Finding things to do in Cape Cod, a hook-shaped peninsula of the U.S. state of Massachusetts takes you to one of New England’s most complete coastal destinations. Cape Cod is a world-class destination because of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground just off Cape Cod that attracts a large percentage of the world’s whale population annually.
The 40-mile stretch of coast is recognized as having some of the best beaches on Cape Cod, including Nauset Beach in Eastham, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, and Race Point and Herring Cove beaches in Provincetown. This peninsula offers 15 towns, each with distinct character, hundreds of miles of coastline, bike paths that run through forests and marshes, and a food scene built on fresh catches from local waters.
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The best things to do in Cape Cod include exploring Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, whale watching from Provincetown, biking the Shining Sea Bikeway, visiting Chatham’s Main Street, kayaking Nauset Marsh, touring lighthouses, and enjoying fresh seafood in waterfront towns.
Quick Reference: Things to Do in Cape Cod by Interest
| Interest | Best Picks |
|---|---|
| Beaches | Cape Cod National Seashore, Nauset Beach, Race Point |
| Active Outdoor | Shining Sea Bikeway, Cape Cod Rail Trail, kayaking |
| Wildlife | Whale watching, seal tours, bird sanctuaries |
| Culture | Provincetown galleries, Chatham Main Street, museums |
| Family | Brewster Flats, mini golf, ice cream shops |
| Food | Fresh seafood, clam shacks, farm stands |
Top Beaches and Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore
In 1961, summer native President John F. Kennedy designated the east shore of the Outer Cape a national park. The National Seashore protects 40 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline and gives visitors access to six ocean beaches.
Cape Cod National Seashore beach entrance fees are collected from late June through early September when lifeguards are on duty, and on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to the end of September.
Current Beach Fees:
| Pass Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily vehicle pass | $25 |
| Motorcycles | $20 |
| Pedestrians and bicyclists | $15 |
| Annual pass | $60 |
Active duty military and their dependents are admitted free with proper ID. Children aged 15 and younger are also admitted free.
All seashore beaches are open from 6:00 am to midnight. Three of the national seashore beaches have accessibility modifications. Coast Guard, Race Point, and Herring Cove beaches all have Mobimats and beach wheelchairs available when lifeguards are on duty.
The six National Seashore beaches are:
- Coast Guard Beach, Eastham: Popular family beach with consistent waves. Named for the historic Coast Guard station.
- Nauset Light Beach, Eastham: Sits below the famous red and white lighthouse. Strong surf attracts surfers and boogie boarders.
- Marconi Beach, Wellfleet: The uplands above the beach slope gradually westward and provide a graceful vista of both bay and sea horizons. Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi completed the first transatlantic wireless communication between the U.S. and England from this location in 1903.
- Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro: More secluded than southern beaches. Good for families with small children.
- Race Point Beach, Provincetown: Wide beach with views of passing ships. Popular for sunset watching.
- Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown: Beautiful sand, gentle surf, fantastic sunsets. Traditionally the right end of the beach is considered more family oriented, while the left end is more gay-friendly.
Town Beaches
Some town beaches are open only to town residents, or may admit non-residents only after 4 or 5 pm. Towns may require the purchase of beach stickers.
Notable town beaches include:
- Cahoon Hollow Beach, Wellfleet: Backed by massive sand dunes, making beachgoers feel like they have found a hidden gem. The beach sits on the Outer Cape, so waves are suitable for surfers or boogie boarders. The Beachcomber Restaurant sits high on the dunes overlooking the ocean and draws visitors with its fresh seafood, live music, and fun nighttime atmosphere.
- Mayflower Beach, Dennis: Located on Cape Cod Bay, this beach has warm water and calm sand, and large tidal flats at low tide.
- Sandwich Boardwalk Beach: The iconic boardwalk has been a landmark of the town since the 1870s. 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 takes you over salt marshes and ends at a lovely beach on Cape Cod Bay.
Whale Watching: One of the Top Things to Do in Cape Cod
Cape Cod has been named as one of the top ten spots in the world for whale watching. 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.
Whale watching along the East Coast originated in Provincetown, Massachusetts in the 1970s and the most common destination for those vessels was an area that is now Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
When to Go
Whale watching season on Cape Cod begins mid-April and runs through October. Peak migration period for the whales is from June through September. Most companies offer trips from the beginning of May until the end of October, although several may start earlier or end later in the season.
Top Operators
The one I most like to recommend is Dolphin Fleet, which departs from Macmillan Pier in Provincetown. Dolphin Fleet runs from April to October with multiple trips per day. All trips are designed to enhance awareness of whales, other marine life, and the marine habitat.
Other recommended operators include Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises and Captain John Boats.
Rates range from $40 to $70, depending on passenger age. Tours typically last 3 to 4 hours and are led by professionally trained naturalists.
Biking the Best Things to Do in Cape Cod
Cape Cod has built an exceptional network of paved bike paths perfect for riders of all levels.
Shining Sea Bikeway
The 10.7-mile Shining Sea Bikeway is the only bikeway on Cape Cod to feature a seaside section, boasting beautiful vistas of marshes, rivers, and the sea. The bikeway was named after the lyrics to “America the Beautiful,” written by Falmouth native Katharine Lee Bates.
The Shining Sea Bikeway is a rail trail that runs for 10.7 miles from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole to County Road in North Falmouth.
The trail passes:
- Great Sippewissett Marsh with views across Buzzards Bay
- Active cranberry bogs at Bourne Farm
- Salt Pond Bird Sanctuary
- Nobska Light lighthouse
- Multiple beaches along Vineyard Sound
The path is level for nearly all of its 10.7-mile distance with only slight grades at certain points. The route avoids much of Falmouth’s notorious summer traffic by winding down along the beach, past cranberry bogs and harbors, and through marshes.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 27.5-mile route running from Yarmouth to Wellfleet. The trail passes through South Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and South Wellfleet.
Highlights along the route include:
- Nickerson State Park with kettle ponds for swimming
- Long Pond
- Cape Cod National Seashore access points
- Charming town centers
- Multiple bike shops for rentals and repairs
The trail is an excellent 20-plus-mile ride with very few major road crossings and great scenery. The paved path goes all the way, and the part right next to the beach is particularly loved.
Other Bike Paths
Cape Cod Canal Bikeway (14.2 miles): Runs along both sides of the Cape Cod Canal between the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. Flat, concrete path with views of boat traffic through the canal.
Province Lands Bike Trail (5.5-mile loop): Located at the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown. Winds through sand dunes with access to Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach.
Old Colony Rail Trail (8 miles): Connects the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Harwich to downtown Chatham.
Exploring Cape Cod Towns
Provincetown
Provincetown sits at the very tip of Cape Cod and ranks among the most visited spots for things to do in Cape Cod. Commercial Street runs through the heart of town for more than a mile, packed with galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and cafes.
The Pilgrim Monument towers 252 feet above town and offers panoramic views after climbing 116 steps. The attached Provincetown Museum tells the story of the Mayflower landing and local maritime history.
Macmillan Wharf sits at the center of town and serves as the departure point for whale watching tours.
Chatham
Downtown Chatham features upscale boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, and fine dining establishments stretching for more than a mile along Main Street. The Atwood Museum, the Mayo House, and the Chatham Railroad Museum give visitors a taste of Cape Cod history.
The Chatham Fish Pier hosts a fish market selling the fresh catch of the day. Chatham Light overlooks the Atlantic and offers views of the barrier beach protecting the harbor.
Wellfleet
Wellfleet is known for its oysters, art galleries, and natural beauty. The town sits between Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic, giving it access to both calm bay beaches and surf beaches.
Wellfleet Audubon Sanctuary protects 1,100 acres of pine forest, salt marsh, and beach habitat. Five miles of trails wind through the property.
Brewster
Cape Cod is home to the largest tidal flats in North America, known as the Brewster Flats. At low tide, you can walk more than a mile out on the exposed sand before reaching water. The flats attract tide poolers, clammers, and families with young children.
The Cape Cod Lavender Farm is a charming attraction in Harwich. The farm’s grounds are open March through December, but peak harvest season is the best time to visit and meander through beautiful fields of lavender.
Water Activities Beyond Beaches
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Cape Cod has been named among the top destinations for water activities, including paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing.
Popular paddling spots include:
- Nauset Marsh in Eastham (protected waters with wildlife viewing)
- Bass River in Dennis and Yarmouth
- Pleasant Bay in Chatham and Orleans
- Cape Cod Canal (calm water with boat traffic views)
Multiple outfitters rent kayaks and paddleboards by the hour or day. Guided tours are available for beginners.
Seal Watching
Chatham and Harwich offer seal-watching cruises. Gray seals gather in large numbers on sandbars and beaches, particularly at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.
Tours run seasonally and often include narration about seal behavior and local ecosystems.
Things to Do in Cape Cod for Families
- Heritage Museums and Gardens, Sandwich: 100 acres of gardens, a vintage car collection, and a working carousel. Good for all ages.
- Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster: Hands-on exhibits about coastal ecology. Walking trails cross salt marshes and beach habitat.
- Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf: Multiple locations across Cape Cod. Classic mini golf with waterfalls and caves.
- Ice Cream Shops: Cape Cod has dozens of ice cream stands. Local favorites include Sundae School in Dennis, Polar Cave in Mashpee, and Four Seas in Centerville.
- Boat Cruises: Several towns offer harbor cruises, sunset sails, and fishing charters suitable for families.
- Nature Trails: Short, easy walking trails at Salt Pond Visitor Center, Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and throughout the National Seashore.
Food and Dining
Cape Cod’s food scene centers on seafood pulled fresh from surrounding waters.
What to Eat
- Clam Chowder: New England style, cream-based with clams, potatoes, and salt pork
- Lobster Rolls: Served cold with mayo or hot with butter
- Fried Clams: Whole-belly clams breaded and fried
- Oysters: Wellfleet oysters are famous throughout New England
- Fish and Chips: Fresh cod or haddock, fried and served with fries
Where to Eat
Cape Cod has hundreds of seafood restaurants ranging from casual clam shacks to upscale dining rooms. Most towns have at least one fish market selling fresh catch to cook at home.
Popular dining spots concentrate in Provincetown, Chatham, Hyannis, and Wellfleet. Reservations are recommended during summer months at sit-down restaurants.
Lighthouses
Cape Cod’s lighthouses are among the most photographed structures in New England. Several offer tours during summer months.
Major Lighthouses:
- Nauset Light, Eastham: Red and white striped tower moved back from eroding cliffs in 1996
- Highland Light, Truro: Cape Cod’s oldest and tallest lighthouse
- Race Point Light, Provincetown: Remote location at the tip of Cape Cod
- Nobska Light, Falmouth: Overlooks Woods Hole passage and Martha’s Vineyard
- Chatham Light, Chatham: Active Coast Guard station with limited public access
Seasonal Events
Summer (June through August): Peak season with full beach operations, outdoor concerts, art festivals, and theater productions
Fall (September through November): Shoulder season with fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and cranberry harvest activities
Winter (December through March): Quiet season. Some restaurants and attractions close. Good for long beach walks and exploring towns without summer traffic.
Spring (April through May): Wildflowers bloom, whale watching season starts, restaurants and shops reopen
Golf
The region is ranked among the most popular destinations in the U.S. for premier golf. Cape Cod has more than 40 golf courses ranging from casual nine-hole layouts to championship 18-hole courses.
Top courses include Ocean Edge Golf Club in Brewster, Captains Golf Course in Brewster, and Cranberry Valley Golf Course in Harwich.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for Cape Cod?
Three to five days covers the main things to do in Cape Cod without rushing. Three days handles beaches, one bike path, whale watching, and exploring two or three towns. Five days adds time for kayaking, visiting multiple beaches, day trips to islands, and deeper exploration of the National Seashore.
What is the best time to visit Cape Cod?
Late May through June and September offer the best combination of good weather and smaller crowds. July and August are peak season with full beach operations but heavy traffic and higher prices. Fall brings comfortable temperatures and beautiful light. Winter is quiet but many businesses close.
Do you need a car on Cape Cod?
Yes, for most visitors. While some towns are walkable and bike paths connect certain areas, Cape Cod spans 65 miles and public transportation is limited. The Cape Flyer train runs weekends from Boston to Hyannis during summer. Local buses operate on limited routes and schedules.
Are Cape Cod beaches free?
Not all. Cape Cod National Seashore beaches charge daily fees of $25 for vehicles, $20 for motorcycles, and $15 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Town beaches often require parking stickers or charge daily parking fees. Some beaches are resident-only or restrict non-resident access to late afternoon hours.
What is the traffic like on Cape Cod?
Summer weekends see heavy traffic, especially crossing the Cape Cod Canal bridges and on Route 6. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings are worst. Traffic on these bridges is famous for getting very backed up, and this crossing always adds time to your trip. It is basically a rite of passage for anyone traveling to the Cape. Arriving mid-week or outside peak summer reduces traffic significantly.
Can you see whales from shore on Cape Cod?
Occasionally, but whale watching boats offer much better viewing. Stellwagen Bank sits several miles offshore, beyond what you can typically see from beaches. Some visitors spot whales from Race Point or Herring Cove beaches in Provincetown, but sightings are not reliable. Boat tours have very high success rates.
Final Words
The variety of things to do in Cape Cod means visitors can build trips around beaches, active outdoor pursuits, town exploration, food, or a mix of everything. The National Seashore protects the best Atlantic beaches. Bike paths run through forests and along the coast.
Whale watching from Provincetown ranks among the best in the world. Each town has its own character worth exploring. Plan for traffic during summer, book lodging well ahead, and leave time to slow down and enjoy the coastal pace.
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