The DL: We visited Cape Cod in November and though most of the local seafood shacks were closed, and the towns were pretty quiet, the scenery was beautiful everywhere we went. I can’t wait to come back during the hustle and bustle of the summer. Cape Cod was a lot more rural than I though it would be and it will take a little bit of time to get in between the towns especially in peak season. Even if the weather is to cold, just driving around and looking at the beautiful houses and beach views can fill up the day. Below are some of the main towns to visit and help you start to plan your trip:
Upper Cape Towns to Visit
- Sandwich*** oldest town, go see the beaches with the rocks, Glass Museum, Sandwich Boardwalk voted by National Geographic as best boardwalks, lots of camping and history options.
- Mashpee*** super cute downtown square to shop and visit
- Falmouth*** really cute little beaches make sure to see old silver beach, downtown village, 2nd largest town, Old Silver Beach, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Surf Drive Beach, catch a sunset at the Knob on Quissett Harbor
Mid Cape Towns to Visit
- Dennis – Colonial seaside town, didn’t get to visit so more info here.
- Yarmouth – Colonial seaside town, The Cove At Yarmouth is a popular spot to stay, best chowder supposedly at Captain Parker’s Pub. The town has the harm of an early New England. Lots of trees, sea captain homes and antique shops and fine restaurants and even the cape cod potato chip factory.
- Barnstaple/Hyannis – very cape cod like town Main Street in Hyannis for shopping and food, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum,
Lower Cape Towns to Visit
- Orleans – Nature Lover, Night Life, more info here.
- Brewster – Upscale, Breakwater Beach, Cape Cod National Sea Shore, Whale watching.
- Chatham *** Upscale fishing village, my favorite of all the spots, Chatham Lighthouse, Hardings Beach, Monomoy National Wildlife, cute downtown, head to the fishing pier and see the sea lions and fisherman come in and out. Friday night band concerts bring the town together in the summer weekly.
- Monomoy Island – take a day trip here
Outer Cape Towns to Visit
- Provincetown – Nightlife options, more touristy, tip of the Cape, is the original landing spot of the Pilgrims, check out the Province Lands Bike Path and Herring Cove Beach.
- Truro – more rural remote town, lots of little beaches, campfires on the beach, vineyard, lighthouse.
- Wellfleet – surrounded by beaches, popular for OysterFest in October, check out Marconi Beach, Bound Brook Island Beach, Mayo Beach, and or Cahoon Hollow Beach.
How to get Here:
There are a bunch of little airports through out the cape but most fly into Boston or Newport and then take a smaller flight or drive in. There is also ferry and bus options, more info here.
Overall, the cape gave me a nostalgic back in time feeling with hundreds of little beaches to explore and nature filled towns all the way around. Time seems to move slower here compared to somewhere like the Hamptons another costal community. You will find lots to do depending on what you are looking for. This guide just scratches the surface, to give you a starting point on where to research more into to really plan your trip to the cape!
Leave a Comment