Mayflower II

The basics

While nobody knows quite what happened to the original *Mayflower,” the Mayflower II is now more than just a replica. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it reveals what life was like for the pilgrims on the Mayflower. Staff dressed in period costumes bring the experience to life. The ship is one of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, which present the history of the Plymouth Colony and the indigenous lands. Mayflower II is a popular stop on guided tours that focus on Plymouth’s rich history.

Things to know before you go

• Although the design of the Mayflower II has been modernized, it’s not fully accessible. Access ramps can be steep, depending on the tides, and there are stairs inside.
• A dockside exhibition area provides further information on the ship and is a good alternative for travelers who can’t board the ship.
• Photography and videography for personal use only are allowed on the ship.

How to get there

Plymouth is 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Boston, which takes about 45 minutes to drive. Self-driving is the quickest way of traveling between Boston and Plymouth, but there’s also a regular train that takes about an hour. The Mayflower II is at Frazier State Pier, at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, which is walkable from downtown.

When to get there

The Mayflower II, along with the other Plimoth Patuxet Museums, is only open seasonally. They open in early spring and close the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This is partly for safety and comfort reasons, as they’re exposed to the elements. The museum shops are open on select dates throughout December, though.

Visit a 17th-Century English Village

For an even deeper dive into pilgrim life in Plymouth, visit the 17th-Century English Village, another of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Actors in period dress “live” and “work” in the village, enacting the daily life of the 17th-century settlers. Visitors can chat to them and explore the gardens and buildings. Combo tickets can be bought for the English Village and the other Plimoth Patuxet Museums.

Can I go aboard the Mayflower II?

Yes, you can go aboard the Mayflower II. You can walk around the ship’s deck, speak to the crew members, and learn about what the voyage was like way back in the 17th century. While this isn’t the original Mayflower, it’s a pretty close replica built in 1957.

How much does it cost to visit the Mayflower II?

It costs around US$13–US$18 to visit the Mayflower II, depending on if you’re a child, adult, or senior. You can also combine your visit with a trip to the Plimoth Patuxet Museum or the Plimoth Grist Mill. Members visit for free, and Plymouth residents get a considerable discount.

When is the best time to visit the Mayflower II?

Visit the Mayflower II generally from spring to just after Thanksgiving. Temperatures are pretty chilly, snowy, and dark in the Massachusetts winters. Exploring the Mayflower II and the living displays at the Plimoth Patuxet Museum are much more comfortable during spring, summer, and fall.

Is the Mayflower II an exact replica?

It’s pretty close. The Mayflower II is a reconstruction based on what the original may have looked like. It’s about 25 feet (7.5 meters) wide and 106 feet (32 meters) long, with four masts and six sails. Some say the original looked like a wooden bathtub with masts since it was relatively short and fat.

Does the Mayflower II have an engine?

No, the Mayflower II doesn’t have an engine. To get between places today, it has help from a tugboat. Visitors can speak to staff, who are in character and dressed as if they were part of the original voyages. You can ask them how it was sailing aboard a ship with no engine.

Is it worth it to visit the Mayflower II?

Yes, it is worth it, especially for the educational experience. The staff, dressed up and in character, will answer any questions about the voyage, the ship, and what it was like to land in Plymouth. The boat is a close replica of what first reached the US in 1620.

Ways to explore

Part of the Smithsonian-affiliated Plimoth Patuxet Museums, the Mayflower II is a popular stop on guided tours and self-guided audio tours that focus on the history of Plymouth, the first Pilgrim communities, and the Indigenous Wampanoag people who inhabited the same lands. You can book tickets to just the Mayflower II or buy one of two passes that allow entry to the other museum exhibits, including the Plimoth Grist Mill and Plimoth Patuxet—the latter comprising the Historic Patuxet Homesite, a recreation of a 17th-century English village, and a craft center.

Accessibility

The Mayflower II is not accessible due to steep ramps to get on the ship and flights of stairs on board.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, water bottle

What to wear

Sunscreen and hat, comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Taking commercial photos or videos without express permission, pets (except service animals), costumes

Amenities

Visitor center, gift shop, interactive talks and activities

Address

The Mayflower II is docked at Frazier Memorial State Pier in Pilgrim Memorial State Park, which is walkable from downtown Plymouth. Plymouth is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Boston, easily reached by car or commuter train.

Driving

From Boston, take US Route 3 south to US Route 44 east, which continues directly to Plymouth Harbor, where the ship is docked. Metered parking spots can be found along the waterfront.

Public transportation

From Boston South Station, take the Plymouth & Brockton bus (Boston/Logan Airport to Hyannis/South Shore route) to Plymouth Park & Ride (Exit 5). Transfer to the GATRA Mayflower Link bus to Plymouth Center, then walk about five minutes to the ship.

Best times to visit

School groups tend to crowd the ship in the morning, so visit in the afternoon for a quieter experience.

Best days to visit

Visit on the weekend to bypass the school groups, which tend to visit from Monday to Friday.

Best months to visit

The ship is open to the public from mid-March through November; it’s an open-air site, so it’s best visited from late spring through early fall.

Special events

The ship occasionally participates in period sailing events. Check the official website for an updated calendar.