If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to all the very best shops, boutiques, Main Streets and gift shops on Cape Cod, you’ve come to the right place. While the main reason to come to the Cape is to enjoy all the natural beauty and hit up the beaches, shopping on Cape Cod is actually really great, and it’s something I do on every trip I take to the Cape.
The best thing about shopping on Cape Cod is that it’s predominantly independently-owned shops with lots of character and unique finds, so shopping small and supporting the local community is very easy to do. And each town has something to offer when it comes to destinations for their shops and boutiques. So, if you’re ready to learn all about the best shopping on Cape Cod, let’s get started.
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Best Main Streets & Downtowns For Shopping On Cape Cod
If you’re looking to visit the best Main Streets and downtowns for shopping on Cape Cod, below is a list of the towns with the best Main Streets to visit, as well as a quick guide of what to expect. If you’re looking to scout out the very best shops to visit in each town, then be sure to keep reading because I’ve created a whole separate list rounding up the best shops to visit in each town.
Falmouth’s Main Street
Very nice medium-large Main Street with a lot of beautiful boutiques with everything from jewelry, housewares and clothing. Also plenty of restaurants and eateries to choose from. There’s also a nice little park off Main Street, and if you head about a mile and a half outside of town, you’ll find Holiday Cycles, where you can rent Surrey bikes to cruise around in for the afternoon.
Time suggested to experience Falmouth’s Main Street: 3-5 hours, depending on if you stop to eat.
Parking: Street parking (free up to three hours) and a public parking lot, located at 300 Main Street.
Restrooms: Public restrooms located close to 17 Academy Lane.
Chatham’s Main Street
A large Main Street with lots of shops, including a mix of a few franchises such as Fat Face, but mostly independent shops. Plenty of restaurants and eateries with both quick and sit-down options. A park with a gazebo is also right off Main Street, and a great place to bring take-out for a picnic.
Parking: Street parking (free for unlimited time), and there are a few small municipal lots are also free.
Time suggested to experience Chatham’s Main Street: 6 hours, which includes time to eat.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at 11 Chatham Bars Ave (Gould Park).
Harwich Port’s Main Street
Harwich Port’s small Main Street that improves every year, and has become one of my personal favorites when shopping on Cape Cod. Some really nice boutiques, a few restaurants and a very short distance to Bank Street Beach. Not as extensive as the others on the list, but it’s one I have to visit every year.
Time suggested to experience Harwich Port’s Main Street: 2-3 hours.
Restrooms: Located in the municipal parking lot.
Parking: Street parking (free), or the municipal lot located at 1 Schoolhouse Rd.
Provincetown’s Commercial Street
An expansive “Main Street,” which is actually located on Commercial Street, is the largest on Cape Cod, and also the most unique (since visiting Provincetown is just a unique experience in general). There are countless shops, lots of art galleries, tons of restaurants, eateries and bars, and you’ll always be one street over from the ocean.
Time suggested to experience Commercial Street in Provincetown: 4-6 hours, depending on if you stop to eat.
Restrooms: Public bathrooms can be found at MacMillan Pier
Parking: MacMillan Pier (paid), Grace Hall parking lot (paid).
Best Cape Cod Gift Shops & Boutiques By Town
If you’re looking for the absolute best of the best shops in each Cape Cod town, I’ve narrowed down my favorite gift shops and boutiques that I love to visit during each trip I take. I’ve broken them down by town to make it easier to navigate.
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Falmouth, MA
Twigs: A fun shop to visit when shopping on Cape Cod, with a lovely mix of home goods, clothing, gifts, accessories and artwork
Homespun Garden: Pretty similar to Twigs, Homespun Garden is also a gift shop with an eclectic mix of gifts and unique finds.
The Gilded Oyster: One of only two stores on mainland Cape Cod that sells a really pretty line of Cape Cod-inspired jewelry by Capeology. Capeology’s line includes necklaces, earrings and bracelets featuring the shape of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, which makes for a beautiful souvenir to take home.
I’ve had the rose gold Cape Cod necklace for a few years now and love it because it’s so small and simple, and I plan to buy the Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard ones to layer together.
Eight Cousins Bookstore: A bookstore that prides itself on its large children’s section, which is definitely impressive, but also has a wonderful selections of books for everyone, including new releases, history and beach reads.
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Sandwich, MA
Salt & Stripes: I love this clothing retailer’s designs, especially the Keep It Salty hydrangea sweatshirt. But they have so many fun and unique designs that come in adult and children’s sizes, as well as hats, t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts and sweatshirts. The store itself is very small, but they pack a lot in, and also have an online shop.
Modern Vintage: Right next door to Salt & Stripes, this little boutique specializes in painted furniture and interior design, but also has a shop filled with unique and inspiring homegoods which is always exciting to visit when shopping on Cape Cod.
Wish Gift & Co.: This little shop is so much fun to peruse each time I visit the Cape. They have everything from paper goods, bags, accessories and unique candies. The shop owner tries to source mostly handmade and eco-friendly items, and the merchandising is clean and modern, making it a relaxing shopping experience.
Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen Mercantile: A more off-the-beaten-path shopping destination, but definitely worth your time if you’re in the market to bring home some delicious homemade jam (and scout out some unique housewares and gifts!). Located about a mile and a half outside of Sandwich’s main town, you’ll find this adorable mercantile in a beautiful house. Be sure to pick up their signature Beach Plum jam!
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Orleans, MA
Supple Apothecary: This is a great shop with an amazing selection of skincare, bodycare and beauty products featuring brands like In Fiore, Agent Nateur, Olio E Osso and Ere Perez. The shop is housed in an adorable little Cape Cod-shingled cottage, and the founder is a master esthetician, so you know the products were carefully and thoughtfully selected. I always have a great experience when I visit.
Homegrown Boutique: I love visiting this beautifully merchandised clothing and accessories boutique. The pieces are unique, and I usually find something I can’t leave without.
Art Cottages: Located at the Orleans Market Square, these little cottages feature works from local artists, and you’ll find handmade candles, paintings, woodwork, photography and more here. And since you’re shopping direct from the artist, this is a great way to support the local art community.
The Art Cottages also have a food truck nearby, and the Hot Chocolate Sparrow can also be found here, which serves baked goods, coffee, ice cream, sandwiches and more to-go food items.
Sea Howl Bookshop: A great bookstore to stop in if you’re looking to stock up on some reading during your vacation, which I do every time I visit the Cape. They have a very nicely organized store, which makes it super easy to find titles I may be looking for, and the staff is always very helpful. I’ve gotten so many books from here over the years when shopping on Cape Cod!
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Hyannis, MA
Artist Shanties: While I don’t spend a lot of time in Hyannis, especially for shopping because it tends to have a lot of franchised stores I can find at home, it’s hard to skip the Artist Shanties, which can be found close to the ferry dock. Not only are these worth a visit on their own, if you’re taking a day trip to one of the islands, be sure to plan some time to swing by these little shops.
Must like the Art Cottages in Orleans, The Artist Shanties are a grouping of small, individual cottages where local artists sell their work. You’ll find everything from photography and paintings, to jewelry and bags, so if you’re looking for a truly unique souvenir from your trip and want to support local artists, this is a great place to do it.
Kandy Korner: A really fun little (actually, kind of big!) chocolate and candy shop. Anything you could possibly want that’s in the realm of chocolate and candy – they’ll have it here.
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Yarmouth, MA
Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry: Both a small store and a cafe combined, you’ll find homemade, small-batch foods such as jams, jellies, sauces and condiments, as well as a few homegoods and gifts. While there, be sure to grab a coffee and some baked goods to go! Or take everything to the adorable dining area to savor the flavors of your goodies.
Parnassus Book Services: This is an absolutely incredible used bookstore. They have everything from old to new (well, it will be used, but new to you!), and it’s a huge shop where you could easily spend hours perusing the shelves. And if you’re looking for a rare book, be sure to swing by because they may have it, or be able to help you locate it.
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Dennis, MA
Eden Hand Arts: This is the only place you should buy a Cape Cod bracelet from if you’re considering making this purchase. Eden Hand Arts is the original designer of this now famous bracelet, and supporting the original artist and shop is a wonderful tradition to take part in. Be sure not to buy your bracelet from anywhere else on when shopping on Cape Cod!
Wee Packet Gift Shop: This is a small little gift shop that’s part of the Wee Packet Restaurant next door, and is a cute little place to find gifts and souvenirs. I wouldn’t suggest you go out of your way to visit, but if you’re in the area, it’s worth popping in to see what they have.
The Best Place To Buy A Cape Cod Sweatshirt
You’ve likely seen a lot of people wearing a specific style of sweatshirt while on Cape Cod, or even all over New England. And they probably got it at Cuffy’s.
Cuffy’s is one of the best places, if not the best place, to shop for Cape Cod sweatshirts. Not only are they fairly-priced and excellent quality, it’s almost a rite of passage to buy your first (and second, or in my case, 10th) Cuffy’s Cape Cod sweatshirt.
The very first Cuffy’s zip-up hoodie I bought well over 10 years ago is still in great shape, and I wear it all the time. I think the prices are great, especially compared to some other boutiques who I’ve seen charge a lot more for lesser quality.
But you won’t find just sweatshirts here. Cuffy’s sells all different branded apparel with some new designs each season, and has a men’s, women’s and children’s section, as well as accessories like baseball hats and beach towels.
Their Dennis, MA location also has an attached general store with penny candy and all kinds of souvenirs. It’s, of course, pretty touristy, but it’s one of the more fun places to go when shopping on Cape Cod, especially if it’s your first visit. In fact, I still go every year!
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Brewster, MA
The Lemon Tree Shops: Located right off Route 6A is this little outdoor shopping plaza with independently-owned boutiques and eateries. Here, you’ll find a pottery shop, a bird house boutique, a chocolate & candy shop, a Christmas-themed gift shop, a cafe, and a few more places that are fun to walk around.
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Harwich Port, MA
Dune Jewelry & Co.: While Dune jewelry pieces are sold in boutiques all over the country, the reason this is a great stop to find a unique piece is because they source natural elements (sand, pebbles, etc.) from the Cape’s beaches to include in jewelry sold at this specific location. Meaning, you’ll be able to take an actual piece of the Cape home with you. And, the pieces are all handmade in the U.S.
Buoys on Main: An adorable little shop that has a great selection of clothing, home goods, kids and baby and accessories/jewelry. This is also a great place to find gifts, and is one of two places on mainland Cape Cod you can find Capeology jewelry.
Below The Brine Bookshop: A new bookstore just off Main Street that’s quickly become one of my favorites. Nicely organized, great selection, but also small, so it’s not overwhelming.
Murphy’s General Store: Also a newer addition to town, this is a really nice modern general store with everything from candy and specialty foods to clothing, books, gifts and even records.
Sativa: A nice little gift shop that focuses on “body, home and spirit.” You’ll find some unique things here, and it’s always a fun visit.
The Haberdash: A clothing and accessories boutique that’s worth popping into. I especially love their collection of straw handbags (some embroidered with Cape Cod on them for a special and functional souvenir).
Dr. Cavity’s Candy Shack: A small candy shop that still has lots of options, and a fun little place to visit!
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Chatham, MA
Where The Sidewalk Ends Bookstore: My favorite bookstore in all of Cape Cod. It’s just really charming, small and manageable and always has a great mix of new releases, beach reads, history books and a local section.
The Chatham Home: If you want to be inspired to spruce up your home’s interior, this is a great shop to peruse. They also have some really nice giftables and accessories here.
Candy Manor: My favorite candy store on the Cape. Be warned, it’s always packed during the summer months, but if you can manage to get inside, they have a great bulk candy selection, chocolates, fudge and lots of other choices.
The Mayflower Shop: A perfect home goods and gift shop that has a bit of a rustic farmhouse edge. They also carry a large selection of Beekman body care products.
Fisherman’s Daughter: An absolute must! Small little shop with clothing, accessories and gifts. The owner creates her own designs, which are unique and special, and perfect if you’re looking to take home some Cape Cod-inspired things that are less in-your-face than something like Cuffy’s pieces.
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Wellfleet, MA
Curiouser & Curiouser: I’m always so excited to pop into this little shop, which mixes branded apparel, antiques and gifts. They’re known for their “Oysters + Wine” and “Oysters + Beer” sweatshirts and t-shirts, so if you’re a fan of oysters, this will be a must-stop for you.
Best Gift Shops & Boutiques In Provincetown, MA
Captain’s Daughter: A self-proclaimed tea and sundries shop, I mostly come here because I love all the unique finds and gifts, as well as Cape Cod and Provincetown-branded apparel.
Good Scents: A really cool place where you can select from lots of their own scented body care products, or create your own scent!
Shor: A really beautiful home decor boutique that also offers interior design services. It’s really fun to peruse their merchandising to get design ideas here (and hopefully buy a thing or two as well!).
Wildflower: Located on the West End, this little floral shop also has home decor and gifts, and is really fun to visit.
Best General Stores On Cape Cod
I have a thing for general stores, and Cape Cod has some really wonderful ones. If you’re like me, and get excited to explore a general store because you’re ready to stock up on penny candy, and see what random things you didn’t know you needed, here is a list of the best general stores on Cape Cod.
- Brewster General Store – Brewster (my personal favorite)
- 1856 Country Store – Centerville
- LaBelle’s General Store – Dennis Port
- Murphy’s General Store – Harwich Port
- Provincetown General Store – Provincetown
These two stores are still technically general stores, but don’t have the mix of homegoods and convenience items that you typically find in the best general stores. But, that said, they’re still cute little places if you are nearby and wanted to pop in:
- Wild Harbor General Store – North Falmouth
- Old Village Store – West Barnstable
Does Cape Cod Have Shopping Centers?
Yes. In Hyannis, you’ll find Cape Cod Mall, which is home to over 80 franchised stores and eateries. You’ll find places like Macys, Target, J.Crew and Marshalls at this mall. Nearby is a plaza with a Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.
In Mashpee, you’ll find Mashpee Commons, which is an outdoor shopping plaza that also features mostly franchised stores such as Lily Pulitzer, L.L. Bean, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma and Vineyard Vines, but also has some smaller, independent shops, too.
Falmouth also has some shopping centers and smaller plazas with stores like Wal-Mart, TJ Maxx, Michaels and Petco.
Beyond these locations, you may find a one-off Marshall/TJ Maxx-type store, possibly a Christmas Tree Shop and some grocery store chains across the Cape, such as Shaw’s or Star Markets. But other than that, the majority of the shopping on Cape Cod will be smaller and more unique boutiques.
Does Cape Cod Have Outlet Stores?
No, Cape Cod does not have an outlet shopping center. The closest outlet shopping mall to Cape Cod is Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, which is about 1.5 hours from the Cape, depending on traffic.
Does Cape Cod Have A Boardwalk Shopping Destination?
There is no actual boardwalk shopping destination on Cape Cod, but many towns will have their own Main Streets, which will be full of beautiful storefronts to explore.
You may also find these posts helpful:
- Christmas On Cape Cod: All The Best Things To Do
- Best Time To Visit Cape Cod
- What To Pack For A Trip To Cape Cod
- Best Ice Cream On Cape Cod
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults
- Unique Things To Do On Cape Cod
- Best Scenic Walking & Hiking Trails On Cape Cod
- Best Beach Towns In New England
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
- Best Things To Do In Provincetown, MA
- Best Things To Do In Chatham, MA
- Best Things To Do In Sandwich, MA
That’s A Wrap On The Best Shopping On Cape Cod
And there you have it, my ultimate guide to the best shopping on Cape Cod. When visiting this area, I highly suggest you skip the malls and shopping centers, and head straight to the independent shops and boutiques because I guarantee you’ll find some treasures you’ll be excited to bring home.
