Overview
Plymouth is the seat of Washington County on the North Carolina Coastal Plain.
5 sights · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Plymouth
The Port o’ Plymouth Museum
Gives account of the Civil War events that took place in the region, including the sinking of the CSS Albemarle.
Roanoke River Maritime Museum
Includes a cute lighthouse and some miscellaneous boats.
Bear-ology
Bear museum to go along with the town's North Carolina Black Bear Festival.
Latham House
House was built around 1850 and its basement served as a shelter to local citizens during the Civil War.
Ausbon House
The Ausbon House still shows the bullets holes around an upstairs window where a Confederate sniper refused to surrender to U.S. forces on the night of December 10, 1862. This house is one of only four antebellum houses …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Sep and Aug. (climate data from nearby North Carolina Coastal Plain)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PGV Pitt-Greenville Airport, Greenville — 39 mi away. Directions
- EWN Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, New Bern — 57 mi away. Directions
- ORF Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk — 78 mi away (major hub). Directions
Plymouth is easily accessible by vehicles via US-64 or NC-32. The town also provides dockage for those wishing to visit by boat. The Roanoke River is accessible from the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) via the Albemarle Sound.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Latham House, Ausbon House, The Port o’ Plymouth Museum
- Afternoon Roanoke River Maritime Museum, Bear-ology
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Plymouth is found along the banks of the Roanoke River, roughly seven miles upstream from the Albemarle Sound. Dating back to the late 1700s, Plymouth was named a 'port of delivery' by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1790 and then a 'port of entry' in 1808.
Plymouth is most known for its Civil War history. The town saw both Confederate and Union soldiers here at times and several decisive battles for the area were fought on and near the waterfront. The CSS Albemarle was built just upstream from Plymouth in waters that were too shallow for the Union to travel, and fought in the river very near the downtown area. Several homes still survive from the battles and the scars are still visible to passers by.
Today, people come to Plymouth not just to learn of its history but also to fish. The Roanoke River, and other nearby rivers, streams, and the Albemarle Sound, serve as great place to relax and take in the sights or try your hand at regularly-occurring fishing tournaments.
Get in
Plymouth is easily accessible by vehicles via US-64 or NC-32. The town also provides dockage for those wishing to visit by boat. The Roanoke River is accessible from the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) via the Albemarle Sound.
Get around
The downtown and historical portions of Plymouth is small enough that one could easily park and walk. Parking is available along all downtown streets and the parking lot at the Port o' Plymouth Museum.
See
See Latham House
House was built around 1850 and its basement served as a shelter to local citizens during the Civil War.
See Ausbon House (Sniper's Nest)
The Ausbon House still shows the bullets holes around an upstairs window where a Confederate sniper refused to surrender to U.S. forces on the night of December 10, 1862. This house is one of only four antebellum houses still surviving in Plymouth.
Do
- Attend the 3 day North Carolina Black Bear Festival in June, the festival that brought about National Black Bear Day, consisting of live music, bear farm tours, helicopter rides, and other entertainment.
Sleep
Stay Holiday Inn Express
Nearby
Windsor
City / town · 4 listings · 15 mi away
Edenton
City / town · 8 listings · 16 mi away
Bath
City / town · 6 listings · 27 mi away
Washington
City / town · 13 listings · 27 mi away
Greenville
City / town · 17 listings · 39 mi away
Elizabeth City
City / town · 11 listings · 42 mi away
Scotland Neck
City / town · 2 listings · 42 mi away
Tarboro
City / town · 4 listings · 44 mi away
My experience
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