Things To Do in Cape Cod
Cape Cod offers a wide range of activities for every visitor. Our rental associate have compiled this list of hand selected businesses and area attractions to help you plan your vacation!
Kids Activities
Fun Activities for kids of all ages!
Kids of all ages love Cape Cod! Families can plan a full day of activities on the Cape, beginning with the beach, lunch at one of the many Cape restaurants, and mini-golf, and ending with a movie and popcorn at one of the nation’s only remaining drive-in theaters. We have everything from pirate boats where children can pull up their own loot, to fishing excursions and an array museums. There are surf and stand-up paddle lessons, hikes through tidal pools, boat cruises for kids, and more.
With 559 miles of coastline and 15 towns, there are a great variety of places to see on Cape Cod. It is best known for its spectacular natural beauty, fun-filled recreational activities, and beautiful migrating whales. And, of course, some of the best beaches on Cape Cod which are listed among the best and most beautiful in the USA.
Trampolines – Harwich: (508) 432-8717
Bumper Boats – Harwich: (508) 430-1155
Cartwheels Family Fun Center – South Dennis: (508) 394-6755
CC Inflatable Park – West Yarmouth: (508) 771-6060
Cape Abilities Farm Store – Chatham: (508)-945-3037
Chatham Friday night concerts Chatham
Candle Pin Bowling – Orleans (508) 255-0636
Drive-In Theatre – Wellfleet:(508) 349-7176
Cape Cod Lavender Farm – Harwich:(508) 432-8397
Whydah Pirate Museum – West Yarmouth:(508) 534-9571
Museums
Some of Our Favorite Cape Cod Museums
The Cape has over 83 museums to explore, including larger ones like the Cape Cod Museum of Art and Heritage Museums & Gardens, and dozens of smaller, more intimate museums and historical societies with intriguing story to tell about the region’s rich heritage.
Cape Cod has cultural and recreational activities for any age or interest. Combine that with a long history as one of America’s oldest settled regions, and it’s no wonder the area is bristling with museums. Museum hopping is the perfect rainy-day (or otherwise) activity for history, art and culture buffs visiting the Cape. Some are open seasonally, some year-round, and all have something informative and interesting waiting for you.
Cahoon Museum of American Art (Cotuit)
The Cahoon is an educational, fun, and inspiring place to engage with contemporary art, enjoy family-friendly events, educational programs, and tours and visit a fantastic museum shop – all housed in an 18th century New England home with a modern gallery addition.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (Brewster)
The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History integrates the three strands of its organizational identity – as museum of natural history, nature education center, and steward of conservation land.
As a small museum of natural history, we will preserve, exhibit, and interpret our own collections of natural history artifacts and display relevant traveling and loan exhibits. We may also collaborate with local and regional organizations on co-sponsored exhibits.
As a nature education center, we will engage children and adults in high-quality programs, classes, lectures, panel discussions, workshops, films, walks, field trips, traditions and interactive exhibits that reveal the many facets of the natural world and the reciprocal impacts that humans and nature exert on each other. As befits a nature education center, we will explore our potential as a center for citizen scientists and amateur naturalists, and as a forum for informed discussion of important issues related to the natural world, especially on Cape Cod.
As a steward of 400-plus acres of museum-owned land in Stony Brook Valley and Brewster conservation land adjacent to the museum, including Wing’s Island, the salt marsh, and the beach along Cape Cod Bay between Quivett and Paine’s Creeks, we will monitor and protect the land and focus our programming on its varied habitats – our outdoor classroom and teaching tool. Programs may also take place elsewhere on Cape Cod and in New England when appropriate.
Heritage Museum and Gardens (Sandwich)
Heritage is perfect for the whole family, with walking paths, beautiful gardens, permanent collections and changing special exhibits. Don’t miss the Café Run by the award-winning Belfry Catering – the café is ready to serve you sandwiches, salads, ice cream, snacks, and beer & wine. The Shop at Heritage – An eclectic assortment of items inspired by our surroundings. Unique home décor, items for the garden, stationary and toys for all ages are just some of the items waiting for you.
Highlights include:
- Classic automobile collection
- A comprehensive collection of Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons and daylilies
- Let’s Play special exhibit
- Hidden Hollow family play and explore area
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum (Hyannis)
The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum Foundation preserves and promotes the legacy of President Kennedy, his family, and their deep connection to Cape Cod. John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is a multimedia exhibit designed to open a window on the days JFK spent on Cape Cod; days relaxing with family, days playing football and many days spent sailing on the ocean to which he and his family were so drawn too.
The exhibit features over 80 photographs spanning the years 1934 to 1963 and is arranged in thematic groupings to reflect John F. Kennedy, his family, his friends and the Cape Cod he so dearly loved. In addition to photography, a video narrated by Walter Cronkite depicts the president’s experiences on the Cape. Several themed areas include charged oral histories of JFK’s friends.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Museum (Mashpee)
Through the door of the Museum the history and culture of the Wampanoag from the Stone Age to the present is carefully detailed through a range of exhibits. First established under the guidance of the Mashpee Historical Commission, the Museum is the only one in existence devoted exclusively to Wampanoag history.
Housed in a fine example of an old half Cape Cod house, the Museum contains displays of ancient artifacts and other Native American heirlooms that form a chronological commentary on life among the Wampanoag for thousands of years. Displays include a variety of tools, baskets, hunting and fishing implements, weapons and domestic utensils. The focal point in the exhibits is a large diorama depicting a typical scene from an early Wampanoag settlement.
Pilgrim Monument Provincetown Museum (Provincetown)
The Pilgrim Monument was founded in 1892 as the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association—Cape Cod’s oldest not-for-profit organization. Its purpose is to commemorate the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in Provincetown, in November 1620. Here the Pilgrims spent 5 weeks exploring the tip of Cape Cod before they sailed on to Plymouth. They also drew up and signed the Mayflower Compact, which established the rule of law for the new land.
The Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association built the Pilgrim Monument to honor the Pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown. President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone in 1907. In 1910, President William Howard Taft dedicated the finished 252-foot tower. In 1910, the Cape’s first building built to house a museum opened at the base of the monument, to educate the public about Provincetown’s role in Pilgrim history and American history.
Today, millions of visitors and generations of local residents have admired and climbed the 252 foot granite Pilgrim Monument for almost 100 years.
The Provincetown Museum is a charming mix of the old and the new. The permanent exhibits retain the charm of an old-fashioned history museum. Exhibits highlight the arrival of the Mayflower Pilgrims, the town’s rich maritime history, the early days of modern American theater in Provincetown, and the building of the monument.
There is also a recreation of a 19th century sea captain’s parlor at home and his quarters at sea, a diorama of the Mayflower Compact being signed aboard the Mayflower in Provincetown Harbor, and a scale model of the first theater of the Provincetown Players.
The Cape Cod Museum of Art (Dennis)
Founded by artists in 1981, CCMoA is the home of Cape Cod Art. The Museum preserves the work of the Cape’s finest artists and celebrates the distinctive artistic identity of the Cape, the Islands and the region. It is a major hub of the cultural life of the region. Through its outstanding art collection and diverse programming, CCMoA educates, inspires and excites the imagination while caring for and connecting
The Museum is situated in a beautiful setting surrounded by a Sculpture Garden at the Cape Cod Center for the Arts. CCMoA has seven galleries, a museum shop and a film screening room. The Cape Cod Museum of Art’s mission as the preeminent art organization on Cape Cod is to educate, inspire and excite the imagination of all by using their outstanding collection and diverse programming.
The Sandwich Glass Museum (Sandwich)
The Sandwich Glass Museum has “Relit the Fires in Sandwich” with a glass furnace for hourly glass making presentations and new exhibits to better tell the story of the glass industry in Sandwich. While we will not be able to completely recreate that booming, smoking glass factory, our visitors are able to feel the heat from the glory hole on their faces. They can watch the glassblower turn and twist the hot glass into wonderful forms, and visions of those former days will not be so difficult to understand or imagine.
On The Water
Great Options for Spotting Whales & Seals
Cape Cod is a world-class destination for whale watching. Go whale watching along Stellwagen Bank, one of the world’s finest whale feeding grounds located off Cape Cod Bay. Seal cruises are another fun on-the-water experience, putting you right up close with these adorable mammals. Daily whale watch and seal tour excursions are offered in season, led by experienced naturalists.
When is the Cape Cod whale watching season?
Whale watching season on Cape Cod begins mid-April and runs through October. Peak migration period for the whales is from June through September.
Why is whale watching such a popular activity on Cape Cod?
Cape Cod is a world-class destination for whale watching because of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground just off of Cape Cod that attracts a large percentage of the world’s whale population annually. Stellwagen Bank consistently ranks among the top 10 places on the planet to see whales in their natural habitat.
How much does a whale watch on Cape Cod cost?
Whale watch excursions leave from three local ports – Barnstable, Provincetown and just over the bridge in Plymouth.
What should I bring with me on my Cape Cod whale watching trip?
Suggested items to bring include sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket, binoculars, a book for the downtime, and most importantly, a camera.
Bay Spirit Tours
Slip #1 180 Ocean Street Docks, Hyannis, MA 02601
Visit Website for Bay Spirit Tours
Beachcomber Boat Tours
174 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Visit Website for Beachcomber Boat Tours
Blue Claw Boat Tours
235 Main Street, Orleans, MA 02653
Visit Website for Blue Claw Boat Tours
Captain John Whale Watching & Fishing Tours
10 Town Wharf, Plymouth, MA 02360
Visit Website for Captain John Whale Watching & Fishing Tours
Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch
Provincetown Chamber office, Macmillan Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657
Visit Website for Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
269 Millway, Barnstable, MA 02630
Visit Website for Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
Outermost Harbor Marine
83 Seagull Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Visit Website for Outermost Harbor Marine
Shark Shark Tuna Fishing Charters
17 Neptune Ln, Yarmouth, MA 02664
Visit Website for Shark Shark Tuna Fishing Charters
Cape Cod Tide Charts
(774) 404-8005
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Whale and Seal Information
(508) 896-3500
Kayak & Paddle Boards
Kayak & Paddleboard Adventures on the Cape
Cape Cod has some of the best kayaking opportunities found anywhere in North America, mainly due to the diversity of its water bodies.
For some, there is nothing better than a day on the ocean in a kayak, as you can quietly maneuver along the shoreline and access beaches, islands and areas that you can’t get to any other way.
For others, kayaking through a still pond or lake is their go to, since you are protected from rough water and weather, and can quickly get to shore for a break when needed. You are also never far from your vehicle, so returning after a day spent on the water is much more manageable.
Or, you might look for a river or stream to navigate in your kayak, which can provide access to both the ocean and some ponds, depending on the route you take.
As you can see, the Cape has everything you could ever want from a kayaking destination and if you aspire to get out on the water this vacation, make sure you bring your boat. Alternatively, there are kayak rental locations found throughout Cape Cod, if needed.
There are two kinds of SUPs, hard core and inflatable. The hard core boards are better for deep, rough waters, like the ocean; inflatables are perfect for lazy, shallow rivers. Both work in freshwater ponds. When it comes to paddles, all are adjustable, but opt for the more sturdy, one-piece paddle. You’ll want the extra weight of a solid paddle compared to the lighter, easy to pack, two-piece paddle. Always make sure to have a leash wrapped around your foot and a personal flotation device on your waist or chest. Pro tip: keep the leash on the board, rather than in the water; as its drag will slow you down. Lastly, make sure you have the proper sized fins on the bottom of the board based on your activity. If you are paddling in a narrow river, you’ll want smaller fins made for quick turns that won’t scrape the bottom. If you are riding waves, you’ll want longer fins to help keep the board straight while getting pushed around by the waves. Now the more important question, where to SUP on Cape Cod? We have got you covered.
Adventure Chatham
: (800) 809-1750
Bass River Kayaks, Cruises and Paddle boards
(508) 398-0060
Cape Cod Waterways
: (508) 398-0080
Xplore Cape Cod
: (508) 328-7064
Goose Hummock Shop
: (508) 255-2620
Great Marsh Kayak Tours
(508) 328-7064
Jack’s Boat Rental
: (508) 349-9808 (also locations at Nickerson State Forest in Brewster), (508) 896-8556, and Gull Pond in Wellfleet, (508) 349-7553
RideAway Adventures
: (508) 247-0827
Charter Fishing
All Aboard for a Fishing Adventure
There are plenty of fun sport fishing options for aspiring anglers to choose from if they want to explore Cape Cod waters! Deep-sea fishing excursions, particularly for bass and bluefish, depart in season from many of the Cape’s harbors
Stretching 65 miles out from the mainland into the sea, it’s hardly a surprise that Cape Cod’s fishing scene is up there with the best in the country. Heck – it even has a fish species in its name! This peninsula boasts centuries of angling tradition that some even say go back as far as the Vikings.
The list of fish you can catch in Cape Cod is almost endless. Hit the sounds, bays, flats, and even head out to the heart of the Atlantic, and you’re sure to catch what you want. Some of the most delicious fish on the East Coast and plenty of prized game fish call these waters home, so prepare to get your fish on!
Cape Cod party boat fishing/Charter fishing is a great way to get into it. In all major port towns, from Provincetown to Falmouth, you’ll find some large vessels ready to take you out to the bays. These boats come fully equipped with everything you need for a productive day, so all you need to do is settle in and enjoy the ride.
Popular in all the East Coast’s bays, party boat fishing offers something for everyone. Captains and tour guides can run trips that include some sightseeing or whale watching for the kids, with others focused on getting the most out of the water. Whatever you decide on, you’ll be sharing your experience with like-minded individuals. Who knows?
Cape Cod Sport Fishing
: (508) 790-7820
Capeshores Charters
: (508) 237-0399
Magellan Fishing Charter
: (508) 237-9823
Rock Harbor Charter Fishing
: (508) 255-9757
Osprey
Magellan Fishing Charter
: (508) 237-9823
Rock Harbor Charter Fishing
: (508) 255-9757
Osprey
Rock Harbor Charter Fishing
: (508) 255-9757
Osprey
Osprey
: (774) 722-2691
Jailbreak Sport fishing
: (508) 237-3962
Cap’n Kid
: (508) 430-0066
Take it E-Z
: (508) 241-8669
Down East Charters
: (802) 751-9006
Zen Charters
: (508) 292-9674
Biking
Biking in Cape Cod
Enjoy the scenic views from 2 wheels- when on the Cape make time to check out the Cape Cod rail trail!
If you’re new to Biking on the Cape, you might wonder what is the Cape Cod Rail Trail. It’s a paved path that stretches from Yarmouth to Wellfleet as of 2021. The route is located on a section of what used to be part of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. The railroad was originally built for freight and passenger trains after the Civil War. However, the passenger service ended in the early 1960s, and the freight service ended in the 1970s.
How long is the trail, you may ask? Currently, it’s 27.6 miles long with plans for expansion. Although it is ambitious, it is possible to bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail in one day. Ideally, you could spend a few days exploring attractions along the route and maybe even swim in some of the freshwater ponds that you’ll pass along the way. Also, the asphalt and mostly flat grade make it easy for all skill levels to cycle and bike the path. It’s even friendly for stroller and wheelchair users. Keep in mind, though, that Orleans and Wellfleet have a few minor grades.
The CCRT starts at the S. Dennis trailhead parking area, conveniently located just minutes from Route 6 on Route 134. Get off at Exit 9A and head south on Route 134 past Patriots Square plaza and Cumberland Farms. About 1/2 mile down from the exit you’ll see a sign and parking lot on the left – turn here for the trail entrance.
Cape Cod Rai Trail: (508) 896-3491
Brewster Bike: (508) 896-8149
Wheelhouse Bike Co – Chatham
(774) 840-4156
Chatham Hood Bikes
(508) 469-0210
Little Capistrano Bike Shop – Eastham
(508) 255-6515
Orleans Cycle
(508) 255-9115
Sea Sports Cyclery & Outdoor – Hyannis
(508) 790-1217
Bike Zone Sandwich
(508) 321-1477
RideAway Adventures
(508) 247-0827
Pedego Electric Bikes Cape Cod – Yarmouth
(774) 552-4537
Hiking
Perfect for Scenic Walks & Hikes
Cape Cod is no doubt a great destination for vacationers, and a lovely place for residents too! It serves everything you require to have a great time, from lighthouses to seafood and awesome beaches. Above that, it has some of the best hiking trails in Massachusetts.
There are all kinds of trails to suit every type of hiker. Whether you love a tough terrain in the woods or a gentle trail, you will find one. Similarly, there are trails designed for long hikes and others for short stints.
With a landmass of 338.998 sq. mile, you can bet that Cape Cod has a lot to offer.
Cape Cod Rail Trail- Great for Biking and Walking
It is 22 miles of paved trail for you to enjoy. This trail connects up to six towns – Dennis, Brewster, Eastham, Harwich, Wellfleet, Eastham, and Orleans. This makes it an ideal trail for long hikes, even better when you go as a group. There are also plans to extend its length by a further 3.7 miles.
It has been around for close to 50 years now, making it one of the oldest tracks in the area. It has undergone several facelifts during this time and is now among the most comfortable trails you can visit. Parking spots are not a problem along the way. This means you can shorten or lengthen your hike as much as you wish.
The trail is also used for other forms of outdoor recreation, including horse riding, biking, skiing, and rollerblading. None of these activities are likely to cause you any discomfort as you go about though. Most hikers on this trail tend to start out from St. Dennis and go through its entire length. You may, however, start at any point depending on how far you want to go. There are many crossings along the way, so you should look out for other users. You do not have to pack heavy as there are numerous stopovers where you can restock.
Town of Orleans Trail Maps
Town of Harwich Trail Maps
Town of Brewster Trail Maps
Town of Chatham Walking Trails
Town of Eastham Walking Trail
Town of Dennis Walking Trails<
Town of Provincetown Walking/Hiking Trails
Ferry Destinations
Ferry to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard
Cape Cod ferries are certainly worth considering when trying to get to Cape Cod proper, and they can also be of interest to those who are trying to get to the nearby islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. This coastal region in Massachusetts is well-served by a variety of ferry boat companies, and island-hopping has arguably never been easier. Some of the ferries carry both passengers and vehicles, and for cycling enthusiasts, bringing a bike over is most often possible.
Leaving from a mainland port isn’t always necessary when it comes to the Cape Cod ferries. The island is connected via ferry service to the other area islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and there are numerous routes to choose from. It is possible to travel between Falmouth and the Martha’s Vineyard town of Edgartown by way of ferry, for example, and numerous vacationers rely on the ferries that go back and forth between Hyannis and Oak Bluffs. The ferries that offer trips from Hyannis to Nantucket, or vice versa, are also quite popular.
Regardless of which Cape Cod Massachusetts ferry travelers decide to go with, they are encouraged to show up for their trip at least an hour in advance. During the peak summer season especially, the ferry boat boarding process can get a little hectic, and it is simply better to have some extra time to work with. Cape Cod car rentals are available on the other side for those who want to have a vehicle but don’t wish to take it over on a ferry, and while the island’s public transportation network isn’t the most complete, there are options there as well.
Ferry to Nantucket & Vineyard – Steamship Authority
: (508) 477-8600
Ferry to Nantucket & Vineyard – Hy-Line Cruises
: 800.492.8082
Cape Cod Baseball League
Cape Cod Baseball League
The Cape Cod Baseball League is the premier amateur baseball league in the nation since 1885. After being populated mostly by GIs returning from World War I in 1919 and WW II in the late 1940s, the CCBL continued to be populated by a combination of local and regional college players until 1963, when it became officially sanctioned by the NCAA. Following a decade (1974-84) of using aluminum bats, the Cape League became the first collegiate summer league to use wooden bats in 1985 and became even more popular with major league scouts and college players and coaches and still is to this day!
The Cape Cod Baseball League is the premier collegiate summer baseball league in the nation founded in 1885. The Cape Cod Baseball League is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Players from across the United States representing all NCAA college divisions are recruited to play in the 10-team league. Teams are located in Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Cotuit, Falmouth, Harwich, Hyannis, Orleans, Wareham and Yarmouth-Dennis. The Cape Cod Baseball League has a 40-game regular-season schedule and an action-packed postseason made up of best-of-three quarterfinal, semifinal, and championship series. The league operates primarily with volunteers and has since its’ inception which is another unique and appealing quality that is the Cape Cod Baseball League.
One in every six Major League Baseball players has played in the Cape Cod Baseball League. There are annually 300 active Cape Cod Baseball League Alumni playing in the major leagues and more than 1,250 all-time. Current major leaguers who played in the Cape Cod Baseball League include: Boston Red Sox Chris Sale (Yarmouth-Dennis 2009), Chicago Cub Kris Bryant (Chatham 2011), New York Yankee Aaron Judge (Brewster 2012), Minnesota Twin Josh Donaldson (Harwich 2006), Houston Astro George Springer (Wareham 2009-10), Colorado Rockie Charlie Blackmon (Cotuit 2005), Boston Red Sox Jackie Bradley Jr. (Hyannis 2009-11), New York Met Marcus Stroman (Orleans 2008), Los Angeles Dodger A.J. Pollock (Falmouth 2008) and Boston Red Sox Mitch Moreland (Bourne 2006-07).
With 136 years of success the Cape League wouldn’t be where it is today without the great partnership of all of our franchises, players, fans, friends and families! We would like to thank you for your support and we are looking forward to a great season!
Cape Cod Golf Courses
Golfing your way around Cape Cod
If you’re a golfer and plan on hitting the links during your Cape Cod vacation, you should know a little bit about why the region is such a golf hotbed. It was truly a perfect storm that created the landscape, both physical and social, that led to the development of so many golf courses throughout the Cape.
You see, without the rolling hills found all over Cape Cod, the terrain might be a bit boring and, therefore, the courses wouldn’t be at the same level. The rolling hills were formed during the last ice age, about 15,000 years ago, when the glaciers retreated. The process is similar to how the kettle ponds were created all over the Cape, as it was the same geological process.
From a social point of view, it is Cape Cod’s proximity to Boston and its emerging golf scene during the Victorian era that led to so many golf courses being built. Basically, people in Boston loved to golf at that time, and the Cape was, and remains, a popular vacation destination for people from Boston and surrounding towns, so it made sense to construct the courses.
The end result is that Cape Cod has one of the country’s best golf scenes, with 27 public and 15 private facilities, which is a considerable amount for such a small area. For our purposes, we’ll look at some of the top public golf courses on Cape Cod that you can tee off from within a short distance of your vacation rental.
Brewster:
The Captains Golf Course:(508) 896-1716
Chatham:
Chatham Seaside Links: (508) 945-4774
Dennis:
Dennis Pines Golf Course:(508) 385-8347
Dennis Highlands Golf Course: (508) 385-8347
Harwich:
Cranberry Valley Golf Course: (508) 430-5234
Harwich Port Golf Course: (508) 432-0250
Hyannis:
Hyannis Golf Course (508) 362-2606
Old Barnstable Fairgrounds (508) 420-1141
Twin Brooks (508) 862-6980
Yarmouth:
Bass River Golf Club: (508) 398-9079
Bayberry Hills Golf Course: (508) 394-5597
Blue Rock Golf Course: (508) 398-9295 (Par 3 Course)
Cape Cod Beach Pass Information
Beaches Beaches Beaches
Many town beach offices have switched to an online/mail-in process for stickers.
For new visitors to Cape Cod it is helpful to know that in most cases, access to public beaches is administered by individual towns, often in the form of a pass or sticker. Depending on the town, these passes can vary in the length of time they are good for, which may be handy for short-term visits to Cape Cod.
Cape Cod National Seashore beaches operate differently: their fee system includes daily fees and a season pass that is usable at all six Seashore beaches. Several other types of passes (including senior citizen lifetime passes) are available, these are also usable at other National Park sites. Of note for families with young children or less capable swimmers: four of the six Seashore beaches are located on the backshore of the Outer Cape: surf conditions and water temperatures can be challenging. The other two: Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown aren’t as gentle or warm as Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound beaches, but tend to be less challenging than backshore beaches.
Some Cape Cod beaches allow visitors to pay a daily rate. These include Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, South Cape Beach State Park, Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sandy Neck Beach Park in West Barnstable and other well-known beaches, including Nauset and Skaket beaches in Orleans and West Dennis Beach. This allows some freedom of choice and the opportunity to visit beaches in different areas of the Cape.
General Info:
Cape Cod National Seashore Beach Sticker & Fees Information
By Individual Town:
Barnstable Beach Sticker Information
Brewster Beach Sticker Information
Chatham Beach Sticker Information
Dennis Beach Sticker Information
Eastham Beach Sticker Information
Harwich Beach Sticker Information
Mashpee Beach Sticker Information
Orleans Beach Sticker Information
Truro Beach Sticker Information
Cape Cod Restaurants
Dining Cape Cod
From classic clams shacks to world-class cuisine, local menus of Cape Cod restaurants offer creative entrées to satisfy any palate. On the Cape and Islands, you’ll find everything from the freshest seafood and traditional New England fare to innovative American, Brazilian barbecue, authentic Italian and classic French cuisine.
Outdoor dining is widely available on Cape. Many restaurants also offer delivery, takeout and curbside pick-up. We encourage you to call restaurants ahead of time to secure reservations!
Dining with Water Views:
The view: Hyannis Harbor
The menu: At some point while you’re boarding the Hy-Line Cruises ferry to the islands, you may glance over at the Spanky’s deck and consider staying on the mainland. Instead, plan your return accordingly to stop for lunch at this well-loved clam shack, where you will have a tough choice between fried favorites and fresh lobster. Kick up your Sperrys and think about it over one of the frozen boat drinks.
Where: Mattakeese Wharf, Barnstable
The view: Barnstable Harbor
The menu: There’s just something about lunchtime by the harbor. This classic seafood stop is one more case in point. Perched on pilings above the harbor, the west-facing deck is one of the great places to catch the sunset (if your late lunch turns into dinner), and live music makes for a fun, festive atmosphere on summer nights. Go light on breakfast; baked stuffed lobster is the house specialty.
Where: Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham
The view: Atlantic Ocean
The menu: You haven’t been to Chatham without a drive along Shore Road, and the luxury resort’s Beach House is a classic spot to indulge in one of the Cape’s most incredible views. The panorama sweeps the shore from the fish pier to the lighthouse, with nothing more than beach grass and sand to obscure the mile-wide ocean views. Savor it all with a summer cocktail and the day’s local catch.
Where: The Lighthouse Inn, Dennis
The view: Nantucket Sound
The menu: The clam chowder comes served in a bread bowl, but you have an ideal spot to walk it off afterward—the inn’s private and adjoining town beach offer a beautiful stretch of sand that also beckons for a post-lunch nap. On sunny days, you can slip off your flip-flops and enjoy the views from a table on the lawn.
Where: Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House, South Yarmouth
The view: Nantucket Sound
The menu: Among the Skipper’s many claims to fame, it’s one of the Cape’s oldest waterfront restaurants, it’s a “triple-crown” threat (winner of Boston, Newport and Cape Cod chowder festivals), and it’s got an adjoining ice cream shack that is a compelling reason to skip lunch altogether. But, as the saying goes, don’t skip the Skipper. Grab a spot on the deck and enjoy the view with an old-fashioned lobster roll.
Where: Ocean Edge Terrace, Brewster
The view: Cape Cod Bay
The menu: Whether you opt for a table out on the terrace or gather round the outdoor bar, you’ll have gorgeous views out to the horizon in one of the Lower Cape’s most elegant settings. If you’re an oyster lover, don’t miss the local oysters here (harvested at Bay Pines Beach), or go for a creative seaside twist on a BLT, served with grilled shrimp and avocado,
Where: Fanizzi’s By the Sea, Provincetown
The view: Cape Cod Bay
The menu: It’s hard to pick the best view in P’town, but Fanizzi’s is one of the top contenders, with its “floating” spot above the water, overlooking the harbor and sea. Many love it for the seafood, but particularly on stormy days, you may find the sea stirs up a fisherman’s appetite for homestyle meatloaf or a thick Angus burger.
Where: The Lobster Pot, Provincetown
The view: Provincetown Harbor
The menu: Starting with the sign out front, the Lobster Pot is one of the Cape’s iconic destinations, and the view from its dining rooms would be enough reason why. But this is Provincetown, where the catch is local and the restaurants aim to impress a well-heeled tourist crowd, so come hungry for food worthy of the setting. Start with a cocktail at the upstairs Top of the Pot bar and ask your fellow patrons for menu recommendations; you’ll find out fast that everyone has a swear-by favorite.
Barnstable Area
Fig Tree Café : Award-winning breakfast & lunch in The Mills
508-428-9814
Morning Glory Cafe: fresh baked muffins, sandwiches and breakfast burritos
508-428-1115
Pain D’Avignon Restaurant Boulangerie : great bakery
508-778-8588
Persy’s Place : New England’s largest breakfast and brunch menu
508-790-8200
Pineapple Caper Café: awesome breakfast and lunch offerings
508-428-9085
Spoon & Seed: Farm to table
774-470-4634
The Buttercup Café: Breakfast and lunch all day
508-437-3129
The Daily Paper: Fresh, local fare
508-775-9711.
Black Cat Tavern: casual waterfront dining
508-778-1233
Earthly Delights: natural foods to go in Osterville
508-420-2206
Mattakeese Wharf Seafood Restaurant: waterfront dining on the harbor!
508-362-4511
Portside Tavern: family owned, family friendly
508-532-9600
Saga Fusion: Hibachi & Sushi in Marstons Mills
508-681-8110
Tavern on the Green at Old Barnstable: overlooks the golf course and sunsets at Marston Mills Airfield
774-602-8183
Brewster
Apt Cape Cod: Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner
978-602-0486
Café Alfresco: Fresh coffee and muffins, breakfast take out
508-896-1741
Eat Cake for Breakfast: the name says it all – YUMMY!
508-896-4444
Ocean Terrace at Ocean Edge Resort: lovely setting for lunch or dinner
774-323-6013
Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters: great coffee shop!
774-323-0605
Breakwater Fish & Lobster Market: great fish market and take-out
508-896-7080
Brewster Inn and Chowder House (Woodshed): Good food, good service, good price. The attached “Woodshed” offers nightly entertainment, Brewster’s only real “nightlife”.
508-896-7771
JT’s Seafood: great family option, seafood, burgers, ice cream. Dine in or take out
508-896-3355
Freemans Grill: Casual atmosphere, affordable pricing.
508-896-1716
El Guapo’s: Good Mexican fare, mostly outdoor seating, or take out
508-896-3338
Stone L’oven Pizza: delicious pizza, subs, etc.
508-896-3341
Chillingsworth: 4 star French Dining, always very well reviewed
508-896-3640
The Brewster Fish House: delicious seafood fare
508-896-7867
Chatham
Captain’s Table: Main Street in Chatham – indoor & outdoor seating
508-945-1961
Chatham Cookware Café: neighborhood café in the village – great bakery and sandwiches.
508-945-1250
Chatham Filling Station: best pancakes in town! And great BBQ!
508-945-4380
Chatham Perk: pastries, juices, smoothies & sandwiches
508-945-5005
Hangar B Eatery: at the airport, very good, upscale cuisine.
508-593-3655
Larry’s PX: Chatham’s preeminent breakfast spot: Breakfast and Lunch only:
508-945-3964
Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar: best sushi around
508-348-1573
Branches Grill & Café : Caribbean-American cuisine
508-348-1716
Carmine’s Pizza: Pizza to go or eat in, Main Street
508-945-5300
Chatham Bars Inn: All dining outlets are open to the public besides special events for guests, weddings etc.
508-945-0096
Chatham Squire: “Food for the Hungry, Drink for the Thirsty” Main Street Chatham institution. The hub of nightlife in Chatham on the Tavern side.
508-945-0945
Corner Store: Best burritos on Cape. Even breakfast burritos. Visit the Orleans location too.
508-432-1077
Del Mar Bistro: excellent innovative food, good wine list
508-945-9988
Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster: great seafood market & casual restaurant
508-945-1173
Mom & Pops Burgers: best burgers in town
774-840-4144
Pate’s: recently renovated, new chef, amazing food & cocktails
508-945-9777
Red Nun: casual, quality, good draught beer selection (also in Dennis)
508-348-0469
The Impudent Oyster: excellent, inventive cuisine.
508-945-3545
Wild Goose Tavern: Casual Cape Cod cuisine, located at the Wayside Inn on Main Street
508-945-5590
Dennis
Good Friends Café : delicious home-cooking for breakfast everyday
508-760-2727
Grumpy’s: Best Breakfast” by the Cape Cod Reader’s Choice
508-385-2911
The Breakfast Room: breakfast everyday until 2pm
508-398-0581
Three Fins Coffee Roasters: wonderful coffee shop
508-619-3372
Captain Frosty’s: Good fried seafood, ice cream, etc. Outdoor seating only.
508-385-8548
Chapin’s Bayside: “just off the beach” atmosphere, near Chapin and Mayflower Beach, good for all ages, all the Cape menu essentials plus a good sized bar area.
508-385-7000
Fin: upscale, contemporary seafood and more using local ingredients from farms, sea-farms, and sustainable fisheries
508-385-2096
Gina’s By the Sea: local favorite since 1938
508-385-3213
Lost Dog Pub: where the locals go, casual cuisine, good prices, big portions. “Come Sit, Stay”
508-385-6177
Marshside Restaurant: Recently renovated, stunning new building, good food, nice views.
508-385-4010
Scargo Café: excellent food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommended.
508-385-8200
Sesuit Harbor Café: located on Sesuit Harbor, BYO, only bar on site is a raw bar. Fantastic location, good food.
508-385-6134
Thai Ocha Café: great Thai food
508-258-5050
The Ocean House: upscale dining located on Nantucket Sound
508-394-0700
The Den Cape Cod: terrific menu, something for everyone
508-258-0805
Eastham
Brine: serving global cuisine, great brunch
774-561-2967
Hole In One Donut Shop: Hand cut oversized donuts. Cinnamon buns, pastries, bagels. Flavored coffees. Local Favorite. Also in Orleans.
508-255-9446
Chocolate Café: sweet treats for all occasions
508-240-0070
Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar: Classic Cape Cod Clam Bar, hugely popular, mini golf.
508- 255-2575
Basco Grill: huge menu, something for everyone!
774-316-4397
Fairway Restaurant: Cape Cod essentials, plus the Hole in One Diner is open for breakfast!
508- 255-3893
Stewart’s Seafood Restaurant: recently refurbished seafood restaurant with seafood market attached. Nice bar area as well.
508- 240-7900
Royal Thai: good basic Thai
508-240-3888
Harwich
Capeside Kitchen: breakfast and lunch, comfort food!
508-430-5150
Lighthouse Café: hearty portions, family friendly atmosphere
508-432-5399
Ruggie’s Breakfast and Lunch: Lots of options for breakfast and lunch.
508-432-0625
Brax Landing: waterfront dining on Saquatucket Harbor, nice menu.
508-432-5515
Buca’s: excellent Tuscan cuisine
508-432-6900
Cape Sea Grille: upscale eclectic fare, very well reviewed.
508-432-4745
Ember: coal fired pizza: modern atmosphere, creative pizzas.
508-430-0407
George’s Pizza: local pizza in the heart of Harwich Port
508-432-3144
Hot Stove Saloon: cozy baseball themed restaurant, excellent pub food, great place to catch the game!
508-432-9911
Jake Rooney’s: affordable, good fare
508-430-1100
Perk’s Beer Garden: Beer Garden, enough said
774-209-3460
Scribano’s Italian Market & Deli: great subs and prepared Italian foods
774-408-7701
The Mad Minnow: delicious local seafood and other great dishes
774-209-3977
The Port: casually upscale, modern interior, eclectic cuisine
508-430-5410
Villa Roma: Very good Italian
508-432-6868
Wequassett Resort: 5-star resort with wonderful dining options open to the public
508-432-5400
Orleans
Cottage Street Bakery: Best bakery around!
508-255-2821
Hole in One: Restaurant and coffee shop serving a full breakfast and lunch menu daily. Great Donuts!
508-255-3740
Homeport: serving creative and satisfying Cape favorites to locals and visitors alike for the past 45 years+
508-255-4069
Hot Chocolate Sparrow: Local Café with desserts, ice creams, & their own chocolate made on site.
508-240-2230
Jo Momma’s: terrific NY Style bagels and sandwiches
508-255-0255
The Rail: breakfast all-day, on the way to Nauset Beach
774-561-2161
Whisk: wonderful breakfasts in East Orleans Village
508-255-2233
Barley Neck Inn: Good food, interesting cocktails, live music in East Orleans.
508-255-0212
Beacon Room: Great casual food, cozy atmosphere.
508-255-2211
Corner Store: Best burritos on Cape. Even breakfast burritos. Visit the Chatham location too.
508-255-5454
Jailhouse Tavern & Hog Island Brewery: great tavern food and family friendly brewery next door
508-255-5245
La Bella Vita Kitchen & Bar: Fantastic new Italian restaurant
774-316-4454
Land Ho! An Orleans institution, no frills fare, classic Cape restaurant with delicious food.
508-255-5165
Lost Dog Pub: casual fare, large portions, overall good value
508-240-3647
Orleans Waterfront Inn: waterfront on Town Cove, great food, great people.
508-255-2222
Rock Harbor Grill: Seafood, Gastro-Pub and great pizza
508-255-3350
Yardarm: Populous bar crowd, good food, good value, local favorite
508-255-4840
Super Markets & Local Seafood Markets
Supermarkets & Local Fish Markets
Cape Cod offers a wide selection of grocery and supermarket options. From larger supermarkets and organic markets to small, local shops, the Cape is home to a variety of top-notch grocery stores to accommodate all tastes while highlighting great local flavors.
Barnstable – Osterville Fish Too
Brewster – Breakwater Fish & Lobster Market
Harwich – George’s Place Fish Market
Hyannis – Cape Fish & Lobster Company
Orleans – Nauset Fish & Lobster
Beach Gear, Baby Gear and other rental items for your stay
Beach Gear Rentals & Baby Gear Rentals
There is nothing very like a relaxing and unwinding on a beautiful Cape Cod beach. Regardless of whether you need to enjoy invigorating water sports and other lively activities, or you would prefer simply lay back and relaxed absorb the sunshine, the sight of the sea, and the sounds of the waves,– you need to ensure that you can do as such in most extreme comfort, while you are likewise being shielded from the heat.
A day at the beach under the hot summer sun is PERFECT.
You can make it much more so with the addition of a beach umbrella, beach chairs and more. Despite that, don’t worry about acquiring your own — beach chair and umbrella rentals in Cape Cod have a few options for you to rent an umbrella and beach chair.
Baby, let’s rent some baby gear! Planning on taking an infant or toddler on a beach fun trip to the beautiful Cape Cod? There are several options for renting baby equipment on Cape Cod, these businesses main goal is to provide you and your family with the best beach and baby equipment rental items to ensure a great, comfortable, relaxing vacation for you and your baby. Rent baby gear such as a pack and play, full-size crib, stroller, high chair, car seat, sunshade, and more. Whether traveling by car or by plane, why lug all that heavy baby gear with you. Make life easier for yourself and rent baby gear, delivery of items may be available.
Essential Rentals: The essentials to create a one-of-a kind vacation home. Spend less time packing and more time relaxing!
Kid and Kaboodle – Specializing in baby and beach equipment rentals with over 20 years experience
RovAir Wireless – RovAir Wireless is the leading day pass provider of wireless mobile broadband for your Cape Cod vacation.
Live Theaters
Performing Arts
Cape Cod boasts over 25 local theaters, with an exciting lineup of musical revues, Broadway productions and beloved classics. Performances at the Cape Playhouse in Dennis – America’s oldest professional summer theatre – attract some of the nation’s finest stage, television and film actors. The Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra is a polished and professional ensemble of 75 musicians. And Cape Cod Melody Tent is headlined by some of the finest popular musical acts from yesterday and today!
Barnstable Comedy Club
Village Hall – Route 6A, Barnstable, MA 02630
Box Office – 508 375 6333
Bill Hanney’s Cape Live!
Barnstable Performing Arts Center
744 W Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Cape Cod Theater Company home of Harwich Junior Theater
105 Division Street, West Harwich, MA 02671
Box Office – 508 432 2002
Cape Playhouse
820 Route 6A, Dennis, MA 02638
Box Office – 508 385 3911
Cotuit Center for the Arts
404 Falmouth Rd, Cotuit
Box Office: (508) 428-0669
LOWER CAPE
Cape Rep Theatre
3299 Route 6A, East Brewster, MA 02631
Box Office – 508 896 1888
The Chatham Drama Guild
134 Crowell Road, Chatham
Box Office: 508-945-0510
Monomoy Theatre
776 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Box Office – 508 945 1589
Eventide Arts
Dennis Union Church, 713 MAin St. Dennis, MA 02638
Box Office – 508 255 9255
OUTER CAPE
Academy of Performing Arts Playhouse
120 Main Street, Orleans, MA 02653
Box Office – 508 255 1963
Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater
2357 Route 6, Wellfleet, MA 02667
Box Office – 508 349 3011
Payomet Performing Arts Center
29 Old Dewline Road, Truro, MA 02666
Box Office – 508 487 2300
Provincetown Theatre Company
238 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA 02657
Box Office – 508 487 8673
For Bird Lovers
Cape Cod Bird Watching
Get your binoculars out! Cape Cod’s diverse habitats and geography make the destination the perfect place to watch migratory birds during the spring and fall. Shorebirds of every variety, songbirds, hawks, osprey, snowy owls, and other rare species pass through our region on their migratory paths.
Wildlife sanctuaries, ponds, conservation areas, and the Cape Cod National Seashore provide some spectacular opportunities for birdwatching.