Cape Cod, Massachusetts, represents the essence of New England’s coastal appeal. Cape Cod, known for its vast sandy beaches, beautiful villages, rich history, and vibrant summer culture, has captivated travelers for generations.
Cape Cod offers an extensive range of experiences for everyone who enjoys history, nature, or simply relaxing by the sea. Let’s start with some fascinating facts and unique qualities that make this peninsula a must-see, followed by the top things to do in Cape Cod.
Interesting Facts & Specialties of Cape Cod
The Peninsula of History: Cape Cod is a looped sandy peninsula that extends 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Bartholomew Gosnold, an English adventurer, named it in 1602 after discovering an abundance of codfish in the seas.
Pilgrims’ First Landing: Before settling in Plymouth, the Pilgrims first landed at Provincetown on Cape Cod in 1620, making it a site of profound historical significance.
Home to Iconic Lighthouses: Cape Cod is dotted with picturesque lighthouses, including the famous Nobska and Chatham lighthouses, which have guided mariners for generations.
Cape Cod National Seashore: President John F. Kennedy established the Cape Cod National Seashore, which protects nearly 43,000 acres of the Cape’s fragile shoreline and preserves its natural beauty for future generations.
Floating Houses: During the 1800s, residences on Provincetown’s Long Point peninsula were transported across the bay to the town’s West End. These “floaters” are still standing today, identified by specific plaques.
Cranberry Capital: Cape Cod produces extensive crops of cranberries, a staple of New England agriculture and cuisine.
Whale Watching Mecca: Provincetown is home to the original East Coast whale watching fleet, offering some of the best whale watching opportunities in North America.
Cultural Hotspot: The Cape is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with galleries, museums, and festivals throughout the summer months.
A Playground for All: From world-class golf courses and biking trails to family-friendly attractions and seafood shacks, Cape Cod caters to every type of traveler.
15 Things to Do in Cape Cod
1. Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore
Stretching for 40 miles along the Atlantic, the Cape Cod National Seashore is a pristine haven of beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and woodlands. Hike the scenic trails, swim in the surf, or simply relax on iconic beaches like Race Point, Coast Guard, and Marconi Beach. The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail in Wellfleet offers a unique boardwalk experience through rare cedar woods.
2. Go Whale Watching
Cape Cod is one of the top whale watching destinations in the world. Join a tour from Provincetown or Barnstable Harbor, where you’re likely to spot humpback, fin, and minke whales, especially between April and October. The Dolphin Fleet in Provincetown is a popular choice, and sightings are virtually guaranteed.
3. Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail
This 25-mile paved path runs from South Dennis to Wellfleet, passing through forests, cranberry bogs, and charming towns. It’s perfect for cyclists, walkers, and even horseback riders, offering a safe and scenic way to experience the Cape’s natural beauty.
4. Go to Old Towns and Villages
Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod. It was founded in 1637 and is known for its historic buildings, the sandwich Glass Museum, and the Dexter Grist Mill.
Chatham is the most charming village on Cape Cod, with a beautiful lighthouse, white sand beaches, and the Chatham Pier Fish Market.
Falmouth has lovely beaches, the Nobska Point Lighthouse, and the Shining Sea Bikeway.
Provincetown sits at the end of the Cape and is known for its arts scene, and the Pilgrim Monument, which marks the Pilgrims’ first landing.
5. Have fun at the beaches
Cape Cod is a beach lover’s dream come true, with more than 60 public beaches and more than 559 miles of coastline. Mayflower Beach in Dennis, Nauset Beach in Orleans, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, and Chatham Lighthouse Beach are all popular places to go. Each one has its own particular character, from tide pools that are great for families to dramatic surf.
6. Go on a lighthouse tour
The lighthouses on Cape Cod are both beautiful and important to history. Some of the most photographed places are Nobska Point, Chatham, Race Point, and Nauset Light. Some, like Race Point, provide tours or the chance to stay overnight in the keeper’s cabin.
7. Discover Local Museums
Heritage Museums & Gardens (Sandwich): Features lush gardens, a vintage carousel, and fascinating exhibits on American history and culture.
Whydah Pirate Museum (Yarmouth): See real pirate treasure from the only authenticated pirate shipwreck in North America.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (Brewster): Perfect for families and nature lovers, with interactive exhibits and nature trails.
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8. Kayak, Paddleboard, and Sail
The Cape’s calm bays and salt marshes are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rentals are widely available, and guided tours can take you through scenic estuaries teeming with wildlife.
9. Dune Tours in Provincetown
To see the beautiful sand dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore, go on a guided dune tour in Provincetown. Art’s Dune Tours and other companies like it give you interesting information about the area’s history and environment.
10. Enjoy fresh seafood
People know Cape Cod for its seafood, notably clams, oysters, and lobster. You can go to local fish markets, have a famous clam bake, or eat at seaside eateries in towns like Chatham, Wellfleet, and Hyannis.
11. Go to events and festivals
There is always something going on, such the Wellfleet OysterFest in October, summer outdoor concerts, and Cape Cod Baseball League games. The Naukabout Music Festival in Falmouth is a great summer event.
12. Take a Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket
Day trips to these nearby islands offer a change of pace, with scenic ferry rides, historic sites, and beautiful beaches.
13. Secret treasures and adventures off the beaten path
The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful place to watch birds and go for nature walks.
The Mashpee River Reservation: It has quiet hiking routes along the river.
Truro Vineyards: Relax and enjoy the beautiful vistas and local wines.
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail: A quiet, less popular hike in Wellfleet.
14. Family-Friendly Attractions
Kids will love the Cape Cod Inflatable Park, mini-golf courses, and the Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee. Pirate-themed adventures and treasure hunts add a sense of fun and discovery.
15. Go Fishing
Cape Cod is a world-renowned destination for sport fishing. Try your luck surfcasting for striped bass along the Cape Cod Canal or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing adventures.
Why Cape Cod Is Unmissable
Cape Cod’s enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the windswept dunes and iconic lighthouses to the bustling summer festivals and quiet cranberry bogs, every corner of the Cape tells a story.
Whether you’re watching whales breach off Provincetown, biking through wildflower-filled meadows, or savoring a sunset seafood feast, Cape Cod promises memories that last a lifetime.
So pack your bags and set your sights on this New England treasure—Cape Cod is waiting to welcome you with open arms and endless adventures.
FAQs
1. What time of year is ideal to go to Cape Cod?
The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall (May to September), when the weather is nice and most attractions, restaurants, and activities are in full swing. In July and August, when the weather is warmest, expect more people and higher prices.
2. How do I travel to Cape Cod?
You can drive to Cape Cod from the mainland of Massachusetts using the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges. It takes around an hour and a half to drive from Boston. There are also buses, a seasonal train (Cape Flyer), and ferries that go from Boston to Provincetown.
3. What’s the best way to get around Cape Cod?
Having a car is the most convenient way to explore the Cape, as towns and attractions are spread out. Public buses connect major towns, and bike rentals are popular for local exploration, especially on the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
4. Where should I stay on Cape Cod?
Popular areas include:
- Chatham for classic charm and central location
- Provincetown for vibrant nightlife and art scene
- Hyannis for shopping and ferries to the islands
- Sandwich and Orleans for quieter, picturesque settings
- There are options for every budget, from luxury resorts to quaint inns and motels.
5. What are the must-see attractions?
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- Provincetown and Commercial Street
- Chatham Lighthouse
- Heritage Museums & Gardens
- Whale watching tours
- Local seafood shacks and clam bakes
- Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking
6. Are the beaches family-friendly?
Yes! Many beaches offer gentle waves, lifeguards, and amenities like snack bars and restrooms. Skaket Beach (Orleans) and Kalmus Beach (Hyannis) are especially popular with families. Herring Cove Beach (Provincetown) is noted for accessibility features.
7. Can I see whales and seals in Cape Cod?
Absolutely. Whale watching tours run from April to October, mainly out of Provincetown and Barnstable. Seals are commonly seen at Chatham Fish Pier and on local beaches. The Monomoy Island area is known for both seals and, occasionally, great white sharks (viewed safely on guided tours).
8. What are some unique local experiences?
- Dune tours in Provincetown
- Visiting lighthouses (Nauset, Chatham, Nobska, Race Point)
- Exploring cranberry bogs
- Attending a Cape Cod Baseball League game
- Sampling lobster rolls and fried clams
9. Is Cape Cod good for outdoor activities?
Yes! In addition to beaches, you can enjoy biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The Cape Cod Rail Trail and many nature reserves offer fantastic opportunities for outdoor fun.
10. How long should I remain on the Cape?
You can get a taste of the Cape’s beaches, towns, and food in just a long weekend. A week is best for a more in-depth experience, such as day visits to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.
11. Do I have to book events ahead of time?
It’s best to arrange whale watching tours, popular restaurants, and places to stay ahead of time, especially during the busiest summer months or holidays.
12. Do you have any advice for first-time visitors?
- People who live there say “on Cape Cod,” not “in Cape Cod.”
- You usually have to pay to park at the beach, so get there early to get the finest places.
- Plan ahead because traffic might be bad on weekends and holidays.