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Plymouth is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes, including options for activities like swimming, water sports, boating, fishing, whale watching and exploring nature. If you’re heading to the South Shore or Plymouth this summer, dive into some of these nature and waterfront adventures. 

From stunning beaches to maritime excursions, Plymouth has all you need to get your fill of the sea and sun. Start your day with your toes in the sand and your face to the sun on one of Plymouth’s popular beaches and end your day with a sunset cruise around the harbor, enjoying the colorful sky and refreshing sea breezes.

Let’s Go To The Beach! 

Grab your suit, towel and sunglasses as you head to one of Plymouth’s pristine beaches with clear water, spectacular ocean views and breezes that will cool you during even the hottest dog days of summer. Each beach offers unique features and a range of oceanfront activities. 

Nelson Memorial Beach and Park, located at the top of Nelson Street in the Waterfront, is an ideal spot for families as it offers the beach area, playground and picnic area, but also a splash pad, perfect for little ones when they need to cool off. 

Plymouth Beach, one of the town’s more popular destinations, sits just past the Plimoth Patuxet Museums on Warren Ave. This barrier beach offers a range of recreational activities, including swimming, walking, picnicking, and fishing.

Long Beach in Plymouth is one of the larger town-operated beaches, known for its natural beauty and importance as a shorebird nesting site. 

Fresh Pond Park, located on Bartlett Street, offers 66 acres of a freshwater pond where visitors can swim, paddleboat or operate a cartop boat while enjoying the outdoors. 

Set Out On a Maritime Excursion

Plymouth’s waterfront offers many opportunities for water activities, including sunset cruises, fast ferry services, fishing adventures and whale watching tours. 

Take a harbor or sunset cruise in a classic paddlewheel boat, the Pilgrim Belle, with Plymouth Belle Harbor and Sunset Cruises. Watch the sun set over Plymouth Harbor during a sunset cruise or soak up the sun during a harbor cruise. Either way, enjoy a climate-controlled cabin with galley service and a full bar.

Enjoy whale watching or fishing tours aboard Captain John Whale Watching & Fishing Tours or Plymouth Charters, where you can spend the day fishing or watching the world’s largest mammal across Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank.

Want to head to Cape Cod or the islands for the day? The Hy-Line Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or the Steamship Authority Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket offer fast and fun ways to travel to your next destination. 

For adventures right on the harbor, including flyboarding or paddleboarding, check out Plymouth Watersports, where you can learn how to handle yourself on the water and have fun enjoying the scenic views.

Surround Yourself with Nature 

In addition to soft sand beaches and deep-sea ocean adventures, Plymouth also provides opportunities to enjoy nature away from the coast. 

Explore the Beaver Dam Conservation Area where you can catch stunning views of Little Island Pond and Great Island Pond as well as fish, birdwatch and hike. The unique nature in this conservation area provides a glimpse into a rare ecosystem found in southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.

Find a deep connection with nature at the Mass Audubon – Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Plymouth. Come for birding, scientific or educational programs, or to enjoy a peaceful hike along public trails. 

Whether you prefer a peaceful day by the ocean or an adventurous exploration of the region’s natural beauty, Plymouth offers an abundance of nature and waterfront activities. Dive into these experiences this summer for an unforgettable escape filled with sun, sea, and serene landscapes.