CAPE COD Best Read Guide
Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
UPPER CAPE
The Upper Cape, located just over the bridge from the mainland, is the gateway to Cape Cod. Its convenient location makes the Upper Cape a perfect destination for a day trip, while abundant attractions and beautiful natural scenery promise plenty of fun for longer stays, too. Cape visitors first pass through Bourne, which straddles the Cape Cod Canal. Connected to the mainland via two famous bridges—the Bourne Bridge and the Sagamore Bridge—Bourne is a destination for birders, boaters, and cyclists who come to explore the hiking paths and nature trails along the Canal.
Incorporated in 1638, neighboring Sandwich is Cape Cod’s oldest town. This charming village boasts quaint bed and breakfasts and inns, bustling shops, lot, and is home to intriguing historic sites and museums that celebrate Sandwich’s rich history. Visit the Sandwich Glass Museum to learn about the town’s considerable contributions to the glass industry or explore Sandwich’s natural environment on the extensive Sandwich Boardwalk. Generations of children can also thank Sandwich native Thornton W. Burgess for his Old Mother West Wind series featuring Peter Rabbit.
Just to the south of Sandwich is the town of Mashpee, another important cultural destination known for its rich Native American history and culture, which continues to thrive in this small town thanks to the efforts of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. This tribe hosts a variety of cultural activities throughout the year, including an annual Powwow. Mashpee is also a destination for shopping and dining, featuring two of the largest shopping centers on the Cape, Mashpee Commons and South Cape Village.
Falmouth, one of the Cape’s largest and oldest resort towns, offers a little bit of everything for a traditional Cape Cod getaway. This town features eleven harbors and the longest coastline of any Cape town, making it perfect for beachgoers, birders, and boaters, and is an easy place to catch a ferry to the Islands. Falmouth’s village of Woods Hole is home to the world-famous Oceanographic Institution and is a great stop for budding scientists and curious nature-lovers.
UPPER CAPE
508.866.0199
Falmouth Mall 137 Teaticket Hwy East Falmouth
508.495.0505 Dining
Jim’s
508.540.7758
Shuckers
508.540.3850
Lodging
Dan’l
Museums Sandwich
Attractions
The Cape truly has something for everyone.
From Provincetown to Plymouth, Cape Cod is overflowing with famous attractions, fun activities, and hidden gems, promising visitors of all kinds an unforgettable getaway. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine during a day at one of the Cape’s dozens of white sandy beaches along the National Seashore or explore the region’s unique wildlife at the many nature preserves, bird sanctuaries, and hiking trails.
During the spring and summer, the water is the best place to be while on Cape Cod. Set off on a whale watch or fishing charter or join a ferry excursion to one of the Islands. Or take a kayak or canoe tour of one of Cape Cod’s many inland waterways and experience the region’s beautiful landscapes first-hand. For the more adventurous traveler, stand-up paddle boarding is a fun option offered by an increasing number of rental companies.
MID CAPE
The Mid Cape covers an eclectic assortment of towns and villages, ranging from bustling commercial centers to quaint, sleepy villages, making the region an essential addition to any Cape Cod itinerary. The town of Barnstable is the Cape’s largest town and serves as the transportation and commercial hub of the region. Comprised of seven villages, each with its own unique character, Barnstable is a destination in and of itself, providing ample shopping, dining, and activities. Barnstable’s largest village, Hyannis, is a must-see for any visitor to Cape Cod. The village is home to the Barnstable
Municipal Airport and still serves as a bustling seaport for commercial and passenger vessels. Cultural activities and historic sites abound in Hyannis, including the Cape Cod Melody Tent, which features live entertainment throughout the summer, and the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. Visitors to Hyannis should also be sure to stop at the Cape Cod Potato Chip headquarters.
Neighboring Yarmouth is a popular destination for families due to its central location and many kid-friendly attractions. The town features several
miniature golf courses, family-style seafood restaurants, and copious soft-serve ice cream, making Yarmouth an ideal spot to spend a fun-filled summer’s day with the whole family. The town offers a versatile range of lodging, dining, and shopping, making it an easy starting place for any Cape Cod vacation, and its convenient location along Routes 6, 6A, and 28 ensures that Yarmouth is part of any Cape Cod itinerary. Yarmouth is also the perfect place to try some famous Cape Cod clam chowder or some of the region’s saltwater taffy.
Historic Dennis is the quintessential Cape Cod town, featuring abundant shopping, dining, antiquing, and cultural activities. As one of the Cape’s few bi-coastal towns, Dennis is a great destination for beach-goers and outdoors enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the region’s spectacular sunsets. Cyclists and walkers can also set out on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a twenty-two mile paved former railroad that runs from Dennis to Wellfleet.
Attractions
Entertainment Cinemas
Patriot Square 2-6 Enterprise Rd
South Dennis
508.394.4700
Cape Cod Melody Tent
41 West Main St
Hyannis 508.775.5630
Holiday Hill Mini Golf
350 Main St
Dennis Port
508.398.8857
Dining Bamboo Fine Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar
574 Iyannough Rd
Hyannis
508.778.8188
DiParma
175 MA-28
West Yarmouth
508.771.7776
Scally’s Irish Ale House
585 Main St
West Yarmouth
508.771.5225
Tap City Grille
586 Main St
Hyannis
774.470.4588
Yarmouth House
335 MA-28
West Yarmouth
508.771.5154
Lodging
The Garlands
117 Old Wharf Rd
Dennis Port
508.398.6987
Starlight Lodge Cape Cod
203 Main St
Dennis
508.385.3464
Museums
Cape Cod Maritime Museum
135 South St
Hyannis
508.775.1723
Coast Guard Heritage Museum
3353 Main St
Barnstable
508.362.8521
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
397 Main St
Hyannis
508.790.3077
Family Fun
The Cape is the perfect place for an unforgettable family vacation.
Cape Cod offers plenty of fun activities to keep the kids busy and happy. Most area museums and wildlife centers offer packed schedules of exciting familyfriendly programs and activities, while other attractions cater directly to children and families. Enjoy bike riding, swimming, and boating, or finally teach the kids how to fish.
Numerous tidepool and shallow backwaters provide a great opportunity for kids to explore nature. Mini-golf and ice cream are abundant on Cape Cod, and are a fun way to end a great day at the beach. The Cape is the perfect place for an unforgettable family vacation.
Whydah Pirate Museum
674 MA-28 West Yarmouth
508.534.9571
Great
508.957.2863
Great
508.619.3812
Shopping
Cape Cat
987 MA-28
South Yarmouth
508.760.2500
Hy-Line
Lobster
508.385.1686
Steamship
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 210 Station Ave South Yarmouth Info@ydredsox.com
LOWER CAPE
The Lower Cape offers visitors a classic seaside vacation experience. Brewster is considered one of the Cape’s most picturesque towns. Once known as the “sea captain’s town,” it features many gorgeous seaside inns that were once mansions built by sea captains, making Brewster a top destination for lodging on the Cape. The various downtown shops attract antique collectors, while the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is one of the region’s premier museums.
Harwich is a small town that breathes seaside charm and the birthplace of the Cape’s famous cranberry farming industry. Enjoy one of the Cape’s most popular events, the annual Harwich Cranberry Festival, on September 14-15, 2024. Harwich Center and Harwichport have maintained the town’s historic feel, offering band concerts and arts and crafts shows throughout the summer.
The small but popular town of Chatham is packed with history and summer fun. Seals, birds, and other wildlife abound just off Chatham’s shores, while the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and Morris Island feature coastal walking trails. The Chatham Lighthouse is one of the most well-preserved lighthouses on the Cape. Meanwhile, the stylish Main Street features an abundance of shopping, local dining, and a busy schedule of theater productions and cultural events.
Orleans is a beautiful, quaint town with excellent beach access. Visitors can spend the day at Nauset Beach or at Rock Harbor on the Cape Cod Bay, which is bustling with fishing boats and provides ample birdwatching and breathtakivng sunsets. Orleans is also home to one of the Cape’s historic windmills, the Jonathan Young Windmill, a testament to the town’s saltmaking history.
LOWER CAPE
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OUTER CAPE
The Outer Cape, located at the very end of Cape Cod, is a world apart and well worth a visit. Home to a distinctive culture and stunning natural environment, the four tiny towns of the Outer Cape are a captivating combination of quaint tradition, rich history, and vibrant culture. Eastham, the first of these four towns, is a picturesque beach town that features some of the most interesting natural trails on the Cape. Its extensive beaches make up a large portion of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Like Eastham, the town of Wellfleet features a stunning coastline of sandy beaches. The town is only two miles wide and is located seventy-five miles out into the Atlantic Ocean, and its bustling harbor is full of fishing vessels, yachts, and sailboats. Wellfleet is a center for the arts, known for its many local art galleries, unique drive-in movie theater, and an exceptional theater, the Wellfleet Harbor Actors’ Theatre. Wellfleet is famous for its seafood, particularly for its oysters, making it the perfect addition to any Cape Cod itinerary.
The peaceful and quaint town of Truro is home to some of the Cape’s most beautiful beaches, framed by dramatic sandy cliffs and prehistoric kettle holes. Truro’s lighthouse, the Highland Light, is the oldest on Cape Cod, and the town is also home to America’s oldest links golf course, Highland Links. Wine lovers should stop for a tasting or a tour of Truro Vineyards, one of the Cape’s only three wineries.
Provincetown, located at the very tip of the Cape, is a cosmopolitan and quirky haven for artists and alternative culture.
Known locally as “P-Town,” Provincetown is world-famous for its thriving gay and lesbian community, and remains one of the country’s most notable artists’ colonies. The town’s narrow, winding streets are packed with trendy shops, restaurants, and offbeat galleries, and the region’s rich history is memorialized by the Pilgrim Monument, celebrating the Pilgrim’s 1620 landing on Provincetown’s shore. Provincetown also features some of the best whale watching on Cape Cod.
OUTER CAPE
508.487.4330
307 Commercial St, #1
Provincetown
Photo by Nik Guiney on Unsplash
OUTER CAPE
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
OFF CAPE
Cape Cod offers a plethora of adventures, relaxation, and fun for visitors with a range of budgets, itineraries, and interests. However, travelers looking to get the most out of a trip to the region should explore the entire South Shore of Massachusetts. Attractions, landmarks, dining, and shopping can all be found on the mainland just over the Cape Cod Canal, all within driving distance of many major Cape Cod destinations.
Small towns and villages dot the entire Off Cape region, each with its own unique attractions and character. Some, like Buzzards Bay and Sagamore Beach, maintain close ties with the Upper Cape communities just across the Canal, featuring some of the region’s best beaches. Others, like Rochester, Taunton, and Carver, provide easy access to both the Boston and Providence metropolitan areas, making them great stopping points for a larger trip.
Plymouth is a vacation destination for families and history buffs from all over the world. The town is internationally recognized as one of the first settlements in the United States, founded in 1620 by English colonists. Visit the famous Plymouth Rock and step back in time at Plimoth Plantation, an extraordinary living history museum that serves as a tangible connection to America’s past.
For a more contemporary Off Cape experience, stop in the town of Wareham, known as “the gateway to Cape Cod.” Wareham and its tiny village of Onset overlook the peaceful Buzzards Bay and border the eastern shore of the Cape Cod Canal. Blues legends Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Tommy Dorsey frequently vacationed in Onset.
Attractions
House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St
Salem
978.744.0991
Plymouth Night Tour
120 Water St
Plymouth
508.927.2146
South Shore Music Circus
130 Sohier St
Cohasset
781.383.9850
Services
1Berkshire
66 Allen St
Pittsfield
413.499.1600
Fairhaven Office of Tourism
141 Main St
Fairhaven
508.979.4085
Southeastern MA Visitors Bureau/ One SouthCoast Chamber
227 Union St, Mezzanine 2
New Bedford
508.999.5231
Southeastern MA Visitors Bureau/ Viva Fall River
200 Pocasset St
Fall River
508.676.8226 x104
Sport & Outdoor
Captain John Fast Ferry (Plymouth to Provincetown)
77 Water St
Plymouth
508.746.2643
OFF CAPE
Captain John Pilgrim Belle
Harbor Cruise 77 Water St
Plymouth
508.746.2643
Captain John Whale Watch
10 Town Wharf
Plymouth
508.746.2643
Despite their proximity to the mainland, the Islands offer a relaxing escape from the bustle of daily life. Both have, to varying degrees, resisted widespread commercialization, maintaining the unique charm of traditional seaside communities. The Islands thrived economically during the 18th and 19th centuries as epicenters of the whaling industry, and their storied maritime history is preserved in the quaint winding streets and distinctive architecture.
About seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard occupies about 100 square miles and consists of six towns, each with its own individual
character and charm. The town of Oak Bluffs is the most common drop-off point for visitors during the summer months and is also home to the famous Gingerbread Cottages, whimsically decorated and vibrantly colored 19thcentury houses found only on the island.
Nantucket is the more remote of the two islands and offers visitors an escape to a quintessential New England maritime community. Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets, visit a historic lighthouse, or find a spot along the island’s 80 miles of pristine beaches— Nantucket abounds with activities and scenery for the perfect summer vacation.
OFF CAPE
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Cape Cod Bay
OFF CAPE
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1. Bass Hole
2. Winslow Crocker House
3. HSOY Nature Trails
4. Capt. Bangs Hallet House
5. Baxter Grist Mill
6. 1801 Jericho Historical Center
7. 1736 Josiah Dennis Manse
8. Scargo Tower & Scargo Lake
9. Drummer Boy Park
10. Stony Brook Mill & Herring Run
11. Crosby Mansion
12. Nickerson State Park
13. Brooks Academy/1812 Canon
14. Wychmere Harbor Overlook
15. Chatham Railroad Museum
16. Godfrey Windmill
17. Atwood House Museum
18. Chatham Lighthouse/The Breakthrough
19. Chatham Fish Pier/Overlook
20. French Cable Museum
21. Jonathan Young Windmill
22. Fort Hill Overlook
23. Swift-Daley House
24. Eastham Windmill Green
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25. Salt Pond Visitor Center & Schoolhouse Museum
26. Coast Guard Station
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27. Nauset Lighthouse
28. Marconi Wireless Site
29. Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
30. Wellfleet Historical Society Museum
31. Wellfleet Town Pier
32. Jenny Lind Tower & Highlands Center
33. Highland Lighthouse, Highland Links & Highland House Museum
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34. Pilgrim Heights
35. Provincetown Art Association & Museum
36. MacMillan Wharf
37. Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
38. Province Lands Visitor Center & Old Harbor Life-Saving Station
39. Race Point Lighthouse
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