20 best & Fun things to do in Plymouth Massachusetts
The best things to do in Plymouth MA don’t usually cost a fortune. Even if you’re not exactly inclined towards outdoor activities, there are plenty of cheap and fun options available. Plymouth is a city on the Merrimack River in central Massachusetts, just east of the state’s largest city, Lowell.
The river flows through the city and provides most of its water. Plymouth has more residents living in Lowell than it does in its city. The best thing about living in Plymouth is that you’re just minutes from one of New England’s most beautiful stretches of water.
If you’re looking for some great places to visit in Plymouth, MA, there are several great ways to spend an hour or two explorings. Check out our list of the best things to do in Plymouth, Massachusetts. You can also check on the the best restaurants in Plymouth MA, here.
20 best things to do in Plymouth Massachusetts
#1. Plimoth Patuxet Museums
The Plimoth Plantation Museum is the most popular thing to do in Plymouth, and it’s easy to see why. The original 19th-century house is a beautiful structure and one of the most charming houses in all of America.
You can explore the original structures, gardens, and the new visitor center, as well as a plantation museum. The museum is open from April through October, and admission is free.
The original 19th-century house is a beautiful structure and one of the most charming houses in all of America.
Address: 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#2. National Monument to the Forefathers
Next up is the National Monument to the Forefathers. Located in Plymouth, this is the resting place for many of the Pilgrims. It was here that the group split up, with some going on to found the city of Plymouth and others heading west.
This place is special because the first group of pilgrims was buried here. North of Plymouth in New Hampshire is a National Monument called The Forefathers.
The Forefather is a beautiful place to visit for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that it’s located in the traditional home of the Pilgrims and their Native American servants. The home is three in one: two houses and a Native American burial ground.
It’s a historic place to visit, and you can get around the site on foot. You’ll do that part on a pretty steep hill, but it’s doable. The site is open Memorial Day weekend through October, and you can visit all three sites together for a discounted price.
Address: 72 Allerton St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#3. The Jenney
The Jenney is perhaps the most iconic building in the city. If you’re looking for a place to spend a few hours, you can explore the architecture, gardens, and beautiful surrounding area.
The Jenney is a History museum and National Historic Landmark in Plymouth, dedicated to Plymouth. This museum in Plymouth lists the Jenney as one of the top ten most important places in Plymouth.
The museum complex is beautiful, but their local pilgrim makes the Jenney stand out. The Jenney also offers guided tours of Plymouth, so be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Plymouth, MA.
Address: 48 Summer St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
Do you love to explore beautiful destinations in Texas for a wonderful vacation experience? you may like to check out the best things to do in Waxahachie Texas, Kerrville TX and San Angelo Texas.
#4. Pilgrim Hall Museum
The museum is administered by the Pilgrim Society, which was founded in 1820. The Pilgrims’ and Plymouth Colony’s history is shown at the museum. The museum building, made of Quincy granite and inaugurated in 1824, was designed by architect Alexander Parris.
In addition to art and artefact collections, the Pilgrim Hall Museum also has a library and archives. A 1651 picture of Edward Winslow, the only known contemporary Pilgrim portrait, and other authentic pieces from the Pilgrim era are prominent examples.
The Sparrow Hawk’s fragments, the sole known survivors of a transatlantic ship from the 17th century, are kept at the museum.
Address: 75 Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#5. Plymouth Bay Winery
Plymouth Bay Winery is a chateau-style estate designed by noted architect Frederick Oliphant. The winery is located in the rolling hills of Callaway Estates in the southeastern part of the city.
The winery produces a wide range of wines, including the Signature Series and the award-winning 2017 Chardonnay. That said, the best times to visit the winery are during tours of the vineyards and when they are open to the public.
Visit during a week when the grounds are open to the public, and you can see the vineyards at their best. On a weekday, the grounds are open for tours only, and people are more likely to visit the winery to taste their famous Chardonnay.
Address: Rear Building, 114 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#6. Mayflower II
Mayflower II is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and it’s one of the more interesting ones, too. This replica of the Mayflower, the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America, is located in Pilgrim Park.
You can board the ship for a guided interior tour or walk around and take it all in on your own. It’s a unique way to experience a piece of American history.
The ship has real wood timbers, tarred hemp rigging, and hand-coloured maps. It is regarded as a faithful general copy with a few minor elements altered (electric lights added and ladder replaced with a lower-deck staircase).
This short journey can be included in the Plimoth Plantation admission charge. Entry tickets start at $32.00. be sure to explore the Mayflower II so you can reply with a great answer when you have been asked what to do in Plymouth, MA.
Address: Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
There are many places in North Carolina that are perfect for exploration. Here are some of the places like High Point North Carolina, Rocky Mount Nc, Asheboro NC and Greenville North Carolina.
#7. Brewster Gardens
This is an 11-acre urban-outdoor estate in Milton, just east of Plymouth, where you can chill with a beverage and beautiful gardens. The gardens are open to the public, and you can enjoy the gardens and garden side wines each day from May through October.
When you visit, you can expect to find a range of activities, including dog-friendly hiking and a 5K trail around the gardens. Brewster Gardens is a lovely garden located just outside of Plymouth.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and inspiring place, this is the spot. You can find gardens of all kinds here, but Brewster’s is the most manicured one.
Gardens are all beautiful in their way, and you can find all kinds of beautiful things growing here. If you’re into plants, you’ll love this place. If you like beautiful things, you’ll love this place.
Address: 30 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#8. Nelson Memorial Park
This is an 11-acre park in the shadow of the City of Plymouth. It’s also one of the most popular places to visit in Plymouth and is one of the cheaper things to do in Plymouth, and it’s also a great way to spend a couple of hours on a beautiful day.
At just over two acres, it’s one of the smallest state parks in the country, so it’s not too crowded, and you get to enjoy the beautiful gardens, the walking path, and the views of the river and city.
You can also pick up some local history at the visitor center, and some wonderful places to eat nearby. This is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit.
Take a walk down the beautifully groomed path, gaze upon the wildlife in the meadows, or sit and relax in the shade of the trees. You’ll appreciate the peaceful, serene atmosphere much more if you have a heart condition.
Address: 235 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#9. Plimoth Grist Mill
Plimoth grist mill offers both a fully functional and a popular tourist site. Several thousand people attend an annual spring celebration in the creek where the mill is located to watch alewives migrate to their nesting sites.
Significant attempts have been made since the early 2000s to increase fish populations, which had sharply decreased since the 1620s. You may observe how water diverted from Town Brook powers the 14-foot-diameter waterwheel outside the mill.
Inside the mill
You can view the 54-inch bed and runner stones on the grinding floor and discover how they operate together to grind or chop the corn into ever-finer bits.
On days when cornmeal is being ground, observe how the miller controls the water wheel, gears, and stones to produce flavorful, aromatic cornmeal.
Grinder gears
The mill’s gears are visible downstairs, notably the enormous face gear and the smaller wallower or lantern gear. Together, these gears convert the water wheel’s sheer power to the horizontal force required to turn the runner stone.
For grits, cornmeal, flour, and other grains, the Millers fill orders! Find out what can be cooked using the many things the millstone can grind.
You can also discover more about Town Brook’s ecosystem, the canal that drives Plimoth Grist Mill. Herring may be seen swimming upstream in the spring to spawn. Take the brookside walk that leads to Plymouth Center’s Brewster Gardens.
Address: 6 Spring Ln, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#10. Pilgrim Memorial State Park
This is a nature preserve located right next to the Merrimack River. If you love the outdoors, you’ll love this place. You can canoe, kayak, or fish in the nearby rivers, streams, and lakes.
There are even hiking and birding trails here. The best thing about this place is that you can feel the ocean breeze on your face as you stand at the shoreline. You can’t experience that at a state park in Massachusetts.
Address: 79 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#11. Myles Standish State Forest
Myles Standish State Forest is a 74-acre public forest located in Plymouth. The forest was once part of a huge man-made marshland called the Commonlands.
The Commonlands tidal basin was the site of Plymouth’s earliest European settlements, including the Howland and Long Beach islands.
Today, the Myles Standish state forest is home to many wildlife, including the Eastern Box turtle and the American alligator. There are also over 40 miles of hiking and bike trails throughout the forest.
#12. Blake Planetarium
The Blake Planetarium, on the main campus of Dartmouth College, is one of the best things to do in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The planetarium is home to a stunning projection screen, where you’ll find rotating exhibits on various topics, including space, technology, and the Universe. You may not see a lot of people during the exhibits, but the planetarium is a room of 1,300 seats.
What’s great about the Planetarium is that you can see a variety of activities, including a planetarium show, while you’re waiting for your turn to see the projection screen.
Address: 117 Long Pond Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
Are you about to embark on an adventure to Michigan for a nice holiday vacation? You can also check out the things to do in Loveland, Novi Michigan, Cadillac Michigan and Bay City Michigan.
#13. White Horse Beach
If you’re in the mood for a beautiful, relaxing beach day, White Horse Beach is the place to go. The small beach is packed with scenic beauty and is a great place to relax and take in the wildlife.
The sand is very soft, and there are plenty of chairs and blankets to spread out on. The water is crystal clear, perfect 61 degrees, and you won’t be able to see anything other than the ocean.
#14. Americana Theatre Company
Americana Theatre Company is definitely a destination worth visiting if you’re interested in seeing a live performance.
The company, based in Plymouth, presents a variety of shows throughout the year, including Broadway-caliber musicals, Off-Broadway plays, political satire, and children’s performances. The company also tours a lot, so you can catch a show in a different city each time you visit.
Address: 1/2, 25 Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#15. The Voyage Spa, Thurlestone Hotel
Discover a different world when visiting the Thurlestone Hotel at the Voyage Spa. The Voyage Spa is a secret treasure of the Thurlestone Hotel.
The spa provides a comprehensive range of services, including manicures, pedicures, classic massages, reflexology, and a selection of spa speciality treatments in its three elegant beauty therapy rooms. Decléor, a leader in cosmetic aromatherapy, provides the spa with skilled skin care products.
You are welcome to drop in for a beauty service, but why not make a day of it and enjoy one of the spa days?
The Voyage Spa provides a variety of spa days that incorporate lunch at the Thurlestone Hotel or full access to the spa’s heated swimming pool, steam room, sauna, exercise center, and speciality showers.
#16. Mayflower Society House and Library
The Mayflower Society House and Library is a beautiful structure that has served as a museum, a library, and a convention centre. It is located in Plymouth, just across the Merrimack River from Boston.
The Mayflower is a natural museum but also contains a great collection of books, including rare editions and books related to Plymouth history.
The Mayflower is both a house and a library, so you can check out books while you’re in the library. There are also several events and programs year-round that you can take part in there.
Address: 4 Winslow St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#17. Long Beach
The Long Beach of Plymouth is just a short drive east of the downtown area and is home to the largest inland lake in New England. Long Beach is a quaint, charming town with a charming beach.
You’re sure to enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, or simply chilling on the beach. The Long Beach Waterfront Path runs along the lake and gives you views of the city skyline, the western shoreline, and the city’s business district.
If you’re willing to put in the effort, you can paddle out to Long Beach, located on the Merrimack River. Long Beach is home to the city’s oldest American Indian tribe, the Wampanoag. The Long Beach Kayak Club rents kayaks to take people on more advanced river tours.
#18. Jabez Howland House
The Jabez Howland House is the most famous historic house in Plymouth. It has been the home of several famous families, most notably the Webbs, the Howlands, and the Sears.
However, there are several other historic homes in the city, including the Round House and the Old Jail. It’s also one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. At the centre of the house is an open-sided loggia you and your friends can enjoy while you chat with the locals.
Address: 33 Sandwich St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#19. Mayflower Brewing Company
You’re likely to find a lot of families visiting the Mayflower Brewery in Plymouth. Mayflower Brewing Company is famous for its American-style lagers.
The brewery is located in Plymouth’s historic district, and its tasting room is open to the public. The tour of the brewery is informative and interesting, and it’s a fun way to spend an hour or two.
You can tour the brewery and learn about the history of beer and the brewing process, as well as purchase a beer to take home. The Mayflower Brewing Company is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Address: 12 Resnik Rd # 3, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States
#20. Gara Rock
The spa at Gara Rock is only open to visitors staying at the opulent hotel, so if you’re looking for a luxurious break with lots of pampering and relaxation, this is the place to go.
Step into the spa bath for a little indulgence, clean your pores in the sauna, or rest for a soothing facial and energizing massage in the new treatment rooms that will open shortly.
You may plunge into the heated indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the grounds after relaxing in the spa bath.
At Gara, there is always something to do to relieve tension and burn calories, rain or shine. Be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Plymouth, MA, this weekend.
What is Plymouth, Ma known for?
Plymouth is known for its beautiful open spaces, especially along the Merrimack River. The city’s recreational offerings include the river and its banks, Lake Massaboag, the Seacoast Discovery Trail, and the old train tracks that run downtown.
Is Plymouth Ma safe?
Yes! It’s a great place to live, work, and play. The crime rate in Plymouth is less than half of the national average. If you’re looking for a safe place to visit and relax, your best bet is to stay in Lowell or North Dartmouth.
How do I spend a day in Plymouth MA?
If you’re in the mood for some activity, you can start your day at the Mayflower Brewing Company to sample some of the area’s great brews. From there, you can take a walk along the riverfront or hop on a train for a ride through the city.
If you’re looking for a spot to relax and unwind, head to South Beach in Downtown Plymouth. You can go bar hopping with other locals or check out some fantastic local art at the Plymouth Art Museum.
Plan your trip in Plymouth Massachusetts
The best things to do in Plymouth, Massachusetts, don’t usually involve breaking the bank. Plymouth is the place to go if you’re looking for someplace cheap and fun to take the family.
The city offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including water sports such as jet skis, banana boats, and kayaks. If you’re looking for a more challenging activity, go for a bungee jump or try your hand at yoga or meditation.
One of the best things about living in Plymouth is that you’re just minutes from one of New England’s most beautiful stretches of water.
You can spend a day exploring the city and its beautiful surroundings, or take a quiet walk along the water and relax.
We hope you love the best things to do in Plymouth, Massachusetts, as much as we do. If you’ve already been, don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know your thoughts!