Attractions

The logical place to begin (good luck talking children out of it) is where the Pilgrims first set foot -- at Plymouth Rock. The rock, accepted as the landing place of the Mayflower passengers, was originally 15 feet long and 3 feet wide. It was moved on the eve of the Revolution and several times thereafter. In 1867, it assumed its present permanent position at tide level. The rock itself isn't much to look at, but the accompanying descriptions are interesting, and the atmosphere is curiously inspiring.

The Colonial Dames of America commissioned the portico around the rock, designed by McKim, Mead & White and erected in 1920. The remnants of a renovation project slated to begin and end in early 2008 may still be evident during your visit.

The park just south of the Rock (which is technically in its own little state park) is Brewster Gardens, a lovely green space that traces Town Brook. This is a good shortcut to Jenney Pond, in Town Brook Park, across Summer Street from the John Carver Inn. A short distance from the bustle of the waterfront, the park has plenty of room to run around as well as a pond with ducks and geese.

Guided Tours

Narrated cruises run from April through November from State Pier and Town Wharf; check the departure point when you make reservations, which are always recommended. Capt. John Boats (tel. 800/242-2469 or 508/746-2643; www.captjohn.com) offers several entertaining options, including 75-minute narrated harbor tours on the Pilgrim Belle paddle wheeler ($14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 children 2-12) and whale watches ($37 adults, $31 seniors, $25 children 4-12). Dining, entertainment, and sunset cruises and seasonal service to Provincetown are also available. Tours with Lobster Tales (tel. 508/746-5342; www.lobstertalesinc.com) include lobster excursions ($15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 children under 12), which give passengers the chance to haul up traps and handle the feisty crustaceans, and kid-friendly pirate cruises ($18 per person), with music, singing, and dancing by the crew and hats for the young buccaneers.

A Presidential History Twofer

A worthwhile detour en route to Plymouth is the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, about 10 miles south of Boston. The park preserves the birthplaces of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, the house where four generations of the family lived, and eight other buildings associated with the political dynasty. A trolley connects the buildings, which are open for guided tours daily from 9am to 5pm in season (mid-Apr to mid-Nov). Admission is $5 for adults, free for children under 16. The grounds and the visitor center, 1250 Hancock St. (tel. 617/770-1175; www.nps.gov/adam), are open in the winter Tuesday through Friday 10am to 4pm. The center is across the street from the Quincy Center stop on the Red Line; call or surf ahead for driving directions.