Introduction
Cape Cod is a peninsula in eastern Massachusetts, known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and fresh seafood. It’s a popular summer and fall destination for people from all over the world, but there’s plenty to do year-round. We stayed in the charming town of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, which is an easy 90-minute drive south of Boston. Many thanks to our wonderful host at the 19 Squanto Road, South Yarmouth MA property (vacationcapecod.com/vacation-rentals/rental/yengl/). While we were only 3 people, the house easily slept 8.
Here are some of the best things to see and do on Cape Cod:
Beaches
Cape Cod has over 400 miles of coastline, so there’s no shortage of beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular beaches include:
- Nauset Beach in Eastham: A long, sandy beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Marconi Beach in Wellfleet: A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
- Race Point Beach in Provincetown: A secluded beach with dramatic sand dunes and sweeping views of the ocean.
- Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown: A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Towns
Each town on Cape Cod has its own unique charm. Here are a few of the most popular:
Provincetown: A vibrant town at the tip of the Cape, known for its art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Chatham: A charming town with a picturesque harbor and beautiful beaches. The Chatham Inn is a great lunch spot. I recommend the lobster bisque in particular.
Falmouth: A family-friendly town with a variety of attractions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Falmouth Arts Center.
Hyannis: The largest town on Cape Cod, known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Kennedy Compound is close by.
Things to do
In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the beaches, there are many other things to do on Cape Cod:
- Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore: A protected area that encompasses over 40 miles of coastline. Visitors can hike, bike, swim, fish, and camp in the seashore.
- Take a whale watching tour: Cape Cod is a great place to see whales, including humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales.
- Visit the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum: Learn about the Pilgrims and their landing in Provincetown in 1620.
- Visit a cranberry bog: Cape Cod is known for its cranberry production. Visitors can tour cranberry bogs and learn about the harvesting process.
- Enjoy the fresh seafood: Cape Cod has a thriving seafood industry. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants all over the Cape.
Best Places to Eat
- The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House in Yarmouth Port: This classic Cape Cod seafood restaurant has been serving up fresh seafood dishes for over 50 years. The menu features everything from clam chowder and lobster rolls to fried clams and baked scallops.
- Spanky’s Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon in Hyannis: This casual clam shack is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The menu features all of your New England favorites, including fried clams, lobster rolls, and clam chowder.
- Mattakeese Wharf Seafood Restaurant in Barnstable: This restaurant offers stunning views of the Barnstable Harbor and a delicious menu of fresh seafood dishes. The menu features everything from lobster rolls and fried clams to grilled fish and seafood pasta dishes.
- The Red Inn in Provincetown: This historic hotel and restaurant is known for its elegant dining room and its delicious menu of New England cuisine. The menu features everything from lobster bisque and grilled scallops to rack of lamb and filet mignon.
- Kookoos Restaurant in Hyannis: This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving up delicious regional food. The menu features everything from seafood dishes and steaks.
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Yarmouth, Massachusetts is a town known for its history, sports, and recreation. Here are some attractions in Yarmouth related to these topics:
Historical Attractions
Winslow Crocker House: Built in 1780, this Georgian-style, historic home offers seasonal, bi-monthly tours with a guide. It is located at 250 MA-6A, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.
Whydah Pirate Museum: This museum displays artifacts recovered from an 18th-century vessel used for piracy and the slave trade. It is located at 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673.
Sporting attractions
Bass River Sports World Inc: This recreation center offers mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages and other family-focused activities. It is located at 934 MA-28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
Skull Island at Bass River Sports World: This recreation center offers mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages and other family-focused activities. It is located at 934 MA-28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
Flax Pond Recreation Area: This recreation area offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. It is located at 31 Dupont Ave, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf: This pirate-themed mini-golf chain has 18-hole, landscaped courses set among waterfalls and caves. It is located at 728 Main St, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
