The Pilgrims landed here in 1620, and Plymouth hasn't stopped telling that story since. Step off the ship and walk straight into four centuries of American history — Plymouth Rock, a full-scale Mayflower replica, and some seriously good clam chowder are all within minutes of the pier.
American Cruise Lines' small ships dock directly at Plymouth's Town Wharf or State Pier, putting you steps from the historic waterfront.
💡 Pro move: Plymouth Harbor is relatively shallow; ships calling here are typically small expedition-style or coastal vessels. Large ocean cruise ships do not regularly call at Plymouth.
Plymouth's Town Wharf and State Pier are right in the historic core — you step off and you're already at the attractions.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines | Town Wharf / State Pier, Plymouth Harbor📍 | Docked |
| Small coastal/expedition ships | Plymouth Harbor📍 | Docked |
Plymouth's deep history rewards both independent walkers and those who want a guided deep-dive into Pilgrim and Wampanoag culture.
A full-scale reproduction of the original Pilgrim ship is docked steps from your pier. Costumed interpreters tell the story of the 66-day Atlantic crossing, then walk across the street to see Plymouth Rock under its classical portico.
Find Mayflower II tours →Three miles south of the harbor, this world-class museum brings 1620s Plymouth to life with a recreated English Village with role-playing interpreters and the Patuxet Homesite where Indigenous educators share the Wampanoag perspective.
Find Plimoth Patuxet tours →Opened in 1824, the oldest continuously operating public museum in the US houses actual Pilgrim artifacts — William Bradford's Bible, Myles Standish's sword, and the cradle of Peregrine White, the first English child born in New England.
Find Pilgrim Hall tours →A 3-mile barrier beach about 2.5 miles from the pier, Plymouth Long Beach is perfect for a breezy Atlantic stroll and birdwatching. Bring a jacket — the sea breeze is real.
Find Plymouth beach tours →The harbor waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants. CabbyShack is famous for lobster rolls and chowder served in a sourdough bowl; East Bay Grille offers a more upscale raw bar with harbor views.
Find Plymouth food tours →Plymouth's historic waterfront is one of the most walkable cruise stops in New England — nearly every key landmark is a short stroll from the pier.
From the pier, walk south to Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II, then cross Water Street up Cole's Hill for harbor views and the Massasoit Statue. Head inland on Leyden Street — America's first street — then loop back via Brewster Gardens and the Plimoth Grist Mill.
Walk inland from the waterfront to see the massive 81-foot solid-granite monument honoring the Pilgrims' virtues — one of the largest granite monuments in the United States and set in a quiet residential neighborhood.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F / 3°C | 23°F / -5°C | 11 | 7:12 AM | 4:45 PM |
| Feb | 41°F / 5°C | 25°F / -4°C | 10 | 6:55 AM | 5:20 PM |
| Mar | 49°F / 9°C | 32°F / 0°C | 11 | 6:05 AM | 5:55 PM |
| Apr | 60°F / 16°C | 41°F / 5°C | 11 | 6:00 AM | 7:25 PM |
| May | 70°F / 21°C | 51°F / 11°C | 11 | 5:25 AM | 7:55 PM |
| Jun | 79°F / 26°C | 60°F / 16°C | 10 | 5:05 AM | 8:20 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 66°F / 19°C | 9 | 5:20 AM | 8:15 PM |
| Aug | 82°F / 28°C | 65°F / 18°C | 9 | 5:50 AM | 7:40 PM |
| Sep | 74°F / 23°C | 57°F / 14°C | 9 | 6:20 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Oct | 63°F / 17°C | 46°F / 8°C | 10 | 7:00 AM | 6:10 PM |
| Nov | 52°F / 11°C | 37°F / 3°C | 10 | 6:40 AM | 4:25 PM |
| Dec | 43°F / 6°C | 28°F / -2°C | 11 | 7:05 AM | 4:15 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.