakfast, look no further than Local Yolk Company. The breakfast and lunch restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to provide made-from-scratch meals every day, from savory Southwestern frittatas to sweet cinnamon bun crepes.
DILLON’S LOCAL
There’s something about visiting the New England coast that can whet your appetite for a bowl of clam chowder. You can find it — as well as everything from comfort food to cocktails — at Dillon’s Local, overseen by a chef who is also a Plymouth native.
Have you ever been to Plymouth, MA? Tell us about it!
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
SEE MORE:
Plimoth Patuxet | New England Living History Museum
The Plymouth Grist Mill | Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA
Plymouth Rock | Facts and Trivia
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Just loved Plymouth, lots to see and do, easy to get around.
Lots to see is right……Plymouth township is a staggering 96 square miles in size,dwarfing even 2nd place Middleboro for Ma bragging rights. It contains most of the Standish State Forest,which in itself is larger than many towns. About the only thing you can’t find somewhere in Plymouth is a mountain.
We go all the time and eat at Woods, love their fried clams.
The best lobster rolls are at Woods!
Thank you for the great feature on my Hometown and all the great places to visit and local restaurants. I do wish you had highlighted the locally owned retail stores instead of the big box stores at Colony Place.
Me again… when you visit Plymouth, don’t forget to climb the hill behind Main St and check out the remarkable and historic cemetery, with an ocean view no less.
Thank you for your invitation to let us tell you about Plymouth. One of the great things that Yankee magazine does is give fabulous travel tips. I would really like to see more travel tips for families in Yankee magazine. So let me tell you what we like about Plymouth. We like to visit the gristmill on Summer Street and walk the path from the gristmill underneath the bridge down to the waterfront. We also like to visit Nelson Park which is located at the end of Plymouth Center heading north from the waterfront. Nelson Park has food vendors, bathrooms, lots of shade, a playground, and a splash park. You can walk out into Plymouth Harbor or you can walk the rail trail that leads to Cordage Park. We like to get ice cream at the Fedele’s ice cream next to the waterfront restaurant, or we like to get ice cream at Ziggy’s directly across from the harbor. Plymouth has great breakfast restaurants, our favorite is Water Street Café located on water Street. T-bone’s steak house also has great breakfast as well as Nicole’s café on Water Street. If you like retro diner style, the All American Diner on Court Street is interesting and tasty. A long walk or a short ride from Plymouth Center is Morton Park. There is a charge to park and swim during the Summer but free the rest of the year. Billington Sea is a great place to relax in Morton Park. Try a beer at Second Wind Brewery on Chilton Street. Enjoy a rock in the rockers at the Pillary Pub on Water Street. Most important, come back again and again to enjoy Plymouth.
Love Wood’s—scallops were excellent…..
I grew up in Plymouth untill we moved out of state when I was just abut to enter my Senior year at what was then “Plymouth-Carver HS”. As a teenager I worked summers aboard the Mayflower II as a guide. What an incredible and fun summer job! During winter month I would attend recurrent training held at Plimouth Plantation. I now live in Seattle but every few years I return to get my fix of nostalgia and tasty seafood.
Lobster Hut for BEST lobster roll!!!
Honestly this article is strange that it doesn’t mention more about going to see Plymouth Rock or the Mayflower, walks along the waterfront, seafood restaurants, whale watching, fishing, and sunset cruises, or the trolley.
Not all Mayflower passengers were Pilgrims. Pilgrims were a religious sect. There were passengers who were not part of the religious sect. I have Hopkins, Brewster and Rogers in my ancestry. Brewster, as the religious leader, was the Pilgrims’ pastor. Stephen Hopkins was not. Not certain about Joseph Rogers, but since he moved to Eastham on Cape Cod with Hopkins, my guess he was not.
Plymouth is such a great town! As a resident, I’ve loved being here, especially this time of year. The community is great! Thanks for sharing!
-JC, https://www.cbdetailingma.com