August 18, 2026 Plymouth, Mass.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 New Bedford to Plymouth, Mass. 54 miles and 5.5 hours

During our trip last year we skipped a visit to Plymouth as we were in max travel time mode trying to stay ahead of some impending rough weather. Seemed like a good opportunity to visit this year. We needed an early start out of New Bedford to hit the Cape Cod Canal with a favorable current and that would put us into Plymouth around noon giving us time for a visit. Plan worked out well. Out of New Bedford at 7 AM. A bit of a cooler cruise out to and up Buzzards Bay. Weather was overcast and the northerly breeze was in our face. Waters relatively calm - just a slight choppiness. Made good time through the canal. Railroad bridge is only thing that could hold us up, but it remained in the raised position during our transit. Speed limit is 10mph through the canal which we were hitting with throttles in idle mode - so very favorable push. Remaining bridges are both high rise fixed allowing larger cargo ships to use the canal.

Overcast morning but when the sun did break through
it was blinding as we were headed eastward

Making way for some commercial traffic in the canal

The lift railroad bridge getting a new coat of paint.
A mere 7' of clearance when lowered.

Once out of the canal it was evident we had hit the Atlantic lobstering waters. Lobster trap markers have begun. Not too many and very randomly placed so needed a constant focus. Seas settled down to flat by the time we approached Plymouth and the meandering waterway that leads in. We have a mooring ball reserved for one night located right in front of the town wharf where the cruise ship American Glory was parked. Caught the launch into town and since we didn't have much for breakfast were ready for a meal. A local recommended Woods Seafood right on the water. Very good fried fish. Big portions and quite reasonable. No mistaking Plymouth's main industry - it relies on tourism. Waterfront has a couple of wharfs that service visiting American cruise line ships, whale watching cruises, the Mayflower replica, and offloading the commercial lobster boats.

Replica of the Mayflower built in 1957 in England and sailed to Plymouth.
About 110 feet long with a 25 foot beam.

Cruise ship American Glory at the town wharf

Whale watcher ships went in and out all day

Nice park areas connect the entire length of the waterfront with the pavilion housing Plymouth Rock in the center of it all. Tourist shops and restaurants on the opposite side of the street and then Main Street shopping a block further up. Multiple monuments scattered around in the parks. Found the local brewery - also closed on Tuesday. Lucky for us, guys working at the brew house in back were working and able to sell me a mixed 4 pack to go. Some ice cream, more walking, more picture taking.

Pavillion at the site of Plymouth rock

Plymouth Rock.
They say it used to be three times the size but during the late 1700's
and 1800's people were allowed to remove a chip from it as a souvenir

Line of houses dating to 1700's as we walk up to Main Street

Pilgram Hall. Museum containing Pilgram artifacts.
Unfortunately closed Monday and Tuesdays

The Pilgrim Mother Statue honoring the women
who braved the trip on the Mayflower

Massasoit Statue pays homage to the Wampanoag Indian leader
who allied with the Pilgrims and contributed to their survival.

William Bradford was the first governor of the colony
and lead it through it's difficult first years

The Immigrant Memorial is a recent addition. Three sided and made of stainless steel.
It recognizes those who followed in the Pilgrim's footsteps
seeking freedom and opportunity.

The Pilgrim Sarcophagus contains the remains of those who perished
during the first winter. Roughly half of the 103 Pilgrims died.

Watched the American Glory depart the docks only to have the American Pioneer dock not an hour later. Town art project consists of multiple fiberglass seals that have been named and painted. Challenged ourselves to find as many as possible before heading back to the boat.

American Glory passes behind the Mayflower as it departs Plymouth.
American Glory accommodates 100 passengers and 50 crew.
Virtually the same as the Mayflower carried.

American Pioneer making its arrival at the Plymouth docks

Can you find As You Wish ?

Did you have a favorite??

Full day for us between getting up early, traveling, and touristing. Could spend another day here to visit the museums but we have reservations for a slip awaiting in Boston. Perhaps we'll stop again on the way back south.