Cape Cod is an amazing destination in the summer, but the fall season is equally spectacular. Prices begin to go down, you’ll experience fewer crowds and very mild weather compared to the rest of New England. On top of that, you’ll get the best of both worlds when it comes to enjoying the stunning coastal landscapes with all the must-do fall activities. This post is all about the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall (or, as the locals call it, second summer) to help you plan your trip!
I’ve been traveling to Cape Cod for well … years! And I’ve been in all seasons – yep, even the dead of winter. I go most frequently in the summer months, but my next most visited season is most definitely the fall, and I have lots of things to share and suggestions to create your perfect itinerary.
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Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting In The Fall?
Absolutely! While my personal favorite time of year to visit is the summer, it’s a very close second to recommending a visit in the fall season.
Once Labor Day is over, you’ll find far fewer crowds (especially later in September through October and November), and the weather stays pretty mild. Cape Cod is typically warmer than the rest of New England, which is an added benefit!
Many of the reasons Cape Cod is worth visiting year-round are still applicable in the fall season, including seeing the Cape Cod National Seashore, eating fresh seafood, tackling all the amazing hiking trails, and enjoying all the natural beauty of the coastline. In fact, it’s one of my personal favorite places to enjoy fall in Massachusetts when I need some vitamin sea.
Best Month To Visit Cape Cod In The Fall
September is regarded as one of the best months to visit Cape Cod, and it’s actually many of the locals’ favorite season. Referred to as “Second Summer,” once Labor Day is over, tourist crowds get much smaller, and the weather is usually beautiful. You’ll find that you’ll still likely be able to go swimming in September, and the weather will often feel just like summer on most days.
October is the perfect time to visit Cape Cod if you’re looking for cooler weather, definitely want fewer crowds, cheaper hotel prices, and are also looking to infuse a bit of fall scenery and activities into your trip. You’ll find fall seasonal flavors highlighted in many of the restaurants, uncrowded beaches, perfect weather for walking trails and hikes, and pumpkins and mums will adorn all the beautiful houses.
November is actually a really nice time to visit Cape Cod, too, and often doesn’t get the credit it deserves. In November, you’ll pretty much mostly find locals, as it’s not a popular time for tourists to visit, and therefore, you’ll hardly see any crowds at all. And because Cape Cod doesn’t get as cold as other places in New England, you’ll still have pleasant weather that’s not frigid yet. In fact, this is one of my recommended places to visit when traveling to New England in November.
Can You Go Swimming On Cape Cod In The Fall?
Yes – likely through September, and if it’s an especially warm year, maybe through the beginning or middle of October. The first half of September is the best time to go swimming on Cape Cod, actually, as the water temperatures are usually at their highest after having the whole summer to warm up. If the Atlantic beaches are usually too cold for you, September is a great month to take a dip! I’ve even been at the end of September, and went swimming almost every day.
This can vary from year to year, though, and there may be years when it colder a bit earlier than normal. But generally, it’s a good time of year for a swim!
Usually once October hits, the weather starts to cool down the water down and it becomes less likely it’ll be warm enough for a swim, unless you have a wet suit. Most agree that once mid-October rolls around, that’s the end of swimming season on Cape Cod. However, at the end of September and early October, feel out the water on the Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay sides, as those tend to be the warmest in the region.
Where To See Fall Foliage On Cape Cod?
I will be honest, Cape Cod is not the best New England destination to see lots of fall foliage, so if that’s your primary reason for visiting in the fall, I would suggest you look into places like Vermont or New Hampshire instead. Or better yet, combine the Cape into a New England fall foliage road trip for the best of both worlds!
However, there are still some really beautiful displays of fall color on Cape Cod that are perfect for working into your fall itinerary. You’ll get to see some nice color on trees, but you’ll also want to look for beautiful amber hues on coastal landscapes as the beach grasses and marshes begin to change for the fall.
Below is a list of the best places for seeing fall foliage and color on Cape Cod:
- Nickerson State Park in Brewster
- Bell’s Neck Conversation Lands in Harwich
- Brewster Herring Run & Grist Mill in Brewster
- Red Maple Swamp Trail in Eastham (be sure to enjoy the foliage on the road leading you to the trail!)
- Heritage Gardens in Sandwich
- Views from the top of Scargo Tower in Dennis
- John Wing Trail in Brewster
- The Knob Trail in Woods Hole
- Scorton Creek in Sandwich
- Salt Pond Visitor’s Center in Eastham (the parking lot surprisingly has some great fall trees!)
When Is Peak Fall Foliage Season On Cape Cod?
The best part about Cape Cod foliage is that it actually lasts longer than most places in New England because of the mild weather patterns. Evenings on Cape Cod will start to cool down enough to start the color changing process, but the days are warmer than average for the region, and therefore, fall foliage can last through October on the Cape.
The best time to see peak fall foliage on Cape Cod is all of October, but specifically mid to late October. Peak foliage on the Cape often extends into the first part of November, depending on the year, so if you’re hoping to see some foliage on your trip, I would say mid October is prime time.
Best Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Fall
If you’re looking for suggestions on all the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall, then just keep reading! Many of the things I suggest in the fall are also great for any season, but I’ve also included some autumn-specific activities to get into the fall spirit. But to start, let’s talk about some general things that are great about visiting after Labor Day.
1. Avoid The Crowds
Honestly, the best part of visiting any destination outside of peak season is getting to experience everything without as many people. One of the best things to do in the fall on Cape Cod is visit all the sites and attractions that would otherwise be pretty crowded in the summer. Provincetown, Chatham, Nauset Lighthouse, and any of the popular beaches would fall into this category (but stay tuned for more on visiting beaches in the fall!).
Visiting the lighthouses is especially perfect in the fall season. While these don’t tend to be overly crowded in the summer, you’ll definitely always run into people during a visit in July and August, with weekends being a bit crowded.
Some of my favorite lighthouses to see on Cape Cod are:
- Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham – the one featured on the Cape Cod chips bags!
- Highland Lighthouse in Truro
- Nobska Lighthouse in Falmouth
- Chatham Lighthouse at Chatham Lighthouse Beach
- Race Point Lighthouse in Provincetown
Free parking at the beaches is another awesome perk to visiting in the fall season. Each town and region will have its own exact dates when they stop charging, but a big one to know about is the Cape Cod National Seashore.
The National Seashore is home to six of the most beautiful beaches on Cape Cod, and in the summer, it’s $25 per day to park. However, September begins free parking (fees only collected on weekend through mid-September), so this is a wonderful time to visit, and save a few bucks, too. Most other beaches will also be free to park at once Labor Day is over.
Some of the popular beaches that are far less crowded in the fall that you should definitely see are:
- Coast Guard Beach in Eastham (National Seashore)
- Nauset Beach in Orleans
- Race Point Beach in Provincetown (National Seashore)
- Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet
You’ll also want to explore some of the best towns on your trip in the fall season, which will also be less crowded. Chatham and Provincetown are popular towns that are packed with quaint charm and more than worth your time. They have wonderful shopping and beautiful scenery, as well as picture-worthy moments pretty much everywhere.
Lastly, the fall season will allow you an easier time getting reservations at popular restaurants, and shorter wait times at places that don’t take reservations! I go more into waterfront dining later in the post, but grabbing delicious seafood, including local oysters, scallops and fresh catches anywhere on Cape Cod is a good idea any time of the year 😉
2. Bring Your Pups – A Perk To Visiting Cape Cod After Labor Day!
One of the greatest parts of visiting Cape Cod after Labor Day is that more and more beaches become dog-friendly. Each town will have different rules on bringing pets to the beach after Labor Day, so it’s best to check which beaches you plan to visit before planning a trip with your pup. But it’s definitely way more flexible this time of the year when compared to the summer season.
During the summer, dogs are allowed at the National Seashore beaches (outside of the lifeguarded areas), but some areas could be closed off to dogs during shorebird nesting season during this time. Nesting season usually ends by August, so once September, October, and November hit, you don’t typically have to worry about dogs being prohibited due to this reason.
Some great dog-friendly hotels to check out on Cape Cod are:
- Breakwater Hotel in Provincetown
- Inn On Main in Yarmouth
- Wequassett Hotel & Resort in Harwich
- Nauset Beach Inn in Orleans
Things To Do On Cape Cod In September
3. Go To The Beach
If you’re visiting the Cape in the fall and want it to still kind of feel like summer, September is the month to visit. As I mentioned earlier in this post, the ocean waters will be at their warmest during this month, and one of the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall is to visit the beaches and go for your last few swims before the water becomes too cold to jump in.
Even if you’re not a swimmer, exploring the beaches should be on your list whenever you visit (yes, even in winter!). The best place to see beaches in this area is at the Cape Cod National Seashore, and if you visit after Labor Day, you likely won’t have to pay the $25 daily fee to park, as mentioned!*. The National Seashore beaches have the most beautiful stretches of pristine sand, and are backdropped by the impressive sand dunes. You’ll often spot seals swimming along the shore, too.
Other really great beaches to explore in the fall for amazing views are Cahoon Hollow Beach and Nauset Beach.
*Note: Select beaches will still charge on weekends through mid-September, so it’s best to check and plan accordingly. Credit cards are accepted at the National Seashore, and select town beaches are cash only.
4. Grab The Last Of The Ice Cream
September is the month where most ice cream places will begin to shut down, and grabbing some while they’re still open is one of the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall. With weather in September still feeling warm, ice cream will also totally hit the spot.
In my experience, places like Sundae School, Schoolhouse and Ice Cream Cafe begin to really limit their hours after Labor Day, and begin to close down toward the end of the month. They usually do a great job at keeping you up-to-date on their closing day on their social media pages, so check them out on Facebook and Instagram before making a special trip.
Places like Cape Cod Creamery in Hyannis are open year-round, so you don’t necessarily have to rush to grab your last cone in September, but most places do close down for the season this time of year.
5. Dine Al Fresco By The Water
A lot of restaurants will still have outdoor dining through October, weather permitting, but September is a great time to get in as many waterfront dining experiences as possible. I know I sound like a broken record, but I’ll say it again! With weather in September pretty much perfect (not too hot, not too cold) this is one of the best months to sit and enjoy the scenery outside while you have a nice meal.
Some of my favorite places for outdoor dining are Sesuit Harbor Café in Dennis, Ocean House in Dennis Port, and The Canteen in Provincetown.
What Is Cape Cod Like In September?
September will be the most crowded of all the fall months on the Cape, but it’s not nearly as busy as the summer season. September is gaining popularity as one of the best times to visit for this reason, but beaches, restaurants, and attractions will feel much more quiet, with weekends being the most busy.
You’ll want to expect that some places will begin to shut down throughout the month of September, but most places will still be open. Places most likely to shut down in September (or offer very limited hours) will be seafood shacks and ice cream places.
Weather in September will often feel a lot like summer, with evenings beginning to cool off a bit, and the end of September will start to feel more chilly. Average daytime temperatures are around 72-75°F, and nighttime temperatures can get down to about 55-58°F. Keep in mind that the earlier in September you visit, the warmer it will be (and vice versa!).
Pro Tip: It’s also good to know that this is still New England, and weather can change often, and vary from year to year. It’s a good idea to always check your weather forecasts a few days before leaving to pack accordingly! If weather isn’t what you expected, it’s best to just go with it, and embrace whatever it throws at you! This will apply for all months in the fall 😊🍁
Things To Do On Cape Cod In October
When you think of fall, you’re likely thinking of October, right? Many of the best fall things to do on Cape Cod are in October, making this a great time to visit for the perfect mix of celebrating harvest season, Halloween and also enjoying all the usual Cape Cod sites.
6. Get Your Last Sesuit Harbor Café Lobster Roll
A lot of people (myself included) consider the highlight of their summer on the Cape to be getting a lobster roll at Sesuit Harbor Café. One of the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall is to grab one before they close after Columbus Day weekend.
While the lobster rolls are awesome here, all the food is honestly great, and they also have a really nice raw bar. All the tables here are seat-yourself picnic tables by the harbor, and it’s also BYOB. I always suggest you pack up a nice bottle of wine, or some good beers, and really make a night of your visit. In the summer, this place is packed, and you can wait in line for up to an hour just to order food. In October? The lines will be much shorter!
7. Book A Whale Watching Tour
October is the last month that the whale watching tours are operating, as the whales in this region tend to migrate south for the winter season in November. So, October is your last chance to take a whale watching tour for the year! Cape Cod is regarded as one of the top spots for whale watching in the country, so I do recommend considering this if you’ve never done it before.
The company I recommend for whale watching on the Cape is Dolphin Fleet. I’ve done two tours with them, and have had amazing experiences on both.
Tip: It will be pretty cold out on the water in October, so come bundled up, and also consider bringing a hat and gloves (yes, even if the weather is warm on the mainland).
8. Take A Ghost Tour In Provincetown
For something a little spooky to ring in the Halloween season, you’ll want to head up to Ptown and take a ghost tour with Provincetown Ghost Tours.
These walking tours take place at night and recap the town’s sordid history, and all the haunted happenings are based on real facts and stories. So not only will you learn some really interesting things about the area, you’ll probably walk away with a few goosebumps, too.
9. Celebrate Fall At Coonamessett Farm
Head to Falmouth to celebrate fall and Halloween with Coonamessett Farm! On weekends through October, the farm hosts Harvest Weekends with live music, hayrides, U-Pick pumpkins and fall baked goods. Right before Halloween (typically the Saturday before), be sure to take the kiddos to their Halloween Celebration event. Everyone comes in costume, and with activities like pumpkin and face painting, a blueberry maze and hayrides, it’s sure to be the perfect fall day.
10. Pick Your Own Apples & Pumpkins
There are a few places on Cape Cod where you can pick your own apples and pumpkins. As mentioned above, Coonamessett Farm offers U-Pick pumpkins, which is a great place to stop and get all the supplies you need to decorate your front porch.
There aren’t as many places offering apple picking on Cape Cod, but you’ll want to check out these farms that offer either apple picking or pumpkin picking with lots of other fall activities:
- Crow Farm (Sandwich) – U-Pick apples and pumpkins, farm stand with homemade items, corn maze, baked goods, mums.
- Tony Andrews Farm – U-pick pumpkins, no apple picking but offers pre-picked pecks of apples, hayrides, farm stand and fall decorations.
11. Head Out On A Sailing Tour
One of the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall season is to take any chance you have left to head out onto the water in October before it gets too cold. There are a lot of different options when it comes to sailing tours in the area, and many of them stop operating around mid-October, so now is the time to squeeze one in.
Here are a few recommendations on places to check out for a sailing tour in October:
- Sail Cape Cod (Provincetown)
- Liberte Schooner (Falmouth)
- Captain Curley (Wellfleet)
12. Get Some Cranberry Wine At Cape Cod Winery
Cape Cod Winery does a really great job providing seasonal flavors throughout the year, and October brings their famed cranberry wine and specialty drinks! During the month of October, you’ll start to see offerings pop up on their social media pages that are infused with their cranberry wine, which is perfect for this time of the year.
Bonus Suggestion: Cape Cod Winery also hosts Fall Fest in October, a day with special drinks, local vendors and live music – it’s a lot of fun, and a great way to celebrate the fall season!
13. Party Your Way Through Spooky Bear Halloween Weekend
If you’re looking for the ultimate party on Cape Cod during Halloween, you’ll want to head straight to Provincetown and attend Spooky Bear Halloween Weekend. You’ll pretty much find it all during this weekend, including dances, a costume ball (with, of course, a costume contest!), a variety of parties, a drag brunch and tons more. Art’s Dune Tours also offers special tours that weekend.
14. Enjoy All The Family-Friendly Halloween Events
One of the best family-friendly things to do on Cape Cod in the fall season is to scout out all the Halloween events throughout the area. Almost every town has some kind of celebration that’s perfect for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Here’s my list for some ideas on the best Halloween celebrations on Cape Cod:
- Heritage Gardens Halloween Festival (Sandwich) – Tickets for this one sell out fast, so book early! Scavenger hunts, carousel rides, glitter tattoos, fortune tellers and tons more!
- Pumpkin People In The Park (Chatham)
- Spooktacular Weekend (Falmouth)
15. Grab A Cider Donut
Cider donuts are a bit harder to find out here compared to the rest of New England, but one of the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall is to try and scout out a few. Captain Bakers Donut Shop (West Dennis), Cape Cod Donuts (Sandwich), and Hole In One Bakery (Eastham) are a few places that serve up cider donuts in season.
16. Experience Oktoberfest In Chatham
Fall and Oktoberfest are practically synonymous, so if this is one of your favorite things to do in autumn, you’ll want to head to Chatham. Taking place at the same time as Pumpkin People in the Park at Kate Gould Park in downtown Chatham, you’ll find all the traditional Oktoberfest things to do here, including a beer garden from Devil’s Purse, face painting and games for the kids, live music and all kinds of vendors.
17. Visit The Last Of The Awesome Farmer’s Markets
Many of the farmer’s markets on Cape Cod begin to wind down in October, and this is the month where you’ll want to get in your last few trips for fresh produce, foods and baked goods. Here are some of the best farmer’s markets to check out on Cape Cod in October for seasonal finds:
- Wellfleet Farmer’s Market (usually only open until early October)
- Provincetown Farmer’s Market
- Orlean’s Farmer’s Market
18. Stock Up On Fun Halloween Candies!
If any season is synonymous with candy, it’s got to be fall, am I right? 😉 And since Cape Cod is home to some pretty awesome candy stories, you’ll definitely want to pop in and grab some super cute and fun Halloween-themed candies.
One of my favorites in the fall season is Candy Manor in Chatham, and bonus – it won’t be very crowded. In the summer season, it’s hard to even step foot inside here, but you’ll have plenty of room to browse and take your time during a fall visit.
Kandy Korner in Hyannis, Stage Candy Shop in Dennis, and Brewster Sweets are all great places to check out, too.
19. Spend A Night Or Two On Nantucket Or Martha’s Vineyard
Both of the Cape Cod islands, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, tend to be more expensive to stay overnight on, but during the month of October, you can get some awesome deals. While prices start to go down in September, I’ve found the best prices to be in October, as many of the hotels close down in November (although, if you’re okay with fewer hotel options, November is also an affordable time to stay).
Nantucket, especially, can be really expensive, and I often book my overnight stays at the end of September or October for the best deals. You can usually find some affordable options on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer, but October will give you some really great savings.
My absolute favorite place to stay on the islands is the Nantucket Hotel & Resort on Nantucket, and the Winnetu on Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve stayed at these hotels a few times, and recommend them to everyone I can because they’re truly awesome. In fact, at the time of writing this, my mom was checking into the Winnetu for a fall getaway, and she hasn’t stopped texting me to say how amazing it is!
During the fall, they’re usually not fully booked, and we’ve gotten free room upgrades to suites every time I’ve stayed here this time of the year. They’re also owned by the same company, so the service is wonderful at both properties.
🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Nantucket Hotel & Resort!
🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Winnetu on Martha’s Vineyard!
What Is Cape Cod Like In October?
October is the month where the weather will begin to cool down, especially at night, but still provide days that are in the 60’s. You’ll see even fewer crowds than September, and more business begin to close down (but most are still open).
Fall will definitely be in the air, and all the beautiful houses will be decorated for Halloween, fall foliage starts to make an appearance at the beginning of October, and Halloween decorations will be seen around town centers. More restaurants will begin to incorporate fall flavors into their menus, while still offering the best seafood catches of the day.
Some more fall posts you may enjoy reading:
- Best Haunted Houses In Massachusetts
- Ultimate Fall In New England Guide
- Best Ghost Tours In New England
Things To Do On Cape Cod In November
20. Enjoy An Indoor Meal With A View
If the weather is too chilly to eat outdoors, you still can’t dine indoors with a fantastic view. In fact, one of the best parts of the Cape year-round is the water views, so stay cozy by booking a table at a restaurant that has beautiful views from inside.
Some of the best places to dine with water views that you can enjoy from inside in November are Ocean House in Dennis Port, Fishermen’s View in Sandwich, The Marshside in East Dennis and Ross Grill in Provincetown.
21. Check Out The Artisan Craft Fair At Coonamessett Farm
In early November, Coonamessett Farm hosts an artisan craft fair that features over 30 vendors selling unique, handcrafted items (a great way to start your holiday shopping early!). Since weather starts to really cool down in November on the Cape, this is a great way to get outside and enjoy the crisp air, and also pick up some fresh produce from their farm stand to make a cozy dinner (and pre-order your Thanksgiving turkey)!
22. Grab A Poinsettia Cocktail Or Mulled Wine At Cape Cod Winery
We’re heading back to Cape Cod Winery in November to grab either a mug of warm mulled wine or a refreshing Poinsettia cocktail.
These two special drinks are offered throughout the month of November (although, the mulled wine is typically released in October, but definitely hits different in November when the weather actually turns cool). And with the grounds being a perfect place to hang out on a crisp day, especially with a warm drink in hand, this is a really nice way to cherish the final warm-ish days of the season.
23. Have A Glass Of Wine By A Cozy Fire At Truro Vineyards
If the Outer Cape is more convenient for you, Truro Vineyards is another amazing place to spend a nice November day. Grab some friends and crowd around one of their seating areas with a fire pit to enjoy a cozy glass of wine or seasonal cocktail featuring their own South Hollow Spirits. Keep an eye on their Instagram page because they update often with new hours and fun, special drink releases.
24. Take A Scenic Walk
Honestly, November is a great month to head out on a scenic walk, and this is definitely one of the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall season. The weather has cooled down quite a bit, and with all the fall color setting in, and nature beginning its transition to hibernation season, it’s so peaceful out on the trails in November.
I would highly suggest checking out the John Wing Trail in Brewster or hiking out to Race Point in November (two of my personal favorite relaxing walks), but click the link below to read my post on my favorite scenic walks and hikes on Cape Cod.
November is also a great time to take on hikes that are mostly in direct sunlight, and some of the ones I recommend checking out are the Dunes Shack Trail and Great Island Trail. The Dunes Shack trail is especially tough in the summer with the humidity, and the sun beating down on you, as the entire hike offers no shade. This is also one of the most otherworldly sites on Cape Cod, and is so worth all the effort!
The Great Island trail is regarded as one of the most scenic hikes on Cape Cod, and this is another one that’s perfect for cooler weather.
🍁 Click here to read my post about the best hikes and scenic walks on Cape Cod!
25. Experience All The Holiday Kick-Off Events
At the end of November, right after Thanksgiving, you’ll want to look into all the holiday kick-off events throughout Cape Cod. There are so many to choose from, including the Gardens Aglow event at the Sandwich Heritage Museum. This is one of the best light displays on Cape Cod, and it begins at the end of November.
You’ll also want to check out the lighting of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, which often takes place in November, as well as the Buzzards Bay Polar Express Train, which begins its rides at the end of November.
The lighting of the Lobster Pot tree in Provincetown is also one to have on your radar. This usually takes place at the end of November after Thanksgiving, and this has been a Cape Cod tradition for 20 years!
What Is Cape Cod Like In November?
November is the most quiet of all the fall months on Cape Cod, and when you’ll see the fewest tourists, as most tend to visit in September and October. If you visit in early November, you’ll catch the last of the fall foliage around the region, and begin to feel the colder winter days approaching. Because of that awesome mild weather, you’ll still have some days that get up to the 60s, but generally temperatures are in the 50s in November.
This is a great time of year to enjoy hiking and walking trails, and then reward yourself with a warm bowl of New England Clam Chowder after.
Best Places To Stay On Cape Cod In The Fall
Prices for hotels and other accommodations on Cape Cod will definitely start to fall after Labor Day, and drop even more in October and November. That’s the best time to get some really great deals. I’m going to recommend two higher-end places to consider if you plan to travel in October and November because you’ll likely be able to get a really great deal. I also have a really nice budget-friendly option!
Luxury: I mention the Chatham Bars Inn quite a bit on this website, and that’s because it’s honestly really worth it. In the summer, you’ll pay quite a bit to stay here, but you can find reduced rates going into October and November. With perks like on-site restaurants, a spa and the beach right across the street, it’s hard to pass up when you can get a great deal!
🍁 Click here to stay at the Chatham Bars Inn!
Moderate: The Pelham House Resort is right on the beach in Dennis Port, and another hotel that can be really pricey in the summer season. However, their prices drop in October and November, and this is another awesome hotel to consider that’s much cheaper this time of the year (they also have great on-site restaurants, outdoor fire pits and an awesome location!).
🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Pelham House Resort!
Moderate: Inn on the Beach in Harwich is one of my favorite places to stay on the beach. Located at Bank Street Beach, and walkable to Main Street in Harwich Port, the rooms here are cozy, updated and perfectly decorated, and the entire staff at the hotel is wonderful.
🍁 Click here to check rates & availability at the Inn On The Beach
Budget: One of my favorite budget-friendly places to stay on Cape Cod is the Wishing Well Motel. This is where I’ll often stay for a quick trip, or if I’m traveling solo and just need a place to crash. The rooms here are very comfortable and clean, and the location is really convenient. In the fall, you can stay here for a true bargain.
🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Cape Cod Wishing Well Motel!
This is just a very small sampling of the places I recommend you check out when booking a stay on Cape Cod, especially in the fall. For my guide on all my favorite hotels, and the best towns to stay in, click the link below!
🍁 Click here to read my guide on the best towns to stay in on Cape Cod!
What To Pack For Cape Cod In The Fall
This will greatly vary depending on what month you visit, as September weather varies drastically from November.
In September, you’ll want to pack similarly to how you would for summer, but come prepared with some extra light layers, like sweatshirts and light jackets, and then swap a pair of shorts for some pants in case there are cooler days. And bring your swimsuit, as you’ll likely still be able to go for a dip!
In October, you’ll likely want to ditch the shorts and tank tops, and go for sundresses you can layer with sweaters and jackets, and pants with t-shirts. Since you’ll have warmer days and cooler evenings, plan accordingly for that weather with extra layers. You probably won’t need a swimsuit in October, but check the weather just in case.
In November, you may still have some warmer days, but think about packing for cooler weather and layers. Similar to October, you’ll want to make sure you can layer up to stay warm if it does cool down, but also have a few pieces that will allow you to enjoy the warmer weather on those random sunshiney days.
I have a much more detailed breakdown in the post below, if you’d like to read more about packing for the Cape (scroll a bit down in that post to get to the outfits ideas toward the end).
You may also find these Cape Cod posts helpful:
- Best Time Of Year To Visit Cape Cod
- Unique Things To Do On Cape Cod
- 15 Things Every First-Timer Needs To See & Do On Cape Cod
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults
- Best Sunsets On Cape Cod
- What To Pack For Cape Cod (Including Outfit Ideas)
- Ultimate List Of The Best Things To Do On Cape Cod
- Best Waterfront Restaurants On Cape Cod
- Things To Know When Visiting Cahoon Hollow Beach
- Cape Cod vs. Nantucket: Which Is Best For You?
- Best Places To See Seals On Cape Cod
- Fun Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Winter
- Ultimate Guide To The Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches
And here are some guides I’ve made on Cape Cod towns:
- 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
- Best Things To Do In Eastham, MA
- Best Things To Do In Orleans, MA
How Many Days To Spend On Cape Cod In The Fall
I would recommend at least two days on the Cape in the fall season, but a long weekend (3 days) is a really great sweet spot, with a week a dream come true.
A weekend stay here (Friday night to Sunday) will give you enough time to explore a few of the cute towns, go for some beach walks (or swims if you’re planning a September trip!), check out some of the lighthouses, and have some memorable seafood meals.
Three full days will allow you to do all of that at a slower pace.
If you stay for a week, I would highly suggest taking day trips over the islands – Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard – because they’re equally as gorgeous in the fall season (as mentioned!). And then while you’re back on Cape Cod, I would recommend checking out some of the beautiful hikes and nature walks to fill up the rest of your time.
How To Get To Cape Cod
The best way to get to Cape Cod is to fly into Boston Logan International Airport, and then rent a car to drive to Cape Cod. The drive from Boston to the Cape is about 1-2 hours, depending on traffic, and where you’re staying in the area. The furthest point on the Cape from Boston is Provincetown, so if you’re looking for a shorter drive, you may not want to keep that in mind.
Pro Tip: If you are flying into Boston for your trip, I’d recommend spending a night or two in the city if your schedule allows. Boston in the fall is such a wonderful time to visit the city (my personal favorite, in fact!), and there are so many iconic New England things to do there.
The reason I suggest renting a car to get to Cape Cod, and to get around Cape Cod, is because public transit isn’t the easiest to use in the region for tourists. Especially in the fall season, you won’t find a lot of buses that take you to some of the best sites in the area, and having a car is truly the absolute best way to explore Cape Cod. It’s worth it, I promise!
Combining Cape Cod With Other Coastal Destinations In The Fall
If you have a week or more to explore the New England coast this fall season, you may want to consider making a road trip out of it! While spending a week on Cape Cod is always a great idea because it offers so much to do (and is bigger than most people realize!), it’s also accessible to a lot of gorgeous coastal destinations in New England. And fall is a great time to explore the coastline for many of the same reasons: fewer crowds, cooler weather, and cheaper accommodations.
If this sounds appealing to you, I’d recommend that you start in Boston, spend a few days on the Cape, then drive up the Massachusetts north shore region, and make your way to Acadia National Park in Maine.
I have a few posts that will help you plan this epic trip, which you can find here:
- Best Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
- Best Stops To Make Driving Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park
- The Ultimate Salem, MA Day Trip Guide
- Things To Do In Newburyport, MA
- Things To Do In Rockport, MA
That said, this is absolutely not necessary, and spending all your time on Cape Cod (and/or the Islands) is most definitely a wonderful coastal fall getaway!
That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Fall
It was so fun to share with you all the very best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall. While I truly love summer in this area, fall is a very close second when it comes to my favorite time of year to visit. Fall in New England is hard to beat, and when you combine that with all the stunning coastline of the Cape, and the amazing community events, this is a really special time to visit.
