Plymouth, Massachusetts is best known as the place where the Pilgrims landed the Mayflower in 1620, but since then it has become a coveted tourist destination. The rich history and quiet beaches both make Plymouth a great place to visit. There are always beach houses available for rent in the summer if you want to get away, and in the winter – for those who need a quiet house for a few months – these beach houses can be rented for a lot less money! If you are planning a trip to Plymouth, make sure you see these three places (and if you are not planning a trip to Plymouth, start thinking about making one happen).

Plimoth Plantation: Plimoth Plantation is a recreation of the Pilgrim’s original settlement. When you go, you will be able to see life the way the Pilgrims lived it, complete with women churning butter and men farming and a church that has a trap door in the back that leads to a cannon upstairs, in case of invasion. While those who portray the inhabitants of Plimoth Plantation are hired actors, you can also visit the Indian settlement as well. Unlike those who “live” in Plimoth Plantation, these Indians are not actors at all; they are actual Indians who have continued to follow the customs of their ancestors, and these Indians allow the visitors to interact with them and learn from them.

Plymouth Rock: Plymouth Rock, of course, is where the Pilgrims are said to have first landed. The rock now rests in an enclosure, and you can view the rock and take pictures. This rock signifies the birth of America, and you are sure to feel the historical significance of it when you look upon it.

Mayflower II: This recreation of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America set sail from Devon, England in 1957, traveling for 55 days before landing in Plymouth Harbor. This ship – built to resemble the original Mayflower in every way – is moored at State Pier in Plymouth, and the voyage it took in 1957 has been heralded as a great historic re-imagining of the journey that birthed America. It is open to guests and visitors.

Make sure you make time to visit these wonderful, historic landmarks during your trip to Plymouth; after all, you will need more to do than just enjoy the quiet of the beach and the charm of the New England coastline!