What to do and see in Plymouth, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Nature & Parks

December 19, 2021 Osvaldo Hartline

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. Brown's Bank

Plymouth, MA
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Brown's Bank

2. Brewster Gardens

Leyden Street, Plymouth, MA
Excellent
56%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 197 reviews

Brewster Gardens

Reviewed By julianar116

Beautiful spot. Dogs welcome on leash,kids can play nice walk from gristmill and the Mayflower.there is nice landscape ,benches

3. Holmes Reservation

Court Street and Robbins Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 [email protected] http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/southeast-ma/holmes-reservation.html
Excellent
60%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

From this broad, sloping field just outside downtown Plymouth, gaze across the historic harbor the Pilgrims entered four centuries ago.

4. National Monument to the Forefathers

Allerton Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 +1 508-747-5360 http://www.visit-plymouth.com/forefathers.htm
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 592 reviews

National Monument to the Forefathers

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!

5. Nelson Memorial Park

Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA http://www.seeplymouth.com/beaches-and-parks/nelson-memorial-park
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Nelson Memorial Park

Reviewed By pearson02360 - Plymouth, United States

Are you looking for a lovely area to spend the day with the kids or just a little alone time? I've found the perfect spot. There is a playground, waterpark area for the kids to run through, a food stand, there is also access to the harbor, and there is a bike/walking trail.

6. Ellisville Harbor State Park

Rt 3A Plymouth, Plymouth, MA 02360 +1 508-866-2580 http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-south/ellisville-harbor-state-park.html
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Ellisville Harbor State Park

Reviewed By zilziltibs - Plymouth, United States

amazing untouched beach. delightful short hike to get there. Great to take your kids to see an untouched beach and salt marshes.

7. Myles Standish State Forest

Lower College Pond Road, Plymouth, MA 02366 +1 508-866-2526 http://www.mass.gov/locations/myles-standish-state-forest?_ga=2.199292782.1793251074.1533930734-172507421.1533930734
Excellent
38%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 96 reviews

Myles Standish State Forest

Reviewed By Mel4025

We love to drive through the forest. It seems to change with each visit. Seasonal changes cause us to go here often for the peaceful aura. We don't camp, but there are a number of locations inn which to set up. There is an equestrian area, ponds in which to swim and roads on which to bicycle. The rustic environment of the park and it's expanse make for a peaceful nature experience.

8. Long Beach

Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02362 https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/marine-and-environmental-affairs/pages/long-beach-information
Excellent
32%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 68 reviews

Long Beach

Reviewed By 14hannon - Sonoma, United States

Long beach is a spit of sand and rock extending about 5 miles that provides protection of the City of Plymouth. Rough and natural, it also serves as a breeding area for plovers and terns; there are protected areas when the birds are nesting. For the parking, a permit is required. However, there is a boarded up restaurant just the right of the City parking lot that is effectively additional free parking for the beach. There is road down the center of Long Beach that allows up to 80 four wheel drive vehicles to drive down and park (special permit required). Long Beach is a beautiful walking beach, but be sure to time your walk for low tide. At low tide the beach is wide and sandy. At high tide, you have to scramble around the rocks. Near the parking area, the water is a bit murky and muddy; as you go down the beach the water clears up. Beautiful spot!

9. Pilgrim Memorial State Park

Water St, Plymouth, MA +1 508-747-5360 http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-south/pilgrim-memorial-state-park.html
Excellent
43%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 160 reviews

Pilgrim Memorial State Park

Pilgrim Memorial State Park is one of the most heavily visited state parks in Massachusets. Nearly one million people a year come from all over the world to visit the town where in 1620 Europeans first made a home in New England and to see Plymouth Rock. This simple boulder has become a world famous symbol. It symbolizes the courage of the men and women who founded the first New England colony as well as the contact of the European colonists and the Wampanoag People who lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. A landscaped waterfront park provides scenic views of Plymouth Harbor. The Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the first Pilgrims to Massachusetts, is normally anchored at the park, however; she is currently undergoing a two year, $12 million restoration, and is expected to return in 2019. Park staff offer daily walking tours of the park from April through November at 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm as well as rock talks throughout the day.

Reviewed By 579oritm - Rehovot, Israel

It ha it all: the rock, the monuments. It is possible to have a free tour by the rangers, a good way to hear the stories.

10. White Horse Beach

Plymouth, MA
Excellent
43%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
9%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 54 reviews

White Horse Beach

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