00:00
Plymouth, Massachusetts, is more than Pilgrim history — but our tour focuses on those historic sites.
In a one-mile waterfront stroll, we explore the stories behind America’s earliest settlements.
The route begins along Water Street and covers lots of must-see spots along the Harbor. We’ll visit the famous Plymouth Rock, and we can choose to board the Mayflower II, a full-sized replica of the original wooden sailing ship. Next, stroll through Brewster Gardens to hear little-known tales behind William Bradford, Chief Massasoit, and the Pilgrim Maiden. Burial Hill Cemetery is up a slight incline, but it’s worth it to search for the names of famous preachers and poets. There are plenty of historic homes along the way as well, including the Mayflower Society House. Finish up at the Grist Mill, where visitors can try their hand at grinding their own cornmeal. The tour can be extended with optional side trips to The Pilgrim Hall Museum, The Jenney, or Plimouth Plantation.
Most visitors fly into Boston via Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
Driving into Plymouth is one of the easier ways to get in and out of town. Arrive via Route 3 from Cape Cod; Route 44 runs east and west through the town and connects to major arteries via I-495 for cities North and West.
Plymouth Station is the closest stop to Plymouth along the MBTA Commuter Rail. From Kingston, take a taxi or rideshare to downtown Plymouth.
There is no fee to walk down Plymouth’s historic waterfront neighborhood. Enjoying The Mayflower II or any of the museums and historic homes along the route requires tickets. Plimoth Patuxet Museums operates the most popular spots along our walking route, including Mayflower II, the Plimoth Grist Mill, and other living history sites in Plymouth, so it’s best to check their website for ticket options.
There are a wide variety of chain, luxury, and independent hotels available in Plymouth itself for travelers who want to stay within walking distance of the Plymouth waterfront.
For travelers who are looking for fewer crowds and don’t mind a bit of a drive, New Bedford is about 45 minutes away from Plymouth and offers additional accommodation options at a wide variety of price points.
Since many visitors also combine a trip to Plymouth with a visit to Boston, Back Bay and Cambridge both offer ample options just about an hour’s drive away from Plymouth.
The best time to visit Plymouth for our walking tour is during the summer or fall. These seasons offer the best weather and access to historical sites along the route. Summer can be warm, but the cool air coming from the harbor keeps things comfortable. Fall brings famous Massachusetts foliage to the town and a more relaxed atmosphere. Living history sites like the Mayflower II close down for the season in late November, but visitors can find deals on accommodations if they want a cozy New England escape. The town comes alive again in the spring, usually around April. The air might still be quite chilly, but it can be a good time to visit without the summertime crowds.
Where it all started – see the famous first landing place where the Pilgrims set foot on North American soil for the first time – or did they? We’ll explore all the myths, legends, and history surrounding this famous landmark, from the Pilgrim’s harrowing journey across the Atlantic to the early days of settlement. Plus, we’ll hear all about the surprising fate of the original rock as we walk through the park honoring this bit of American family history.
Explore a full-sized recreation of the original ship that carried the Puritans from Europe to North America. We can choose to view it from the shore or go aboard to experience what daily life was like for the Pilgrims. Go below decks to explore the cramped passenger conditions, then visit the Captain’s Cabin to see how the ship was managed on the 10-week voyage. Don’t worry – the ship is firmly anchored in Plymouth Harbor.
Visit the living history site in the heart of Plymouth to see how the early settlers eked out a living on the shores of New England. Discover what the cutting-edge technology of 1636 looked like in this fully operational reproduction of the original settlers’ grain mill. Watch as 200-year-old millstones grind dried corn, or maybe even purchase some flour or cornmeal to take home and bake with – just like the Pilgrims did four centuries ago.
Climbing the hill to this small cemetery, we’ll feel the spirit of the founding generation resonate here. Famous names like preacher William Bradford and poet Mercy Otis Warren lie in Burial Hill. We’ll explore the stories that still animate Plymouth, along with the legacy of the Separatist Church that’s still active here. Leave this peaceful, reflective spot with a new appreciation for the religious dissenters who just wouldn’t give up.
Dig deeper into the personal and family histories of the original passengers of the Mayflower. From Loyalists to poets, the home has sheltered centuries of famous names. In this beautiful New England mansion, we’ll discover how the first Puritan families to settle here shaped the fledgling nation. Strolling past the restored homes of historic Plymouth, we’ll discover how the echoes of this small settlement have influenced an entire country down through the centuries.
This walking tour of historic Plymouth can be completed in a single morning or afternoon, with time for can’t-miss stops like Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, Burial Hill Cemetery, the Mayflower Society House, and the Plymouth Grist Mill. To make the trip a full day, take the suggested side trips at Plimoth Plantation, Hedge House Museum, The Jenney, or Pilgrim Hall Museum to dig deeper into Mayflower-era stories. Alternatively, head to the Town Wharf – just past the Visitor’s Center where our tour begins – to catch a whale-watching boat.
With a second day, you are well positioned to explore more of the nearby history across Greater Boston. Our tours of the Freedom Trail and the Boston Ghosts Tour can get you started. Alternatively, some travelers simply enjoy a weekend along the relaxing waterfront scenery in Plymouth, along with all the fresh seafood they can eat at the local restaurants.
You can complete this walking tour of Plymouth’s top historic sites in a single morning or afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy one of the many seafood restaurants in town or return to favorite stops along the route. Start along Water Street or pick up the commentary anywhere along the route. This trip is designed to be flexible – you can start in the middle, repeat favorite stops, or simply walk past ones that don’t match your schedule.
Here’s a suggested itinerary for either a half-day or full day in Plymouth:
Half-Day Itinerary
Begin our tour at the Plymouth Visitor Center on Water Street, then stroll along the waterfront. Purchase tickets at the Mayflower II for the 30-minute docent-led tour, then continue on to see the Mayflower Society House and of course, the iconic Plymouth Rock. After that, we’ll see statues commemorating famous Plymouth figures and tour the Brewster Gardens, where we’ll hear more about daily life in a 17th-century village.
Next, take a short uphill climb to Burial Hill Cemetery and search for famous names among the tombstones, or continue on to hear the tales behind the Sparrow House. Finish up by seeing a working recreation of the 1636 Grist Mill, where you can spend up to an hour here if you want to try grinding your own grain. By now, you’ll be ready for either lunch or dinner, depending on when you started the tour. Enjoy one of the many seafood restaurants in town, then either head back to accommodations or head back towards the Visitor Center for the Town Wharf to catch a whale-watching or deep-sea fishing boat.
If you have a full day to explore Plymouth’s waterfront, there’s more time to explore all the living history experiences around Plymouth, including the Jenney and Plimouth Plantation. Consider breaking up the day into two halves. For the morning, follow the half-day itinerary above, making sure to take your tour of the Mayflower II in the cool morning air. After lunch at one of the many harbor front restaurants, spend a few hours at Plimouth Plantation and the Pilgrim Hall Museum to see relics from the settlement period.
With even more time, you can explore historic Massachusetts further. This tour combines well with our Boston tours, especially the Freedom Trail and the Boston Ghost Tour, if you have a long weekend to explore the area.
Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated along any walking tour, especially during the warmer summer months. Starting the day with a full water bottle will sustain walkers through the tour of the town.
Comfortable walking shoes: As with any walking tour, shoes that don’t leave blisters after a day of sightseeing are absolutely essential. The terrain on this walking tour is mostly easy and paved, but it can be slippery along the harbor or if boarding the Mayflower II, plus the walk to the Burial Hill Cemetery includes a gentle grassy incline – we recommend packing some shoes with a bit of grip – definitely no flip-flops or smooth-bottomed sandals.
Phone Charger and Battery Pack: This tour doesn’t require a cell signal or Wi-Fi, but it does use a GPS signal, which can drain a phone’s battery a little more quickly than usual. Bring a charger or battery pack along with you just in case.
Sun Protection: This tour covers about a mile of in-town walking but remember that the rays reflecting off the harbor will be stronger than usual. Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses to stay protected from sunburn during summertime visits.
Jacket : The air will always be cooler near the water, so pack a weather-appropriate jacket or coat to stay comfortable if the temperature drops during the walk.