If you have 3 days to explore Cape Cod, or basically, a long weekend getaway planned, and are wondering how to make the most out of your time, I’m here to share the perfect Cape Cod in 3 days itinerary!
Hi there! I’m Sam, and I’ve been traveling to the Cape since I was a kid. In my adult years, I’ve been to this region more times than I can count, and visit at least three times a year – I’ve even been in all four seasons! Yep, winter included 😉 So, I know this area like the back of my hand, and am thrilled to help you plan your weekend getaway to Cape Cod when you only have 3 days to explore.
This itinerary will balance the best things to see and do, including beaches, the best attractions, great restaurants, and the most charming towns. I’ll also share ideas for day trips if you’re feeling ambitious, the best towns to stay in so you can easily cover a lot of ground, and finally, tips for your visit.
So with that, let’s starting planning your Cape Cod getaway!
New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Best Towns To Stay When Visiting Cape Cod For 3 Days
When deciding where to stay on Cape Cod for a long weekend, it really depends on what your plans are, and the places you think you’ll want to visit the most. You’ll also want to factor in if you want to take any day trips.
If you’re new to the Cape, it may surprise you to learn that while it’s small, it’s bigger than most people realize, and it takes over an hour to drive from Sandwich to Provincetown. This is why it’s good to be strategic when you decide where to stay for a shorter trip.
To give you an idea of the region, here’s a map of the towns I created, and I highlighted the town in blue that I think work best for a long weekend getaway:
The highlighted towns are Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, Brewster, Harwich, and Chatham. These are all centrally-located towns that also offer access to the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is the most beautiful part of the Cape (in my opinion, but many folks agree on this 😉).
Of these towns, Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, and Orleans have the best downtown areas, with Chatham having the best areas for shopping and dining. Once you get up into Wellfleet and Eastham, things are more quiet and spread out (although, Wellfleet does have a very small and cute downtown area).
Provincetown is the best place to stay if you’re visiting from Boston without a car. In season, you can take a ferry from Boston to MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, and then walk everywhere, or take the seasonal shuttle that brings you to beaches. Provincetown is also one of my top-recommended places to see on the Cape, but the downtown is that it’s located at the very trip of the peninsula, making it the furthest point from the mainland. However, it’s more than worth the effort to get there!
The biggest downside to staying right in Provincetown is that it’s pretty far from the rest of the Cape. However, you’ll be close to the National Seashore and plenty of things to do. So, I usually recommend it if you’re coming from Boston without a car, and for those who want to stay close to incredible beaches. However, if you’re looking to explore different areas of the Cape, I recommend Provincetown as a day trip.
I think the prettiest beaches are along the Atlantic side, and this is where you’ll find those dramatic sand dunes, and endless shoreline that you’ve likely seen in photos online of Cape Cod beaches. That’s another reason I recommend the towns highlighted in blue – you’ll be closer to the Atlantic beaches, many of which are the National Seashore areas.
Psst! If you need more information, I have a detailed guide on the best towns to stay in on Cape Cod, which you may find helpful 😉
Best Hotels For A Long Weekend On Cape Cod
Chatham Bars Inn: The top luxury resort on the Cape offers the most stress-free experience! Between private beach access, private beach cabanas, on-site dining and a spa, everything is right there for you. Plus, you’re a short walk to Chatham’s Main Street for shops and dining, and just down the street from the Chatham Fish Pier to visit the seals and grab delicious seafood!
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Chatham Bars Inn
Inn On The Beach: One of my favorite moderate hotel options that’s right on the beach in Harwich Port. Located right on Bank Street Beach, you’re also just steps from Main Street in the quaint town of Harwich Port. This is one of my favorite towns and beaches on the Cape, and the water at the beach is warmer and calmer than the Atlantic beaches.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at Inn On The Beach
Nauset Beach Inn: Located in Orleans, this little gem is just a 5-minute walk to the beautiful Nauset Beach! This is more of a basic property, but it’s clean, cozy, and the location can’t be beat! Plus, each room comes with an ocean view, which is an incredible perk.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Nauset Beach Inn
Top Things To See On Cape Cod In 3 Days
Now that you have some ideas on where to stay during your long weekend getaway, let’s talk about the top things to do while visiting – especially if this is your first time to the area. After all my years of exploring Cape Cod, I’ve see and done a lot, and I think these are the most beautiful and fun areas to experience.
See The Cape Cod National Seashore
This is my absolute favorite thing to do on Cape Cod, and if you have anywhere from 1 day to a month on the Cape, I always recommend that everyone visits. I think the National Seashore has some of the best and most scenic beaches on the Cape, and many of them are great for spotting seals in the water. This is must during any visit.
The National Seashore is comprised of six different beaches, scenic nature trails, sand dunes, and endless coastal views. President John F. Kennedy declared this as protected land in 1961 because of its natural beauty, and famed authors like Henry David Thoreau have written about it.
This is the top thing I always recommend that everyone sees, as it’s an incredible representation of Cape Cod.
Psst! I have a detailed guide on the six different Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches, so this will likely help you decide which ones you want to visit on your weekend getaway 😉
Experience Provincetown
As mentioned, Provincetown is located at the very tip of Cape Cod, and is the furthest town from the border of the mainland as you drive in. But, it’s most definitely worth fitting into your itinerary because it’s the most unique place to visit in the area (and really, all of New England!)
Long known as an artist colony and haven for LGBTQ+ community, Provincetown has a unique vibe that’s simply unmatched. The sense of being welcomed and celebrated is strong, and the scenery scenery is both serene and lively. It’s such an inspiring place to see for yourself, and I love it up here.
Provincetown is also where one of the best whale watch tours departs from – Dolphin Fleet. Since Cape Cod is a world-class destination of whale watching, specifically, humpbacks, this is a place you’ll want to consider adding to your itinerary.
Additionally, you’ll also find two National Seashore beaches in Ptown, as the locals call it – Race Point and Herring Cove.
Lastly in Provincetown, you’ll find some incredible hikes with otherworldly terrain. In the Province Lands, you’ll find the iconic sand dunes, which is home to the Dune Shacks Trail, and this is such a cool experience. Completely secluded, you’ll quite literally hike through the sand dunes, pass by primitive shacks, and end at a stunning beach before heading back.
Between all these activities, you can easily make a whole day of it when you head to Ptown! But I recommend at least a few hours when you’re short on time.
Psst! If you’re looking for ideas, I have a detailed guide on the best hikes and scenic walking trails on Cape Cod, and a guide on the best things to do in Provincetown, MA 😉
Explore Chatham
Chatham is widely regarded as the most idyllic town on Cape Cod, and I happen to agree with that. Where Provincetown is filled with charm, whimsy, and an unmatched vibe, Chatham is picturesque and more upscale – and one of my favorite towns to visit!
In Chatham, you’ll find one of the best Main Streets for shopping and dining, as well as a lighthouse, beautiful beaches, the fish pier, a historic windmill, and gorgeous houses to admire.
I always like to recommend that you walk from Main Street to the Chatham Fish Pier and Market and grab a lobster roll and chowder while watching the seals from the observation deck. Between late morning and early afternoon, the seals come right up to the dock and wait for the the fishermen to return because they know they’ll get some tasty treats. It’s really fun to watch them!
Psst! I have a detailed guide on the best things to do in Chatham, MA, if you need more inspiration 😉
Visit Nauset Or Highland Lighthouse
Nauset Light is the red and white lighthouse featured on the Cape Cod Potato Chips bags, and because it’s located close on the National Seashore, it’s a quick and easy to visit when you’re in the area – not to mention a fantastic photo opportunity!
If you’re staying closer to Wellfleet, Truro or Provincetown, you can also easily combine a National Seashore beach with a quick trip to Highland Lighthouse in Truro, which is a beautiful lighthouse situated in a golf course.
Both lighthouses are fun to visit, and I often see both during my own trips to the Cape.
Enjoy A Beach Sunset
Even though Cape Cod is located on the east coast, there’s no shortage of stunning sunsets to catch during your visit, and I have a few great recommendations for you!
One of my personal favorite spots is Race Point Beach in Provincetown. You’ll get a great view of the sunset right over the water, and you’ll often see seals swimming by in the water close to the shoreline.
Also in Provincetown, Herring Cove Beach is another great sunset spot for the same reasons!
If you’re staying further south, some other great spots are along the Cape Cod Bay side, including beaches in Eastham, Orleans and Brewster.
Psst! I have a whole guide on where to find the best Cape Cod sunsets, if you’re looking for more suggestions 😉
Take A Day Trip To Nantucket Or Martha’s Vineyard
I often get asked if it’s worth it to squeeze in a day trip to one of these islands when you’re planning a short weekend getaway on Cape Cod, and the answer really depends on what your travel style is.
If you love to see as much as possible, and don’t mind not having a lot of down time, I say go for it! On the flip side, if you’re worried about cramming in too many things and not having enough time to slow down and relax, a day trip will likely be too ambitious for your itinerary.
Taking a day trip to the islands really does use up your entire day. You have to arrive to the ferry 45 minutes to 1 hour ahead of time to park and find your dock, enjoy the 45 minute to 1 hour ride on the ferry, have enough time on the actual island before catching your ferry back, finding your way back to your car, and then heading back to your hotel. Do I think it’s worth it? Yep! I love the islands! However, it’s definitely not for everyone when you’re only visiting for a few days.
Between the two islands, I usually recommend Nantucket as a day trip option the most, however, I love both islands, and they both make for a memorable and fun day trip. The reason I think Nantucket will appeal to more people is that once you arrive by ferry to the island, you dock right in the heart of downtown, and can easily walk to a lot of places. Martha’s Vineyard is a much bigger island, and more spread out, and typically requires the use of a bus or Uber rides to get to a few different places.
I have some very detailed guides on taking day trips to the islands, and they include ferry info, top things to do, and more, so I would definitely check these out if you’re planning a day trip during your visit:
- Nantucket vs. Martha’s Vineyard For A Day Trip
- Nantucket Day Trip Ultimate Guide
- Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Ultimate Guide
Cape Cod Itinerary In 3 Days & Long Weekend Itinerary
To make your planning even easier, I’ve created a 3 day itinerary that you can use for your getaway. This is completely customizable based on your particular preferences and plans, but this is a general idea of how I would map out your getaway itinerary.
Day 1 – Arrival
Mid-Afternoon: Plan to arrive at your accommodations between 1-4p for check in, depending on your accommodations’ policies. If you arrive early in the day, you can make some fun stops on your way in from the mainland, including downtown Sandwich. Get settled, and then head out to the beach. Depending on where you’re staying, you won’t have a hard time finding a beach nearby where you can stretch your legs a bit before dinner.
Tip: For most hotels, check in will be between 3-4p, but it doesn’t hurt to arrive early to see if your room is ready. Even if it’s not, you can drive to a nearby beach or a restaurant with a bar to kill some time.
Evening: Dinner, and then ice cream for dessert. If you’re not too tired from your drive, you can also consider catching a sunset. For dessert, try one of the amazing homemade ice cream places around the Cape, with my favorites being Sundae School (locations in Harwich Port and Dennis Port, Ice Cream Café in Orleans, and Schoolhouse in Harwich Port).
*I’ll have some restaurant recommendations later in this post!
Day 2 – First Full Day
Morning & Early Afternoon: After breakfast, pack up some snacks and head to a National Seashore Beach. I suggest Nauset Light Beach so you can combine this with a visit to Nauset Lighthouse before or after your beach time. The lighthouse is walkable from the beach parking lot. If you would rather stay closer to Wellfleet, Truro or Provincetown, you can visit Head of the Meadow Beach or Marconi Beach in the National Seashore, and then combine that with a visit to Highland Lighthouse in Truro.
Tip: Visiting Nauset Lighthouses is free, but there will be a $25 per day cost to park at the National Seashore beaches. Arrive as early as you can, as the beach lots will fill up fast in July and August, especially on weekends.
Mid-Afternoon: Leave the beach around 2-3p. Relax at the hotel for a bit to shower and get ready for your evening.
Late Afternoon & Evening: Head into Provincetown before the sunset (so you have at least two hours of daylight to see the town) for the rest of your night, and enjoy the lively atmosphere and amazing restaurants. Be sure to stroll up and down Commercial Street, and walk down to MacMillan Pier. If you have extra time, you may also want to consider going to the top of the Pilgrim Monument for spectacular views from above.
If you didn’t catch a sunset the night before, I suggest trying to see one at Race Point Beach this night. You will have to drive to the beach, as its not walkable from town.
Dinner Option: You can also grab takeout in Provincetown after you’re done exploring the town, and bring it to the beach for sunset. I’ve done this many times, and it’s a great (and romantic) way to end your evening.
Tip: Be sure to plan ahead for parking in Provincetown. You can use this helpful guide here. I usually park at Grace Hall parking lot on weekends and in peak season (July & August) and sometimes try my luck at the MacMillan Pier lot if I want the most convenient option that day.
Day 3 – Second Full Day With An Optional Day Trip
If you’ve decided to take a day trip to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll want to plan on that this day. However, if you’ve decided to pass on a day trip, keep reading for my suggestions.
Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast. If you’re feeling ambitious and are staying in or close to Chatham, you can get up for sunrise at Chatham Lighthouse Beach. If you’re staying closer to Wellfleet, Newcomb Hollow and Cahoon Hollow beaches in Wellfleet are also amazing for sunrises.
Mid to Late Morning Option 1: Head into Chatham for leisurely day of shopping and lunch, most of which can be found on Main Street. Be sure to also visit the Chatham Windmill, and walk along Shore Rd to see the beautiful ocean-front houses. Both of these are walkable from the main town area. As mentioned, you can also walk over to the Chatham Pier Fish Market for a cup of chowder and a lobster roll for lunch and to see the seals that are often hanging out by the fishing boats!
Mid to Late Morning Option 2: If you’re more adventurous, tackle one of the scenic nature trails mentioned earlier in the post for a great workout and awesome views! Then, head into downtown Chatham late afternoon for shopping and dinner. If you choose this option, I would make the Chatham Fisher Pier your first stop, as the seals start to swim away from the docks mid to late afternoon after the fishermen have all come in for the day (if you had your heart set on seeing seals).
Late Afternoon For Option 1: Relax at your hotel or take a nap. If you’re still feeling adventurous, you’re probably only a short drive to a local beach, and most stop charging for parking after 4-5p. A quick beach walk or a dip in the water is always a good idea!
Evening: Dinner and ice cream for dessert 😉
Departure Day
Depending on when you have to leave this day, there is some flexibility on what you can do. Most check-out times at hotels will be between 10-11a, so you’ll likely have time for breakfast before having to check out. You can either head home right after check out, or you can make a few stops on your way out of town if you have some extra time. Below are some suggestions if you have time for stops on your way home.
Stops To Make On Your Drive Home:
→ If you stayed closer to Wellfleet or Provincetown, and didn’t have a chance to see Nauset Light, this would be a great stop as you drive home, and it will only take a few minutes. The only caveat here is that you’ll have to park at the Three Sisters Lighthouses parking area to avoid paying to park at Nauset Light Beach. The Three Sisters lot is free and very small, but I’ve always had good luck finding a spot there in all seasons.
→ Brewster General Store.
→ Harwich Port’s Main Street has some cute shops and eateries, and is smaller than Chatham, making it easier for a quick stop.
→ Sandwich is on your way out of Cape Cod, and has a some cute shops and restaurants as well, but doesn’t have a strong “Main Street” destination.
→ If you have some time to go a bit out of your way, swing by Falmouth. It has a great downtown area with some cute shops and restaurants. This stop is a bit of a detour, and will set you back about an hour round-trip. But Falmouth is a really cute little town, and a great way to say goodbye to Cape Cod if you have time on your drive home.
Cape Cod Restaurant Suggestions By Town
Regardless of where you choose to stay, you’ll have plenty of great restaurants to pick from. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, here is a list of my favorite restaurants in each town I’ve recommended you stay in for a 3-day trip to Cape Cod.
Harwich
Mad Minnow
Brax Landing – Water Views
Sundae School – Ice Cream
Brewster
The Brewster Fish House
Spinnaker Restaurant – Water Views
Brewster Scoop – Ice Cream
Chatham
The Impudent Oyster
Bistro On Main & Raw Bar
Chatham Fish Market & Pier (as mentioned)
Brick Block – Ice Cream
Orleans
Rock Harbor Grill
Cooke’s Seafood
Ice Cream Café – Ice Cream
Wellfleet
Moby Dick’s
The Wicked Oyster
Gelato Joy Cafe – Ice Cream/Gelato
Truro
Montano’s Restaurant
Black Fish
Savory & Sweet Escape – Ice Cream
Provincetown
The Lobster Pot – Iconic and famous spot – worth the wait to get in if there’s a line!
Ross’s Grill – Water Views
Lewis Brothers – Ice Cream
Tip: Many restaurants on Cape Cod are only open seasonally, so if you’re visiting October-April, it’s best to confirm hours before visiting.
Cape Cod In 3 Days – FAQ
Is 3 Days Really Enough To Visit Cape Cod?
Of course! My motto is always, “even if I only have a day, it’s better than not going at all.” So if 3 days is all you have, then it’s perfect! Many people vacation on the Cape for just the weekend, and many people also stay by the week, so it’s all personal preference.
Can You See All Of Cape Cod In 3 Days?
While it’s technically possible to see all of Cape Cod in 3 days just by driving around to all the different towns and areas, it would still be very hard to do. I don’t recommend trying to pack everything into a short amount of time, which is why I often suggest sticking to a few places, and really enjoying them.
I personally feel that trying to see it al in 3 days won’t really offer a great experience.
What’s The Best Month To Visit Cape Cod?
That’s a tough question because even though the Cape is a summer destination because of the gorgeous beaches, it really has something to offer in each season. However, I usually recommend that you visit in the summer for the full Cape experience.
July and August are peak season, and while I normally prefer to visit places in the shoulder or off seasons, there’s something very special about summer on Cape Cod. All the seasonal businesses are open, the weather is great, and the cool ocean water feels amazing on a hot day.
However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, early summer like the first part of June, and September are also great months to visit.
Psst! I have a few seasonal guides you may find helpful, including the best time to visit Cape Cod, Cape Cod in the winter, and Cape Cod in the fall.
You may also find these posts helpful:
- Visiting Cape Cod For The First Time: Things You Must See & Do!
- Best Shopping On Cape Cod
- Best Ice Cream On Cape Cod
- Best Lobster Rolls On Cape Cod
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults
- Unique Things To Do On Cape Cod
- Best Waterfront Restaurants On Cape Cod
- Things To Know When Visiting Cahoon Hollow Beach
- Best Places To See Seals On Cape Cod
And here are some guides to Cape Cod towns you may also enjoy:
- Best Things To Do In Wellfleet, MA
- Best Things To Do In Harwich, MA
- Best Things To Do In Dennis, MA
- Best Things To Do In Falmouth, MA
- Best Things To Do In Brewster, MA
That’s A Wrap On Cape Cod In 3 Days
And there you have it! Hopefully I’ve shown you that even with just 3 days on Cape Cod, or a long weekend getaway planned, you can have some wonderful experiences! I hope you’ve found this guide helpful, and got some great ideas on where to stay, things to do, and how to plan your time. Whether you’re exciting to lounge around at the beaches, or hit the scenic nature trails, there’s truly so much fun to be had on the Cape!
Gorgeous photos! Can’t wait to spend a weekend on Cape Cod this summer!