Things to do in Plymouth, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Museums

May 27, 2021 Alida England

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. Scallop Roll

134 Court St Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth, MA 02360-8728 https://plymouthchamber.com/featured/plymouth-scallop-roll/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Scallop Roll

Reviewed By 58aussie - Rockland, United States

This is a must see while in Plymouth. You can get a map from the visitors center and see all 29 Scallops.

2. The Jenney

48 Summer St, Plymouth, MA 02360-3456 +1 508-747-4544 [email protected] http://www.thejenney.org
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 499 reviews

The Jenney

Historic Plymouth Tours and Educational Programs. Your journey into history begins here. Discover Plymouth's History - a Walking Tour: Hear about the people, places, and events that shaped the beginning of our country as you walk through the historic district of Plymouth. Forefathers Monument Tour - This hidden gem is the largest free standing solid granite monument in our country. The faith of the Pilgrims will become real to you as you learn what each of the five statues represents. Business Not as Usual - Pilgrim Economics and Conversations with a Pilgrim: Our guides help visitors learn all aspects of the Pilgrim family including economics, education, government, and faith. All tours require a reservation. Visit our website for tour times and information. Open seasonally.

Reviewed By E9625YOjonathanm - Tuxedo Park, United States

If one didn't know better, it would be easy to believe that Leo Martin was the 103rd Mayflower pilgrim (or perhaps the 105th depending on how you count, but let Leo explain that to you himself). It was a true pleasure to spend time with someone so dedicated to helping us truly understand what we thought we already knew. The museum itself has an abundance of simple, well-presented information. It is not an exhibit of artifacts, but one focusing on the ideals and principles that helps puts the events of 1620 and beyond in perspective. Although it is possible to visit the Jenney Museum without taking advantage of one of the excellent tours, my wife and I highly recommend the Plymouth walking tour which covered a remarkable amount of ground in a little over an hour. Stops included Town Brook, Brewster Gardens, Leyden Street, Burial Hill, and of course, the Rock in all its glory (again I encourage you to experience Leo's commentary for yourself). Leo's presentation was a near-perfect combination of fact, philosophy, anecdotes, and witty commentary. At the conclusion I felt that I didn't just know about the Mayflower pilgrims, but that I knew the Mayflower pilgrims. This was truly the highlight of our visit to Plymouth!

3. Blake Planetarium

117 Long Pond Rd Inside Plymouth Community Intermediate School, Plymouth, MA 02360-2660 +1 508-830-4470 [email protected] http://www.blakeplanetarium.com
Excellent
89%
Good
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Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Blake Planetarium

A state of the art facility that immerses its audience with video and sound. Boasted as the only 4K fulldome planetarium south of Boston and offering breathtaking views on its dome screen, the Blake Planetarium has high resolution video playback, real time multimedia, multichannel surround sound, and classic astronomy tools that take visitors on fantastic voyages every time.

Reviewed By HerMajesty00

Today we brought two kindergarten classes to their first planetarium experience. We could not have been more thrilled. The program was an hour long and geared perfectly for very curious young minds. The children were captivated. Mr. Davies who has taught high school for many years has carefully adapted this first time experience for the very young learner. The children were allowed to participate and they really learned quite a bit. We returned to our classroom and the students begged to learn more. they wrote in their science journals and everyone of the students had clearly been listening. it was a great experience for children and adults alike.

4. Pilgrim Hall Museum

75 Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360-3823 +1 508-746-1620 [email protected] http://www.pilgrimhall.org
Excellent
60%
Good
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Satisfactory
8%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 443 reviews

Pilgrim Hall Museum

America's oldest public museum is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of both Native American and Pilgrim artifacts.

Reviewed By Stoneforest88 - Boston, United States

We visited this museum in nov 2018. It is a great museum to visit with lots of information about plymouth and pilgrims and puritans who initially landed in plymouth in 1620.....definitely worth the visit!

5. Richard Sparrow House

42 Summer St, Plymouth, MA 02360-3456 +1 508-747-1240
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Richard Sparrow House

Built in 1640, this is Plymouth's oldest house.

6. Mayflower Society House and Library

4 Winslow St, Plymouth, MA 02360-3313
Excellent
62%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Mayflower Society House and Library

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.

7. PLIMOTH PATUXET

137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360-2436 +1 508-746-1622 [email protected] http://www.plimoth.org/
Excellent
57%
Good
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Satisfactory
11%
Poor
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4.5 based on 2,467 reviews

PLIMOTH PATUXET

Commemorating the 400th anniversary of the 1621 Harvest Feast known as Thanksgiving! Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum of early Plymouth Colony from the perspective of both the English Pilgrims and the Indigenous People who have lived here for over 12,000 years. The museum features three separate exhibit locations. Plimoth Patuxet with the Historic Patuxet Homesite, 17th-Century English Village, Craft Center and Henry Hornblower Visitor Center featuring the exhibit "History in a New Light: Illuminating the Archaeology of Patuxet and Plymouth". Mayflower II (National Register of Historic Places) located at Pilgrim Memorial State Park on the waterfront in Plymouth, 2 miles from Plimoth Patuxet, you will need your own transportation. Plimoth Grist Mill, located in the heart of historic Plymouth is a short walk from the Mayflower. Select which ticket works best for you. Admission may be split over multiple days with Plimoth Patuxet as your first site.

Reviewed By wpchlc1 - San Antonio, United States

The grounds are beautiful, and make for enjoyable walking. The exhibits are tangibly full of history and authenticity. The actors within this place are the most knowledgeable we’ve encountered in a living history museum. Stop in every dwelling or house and talk to ALL of them. They are walking encyclopedias and the level of detail is staggering.

8. Hedge House

126 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360-3838 +1 508-746-0012
Excellent
78%
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4.5 based on 9 reviews

Hedge House

9. Plymouth Center For The Arts

11 North St, Plymouth, MA 02360-3309 +1 508-746-7222 http://plymouthguild.org
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
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4.5 based on 9 reviews

Plymouth Center For The Arts

Reviewed By roxieontheroad - Plymouth, United States

The building itself, which is actually three buildings merged into one, is just beautiful. The section that was once a library is especially beautiful. The exhibits and classes span multiple media and represent the best of local art. There's even a small artisan shop with beautiful handmade gift items. The current remodeling is making the building much more accessible to people of all abilities.

10. Mayflower II

Water Street State Pier at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, Plymouth, MA 02360 +1 508-746-1622 [email protected] https://plimoth.org/what-see-do/mayflower
Excellent
40%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,241 reviews

Mayflower II

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

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