There are few places in the country with more history than Plymouth Harbor. Indeed, when boaters enter this storied port, they are literally navigating the same waters traveled by our Pilgrim forbears, who landed here in 1620 aboard the Mayflower. Talk about a harbor with history!

It’s easy to find the harbormaster’s building on the waterfront dock. Photo/Tom Richardson

Today, Plymouth Harbor serves as both a convenient launching spot and a cool place to visit, given the numerous dining and shopping options along its bustling waterfront. The harbor is home to one of the biggest and best public boat launches in Massachusetts. The facility was renovated this past summer, and features plenty of parking, including overnight parking for those who wish to leave their rigs for weekend trips to other ports.

Boaters who launch from Plymouth or keep their boats there for the season have a world of opportunities at their doorstep. The harbor is within easy reach of beautiful Duxbury and Kingston Bays, as well as the open waters of Cape Cod Bay. Further, Stellwagen Bank is approximately 20 miles away, while Provincetown, Boston, and other destinations are within daytrip distance.

BAR SCENE

Of course, many boaters simply choose to hang out inside the protected harbor and nearby bays and explore the maze of sand flats and channels (follow the markers closely, as it’s easy to run aground). A popular spot in Plymouth Bay is Brown’s Bank, just east of Long Beach Point and south of the main entrance channel. While a hazard for those who fail to watch their chart plotter and the tide, this expansive sandbar becomes party central at low water for boaters and their families who come to fish, clam, barbecue or simply relax. On one day a year that’s chosen for the duration, depth and timing of the tide, the bar becomes something like a Woodstock for boaters, as a blue fabric pavilion is erected to serve as a main stage and live music plays until the tide rolls in.

The purported landing spot of the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock needs no introduction. Photo/ Benjamin Boynton

For those who wish to visit the town by water, the harbormaster’s office maintains ten transient moorings, available on a first-come, first-served basis that can accommodate boats up to 50 feet at a reasonable cost. There are also two nearby anchorages, including the Cowyard, just north of Plymouth Channel, where even large vessels can find good holding ground in a basin with depths of 7 to 10 feet. Unfortunately, Plymouth Harbor lacks short-term tie-up for daytrippers, but the harbormaster will attempt to place visitors on a mooring, depending on availability, and provide launch service to and from shore. Another option is Safe Harbor Plymouth, a full-service, transient-friendly marina and boatyard within walking distance of the harbor’s attractions. The marina hosts more than 1,200 transient vessels each season, and its on-site amenities include a restaurant, laundry, a canvas shop, showers, and a fuel dock. Lastly, the Plymouth Yacht Club offers moorings, and also has a fuel dock, showers, laundry and launch service.

PLYMOUTH ROCKS

The first stop for many folks once ashore is iconic Plymouth Rock, the purported site of disembarkation for the Pilgrims. Berthed just a few steps from the famous monolith is the wooden replica ship Mayflower II, which underwent a $12 million restoration for her namesake’s 400th anniversary celebration in 2020. Since her arrival 1957, the ship has drawn 25 million visitors.

Another well-known historical stop and tourist attraction can be found three miles away at Plimoth Plantation. The Plantation is a living museum dedicated to telling the history of Plymouth Colony from the perspective of both the Pilgrims and the native Wampanoag people. It comprises a working village populated by “re-enactors” who take time to tell curious visitors about daily life on the harsh frontier of the New World. Also close by is the 1677 Harlow Old Fort House, one of the few remaining 17th century buildings in town.

ON THE WATERFRONT

The harbor’s main drag is always bustling with activity. There are all sorts of options to fill your time, from whale-watching and sunset cruises to ghost tours and wine tastings. Several restaurants dot the landscape, offering water views and a wide variety of menu selections.

The Lobster Hut is a destination restaurant for many visiting the city.

For casual dining and a spectacular water view, Cabbyshack is an affordable, family-friendly option. If you’re looking for more upscale waterfront dining, try the East Bay Grille, which has both an elegant interior along with an outdoor bar that features seating in Adirondack chairs. The Tavern on the Wharf also offers waterfront dining.

Of course, the harbor also features the requisite clam shacks, burger joints and pizza parlors, along with many sports pubs and breakfast spots along Water Street and nearby Court Street. For shoppers, Plymouth’s downtown offers a plethora of boutique clothing, jewelry, and novelty shops, all close to the water. You could spend hours perusing Main Street Antiques alone.

If you’re interested in the arts, the Spire Center for the Performing Arts hosts top-flight musical acts and theatrical productions in a three-story, 225-seat hall close to the harbor. Plimoth Plantation also shows nightly movies under the stars throughout the summer.

One of Plymouth Harbor’s biggest events of the year is the Waterfront Festival, held each August. The all-day extravaganza features two stages of live entertainment, 50 craft and vendor booths, 30 food trucks, a classic car show and many family activities. There’s a reason why Plymouth is labeled “America’s Hometown.” Like the Pilgrims, you’ll know you’ve arrived in a special place the moment you step ashore. And hopefully you’ll stay a while too.