In short
- Park in paid lots or metered spots along Water Street.
- The main Plimoth Patuxet campus is a 2.5-mile drive from the ship.
- Boston is about a one-hour drive from the Plymouth waterfront.
In this article
Visiting the Mayflower II requires a bit of planning if you also want to see the main Plimoth Patuxet living history museum. The ship sits right in downtown Plymouth on the harbor. You will need to manage parking at the waterfront and figure out how to cover the distance between the two historic sites.
Where do you park for the Mayflower II?
You park in metered spaces or paid lots along the waterfront on Water Street.
The Mayflower II is docked at State Pier. You can find public parking near Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Rates and time limits vary by meter or lot, so check the signs when you arrive.
How far is the Mayflower II from Plimoth Patuxet?
The Mayflower II is located 2.5 miles north of the main Plimoth Patuxet campus.
You will need to drive between the two sites if you buy a combo ticket. The main campus has its own parking area. Walking between the two locations is not practical for most visitors.
How long does it take to drive from Boston?
Driving from downtown Boston to Plymouth takes about one hour.
You will travel south to reach Water Street. If you prefer not to drive, private day tours and bus shuttles run frequently between Boston and Plymouth. These trips typically take 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is there parking right at State Pier?
Public parking is located adjacent to State Pier along the waterfront.
The ticket pavilion and boarding area are just a short walk from the nearby lots. The entire area around the pier is highly walkable. Expect a walk of less than five minutes from the closest parking spots.
Do bus tours go to both sites?
Yes, most bus tours from Boston combine visits to the Mayflower II and the main village.
Booking a guided tour handles the 2.5-mile transfer for you. This saves you from moving your car and paying for parking at multiple locations.
How do you get from Plymouth Rock to the ship?
You can walk between Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II in less than five minutes.
Both historic sites share the same waterfront path. You can park once on Water Street and visit both landmarks on foot. The area also features many shops and restaurants.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a car to visit both sites?
Most visitors use a car to cover the 2.5 miles between the ship and the main campus. Bus tours will handle this transfer for you.
Is parking free at the Mayflower II?
No, you will find metered and paid parking lots along the waterfront near the ship. Costs vary depending on the specific lot or meter.
Can I walk from the ship to the main museum?
Walking is not recommended for most guests. The main Plimoth Patuxet campus is 2.5 miles south of the State Pier boarding area.
