Boston to Plymouth Day Trip: Mayflower II, Quincy & Plimoth Patuxet

Summary

New England coastlines, presidents’ homes and living history in Plymouth

You’ll travel from Boston through presidential Quincy and along New England’s coastal towns before exploring Plimoth Patuxet Museum and stepping aboard Mayflower II. Expect hands-on history, local stories (and accents), plus lunch by Plymouth Harbor—all with easy pickup and small group comfort.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that really it?” I asked, squinting at the famous Plymouth Rock while our guide, Mike, grinned. He’d already warned us not to expect something huge, but I still laughed when a local kid called it “just a rock.” We’d started out from Boston that morning—hotel pickup was easy, coffee still warm—and by the time we rolled through Quincy past John Adams’ old house (white clapboard, flag out front), the bus felt like a little crew. Mike told stories about the Adams family that made them sound like actual people instead of textbook names. I liked that.

The drive down the South Shore surprised me—wind off the water in Scituate smelled briny and sharp, and we stopped at this lighthouse where two sisters once tricked the British army (I probably couldn’t pull that off even with Google). The coastline kept changing: big old houses on Jerusalem Road, then marshes and cranberry bogs flashing by. At Plimoth Patuxet Museum, a woman in 17th-century dress handed me a wooden spoon for stirring stew—I tried not to spill it everywhere. It’s weirdly grounding to hear someone speak in old English right next to you while seagulls screech overhead.

Lunch was on the harbor—clam chowder thicker than I expected and gulls eyeing every crumb. Afterward we climbed aboard Mayflower II (watch your head if you’re tall). The wood smelled damp and sweet; one of the crew reenactors explained how people slept below deck (I couldn’t imagine lasting a week). Someone asked about seasickness and he just shrugged—“You got used to it or you didn’t.” That stuck with me for some reason.

I keep thinking about that moment on deck—the light shifting over the water, everyone quiet for a second except for some kid giggling about pirates. Not everything hit me right away; some things settle in later. So yeah, if you want a Boston to Plymouth day trip that’s more than just ticking boxes—with real stories and odd details you’ll remember—this one’s worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boston to Plymouth and Historic Sites

• Hotel pick-up in downtown Boston
• Drive through Weymouth, Abigail Adams birthplace
• View mansions along Jerusalem Road coastline
• View historical homes in Duxbury
• Stop at Scituate Lighthouse, hear Army of Two story
• Stop at John Adams and John Quincy Adams homes
• View National Monument to the Forefathers
• Visit Plymouth Harbor and view Plymouth Rock
• Free time for shopping or harbor views
• Tour Mayflower II historic vessel
• Skip-the-line admission to Plimoth Plantation
• Enjoy discounted turkey dinner at Plimoth Plantation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Boston to Plymouth day trip?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup is included from select downtown Boston hotels or designated locations.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Quincy’s presidential homes, Scituate Lighthouse, Plimoth Patuxet Museum, Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, and several coastal towns.

Does this tour include admission fees?

Yes, admission to Plimoth Patuxet Museum and Mayflower II is included in your booking.

How long is the drive from Boston to Plymouth?

The drive takes about 1–1.5 hours each way depending on traffic and stops along the South Shore.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

No set lunch is provided but there is free time for lunch at Plymouth Harbor with discounted options available.

Are snacks or drinks offered on board?

Complimentary snacks and bottled water are available on the mini coach bus during your journey.

Can children join this Boston to Plymouth day trip?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are not available but strollers are allowed.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs if accompanied by someone who can assist boarding/disembarking; some walking is required at sites.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Boston locations, round-trip transport by air-conditioned mini coach bus with snacks and bottled water along the way. Entry fees for both Plimoth Patuxet Museum and Mayflower II are covered. You’ll also stop at Quincy’s historic presidential homes, see Scituate Lighthouse on the coast, have time for lunch at Plymouth Harbor (with discounted options), and enjoy commentary from a professional guide before being dropped off back in Boston.