The Rich History and Scenic Beauty of Plymouth: A Guide to the Top Attractions
Plymouth, Massachusetts, also known as America’s home town, is a beautiful coastal town located about 40 miles southeast of Boston. It is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and numerous attractions. The town is steeped in history, as it was the site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World in 1620, and many historical landmarks remain today.
Historical sites are not the only reason to visit Plymouth: you’ll find dozens of restaurants and gift shops as well as a winery and 2 craft breweries!
Folks travel from all over the world to visit Plymouth MA. There is even an airport!
I live 18 miles north of Plymouth and visit regularly. I always leave feeling different than when I arrived. Is it my sense of pride, that I learned something new or just in sheer awe of the early settlers? Not sure. I just know it is a great town to stroll with my 2 puppies Simon and Max.
The Waterfront
There is simply no shortage of mouthwatering fresh caught lobsters and seafood to be enjoyed! You can be sure no matter what day you visit Plymouth the seafood will be fresh and the best you have ever had!
The waterfront has dozens of restaurants, many casual. The Lobster Hut has been a staple on the Waterfront for as long as I can remember. Another local favorite waterfront restaurant is Tavern on the Wharf. Go one block away from the water on Court Street and find even more restaurants as well as gift shops and hotels. Stay at the Hotel 1620 or the John Carver Inn, and don’t forget to grab a craft beer at the Mayflower Brewing Company!
Plymouth Harbor Walk
Plymouth Harbor Walk is a beautiful walkway along the waterfront that offers stunning views of the harbor and the town. Visitors can stroll along the walkway, stopping to admire the scenery, take photos, and relax. There are also several benches along the way where visitors can sit and enjoy the view. The walkway is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of Plymouth, and it is also a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock- Exploring the myth and reality.
The famous (infamous?) Plymouth Rock is right here in Pilgrim Memorial State Park on the Waterfront.
Plymouth Rock is one of the most iconic and mysterious symbols of American history and pride.
The founding settlers’ stories have been passed down and around for centuries. The legend did not appear until 1741, over a century after the Pilgrims arrived. None of the first-hand stories mentions landing on a rock (and when you see how small the rock really is, you’ll understand why this may be a legend!) In fact, it may be that they actually landed in Provincetown first, then made their way to Plymouth. Either way, the monument and the rock that it encloses, are symbols of the hardships that they endured.
The Pilgrim Hall
Pilgrim Hall Museum is the oldest museum in the country. I have visited several times and am never disappointed. Rich in history, ever changing displays and so much history dating back to to the early 1600s all under one roof.
Housed in Pilgrim Hall you will see arms and armour, furniture and artifacts, historical paintings and portraits, books and patents. There is a copy of Governor William Bradfords bible. The museum owns the original Elder Brewster Chair and Peregrine White cradle.
You will find Henry Sargents’ huge painting of the ‘Landing of the Pilgrims’. Sargent loaned the painting to the museum for the 1824 opening and gifted the painting to the museum in 1835. There are several other great depictions of art of the era in the Pilgrim Hall
75 Court St
Plymouth MA 02360
508 746 1620
The Plimouth Grist Mill
The Plimouth Grist Mill is formerly known as the Jenney Grist Mill. This treasure was originally built in 1636 by our earliest settlers and is the oldest operating Grist Mill in the country.
Grist is defined as grain that is ground to make flour. The early settlers had plenty of corn and water and ingeniously put both to great use. The grist mill is 14 feet in diameter and is renowned for its high quality products made from corn and other grains. Visitors may catch the Millers grinding on some Saturday afternoons inside on the grinding floor.
This is one of my favorite landmarks in Plymouth both for the rich history and the beautiful grounds. The grounds are dog friendly. Simon & Max love that! Of course the pups are leashed and a poop bag always at the ready.
The Plimoth Grist Mill is located at:
6 Spring Lane
Plymouth MA 02360 508 830 1124
Opening Day is Saturday April 1 2023.
through the Sunday following Thanksgiving.
Mayflower ll
What really happened to the original Mayflower?
According to the Plimoth Plantation, “No one knows for sure what happened to the original Mayflower. The last record of the ship was an assessment of her value in 1624.”
The Mayflower ll is such a rich way to learn the history and it floats! The views aren’t too shabby either! More than 25 million people have boarded the Mayflower ll to feel what it must have felt like for these people during their tumultuous passage to America. In many ways, we are the result of these events from 4 centuries ago.
Mayflower ll is docked at historic Plymouth Harbor. You can board the Mayflower ll during the open season which begins in April 2023.
Plymouth Patuxet Living Museum
Historic Patuxet is where guests learn about the Native peoples who have lived here for over 12,000 years. Experience what life was like for the Wampanoag communities, including where they lived, what they ate and how they farmed.
New England Village
The 17th century New England Village is a re-creation of the small farming and maritime community built by the Pilgrims along the shore of Plymouth Harbor. This living museum teaches how the Pilgrims lived and farmed: actors in historical garb will answer your questions about colonial life.
Please visit these site before you head to Plymouth for entrance tickets and how to plan your visit to the various museums:
https://plimoth.org/plan-your-visit/hours-tickets-directions https://plimothpatuxet.centeredgeonline.com/retail/item
