Cape Cod, a peninsula on the southeastern coast of Massachusetts, is a popular summer destination for its stunning beaches, quaint towns, and rich history. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to plan the perfect itinerary. This guide will provide an overview of the best things to do on Cape Cod, catering to every type of traveler.
For Beach Lovers:
- Visit Provincetown’s Herring Cove Beach: This secluded beach offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pilgrim Monument. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.
- Explore Nauset Beach in Orleans: This sprawling beach is known for its beautiful sand dunes and crashing waves. It’s also a popular spot for surfing, kayaking, and kiteboarding.
- Stroll along Chatham Lighthouse Beach: This scenic beach features a picturesque lighthouse and offers stunning views of the ocean and Monomoy Island. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
For History Buffs:
- Tour the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown: This 252-foot granite tower commemorates the Pilgrims’ landing at Provincetown in 1620. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline.
- Visit the John F. Kennedy Museum in Hyannis: This museum showcases the life and legacy of America’s 35th President. Explore exhibits on his childhood, political career, and assassination.
- Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore: This protected area encompasses over 40,000 acres of coastal land. It offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and birdwatching along scenic trails and pristine beaches.
For Foodies:
- Indulge in oysters at Wellfleet OysterFest: This annual festival in Wellfleet celebrates the region’s renowned oysters. Enjoy freshly shucked oysters from local farms, live music, and craft beer.
- Sample the seafood at the Lobster Pot in Provincetown: This iconic seafood shack offers delicious lobster rolls, clams on the half shell, and other fresh seafood dishes.
- Savor the ice cream at the Four Seas Ice Cream in Sandwich: This family-owned ice cream shop has been serving homemade ice cream for over 60 years. Choose from a wide variety of flavors, including classic vanilla and unique concoctions like lavender honey.
For Nature Enthusiasts:
- Explore the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay: This non-profit organization rehabilitates and releases marine animals. Visit the center to learn about sealife and see sea turtles, sharks, and other creatures up close.
- Hike the trails at Nickerson State Park in Brewster: This park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails through forests, meadows, and salt marshes. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and birds.
- Kayak through the marshes on Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge: This refuge offers guided kayak tours through the pristine marshes of Martha’s Vineyard. Observe a variety of birds, including osprey, egrets, and herons.
For Shoppers:
- Stroll through the boutiques on Main Street in Hyannis: This bustling street features a variety of shops, from clothing and accessories to home goods and art.
- Explore the outlet malls in Wareham and Wrentham: These malls offer a wide range of designer brands at discounted prices.
- Visit Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis: This large shopping mall offers over 100 stores, including Macy’s, JCPenney, and Kohl’s.
For Families:
- Visit the Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee: This hands-on museum offers interactive exhibits for children of all ages. Explore a pirate ship, a farm, a construction site, and more.
- Spend a day at Cape Cod Water Park in Yarmouth: This water park features water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It’s a great place to cool off and have some family fun.
- Take a whale watch tour from Barnstable Harbor: Climb aboard a whale watch boat and observe humpback whales, fin whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Trip Planning Tips:
- Book accommodations in advance: Cape Cod is a popular destination, especially during the summer months. Make sure to book your hotel, motel, or vacation rental well in advance.
- Consider public transportation: The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) operates buses that connect the major towns and villages on Cape Cod. Taxis and Uber are also available.
- Be prepared for the weather: Cape Cod weather can be unpredictable, so pack for both warm and cool temperatures. Carry a raincoat and umbrella just in case.
- Allow plenty of time for driving: Traffic can be heavy on Cape Cod, especially during rush hour and on weekends. Leave extra time for travel between destinations.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent: Cape Cod is known for its beautiful sunshine and abundant mosquitoes. Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun and bugs.
Cape Cod offers an endless array of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a beach lover, a history buff, a foodie, a nature enthusiast, or a shopper, you’re sure to find something to keep you entertained and engaged during your visit.