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. This property's formal name is Pilgrim Memorial State Park (tel. 508/747-5360; www.mass.gov/dcr); it's the smallest state park in Massachusetts.

The park just south of the Rock 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 where ducks and geese live.

The Adams Family -- 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 other buildings associated with the political dynasty. A trolley connects the buildings, which are open for 2-hour guided tours -- the only way to see the interiors -- daily from 9am to 5pm in season (Apr 19-Nov 10). Admission is $5 for adults, free for children 15 and under. The grounds and the visitor center, 1250 Hancock St. (tel. 617/770-1175; www.nps.gov/adam), are open in the winter Wednesday 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.

Guided Tours

To walk in the Pilgrims' footsteps, take a Colonial Lantern Tour (tel. 774/454-8126; www.lanterntours.com). Participants carry pierced-tin lanterns on a 90-minute walking tour of the original settlement, conducted by a knowledgeable guide. It might seem a bit hokey at first, but it's fascinating. Tours run nightly from April to Thanksgiving, rain or shine. The standard history tour begins at 7:30pm, the "Ghosts & Legends" tour at 8pm. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, AAA members, and children 6 to 16; free for children 5 and under. Check the meeting place when you make reservations. The company also offers special tours for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

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 and imperative at busy times. Pilgrim Belle Cruises (tel. 508/474-3434; www.pilgrimbellecruises.com) offers 75-minute narrated harbor tours on a paddle wheeler ($17 adults, $15 seniors, $12 children 2-12) as well as sunset and dining cruises. Lobster Tales (tel. 508/746-5342; www.lobstertalesinc.com) organizes pirate cruises ($18 per person), which allow kids aged 4 to 11 to don hats and face paint and "defend" the boat against marauding buccaneers, and lobster excursions ($16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 children 11 and under), which give passengers the chance to haul up traps and observe marine life. Capt. John Boats (tel. 800/242-2469 or 508/746-2643; www.captjohn.com) offers whale watches ($40 adults, $34 seniors, $28 children 4-12).