Are you visiting Cape Cod? This is the ultimate Cape Cod travel guide full of everything that you need to know to be prepared to visit Cape Cod!
Cape Cod is truly a beautiful destination to visit or live for that matter! (I was born and raised on Cape Cod and still do!). The Cape, as locals call it is like a hidden treasure with some of the best beaches and towns in New England.
Cape Cod is definitely full of gorgeous beaches, culture, stunning landscapes, amazing shopping, mouthwatering seafood, and many other activities that are unique
However, if it’s your first time heading to Cape Cod, it might feel a bit overwhelming. With 15 towns to pick from and countless things to explore, it can be a lot to take in. This blog post is your ultimate guide to all things Cape Cod.
I’ll tackle all your questions, and help you discover the best beaches, restaurants, and must-see spots for the perfect Cape Cod vacation. You might want to save this Cape Cod travel guide so you can come back to it.
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This post is about Cape Cod Travel.
Why do people love Cape Cod so much?
Well, there are a lot of reasons to love Cape Cod! Firstly, there are incredible beautiful beaches, all over the place, altogether there are over 100 beaches. And who doesn’t love the beach!? Towns, like Chatham and Provincetown, have this charming New England vibe that’s irresistible, with cute shops, art galleries, and amazing seafood spots.
There is a lot of history, especially in a town called Sandwich. Plus, it’s not too far from Boston, making it an easy getaway for Bostonians. Whether you’re into the laid-back vibe of Wellfleet or the lively scene in Hyannis, Cape Cod just has this timeless, coastal magic that keeps people coming back for more.
When is the best time to visit Cape Cod?
I don’t think there is the best time to visit Cape Cod, but if you want to be warm and experience the most you should come in the summer. Here’s a brief breakdown of the seasons and weather on the Cape:
Summer (June to August):
This is the peak tourist season when the weather is warm. All the attractions, beaches, and outdoor activities are in full swing. Average high temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F. Summer nights typically have milder temperatures, so bring a few sweaters and sweatshirts.
Fall (September to November):
Fall is beautiful on Cape Cod. It’s an excellent time for scenic drives, hiking, and exploring without the summer crowds. Fall temperatures start to cool down, with average highs ranging from 60°F to 70°F in September and gradually dropping to 40°F to 50°F by November.
Spring (April to May):
Spring is a quieter period. While some attractions may open later in the season, you can still enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod without the summer crowds. Spring brings milder temperatures, with average highs ranging from 50°F to 60°F in April and increasing to 60°F to 70°F in May.
Winter (December to March):
Winter is the off-season, and while Cape Cod is quieter, some attractions and businesses close or operate on limited schedules. Temperatures average highs ranging from 40°F to 50°F and nights can be chilly, ranging from 20°F to 30°F. (Snow happens when it gets cold enough, but it’s generally milder compared to inland areas).
In summary, the best time to visit Cape Cod depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the type of activities you want to experience. Whether you’re seeking the lively atmosphere of summer, the scenic beauty of fall, the blooming flowers of spring, or a peaceful winter retreat, Cape Cod offers something unique in every season.
Which part of Cape Cod has best beaches?
This is a tricky question and the answer will depend as Cape Cod offers a diverse array of beaches. For families seeking a kid-friendly experience, the flats on Cape Cod Bay provide warm water tidal pools during low tide. This creates a perfect environment for children to explore. A few of my favorite bay beaches are Chapin Beach in Dennis and Skate Beach in Orleans.
The south-facing side of Cape Cod, Nantucket Sound, also tends to be calmer. There is much fiercer surf on the Atlantic Ocean side. Atlantic Ocean beaches are on the eastern shoreline in the towns of Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown.
The Cape Cod National Seashore is home to some of the most spectacular beaches, including Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, offering expansive shores and picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re a family looking for tidal adventures, a windsurfing enthusiast, or someone seeking the tranquility of the National Seashore, Cape Cod’s diverse beaches have something for everyone.
How many days is enough for Cape Cod?
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a month-long getaway, the sweet spot is usually around a week. This is especially true during the months of July and August when week-long stays are common. These often involve a house or apartment rentals.
If time is tight, visiting for a short visit can make you feel like you’ve had a fulfilled vacation experience. On the flip side, given the Cape’s decent size, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a month-long stay.
Many hotels, resorts, and campgrounds typically have a minimum night stay requirement for reservations, ranging from 2 to 4 nights. If you’re want a shorter escape, like a 2-4 night stay, a hotel is often the most convenient choice, especially during the summer.
During the shoulder season (May, June, September, and October), finding accommodations without a minimum stay requirement becomes much more easier.
Overall, a week-long getaway strikes a perfect balance. It provides enough time to unwind at the beautiful beaches, explore iconic sites, and venture into different areas. Driving from one end to the other takes approximately an hour and a half. Although summer traffic will definitely extend your travel time! (Likely 2+ hours in the summer).
What is the best place to visit in Cape Cod?
A commonly asked question on Google is, “What is the best place to visit in Cape Cod?”. Cape Cod has many charming towns and attractions, making it challenging to specify a single “best” place to visit. Each of the 15 towns is unique, here are some brief descriptions of each. Here’s a brief description of each of the 15 towns on Cape Cod.
Barnstable:
The largest town. Barnstable, is divided into 7 villages and offers a mix of historical sites, waterfront activities, the Cape Cod Mall, and natural beauty.
Bourne:
Known for the iconic Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. Bourne is a gateway town with maritime heritage and scenic landscapes.
Brewster:
Brewster is a charming town known for its historic sea captains’ homes and scenic beaches. It’s also home to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.
Chatham:
A quintessential New England town, Chatham boasts a picturesque downtown, lighthouse views, and a maritime atmosphere.
Dennis:
Split into Dennis Village and Dennis Port, this town features beautiful beaches, historic sites, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Eastham:
Home to the Cape Cod National Seashore, Eastham offers pristine beaches, walking trails, and a serene atmosphere.
Falmouth:
Falmouth combines historic charm with a vibrant Main Street. It’s full of beautiful coastal landscapes and easy access to the Shining Sea Bikeway.
Harwich:
Comprising several villages, Harwich is known for its cranberry bogs, Cape Cod Rail Trail, and family-friendly beaches.
Mashpee:
Mashpee blends history, modern amenities, and natural beauty, with attractions like the Mashpee Commons shopping area.
Orleans:
Orleans is a scenic town with charming shops, and access to Nauset Beach and the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Provincetown:
Located at the tip of the Cape, Provincetown is famous for its artistic community, diverse culture, lively nightlife, and stunning beaches.
Sandwich:
As the oldest town on Cape Cod, Sandwich features historic charm, the Sandwich Boardwalk, and the Heritage Museums & Gardens.
Truro:
Truro offers a serene escape with its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers.
Wellfleet:
Known for its thriving arts scene, Wellfleet also has stunning beaches, downtown galleries, and the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Yarmouth:
Comprising three villages, Yarmouth offers family-friendly beaches, golf courses, and cultural attractions like the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.
Overall, you really can’t go wrong with anywhere that you end up going on the Cape. Pretty much wherever you are, there is a beach less than 10 minutes away! My top favorite towns are Barnstable, Chatham, Dennis, Orleans, and Harwich.
Where to stay in Cape Cod?
Another commonly asked question on Google is, “Where to stay in Cape Cod?”. If you’re into that classic New England charm, Chatham is your spot. It’s got cozy inns, cute B&Bs, and even some beachfront resorts like the Chatham Bars Inn. Provincetown is at the tip of the Cape with artsy vibes, and cool guesthouses and boutique inns.
For a family-friendly scene, check out Falmouth. It’s got everything from waterfront hotels to vacation rentals. And if you’re feeling the historic vibes, Sandwich is the oldest town on the Cape and has some charming places to stay, like historic inns and quaint cottages.
Don’t forget about Hyannis, it’s like the hub of the Cape. Plenty of hotels, resorts, and easy access to the islands. But if you’re craving a bit more tranquility, Wellfleet and Orleans offer a more laid-back vibe with lovely inns and cozy cottages.
Overall, there is no shortage of vacation rentals on the Cape. There is actually a huge housing crisis for the locals because of these vacation rentals. Check out the popular vacation booking apps like Airbnb, Vurbo, WeNeedAVaction.com, etc and you will find many options to choose from.
What foods is Cape Cod famous for?
Finally, let’s talk about the Cape’s delicious culinary scene, which captures the essence of coastal New England cuisine. Here are some iconic Cape Cod foods and restaurant recommendations that you don’t want to miss.
Lobster Rolls:
A quintessential Cape Cod experience. Lobster rolls feature delicious lobster meat in a buttered and toasted roll, often served with a touch of mayo and lemon. A few of my favorite spots for a lobster roll are Susuit Harbor Cafe in Dennis, The Knack in Orleans or Hyannis, and the Chatham Pier Fish Market in Chatham.
Clam Chowder:
Creamy and flavorful clam chowder is a regional favorite. Cape Cod’s version typically includes fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon, creating a hearty and comforting dish. My favorite clam chowder is from Captain Parkers in Yarmouth.
Fried Clams:
Cape Cod is renowned for its crispy and golden fried clams, often served with tartar sauce. I love fried seafood, especially clam strips. One of my favorite places for fried clam strips is Seafood Sam’s.
Quahogs and Stuffies:
Quahogs, large hard-shell clams, are used in dishes like stuffies, where the clam is mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and sometimes chorizo, then baked to perfection. Check this article for stuffed quahog recommendations.
Cranberries:
Cape Cod is a major cranberry-producing region, and you’ll find cranberries incorporated into various dishes, from sauces to desserts. You’ll see a bunch of cranberry bogs on the Cape.
Oysters:
Cape Cod is renowned for its fresh and briny oysters, harvested from local waters. Whether enjoyed raw on the half shell or prepared in various cooked dishes, Cape Cod oysters are a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
Scallops:
Cape Cod’s bay and ocean waters yield delicious scallops. They’re often prepared pan-seared or fried to highlight their sweet and delicate flavor. If you’ve never had a fried scallop, then you definitely should try one.
Saltwater Taffy:
A sweet treat often associated with Cape Cod. Saltwater taffy comes in a variety of flavors and colors, providing a delightful candy experience. If you’ve never had saltwater taffy, then you must try it! I reccomend Kandy Korner in Hyannis and the Chatham Kandy Manor in Chtham.
Beach Plum Jelly:
Beach plums, native to the area, are used to create a unique and delicious jelly, often enjoyed on toast or as a condiment. In the summer there are lots of farmers markets where you can shop locally. This is where I buy my beach plum jelly.
Well, that’s a wrap I hope you gained some valuable information about Cape Cod travel! If you have any questions about Cape Cod Travel, then send me an email, and would be happy to help you.
