Best things to do while you’re visiting Cape Cod
Cape Cod is a truly special destination to visit and is packed with culture, stunning scenery, amazing shopping, great seafood, and so many things to do for everyone. It is an arm-shaped peninsula that extends into the Atlantic Ocean from the southeastern corner of Massachusetts, in the United States. By the end of this guide, hopefully, you will get a good enough idea about what lies ahead before you visit Cape Cod.
Plan your Visit
Cape Cod spans approximately 400 miles, therefore, it is a good idea to plan your visit beforehand. You should decide on how long you wish to stay, the towns you would like to explore and the activities you are interested in. It is known specifically for its great beaches, fresh seafood, rich heritage, and diverse experiences from nature trails and water sports to history and culture.
Best Time to Visit Cape Cod
The peak season for visiting Cape Cod is typically the summer season. This is the time when school is out of season and the weather is quite warm, so the beaches are at their finest. Other than summer, spring, and fall are also a great time to take advantage of the off-season lodging rates, few crowds, pleasant weather, and local festivals. Winter also offers a serene ambiance and opportunities for cozy escapes, and it is full of festive village strolls, Christmas parades, and seasonal cheers.
Getting there
To get to Cape Cod, you can fly to Boston’s Logan International Airport. After that, you can take a bus, train, or a short connecting flight to Cape Cod. You can even rent a car for the scenic drive. Once you have arrived, public transportation options such as buses, shuttles, and Island ferries are also available. There are also car rentals and bike rentals for more flexibility.
Things to do
- Cape Cod Rail Trail – It is popular with bikers, horseback riders, and rollerbladers. It is a 25-mile paved trail and is a breezy ride through the Lower Cape’s diverse ecosystems. Many outdoor enthusiasts will highlight the trail as one of the best ways to explore the natural attractions across the Cape.
- Wellfleet Drive-In – It has a mini golf course nearby and a playground set up in front of the screen. It is perfect for families looking for a break from the beach in Cape Cod. Theater goers have said that the retro drive-through experience is not to be missed but also recommend getting there early to secure a good spot.
- Cape Cod National Seashore – In 1961, President John F. Kennedy designated the east shore of the Outer Cape a national park. Today, this 40-mile stretch of coast is recognized as having some of the best beaches on Cape Cod which includes Nauset Beach, Race Point, and Herring Cove beach.
- Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge – It has more than 7,600 acres of protected dunes, salt and freshwater marshes, and also a decommissioned lighthouse. This is the nesting habitat of hundreds of species of migratory seabirds. You can opt to take a guided tour in the summer season or stroll along the beach on your own.
- Heritage Museums & Gardens – These appeal to people of all ages and interests. Car fanatics can drool over the Antique Automobile Collection, while art aficionados can browse the collection of American folk art. There are more than 100 acres of gardens which are full of daylilies, magnolias, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons. There is also a 2-acre children’s area called Hidden Hollow which is packed with things to do and explore, such as balance beams, water experiments, and sensory gardens.
- Sandwich Glass Museum – This place boasts both historical and modern displays of glass art, as well as live glass-blowing demonstrations on the hour. The museum exhibits almost 5,000 pieces of glass which were produced at Boston & Sandwich Glass Company between 1825 and 1888.
- Pilgrim Monument – The 252-foot tower is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States. The monument commemorates the site of the Mayflower Pilgrim’s first landing in Massachusetts. It will take up to 10 minutes to climb the monument, but most people say the trip is worth it.
- Edward Gorey House – Edward Gorey’s most memorable work includes the macabre alphabet in “The Gashlycrumb Tinies” and “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”. This is a must-see place in Cape Cod, if you are a Gorey fan. It offers a glimpse into Gorey’s life.
- Cape Cod Museum of Art – From the outside, the museum looks like a classic Cape Cod-style house. While inside, visitors will find a curated art museum that features a permanent collection of paintings and murals that are inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Admission here costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for students. The museum is centrally located in the town of Dennis. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Sample Local Cuisine
Cape Cod offers a diverse dining scene, with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients. From beachfront seafood shacks to high-end waterfront restaurants, visitors can savor delicious meals while enjoying the region’s coastal ambiance and its culinary delights. Lobster rolls, clam chowder, fish & chips, and locally caught oysters are popular options for enjoying local flavors.
Shopping
Cape Cod is specifically known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, craft fairs, and celebrated antique trails. The Cape has been an inspiration for incredible, unique brands and products that have been inspired by seaside life. You can explore downtown hubs and scenic byways, where opportunities to shop locally for one-of-a-kind finds aren’t hard to come by. Make sure you do not forget to pick up souvenirs like coastal-inspired jewelry, saltwater taffy, and also locally made crafts.
Stay
Provincetown
- The Masthead Resort – It is a one-minute walk from the beach. With compact but brightly lit rooms, it is a top pick. All rooms feature a microwave and there is also free parking and WIFI.
- The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel’s – It is a superb hotel on Bradford Street, just 300 yards from the Pilgrim Monument. The entire hotel oozes charm and rooms are quite spacious, cozy, and have an open fireplace. Parking is also available on the property.
Plymouth
- John Carver Inn & Spa – It is a 12-minute walk from the beach. The hotel features a mix of modern and colonial design elements that make for a comfortable stay.
- Best Western Plus Cold Spring – All their rooms feature a seating area and an ensuite bathroom. There is also free WIFI throughout the hotel and free parking as well.
Martha’s Vineyard
- Clarion Inn Martha’s Vineyard – It is a top pick on the island. The rooms are quite spacious and bright and there are family rooms available as well. The breakfast served here is also excellent.
- Mansion House Inn – It is just a 9-minute walk from the beach. It offers guests access to a fitness center and an in-house spa as well. All rooms have WIFI access.
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