Location: Plymouth
Top Things to do in Plymouth
The 10 Best Historic Sites in Plymouth, Massachusetts (MA)
It's no wonder that the Pilgrims fell in love with America when they landed at gorgeous Plymouth, set in the calm waters of Plymouth Harbor along Cape Cod Bay. It was here that the first English colonists made war and then peace with the Natives, celebrating their newfound cooperation with the first Thanksgiving dinner. Visit the landmarks that honor this piece of American history, from Plymouth Rock to Mayflower II to Burial Hill. Or just enjoy the sandy beaches and calm sea breeze.
Restaurants in Plymouth
1. Harlow Old Fort House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Built in 1677, this wooden house now hosts demonstrations of 17th-century household practices like spinning and weaving.
Reviewed By aps_73 - Plymouth, United States
A lot of folks visit Plimoth Plantation to learn of life in the colony in 1624. This house depicts living 50 years later. Hours are limited. Last year it was open only on Tuesdays from June through August and will presumably be the same in the future. A tour is generally conducted by volunteers who explain daily life at that time. There is a lot of opportunity to ask questions. Perhaps spend an hour or more. Last July, we attended a delightful public breakfast at the Harlow House. Look for it.
2. Jabez Howland House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Howland, the son of two Mayflower passengers, bought this house in 1667.
Reviewed By jpatrickr - Bonita Springs, United States
Built by the son of Pilgrim John and Elizabeth Tilley Howland. The pilgrims actually stayed here during the winter months. Well restored building with many period artifacts and a nice tour. Very reasonable with a small but reasonably priced gift shop. Nice hand dipped candles!
3. The Spooner House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Built in 1747, this was home to five generations of Spooners over 200 years.
4. Richard Sparrow House
5. Mayflower Society House and Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
This museum is the headquarters for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
Reviewed By joa705 - Somerset, United States
Lovely docent tour for just $5 for AAA members and/or seniors. Otherwise just $7. About 45 minutes to learn the house history of this beautiful home. While there we met 12th generations of the Brewster heritage quite by accident who only learned of their heritage from a genelogy search. Tour are seasonal until October and run on the hour opens at 11AM. Up the hill from Plymouth Rock that have 10 minute tours and by the National Site near where the Mayflower was there are park ranger tours 3x a day.11,2 and 4 PM which are free.
6. National Monument to the Forefathers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 592 reviews
Thought to be the largest solid granite monument in the United States, this 81-foot-tall granite statue was built to honor the passengers of the Mayflower. Boston sculptor Hammatt Billings designed the monument which features allegorical figures depicting the virtues of Faith, Morality, Education, Law, and Liberty. A dedication on the monument reads, “National Monument to the Forefathers. Erected by a grateful people in remembrance of their labors, sacrifices and sufferings for the cause of civil and religious liberty.” The original design called for the monument to be nearly twice as tall at 150 feet (just under the Statue of Liberty’s height of 151 feet). The monument is free to visit and open to the public year-round. Its site is managed and maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and their furry companions (on a leash) to enjoy the monument's lawn.
Reviewed By 693chrisv - Cedar Rapids, United States
Another great tour with Leo from Jenny museum. He really helps explain everything about this monument that most people would not have a clue. A full story about the monument worth the time!
7. Hedge House
8. Leyden Street, Plymouth Ma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By 934terir - Plymouth, United States
It is worth a short walk along this street and think about what it might have been like for the Pilgrims. Very historic
9. Mayflower II
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,241 reviews
On the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Mayflower II is docked at historic Plymouth Harbor. Climb aboard and experience what the 1620 crossing was like for the Pilgrims. See the captains quarters, gallery and below deck where the English colonists were for that 66 day voyage. Modern-day guides are on hand to enrich your experience, sharing stories about 1620 and the history of Mayflower II. Did you know that the historic ship was presented as a gift in 1957 to the United States of America from England as a thank you for the countries friendship in World War II?
Reviewed By howardform
This is an expensive attraction, its not worth the $15 a person for a 10-15 min view. You can see it for free from the park near Plymouth Rock. I am giving it 5 stars after seeing it from this vantage point, you will get excellent photos from here without breaking your wallet
10. Plymouth Rock
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2,300 reviews
Located in Pilgrim Memorial State Park on the shore of Plymouth Harbor, this simple glacial erratic boulder has become a world-famous symbol representing something different to each person who looks at it. Although no historical evidence exists to confirm Plymouth Rock as the Pilgrims’ actual steppingstone to the New World, the boulder was identified as this spot in 1741, 121 years after the arrival of the Mayflower. Thomas Faunce, a 94-year-old church elder who said his father, who arrived in Plymouth in 1623, assured him the boulder was the exact landing spot. Plymouth Rock quickly became an American icon and a tangible monument to freedom. Nearly four centuries after the arrival of the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock is viewed by more than one million visitors each year.
Reviewed By mbpisano4363 - Otisville, United States
While staying on vacation in Cape Cod , my husband and I decided to take a drive on a rainy day to Plymouth Mass, it was there that we were able to park a short distance away and fed a parking meter , seeing how it’s 400 years anniversary of the Pilgrqms landing on Plymouth Rock I was excited to see it , there was no tour or coat involved it was for free and across from it was a statue dedicated to the Pilgrqms , Plymouth is right on the water with lots of cute shops and Restraunts to choose from , it’s something I would highly recommend everyone seeing if your in the area .
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