Warm weather is finally here, and that means that Cape Cod season is in full swing. The Cape is a thin stretch of land just off the coast of Massachusetts. It’s edged by dune-filled beaches and crisscrossed by biking paths, and its picturesque towns are full of quaint shops and excellent seafood restaurants. Cape Cod is the place to come to enjoy time outdoors in the bracing sea air. Whether you want to lay on the beach with a book or you plan to spend your days hiking and biking, Cape Cod has an endless supply of outdoor activities and beautiful views to share with you. Check out our Cape Cod guide below for a summary of our favorite things to do and the best places to go on the Cape.
What to Do in Cape Cod
The Cape’s biggest draw is its beaches, and that’s where visitors generally spend most of their time. No matter where in the Cape you’re staying, you won’t be too far from a beach. If you’re looking for a quieter, calmer beach, choose one on Cape Cod Bay's edge to the north of the peninsula. Beaches on the Atlantic feature choppier water and more sand-swept dunes. Some of the Cape’s most popular beaches are Sandy Neck and Nauset Beach. If you want to get out onto the water, there are many places where you can rent kayaks or a fly fishing boat and guide. Whale-watching trips are also popular. Biking is another of Cape Cod’s most popular activities. You can bring your own bike or rent one at one of the many bike shops dotting the Cape. The Cape Cod Rail Trail stretches 25 miles from South Dennis to Wellfleet and is the most popular biking trail. Otherwise, you can use your bike to get to the beach and back. Other popular activities on the Cape include visiting lighthouses and viewing some of the peninsula’s many art galleries. Of course, don’t forget to browse through some of the Cape’s many shops and eat some great seafood.
Where to Go in Cape Cod
Any spot on Cape Cod will afford you access to beautiful beaches and delightful towns, but you will find different personalities in different areas. For a quieter, more traditional Cape Cod experience, you may want to look to the north of the peninsula. Towns such as Sandwich and Falmouth, and Barnstable Village are full of picturesque B&Bs and antique shops. If you’re looking for a younger crowd and a lively nightlife, Wellfleet or Falmouth may be more your scene. Everyone should stop by Provincetown, which is full of great restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shops. If you stay in the evening, you can also enjoy a lively nightlife and a famously LGBT-friendly atmosphere.
Getting to Cape Cod
Cape Cod is connected to mainland Massachusetts by two bridges, the Bourne Bridge and Sagamore Bridge, and these are the most popular way to get into the Cape. Many travelers drive their own cars. If you’re visiting from farther away, you may want to fly into Boston and hire a private car service to drive you to the Cape. Boston Executive Limo Service offers an excellent car service that will take you directly to your B&B, cottage, or beach of your choice. Once you’re on the peninsula, walking and biking are often the best way to get around locally. If you’re also visiting Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, some ferries will connect you to the Cape.