Known as "America's Hometown", Plymouth has a rich history dating back to the Mayflower Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock. Today you can visit historic houses, explore pioneer museums and learn more about the birth of the New World.

Things to do

Step back in time at the Plimoth Plantation, a meticulously recreated 17th-century colonial village. Costumed interpreters offer information on everything from cooking to farming. There are also plenty of activities for kids, as well as a craft centre, hobby farm and working mill.

History enthusiasts flock to view Plymouth Rock, a weathered granite slab where the Mayflower pilgrims first set foot on American shores. Find out more about their legacy at the Pilgrim Hall Museum, which showcases original Mayflower memorabilia, including Governor Bradford's chair.

Venture out of town to explore Myles Standish State Forest, an almost 6,500-hectare park laced with scenic biking and hiking trails, including the four-kilometre East Head Reservoir Loop that offers fantastic views of the shoreline. Cool off at College Pond, a sandy beach popular with swimmers, picnickers and canoers.

Plymouth offers a tantalising taste of the Bay State's flourishing farm-to-table food scene. The Plymouth Farmers Market attracts vendors from across Massachusetts and is a great place to pick up artisan cheese, organic produce and freshly-caught lobster.

Getting around

Much of Plymouth is best explored on foot or on a bicycle. The town is serviced by local buses and shuttles. In summer, the Plymouth-to-Provincetown Express Ferry whisks passengers to Cape Cod in 90 minutes. Boston's Logan International Airport is a one-hour drive from Plymouth.