Marjolein Dilven
Are you planning on going to New England on your next vacation? You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for wonderful things to do in Cape Cod.
A favorite summer destination on the east coast of Massachusetts, Cape Cod is a peninsula with around 560 miles (900 kilometers) of sandy shoreline, one-third of which is made up of coastal dunes. This hook-shaped region juts out for 65 miles (105 km) from the United States mainland into the Atlantic Ocean, separated by Cape Cod Bay and joined by a couple of highway bridges.
With over 60 public beaches, Cape Cod is popular among beach lovers. The Cape is also renowned for its seasonal visitors and residents, which include celebrities, writers, artists, U.S. Presidents, and other rich and famous personalities.
This article will list some of the best experiences you can have as you explore Cape Cod.
25 Best Things To Do in Cape Cod
The Cape also offers many exciting watersports and outdoor activities, such as kayaking, parasailing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, boating, fishing, biking, and miniature golf. Quaint towns, historical lighthouses, delectable seafood dishes, a vibrant art scene, unique shopping options, gardens, and marine sanctuaries add to its attractions.
1. Visit Truro Vineyards (Outer Cape)
You can not visit Cape Cod without visiting the Truro Vineyards. Indulge yourself in the best vines at the tasting room in the 19th-century farmhouse and linger on the expansive lawn. Truro Vineyards offers tours, tastings, and food truck options, turning a trip there into a mini-vacation.
2. Join One of Art’s Dune Tours in Provincetown (Outer Cape)
An excursion with Art’s Dune Tours is one of the most unusual things on Cape Cod and unquestionably the most unusual thing I’ve ever done.
There is no way you won’t have an experience with this family-run company that will stand out as the most memorable of your entire vacation. For the past 75 years, they have been taking people out into the dunes of Province Lands, a 5.5-mi (8.8-km) paved bike trail, and discussing their significant role in Cape Cod’s environment.
3. Watch Movies at the Wellfleet Drive-In Under the Stars (Outer Cape)
In search of adorable Cape Cod date suggestions? This Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre, which has been operating since 1957, offers double features. One of the most entertaining locations on Cape Cod offers a snack bar, dairy bar, minigolf, and other amenities.
4. Get on a Seal Cruise
Most people consider it a sign of luck if they see some seals at Chatham’s Fish Pier or when they are out on a beach day. But why rely on luck when you could take one of Cape Cod’s numerous seal tours? You can see the cute seals all year round, but watching them from September to March during the breeding season will surely be a delightful treat.
5. Taste the Popular Saltwater Taffy from Cape Cod
The Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy stand is located off Route 28 in a moderately commercialized area and is very modest. But when you get there, You will meet a very straightforward setup of jars of freshly made taffy in irresistible flavors.
6. Enjoy Bound Brook Island Beach
This isolated beach is found in Wellfleet and is almost on the Truro border. From here, you can practically see Provincetown. You have an excellent chance of not encountering crowds, even on a summer weekend, because not many locals or tourists know it.
7. Explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail by Bicycle
On this Cape Cod cycling track, you’ll pass past lovely seaside communities, state forest property, and a few beaches. Since it was once a railroad, the trail is level and comfortable for cyclists of all skill levels to ride. Put on your helmet, and get ready to ride—bike rentals are offered at stores throughout the Cape.
8. Drop by Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen (Upper Cape)
One of the more unusual things to do on Cape Cod is in the town of Sandwich. The mercantile is best known for its jam kitchen, selling wonderful little presents and delectable jams. They even provide year-round, private jam-making workshops focusing on the seasons’ flavors.
Beach Plum is their most popular flavor if you want to drop by and buy some already-produced jams.
9. Visit the Chatham Bars Inn
The Chatham Bars Inn is one of Cape Cod’s most upscale locations. More than a century old, this resort offers beautiful rooms, excellent service, farm-to-table dining, hydrangea-rich gardens, cabanas on the beach, and more. You can enjoy its atmosphere without spending the night by reserving a table and having dinner or a cocktail with an ocean view on the property’s veranda.
10. Walk the Trail to Pamet Cranberry Bog
The Pamet Cranberry Bog Trail is a fairly simple stroll through woodlands and dunes that you can find in Truro. It has an amazing vista at the finish. Even though the trail is rather well-traveled, it is still a unique thing to do on Cape Cod because few visitors are looking for this particular network of trails.
If pressed for time, you may skip the portion through the woods and head straight for the picturesque vista from a large dune.
11. Explore the Sandwich Heritage Museum & Gardens (Upper Cape)
The Sandwich Heritage Museum & Gardens has beautiful gardens. It contains wonderful displays about the history of Cape Cod, classic vehicles, and artwork using mediums like beach garbage and old fishing gear.
12. Visit the Lighthouse at Race Point
Most visitors are unaware that Race Point Lighthouse is nearly 2 mi (3.2 km) one way down Race Point Beach’s shoreline. You can park at Race Point Beach and walk from the beach directly to the lighthouse, but taking the Hatches Harbor Trail and passing through salt marshes and quiet beaches is a fun alternative.
13. Take a Dip at the Colonial Acres Beach
Colonial Acres is a charming little beach in Yarmouth that tourists rarely visit. This beach, one of the most tranquil beaches on Cape Cod, is located along Lewis Bay on the calm waters of Nantucket Sound. To access the beach, one must cross a lovely footbridge.
14. Stroll Along Beaches With Unusual Landmarks
The Lighthouse Beach at Chatham and the Windmill Beach at Yarmouth offer more than relaxing waters and gorgeous sceneries. An active Coast Guard lighthouse watches over the former, while the latter boasts of a historic windmill that dates back to 1791. These are undoubtedly some of the more unusual spots in Cape Cod if you’re looking for serene beaches for some quiet time.
15. Get a Pie From Marion’s (Lower Cape)
There are several bakeries on Cape Cod, but you might drive by and miss Marion’s Pie Shop in Chatham if you’re not looking for it. You must get one full sweet pie to enjoy throughout your stay: it always strikes the spot!
They also bake sweet and savory pies, so you will surely find something you will love.
16. Go Whale Watching
One of the coolest Cape Cod activities is always whale viewing, and the Cape is home to some of Massachusetts’ best whale-watching opportunities. Along with dolphins and seals, humpback and finback whales are frequently seen.
17. Cross Uncle Tom’s Bridge
Uncle Tom’s Bridge is more than just a bridge: once you cross the footbridge, you will be on Hamblen Island, which has its nature paths and is a great site to see some animals. But this is only the beginning of an extremely cool adventure as the bridge is close to Wellfleet stores and Mac’s On The Pier, a fantastic outdoor seafood shack in town.
18. Savor Ice Cream Sandwiches
Everyone is aware of the well-known ice cream shops Sundae School and Cape Cod Creamery (and I’m a major fan of both), but not everyone is aware of the Ice Cream Cafe in Orleans and, more especially, of their knack for creating your dream ice cream sandwich.
19. Have Fun at Flashback Retro Arcade Bar & Grille
Visit this retro arcade and bar in Hyannis if you’re seeking something unusual on Cape Cod. Enjoy playing old-school arcade games. Classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac-Man can be found in this bar, which has a slightly posh vibe and is decorated in the 80s and 90s style.
20. Walk Through Wellfleet’s Wildlife Sanctuary (Outer Cape)
Although this wildlife sanctuary is not a secret, not many people know it, making it one of the most amazing and memorable things to do on Cape Cod. The breathtaking environment that surrounds the sanctuary’s grounds will astound you.
21. Get Yourself Montano’s Freshly Prepared Homemade Pasta
Although Montano’s offers excellent seafood, it has become known for preparing fresh pasta daily and boiling it to the ideal al dente consistency. They even bake their fresh bread and produce amazing pizzas. Therefore, everything you get from here is guaranteed to be a hit.
22. Sip a Goombay Smash at the Beachcomber
One of the must-do things on Cape Cod is going to the Beachcomber Bar and Restaurant and ordering a Goombay Smash, a Bahamian-inspired cocktail that is less common on American menus.
23. Climb the Towers (Mid/Outer Cape)
The 30-foot Scargo Tower in Dennis offers panoramic views of the peninsula from the bay side, including Sagamore Bridge and Provincetown.
In Cape Cod’s northernmost tip lies Provincetown’s historic Pilgrim Monument, which stands at 252 feet (77 meters); it serves to commemorate the first landfall of the Pilgrims in 1620 and the signing of the Mayflower Compact.
24. Get Creative Vibes at the Artist Shacks in Hyannis (Mid Cape)
Visiting the Artists Shacks in Hyannis is a fantastic option if you’re searching for a singular activity on Cape Cod and a little shopping. This cluster of lovely little houses is close to the ferry station and features one-of-a-kind works by regional artisans. You can get anything here, from ceramics and photography to jewelry and purses.
25. Visit Beautiful Lighthouses
Cape Cod lighthouses may be seen dotting the coastline up and down if you’re planning a trip to Cape Cod, including visiting The Three Sisters Lighthouses, Highland Light, Race Point, and Nauset Lighthouse on your list of must-see locations.
Where To Stay on Cape Cod
- Best Budget Option
The Scusset Beach State Reservation in Sandwich is located at Cape Cod Bay’s southwest corner. Take advantage of the 1.5-mi (2.4 km) stretch of beaches or stroll down the jetty to observe ships transiting the Cape Canal. The Reservation also has 98 RVs; five tent-only campsites and hookup-only sites are available.
- Best Mid-Range Option
The Sandy Neck Motel in Sandwich is the greatest mid-range hotel. Sandy Neck Motel has free private parking, free Wi-Fi, and garden-style lodging for travelers who drive.
Every room at the motel has a flat-screen TV, a closet, a private bathroom, bed linens, and towels. A kitchenette with an oven, a burner, and a toaster are included in some rooms. Each room at Sandy Neck Motel has a seating area.
- Best High-Cost Option
Sandwich’s Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa is the top luxury hotel. This historic inn in Sandwich, Cape Cod, features individually decorated rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel has a full-service spa called Beach Plum Spa.
The Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa offers rooms with private bathrooms. You can find a spa bath and a fireplace in some rooms. Tempting options include American cuisine, romantic themes, swimming in the outdoor pool, and a relaxing hot tub.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Tips To Enjoy Your Cape Cod Visit
Getting Around Cape Cod
You’ll have the most freedom during your visit to Cape Cod if you have a car. If you don’t drive, arrange to pick up a rental car at the airport or any other rental agency on the Cape.
Weather on Cape Cod
The Cape has milder weather than the rest of Massachusetts since it is encircled by sea. It’s a bit warmer in the winter and a bit cooler in the summer. However, just like the rest of New England, you can experience all four seasons in a single day here, so be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Cape Cod
Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting?
Yes, Cape Cod is worth visiting. Relax at one of New England’s most stunning beaches, travel for hours on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, or stop by a few charming towns for a day of dining and shopping. Your time at Cape Cod will be absolutely rewarding.
What Is Cape Cod Best Known For?
Cape Cod is known for its beaches, vineyards, spas, and beautiful locations. It is no ordinary beach destination. With some 560 miles (900 km) of beautiful shoreline, historic lighthouses, and award-winning seafood dishes, this sandy peninsula gives visitors a wide range of experiences and a fascinating history that includes numerous American firsts.
How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Cape Cod?
We suggest you spend at least three days on Cape Cod, which is enough time to explore some of the most popular attractions, dine at the best restaurants, and stay at the best bed and breakfast on Cape Cod.
What Is the Best Month To Go to Cape Cod?
The shoulder seasons in the spring or fall are the ideal times to visit Cape Cod, from the middle of May to the end of June.
Deciding when to plan your trip to the Cape will depend on several things, such as the amount of money you have to spend, the weather, the attractions you want to see, how crowded you want to be, and possibly even the food you want to eat.
Conclusion – Things To Do in Cape Cod
Towards the end of the 19th century, Cape Cod began establishing its reputation as the summer place to be. The area now has the country’s highest concentration of Forbes 400 members, perhaps partly because of its natural beauty, pleasant weather, and proximity to Boston and New York.
The wide range of entertaining and relaxing experiences offered by Cape Cod continues to attract visitors, whose main concern may be which places to visit and activities to choose from.
We hope that this curated list comes in handy as you discover the wonders of Cape Cod. Happy travels!
Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources
Skyscanner is my trusted ally for booking flights, guiding me to the perfect travel options while making the journey planning process a breeze with its user-friendly interface and extensive search capabilities.
12Go Asia is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights, ensuring every adventure unfolds smoothly and effortlessly.
Booking.com is my ultimate lodging partner. It offers many accommodations worldwide and simplifies my travel experiences with its user-friendly platform and unbeatable deals.
Get Your Guide is my go-to for personalized travel experiences, enriching my journeys with unique tours and activities curated to my interests, making every adventure unforgettable and tailored to my preferences.
SafetyWing is my peace of mind on the go, offering comprehensive travel medical insurance with affordable plans and hassle-free claims, ensuring I can explore the world worry-free, knowing I’m protected wherever I roam.
LifeStraw Go Bottle is my trusted hydration companion for outdoor adventures, filtering water on-the-go to keep me safe and hydrated, ensuring every hike or travel experience is worry-free and enjoyable.
Related Reads:
- 20 Best Things To Do in Cookeville, TN: Activities & Restaurants to Try
- 20 Fun Things to Do in Newport, KY, for Solo and Family Getaways
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.