Planning a trip to Cape Cod? Well, whether you’re a first-time visitor, or you’ve been before but are looking for new and exciting suggestions, I’ve got so many to share with you! I’ve been visiting this area since I was a kid, and in my adult years, I’ve been back so many times that I’ve lost count. It’s the area of New England I’ve visited the most, and I’ve even been in all four seasons – yep, including winter!
This post is all about my top suggestions on things to do on Cape Cod. I’ve broken it down into two sections, so you’ll get to read about the absolute must-see things if you’re short on time, as well as hear about all the other magical things to do in the region to check off your bucket list.
And with that, let’s get started 😉
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Best Things To Do On Cape Cod – My Top Suggestions
If you’re planning a shorter visit to Cape Cod, and don’t have as much time to explore, these are the top things I suggest that everyone focuses on. Of course, plan according to your own taste and travel style, and keep reading the rest of the list for even more great ideas on how to enjoy Cape Cod 😊
1. Explore The National Seashore
Undoubtedly the most beautiful part of Cape Cod, the National Seashore is the one thing I always say not to miss when visiting. This area features over 40,000 acres of protected, unspoiled coastline that has the most stunning beaches, scenic nature trails, and lighthouses. In fact, it’s home to my all-time favorite Cape Cod beach – Coast Guard.
This area is located in the Outer Cape region – so, if you’re looking at a map, it’s the eastern coastline along the “forearm,” spanning from Eastham to Provincetown. Most people choose to visit by spending a day at one of the beaches, but I also recommend seeing Nauset Lighthouse, and walking the Nauset Marsh trail, if you have time.
However, the beaches are most definitely the highlight.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the six Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, if you’re looking for more info 😉
2. See The Other Beaches, Too
While the National Seashore is an absolute must-see, I also encourage you to visit the many other town beaches around Cape Cod. The other two main bodies of water are Nantucket Sound, and Cape Cod Bay, both of which have warmer water with calmer surf, making them enjoyable for everyone, especially those with young kids.
However, some town beaches can also be found along the Atlantic, so there’s so much to explore outside of the National Seashore!
Some of my favorite town beaches include:
→ Nauset Beach in Orleans (different from Nauset Lighthouse Beach, which is in the National Seashore!)
→ Mayflower Beach in Dennis
→ Cahoon Hollow Beach (I go more info this awesome beach later in the post 😉)
→ Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet
→ Bank Street Beach in Harwich Port
3. Eat Amazing Seafood
It goes without saying that if you love seafood, you’ll be heaven when you visit, and one of the best things to do on Cape Cod is indulge in all the incredibly fresh seafood dishes offered.
Maine is famous for the lobster roll, but this is also one of the top things to get while on the Cape. Additionally, you’ll want to check out fresh steamers, oysters, steamed lobster dinners, scallops, codfish, New England Clam Chowder, and any of the fresh catches of the day featured on the menu.
Psst! I have lots of suggestions to find the Best Lobster Rolls On Cape Cod 😉
4. Don’t Forget The Ice Cream!
After your seafood dinner, you’ll want to scope out some homemade ice cream for dessert, and the Cape has some amazing options for you! Most people that have been visiting the area for a while have die-hard favorites, so you’ll need to find yours during your visit 😉
My absolute favorite places for ice cream on the Cape are Sundae School in Harwich Port and Dennis Port, Schoolhouse in Harwich Port, Ice Cream Café in Orleans, and Cape Cod Creamery in Hyannis and Yarmouth.
Psst! There are so many more fantastic places for ice cream, though, and lucky you – I have a guide on the best ice cream on Cape Cod with more suggestions!
5. Visit The Lighthouses
Home to 14 lighthouses, one of the best things to do on Cape Cod is see at least a few of them, and the top ones are actually pretty easy to visit.
The most famous lighthouse on the Cape is Nauset Light, and this one is especially iconic because it’s the one featured on the Cape Cod potato chips bags. To visit, you’ll need to park at Nauset Lighthouse Beach (parking fee applies in the summers from 9a-4:30p), and from there, it’s a very short walk to the lighthouse.
Another really fun one to see is Highland Lighthouse in Truro, which is situated along the golf course in a very peaceful setting. I also love to walk to Chatham Lighthouse when in town, and while this one is guarded by a fence, you can still get pretty close to it, while also enjoying the views from the beach across the street.
Psst! Not all the lighthouses in this area are accessible to the public, so you’ll want to check out my guide on the best lighthouses to visit on Cape Cod, so you know what to expect during your visit.
6. Stroll Through The Charming Towns
Cape Cod is comprised of 15 different towns, and each of them has their own character and fun things to do. However, there are a few that stand out as the best to visit.
Chatham is most definitely a top one to see, and where you’ll find idyllic scenery, gorgeous houses, and an awesome town center with a walkable Main Street lined with shops and restaurants. I also really love to suggest you head to downtown Harwich Port, which also has a quaint shopping area, and historic Sandwich is another great one to see.
Here are some of my guides on the local towns to check out:
- Things To Do In Chatham, MA
- Things To Do In Sandwich, MA
- Things To Do In Harwich, MA
- Things To Do In Brewster, MA
- Things To Do In Dennis, MA
- Things To Do In Falmouth, MA
- Things To Do In Orleans, MA
- Things To Do In Eastham, MA
7. Explore Provincetown
Of all the towns on Cape Cod, I always suggest that everyone visits Provincetown. This is such a fun, unique, and beautiful place to experience, and filled with a lively energy that’s also somehow peaceful (you’ll just have to see for yourself when you get there!).
Ptown, as the locals call it, is located at the very tip of the peninsula, so it’s the furthest drive from the mainland, but absolutely worth the venture. You’ll find two gorgeous beaches up this was (Race Point and Herring Cove, both in the National Seashore), Race Point Lighthouse, and a very cool town center. There are tons of shops, restaurants, art galleries, cabarets, and clubs up and down Commercial Street, and this is also where the best whale watch tours depart from.
Psst! Check out my detailed guide on things to do in Provincetown for more suggestions.
8. Go On A Whale Watch Tour
Speaking of whale watch tours, Cape Cod is actually one of the best places in the world for spotting whales – especially humpbacks! This is thanks to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, which is just off the coast of Massachusetts, and is globally known for having very active marine life.
It’s highly likely that you’ll see whales on tours from Cape Cod, and the one I most like to recommend is Dolphin Fleet, which departs from Macmillan Pier in Ptown.
Pro Tip: Because you’re dealing with wildlife, nothing is ever a guarantee, and there’s always a chance you won’t see any whales on a tour. However, if that happens, most companies, including Dolphin Fleet, will off you a voucher to come back on another tour with them.
9. Experience The Brewster Flats
Cape Cod is home to the largest tidal flats in North America, and they’re known as the Brewster Flats. The name, though, is a bit misleading, as you can actually experience them between Dennis and Eastham. But, Brewster is one of the most popular towns to see them.
When the tide goes out along Cape Cod Bay (the northern shore of the Cape), you can walk out onto the ocean floor for about a mile, which is just such a cool experience. And since the sun sets over the Bay, at certain times of the year, you have the chance of experiencing low tide at sunset. Be sure to know when both sunset and low tide are during your visit to see if you can hit that sweet spot!
10. See The Seals At The Chatham Fish Pier
Gray and harbor seals are often spotted along the Atlantic coastline of Cape Cod, but one very easy way to see them is by visiting the Chatham Fish Pier instead.
The fish pier is where many fishermen come in with their fresh catches, and the seals know what’s on their boats – treats 😂 They wait very close to the docks in hopes of snatching up any scraps the fishermen may throw back into the water, and there are always quite a few of them swimming around, giving you a pretty close view of them.
Psst! I have some tips on the best times to see them at the pier, as well as other fantastic places to spot them in my Seals on Cape Cod guide.
Even More Awesome Things To Do On Cape Cod
Have you been before? Looking to get off the beaten path? Have more time to explore?
Visiting outside of the summer season? Well, the rest of this list is packed with ideas for you!
11. Do Some Serious Shopping
One of the great things about shopping on Cape Cod is that the vast majority of the shops are independently owned boutiques and galleries. You won’t find many franchised stores outside of Hyannis and Mashpee (except grocery stores), so there are so many wonderful shops to visit!
Some of my all-time favorites on the Cape are:
→ Bookshops: Where The Sidewalk Ends in Chatham, Below the Brine Bookshop in Harwich Port, and Eight Cousins in Falmouth.
→ Wish Gift & Co. in Sandwich.
→ Fisherman’s Daughter in Chatham
→ Homegrown Boutique in Orleans
→ The Mayflower in Chatham
Psst! I have a guide all about my favorite Cape Cod shopping, if you’re looking for more ideas.
12. Bike The Cape Cod Rail Trail
At just over 25 miles long, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is the perfect way to enjoy the Cape on your bike. This paved path connects the towns of Yarmouth and Wellfleet, and passes by cranberry bogs, Nickerson State Park in Brewster, and even has a stop at Arnold’s for one of the best lobster rolls in the area!
The path is mostly flat, too, which makes for an easy, enjoyable ride.
13. Bike The Shining Sea Bikeway, Too!
In addition to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, there’s also the option of biking the Shining Sea Bikeway, which is located in the Upper Cape region in Falmouth. This trail is just over 10-miles long, and offers a more coastal scenery than the CCRT, since it follows the shoreline of the Vineyard Sound.
This path is also paved, and is a mostly flat and easy trail to navigate.
14. Dine On The Water
One of the best ways to enjoy the Cape is by dining on the water, and there are so many fantastic places to do that. Whether you’re in the mood for a more casual meal, or something that’s upscale for a special occasion, there are lots of wonderful options where the food is just as good as the view.
Here are especially great ones to check out:
→ The Beachcomber in Wellfleet, which is right on Cahoon Hollow Beach.
→ Ocean House in Dennis Port, which is right on Nantucket Sound, and also has an outdoor bar.
→ Sesuit Harbor Café, which is right on the harbor, and has arguably the best lobster roll on the Cape!
→ Fisherman’s View in Sandwich, which is right on the Cape Cod Canal.
→ The Rooftop & Waves Restaurant at the Pelham House Resort, which is on Nantucket Sound.
Psst! I have an entire guide on all my favorite waterfront restaurants on Cape Cod, if you need more suggestions.
15. Enjoy The Views From The Marconi Station Sites
One of the best overlooks on Cape Cod is definitely the Marconi Station Sites, which is where the very first transatlantic wireless communication took place. While the wireless towers are no longer there, the views from the observation areas are spectacular, and really offer a sweeping landscape of the coastline from a few different lookouts.
This is a quick stop you can make on your way to Marconi Beach, and there’s free and easy parking.
16. Walk Out To Race Point Light
Located in Ptown, Race Point Lighthouse is a special one to visit because it requires a bit of a hike to get out there. But gosh, once you’re there, you’re rewarded with views of the lighthouse surrounded by sand dunes and secluded coastline!
You can either take a very long walk on the shoreline from Race Point Beach to the lighthouse, or you can opt to hike the Hatches Harbor Trail, which is what I recommend. Both are very different, as the Hatches Harbor trail has some wooded and salt marsh scenery, whereas the walk on the shoreline is, obviously, all coastal – and a bit harder since you’re walking in soft sand the entire time.
Psst! I have a guide on my favorite Cape Cod Hikes & Scenic Walks, which has more info on the Race Point trail 😉
17. Visit Nantucket Island
There are two wonderful islands off the coast of Cape Cod, one of which is Nantucket, and this is one of the best day trips you can take from Cape Cod while visiting.
Nantucket is home to idyllic scenery that looks like it’s out of postcard, and is packed with charm at every turn. You’ll find cobblestoned streets, gorgeous lighthouses, rose-covered cottages, and Cape Cod-shingled mansions. Not to mention the absolutely stunning beaches and coastline! It’s truly one of the most beautiful places to see in New England.
18. Head Over To Martha’s Vineyard, Too!
While I absolutely love Nantucket, I also love Martha’s Vineyard, which is definitely worth visiting during your time on Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is bigger than Nantucket, but closer to the mainland, and is most famous for its colorful, storybook gingerbread cottages around Oak Bluffs, Chappaquiddick Island, and Jaws movie locations.
However, you’ll also find incredible beaches, quaint towns to explore, lighthouses and great shops, which is the perfect recipe for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway!
I have a few posts on Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard to help you plan:
- Nantucket Day Trip Guide
- Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Guide
- Is Nantucket Or Martha’s Vineyard Better For A Day Trip?
- How To See Martha’s Vineyard Without A Car
- Best Things To Do On Martha’s Vineyard
19. Adventure Through The Sand Dunes With Art’s Dune Tours
Cape Cod, and Provincetown specifically, are both known for their impressive sand dunes landscapes. In fact, much of Ptown’s land is sand (and it’s known as the Province Lands), so exploring them is one of the best and most unique things to do on Cape Cod!
To do this, you’ll want to head out on an adventure with Art’s Dune Tours. This family-run business has been taking tourists out to the dunes since 1946, and they have such a passion for showcasing the natural beauty of the area, while protecting the beautiful but fragile ecosystem along the National Seashore.
Art’s has different kinds of tours, depending on what you’re looking for, and this is the easiest way to get acquainted with the Province Lands. I can’t recommend them enough!
Psst! I have a detailed recap on my experience with Art’s Dune Tours, if you’d like to check that out 😉
20. Hike The Dune Shacks Trail
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can instead opt to hike the Dune Shacks Trail, which is such an exciting thing to do in the area. This trail is about 2 miles round trip, but you’ll quite literally be climbing up and down very tall sand dunes, and seeing the famous shacks along the way. The trail ends at a secluded beach that you can enjoy before you head back to the trailhead.
The entire experience feels like you’re on the set of … well … Dune 😂 It truly feels otherworldly, so if you’re looking for one of the most unique experience on the Cape, this is it (in addition to Art’s Dune Tours, of course).
21. Enjoy The Views From The Top Of Pilgrim Monument
In Ptown stands the Pilgrim Monument, which can be seen from most places around town. The tower is over 150 feet high, and visitors are able to climb to the top to enjoy sweeping views of not only Ptown, but of the surrounding coastline.
The monument is also home to a museum, which is included with your ticket.
22. Spend The Day At Cahoon Hollow Beach
I hinted at this beach earlier in the post, and now’s the time to share that Cahoon Hollow Beach is definitely one of the best to visit on Cape Cod! Sandwiched inside the National Seashore, Cahoon Hollow continues to be run by the town instead of the National Parks so that the famous restaurant at the beach, The Beachcomber, can continue to operate.
At Cahoon Hollow, you’ll see sand dunes standing over 70 feet high, stunning coastline to enjoy, and of course, the Beachcomber restaurant (lovingly referred to as The ‘Comer, or ‘Comah).
Psst! I have a more detailed guide on top things to know when visiting Cahoon Hollow Beach with more helpful info, which I highly recommend reading before your visit because there are some thing you need to know.
23. Take In A Beautiful Sunset
While the East Coast is definitely more known for sunrises, there are still some pretty amazing sunsets to enjoy during your visit to Cape Cod – you just have to know where to go 😉
The best place is the northern shore area along the Cape Cod Bay, as well as Provincetown. As mentioned earlier, if the timing works out to enjoy sunset and low tide along the Bay, that’s definitely one of the best ways to experience it! If you’re in Ptown, you’ll want to head to Race Point or Herring Cove beach for sunset.
Psst! I have an entire guide on all the best places to watch sunset on Cape Cod, if you’d like more recommendations.
24. See The Hydrangeas In Full Bloom In July
One of my favorite times of the year on Cape Cod is July, and that’s because you’ll find the famous hydrangeas in full bloom around the region. Hydrangeas are known for being prolific in New England, and especially on Cape Cod because of the soil and weather, and there are so many wonderful displays to see them.
The best way to see the hydrangeas is by heading to Chatham. Around town, take a walk along the residential side streets for the best displays. I especially love Seaview Street, which is just off Main Street, and brings you to the Chatham Bars Inn, where you’ll find even more amazing displays of hydrangeas.
Hydrangeas begin to peak around the end of June or early July, depending on the year, and continue to bloom throughout July. Toward the end of July and into early August, you’ll start to see some of their color fading as they transition into their fall state. They don’t typically die back until the fall.
25. Kayak Through The Salt Marshes
I’ve talked about the beaches and the sand dunes, but another beautiful landscape to enjoy during your visit are the salt marshes, which can be found around most parts of Cape Cod. And there are a lot of places that rent out kayaks, and host kayak tours through the marshes for a very fun way to experience them!
Here are some awesome places to look into kayaks and tours:
→ Paddle Cape Cod in Eastham
→ Bass River Kayaks in West Dennis
→ SUPfari Adventures in Orleans
→ Cape Cod Waterways in Dennis Port
26. Take A Sailing Tour
What better way to enjoy the coastal scenery than on a sailing tour? There are some really great options around the Cape for a wonderfully relaxing and serene afternoon or sunset cruise, and this is a great way to create fun memories during your visit.
Here are some that I suggest checking out:
→ Down Cape Charters, which departs from the Wequassett Resort (pictured above).
→ Captain Curly, which departs from Wellfleet harbor.
→ Sail Cape Cod, which departs from Provincetown.
27. Plan A Beach Fire Night
A wonderful way to end one of your nights on the Cape is by planning a beach fire! While not all beaches and towns allow beach fires, quite a few do, and this is a very fun way to have a memorable evening during your trip.
All six National Seashore beaches allow fires, as do select beaches in Sandwich, Wellfleet, and Truro.
In order to have a beach fire, you must obtain a fire permit, either with the National Seashore, or with the town, and they usually only give out a few permits each night, so you’ll want to plan accordingly!
28. Walk To The End Of Bass Hole Boardwalk
One of the easiest ways to enjoy the salt marshes on Cape Cod is by visiting the Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth. This boardwalk extends about a quarter of a mile over Cape Cod Bay, and offers really beautiful views of the area.
This is also an especially nice place to enjoy sunset, as the sun goes down directly over the Bay, so you’ll have the perfect view at the end of the boardwalk.
29. Enjoy The Wineries & Breweries
There are some very fun wineries and breweries to check out in the area, and if you’re looking to sip on some locally-made drinks, this is the perfect thing to add to your itinerary.
One of my favorites is Truro Vineyards, which is pretty close to Highland Lighthouse. They have lots of outdoor spaces surrounding the vineyards to enjoy while you sip on your drinks, including an outdoor bar, food trucks, and covered pavilions. And of course, they offer wine tastings to get a feel for all their wines.
I also really love Cape Cod Winery in Falmouth, which has an equally fun outdoor space, and does great seasonal drinks.
One of my all-time favorite breweries also has a Cape Cod location! Tree House Brewing in Sandwich makes absolutely amazing craft beer, and the only place to get them is at Tree House locations – they’re not sold in stores. You can swing by to pick up some cans, but I recommend staying a while to grab a drink while overlooking the water from their upper deck (pictured above)
30. See A Movie At The Wellfleet Drive-In
It’s not often you get to experience a drive-in movie, but on Cape Cod, you can! The Wellfleet drive-in offers that nostalgic experience, complete with a snack bar, mini golf, ice cream, and double features every night at no extra charge.
The movies are also shown rain or shine, so even on a rainy night, you can snuggle up in your car with snacks and enjoy the movies. They actually say that the picture quality is a little better in the rain, just FYI 😉
31. Browse All The Art Galleries And Artist Shacks
One of the great things about Cape Cod is the amazing support for local artists, and there are so many ways to browse, admire, and shop for art during your visit.
In Hyannis, Brewster, and Orleans, you can swing by the cute little artist shacks, which all host different local artists showcasing their handcrafted pieces for sale. You’ll always find a variety of mediums, including paint, photography, jewelry, textiles, and so much more.
Brewster and Provincetown are especially great for perusing art galleries, so these are the perfect towns to explore if you’re looking for a special piece to bring home with you – and to support local artists! But you can find art galleries pretty much everyone on the Cape.
32. Hit Up A Charming General Store
Personally, I will always go out of my way to visit a cute little general store, and you can find some great ones on Cape Cod! The Brewster General Store is one of the best in the area. It has a lot of vintage charm since the building is historic, and you’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back into time when you visit. But additionally, it has that perfect mix of just about everything, including candy, coffee and baked goods, apparel, home goods, and so much more.
I also really love Murphy’s General Store in Harwich Port, which is a modern take on a general store, and La Belle’s in Dennis Port.
33. Visit A Cranberry Bog
Cranberries are synonymous with Cape Cod, and while Wisconsin is now the largest cranberry supplier for the U.S., Cape Cod still supplies about a third of the market. Cranberries on the Cape are harvested in the fall season, so if you happen to visit around then, you may just be able to time your visit with seeing a cranberry bog harvest in action.
One of the best places to check out if you’re interested in a tour is Cranberry Bog Tours in Harwich, which is the largest organic cranberry bog on the Cape. Tours actually begin in April, so even if you’re not there for peak harvesting season, the experience is still a very fun one to plan other times of the year.
34. Pick Up Homemade Jams & Jellies At BriarLane
One of my favorite things to bring home from the Cape is the homemade jams and jellies from BriarLane in Sandwich. They’ve been handcrafting them since 1932, and continue to use the same recipes today, which just feels so special.
They have a shop in Sandwich that you can visit, which also has a lovely garden you can visit. But if you’re planning to spend all your time on the Outer Cape, they usually have a road-side stand in Wellfleet you can shop from, too.
My suggestion is to go for their beach plum jelly, which is so delicious!
35. Walk The Sandwich Boardwalk
The Sandwich Boardwalk is back for 2024! This iconic boardwalk on the Cape has been a landmark of the town since the 1870s, but a storm in the winter of 2023 destroyed it, and it required a complete renovation, which was finalized in late spring 2024.
This beautiful boardwalk is similar to Bass Hole Boardwalk in that it takes you over salt marshes, but this one ends at a lovely beach on Cape Cod Bay.
It’s good to know that in the summer, you’ll have to pay to park here during the day because of the beach access, but parking fees aren’t required after 5pm, which is the best time to visit if you’re not planning to visit the beach.
36. Visit A Lavender Farm
In Harwich, you’ll find the charming Cape Cod Lavender Farm, which is such a treat to visit. The farm’s grounds are open to the public March-December, but peak harvest season is the best time to visit. This is when you’ll be able to meander through their beautiful fields of lavender, and enjoy the scent wafting in the air around you!
At the farm, they also have a cute little shop where you can buy fresh bunches of their lavender (in season), and lots of lavender products, which are stocked year-round. The farm is surrounded by 75 acres of conservation land, too, and you’re welcome to walk the trails through the woods to really soak in the atmosphere.
37. Get The Official Cuffy’s Cape Cod Sweatshirt
One of the most popular things to wear around the Cape is the famous Cape Cod sweatshirts from Cuffy’s, which has been an institution in the area since the 1980s, and almost like a rite of passage when you purchase your very first one.
I’ve been purchasing their sweatshirts off and on for over 15 years now, and even my very first one continues to hold up well, so the quality is great. And considering their notoriety, they’re priced very well.
Cuffy’s has two locations, but I highly recommend you visit the West Dennis shop, which is now a destination in and of itself, featuring an entire boardwalk of multiple shops selling all their apparel, candy, homegoods, and lots more.
38. Take The Long Point Shuttle To The Very Tip
One of the coolest ways to enjoy Cape Cod’s natural beauty is by taking a boat ride out to the very tip of the peninsula in Provincetown, which is called Long Point. Departing from MacMillan Pier, visitors can hop aboard the Long Point Shuttle, and in about 10 minutes, you’re in one of the most beautiful, undeveloped areas of the Cape.
There’s a lighthouse out there that you can walk to, and you’ll get to spend your day enjoying the peaceful scenery – and probably see some seals swimming by in the water, too!
You’re also able to hike out to Long Point, by way of the Provincetown Causeway, but it’s definitely much easier to take the shuttle.
39. Splurge On A Nice Hotel Stay
There are some absolutely fantastic hotels on Cape Cod to enjoy, and while the nicest ones are definitely a bit of a splurge, it’s worth it for special occasions, or if you’re looking to treat yourself.
One of my favorites is the Chatham Bars Inn, which is one of only a few luxury resorts in the area. You’ll find amenities here like private beach access, beach cabanas with drink service, outdoor dining, a pool, a spa, and seasonal activities right at the resort.
However, there are lots of fantastic hotels that are worth the splurge around the area, including the Pelham House Resort, the Wequassett Hotel & Resort, and the Land’s End Inn.
40. Tour The Museums
For history lovers, or if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, the museums around Cape Cod are a great idea! In Hyannis, you can tour the John F. Kennedy Museum, which shares the family’s history and deep connection to the area.
I also really love the Cape Cod Museum Of Natural History, which is small, but does a fantastic job of showcasing and educating the local ecosystem. They also have a lot of great seasonal activities like forest bathing walks, children’s tours, and lots more.
The Sandwich Heritage Museum & Gardens is another wonderful one to visit, and the impressive gardens and antique cars on display are a highlight.
There are lots more to check out in the area, including the Sandwich Glass Museum, Whydah Pirate Museum, Cape Cod Maritime Museum, and Provincetown Art Association & Museum, just to name a few.
41. Visit All The Cute Candy Shops
It’s easy to feel like a kid again on Cape Cod because of all the great candy shops, and you won’t see any judgement from me! As an adult, this is still one of my favorite things to do when visiting 😊
A lot of the candy shops on the Cape feel nostalgic, and have so many delicious creations to offer, in addition to classic favorites. I love to swing by a few different places and fill up a little bag of treats to munch on throughout my visit.
Some of my favorites are:
→ Candy Manor in Chatham
→ Stage Candy Co. in Dennis
→ The Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy stand in Yarmouth
→ Kandy Korner in Hyannis
→ The Penny Patch in Provincetown
There are also some places that specialize in chocolates that I love, including Brewster Sweets, and Provincetown Fudge Factory.
42. Tackle The Province Lands Bike Path
Even though I’ve mentioned two great bike paths already, I have to talk about the Province Lands Bike Path, which is a wonderful trail that’s perfect for more advanced riders. This path is known for stunning views of the sand dune landscapes, as well as salt marshes and ponds, making it an especially scenic ride.
This trail is definitely more challenging, though, and is notoriously hilly, which is why it’s best for those looking for a workout. It’s also short at only 5-7 miles long, depending on if you take the optional extensions to Race Point or Herring Cove, but provides an absolutely memorable ride!
If you’re not into biking, you can also walk the bath, which is just as nice.
43. Hike The Great Island Trail
One of the most scenic hikes you can take on Cape Cod is most definitely the Great Island trail, and while I really do love the Dune Shacks trail, this one offers more of a variety in terms of scenery and terrain. Many consider it to be the best and most scenic hike in the entire area.
Located in Wellfleet, this hike can be anywhere from four to nine miles long, depending on if you want to take the extension out to the remote Jeremy Point. It offers stunning coastline views of Cape Cod Bay, meanders through wooded scenery, and also showcases some of the nearby marshes.
I’ve had a few readers reach out to me to say this was one of their trip highlights when visiting, so definitely something to check out 😉
44. See The Oldest House On Cape Cod
Located in historic Sandwich, the Hoxie House is the oldest on Cape Cod. Depending on when you visit, you may only be able to see in exterior, but the inside is open during the summer season.
Built around 1675, the house is now known for showcasing authentic and preserved architecture from the era, so you’ll definitely feel as though you’ve stepped back in time when you’re there!
45. Visit A Working Grist Mill
Fun fact – Cape Cod has not one, but two working grist mills! One of which is just minutes from Hoxie Hose in Sandwich. The other can be found in Brewster.
Dexter Grist Mill in Sandwich was originally built in the mid 1600s, and can be found at the center of town. Tours are available in the summer season, and you can also buy some of their famous freshly-ground cornmeal during your visit, which is milled on-site by the grist mill.
In Brewster, the Stony Brook grist mill is also worthy of a visit, and surrounded by beautiful scenery and gardens that feels a little like you’ve stepped into a story book. The mill is open for tours in the summer on Saturdays, and they also still grind their own cornmeal, which is available to purchase.
46. Plan A Sunset Beach Picnic
I’m going to let you in on a little secret – there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from getting take out and bringing it to a beach for dinner 😉 In fact, I do this about as much as dining out when I visit, and it’s such a great way to avoid long wait times as restaurants if you don’t have a reservation during peak summer season.
Whether you want to just grab a quick pizza, or go with something like lobster rolls, you’re guaranteed the best view when you take it to-go and head to the beach! Back a cooler with your favorites drinks, and enjoy the sunset vibes while you eat.
47. Walk Along The Cape Cod Canal
In Sandwich at the Cape Cod Canal Visitor’s Center, there’s a really nice paved path that goes along the Canal, and an added bonus is that parking here is free and easy since the lot is rather large. The actual path itself is quite short, however, it ends at a nice beach with wonderful views of the canal. There are even some rock jetties where you can walk out and enjoy even better views.
Pro Tip: This lot is actually the overflow lot for Tree House Brewing, so if you planned to go there, you may as well tack on the canal walk, too 😉
48. Take A Seal Tour
While the Chatham Fish Pier is the easiest place to get a closer look at these cute little Cape Cod residents, there’s also the option of heading out on a seal tour! Having done it myself, I absolutely recommend it, as you’ll get a nice view of the seals in a more natural setting – plus, a fun boat ride.
The best tours leave from the Harwich and Chatham areas, and head out to Monomoy, which is known for having a very large seal population. You’ll not only see them swimming around, but also sunbathing on land.
The two tours I recommend you look into are Monomoy Island Excursions in Harwich Port, and Chatham Boat Tours.
49. Attend A Seasonal Festival – Including Christmas!
Year-round, Cape Cod has so many fun festivals to check out, but of course, one of my favorite times to visit is around the holidays. During the Christmas season, there’s a fun holiday market in Provincetown, and each town has their own holiday stroll weekends. Plus, the Nantucket Christmas Stroll event the first weekend in December makes for an especially magical day trip, combined with a holiday getaway to the Cape!
However, throughout the season, you can also enjoy Brewster Blooms in the spring, the Wellfleet Oyster Fest in the fall, and various fall festivals around the different towns.
Psst! I have a few seasonal guides that you may want to check out, including Cape Cod in the fall, and Christmas on Cape Cod.
50. Experience The Cape In The Off-Season
For die-hard Cape Cod fanatics like me, experiencing the region in all four seasons, including winter, is absolutely worth it. So, if you’re looking to check all the boxes on a Cape Cod bucket list, I encourage you to plan a winter getaway sometime in January, or even February for a romantic Valentine’s getaway.
Not only will hotels be far less expensive, you’ll have pretty much all the attractions to yourself (only sharing them with some of the locals, of course). While some restaurants, hotels, and shops are closed for the season in the winter, quite a few places are still open because there’s a great year-round community that lives on the Cape.
In fact, I have an entire post about things to do on Cape Cod in the winter, if you want to check that out 😉
How Many Days Do You Need On Cape Cod?
I usually suggest at least three nights on Cape Cod, as it’s bigger than most people realize! However, you can also do a day trip if you’re coming from close by (just know that it will be a very long day), or stay for up to a week.
A lot of people vacation on the Cape for a week at a time in the summer season, as most vacation rentals only book out by the week in July and August. While you’ll find 2-3 minimum night stays at many hotels in the summer, too, you have more flexibility for a shorter stay at hotels.
With three nights, however, you’ll have time to explore some of the top things to do, and maybe even take a day trip over to one of the islands. But if you have closer to 4-5 days, that’s always ideal.
My Top Tips For A Great First Visit To Cape Cod
→ Getting around by car is key, as the public transit system isn’t conducive to tourist destinations (or even, most beaches). I can’t recommend renting a car enough, especially for longer stays.
→ Have some cash on you. While most places will take cards, there are some seafood and ice cream places that are still cash only. Most of these places usually have an ATM on-site, so it’s also a good idea to bring a bank card that reimburses you for ATM fees in case you’re stuck using it.
→ Research beach parking before you visit. Each town and beach has different parking fees, and some only take cash, and some take cards (the National Seashore takes cards right at the gates). Plan out which you want to visit during your stay, and know what the parking fees are.
→ It’s good to know that beaches only charge for parking in-season (June through early to mid September). Outside of those dates, most or all beaches will be free to park at all day.
→ Book well in advance if coming during peak season (end of June through Labor Day). Hotels and vacation rentals in this area book up fast in the summer.
→ Check the forecast a few days prior to your trip, and then pack according to that. While summers are typically hot and humid, there’s also the possibility of a random chilly day with rain. Same goes for the fall or spring – you could have a few days of very warm weather. New England is moody, and it’s good to wait until a few days before your trip to know what mood it plans to be in when you arrive 😉
→ Plan for traffic in the summer season, especially on weekends. You’ll need to cross the Cape Cod Canal to get to the area, and you’ll use either the Sagamore or the Bourne Bridge – which you cross just depends on where in Massachusetts you’re coming from. Traffic on these bridges is famous for getting very backed up, and this crossing always adds time to your drive. It’s basically a rite of passage for anyone traveling to the Cape, so definitely expect it! The traffic is much less of a concern when visiting Labor Day through early June.
I have so many more posts on Cape Cod! Here are a few more to check out:
- Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod
- Best Time To Visit Cape Cod
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults
- First-Timer’s Guide To Cape Cod
- Unique Things To Do On Cape Cod
- What To Pack For Cape Cod
- 3 Days On Cape Cod Itinerary
- Cape Cod Day Trip Itineraries
That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do On Cape Cod
And there you have it, my ultimate list on the best things to do on Cape Cod, year-round! Whether you’ve got just a few days to see the top sites like the National Seashore and Provincetown, or you have multiple days to also tackle a few hikes in the area, and take a day trip to one of the islands, I know that your experience will be a memorable one. Happy planning!
