If you’re looking for Cape Cod Summer things to do, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. This post is all about things to do in the Summer on Cape Cod.
In this, I will be sharing the best things to do in the summer on Cape Cod. I have grown up and lived on Cape Cod my entire life, so I know a thing or two when comes to Cape Cod living. Keep reading this post to learn about the best things you in the Summer on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod in the summer is arguably the best and the reason why so many people come to visit. This is prime beach-going time as daytime temperatures typically range from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit. If you aren’t a beachgoer then there is plenty of other things to do.
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Without further ado, let’s get into this post!
Here are the best Cape Cod things to do in the Summer.
The Best Outdoor Activities:
Cape Cod is a beautiful place with plenty of beaches, marshes, woodlands, ponds and lakes, cranberry bogs, and conservation land. If you are a nature enthusiast, you will love Cape Cod and its picturesque outdoor features. With that being said there are so many outdoor activities that you can do in the Summer on Cape Cod.
Go to the beach
This is a pretty obvious outdoor activity, go to the beach! Going to the beach in the summer on Cape Cod is a no-brainer, especially on a hot summer day! Cape Cod is bored by 5 bodies of salt water; Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, Nantucket Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are a few of my all-time favorite beaches: Skatet Beach (Orleans), Chapin Beach (Dennis), Beachcomber (Wellfleet), Dowses Beach (Osterville), and Kalmus Beach (Hyannis).
Go on a nature walk
There are so many different trails to explore on Cape Cod. Check out this website to find a whole list of different places you can hike on cape cod. A few of my favorites include: Fort Hill Trail (Eastham), The Knob (Falmouth), Morris Island Trail (Chatham), South Cape Beach State Park (Mashpee), Sandwich Boardwalk and Town Neck Beach (Sandwich), and the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp (Wellfleet).
Mini golf
There are quite a few mini golf courses on Cape Cod but the best two are in Yarmouth close to each other. The first one is Skull Island Miniature Golf which has a fun island theme. In addition to mini golf at this location, there is also an arcade, go carts, and a driving range.
My other favorite in Yarmouth is Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. It’s a beautifully maintained Pirate-themed mini-golf with 18 holes set among waterfalls and caves. Here, there are two courses to choose from one in the front and one in the back.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
If you want to watch the whales and dolphins swim by you then you should go on a whale or dolphin watch. There are quite a few different watching experiences that you can have, but I would recommend Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises and Dolphin Whale Watch.
Heritage Museums & Gardens | Sandwich
Heritage Museums & Gardens is such a fun place to explore that is full of all kinds of things to do. Situated across 100 acres of gardens and nature trails, the estate boasts an impressive array of specialty gardens, water features, and sculptures. Explore our three museums showcasing classic automobiles, American folk art, historical artifacts, a vintage carousel, and rotating exhibitions.
Walk Downtown Chatham | Chatham
Downtown Chatham is one of my favorite places on the Cape, especially in the summer. Its quintessential Cape Cod charm is full of historic buildings, boutique shops, and food shops. One of my favorite shops is Fisherman’s Daughter, a small business clothing boutique. You also must visit Chtahsm Candy Manor for the best fudge you’ll ever have and all of their other sweet options.
Cape Cod Inflatable Park | Yarmouth
If you have kids then you have to check out the Cape Cod Inflatable Park which is now much more than an inflatable park. They have continued to expand over the years and now consist of a water park as well. The Inflatable Park has 18 inflatable slides/bouncers/adventure rides sure to delight kids from 2 to 16. There is also a swim-up bar for adults!
The Best Indoor Activities:
Rain is inevitable, during the summer season, Cape Cod typically experiences around 7 to 9 rainy days per month. This information is based on historical weather data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Oftentimes it will rain in the morning and clear up by the afternoon or vice versa it will be sunny in the morning and rain in the afternoon.
Nonetheless, there’s probably going to be a time when you’ll want to find an enjoyable indoor activity! I will share some of my favorite indoor activities that I think you’ll enjoy.
Chatham Orpheum Theater | Chatham
This is not your typical chain movie theater, it is unique to the area and is filled with history. Although this theater may not be as big as you’re used to it has all the features you want and more. Lobby concessions have the expected soft drinks and candy, as well as confections from The Chatham Candy Manor and popcorn.
There is even Pleasant Lake Pizza Shark (a local restaurant), which offers pizza by the pie or the slice, salads, sandwiches, beer, and wine. The best part is you are welcome to take food and beverages into the theater and enjoy them while you watch your film.
Ryan’s Ten Pin Eatery | Hyannis
Ten Pin Eatery is family fun for everyone from arcade games, bowling, laser tag, a virtual reality ride, prizes, and a golf simulator. The facility is modern and clean with a full restaurant and bar to enjoy after having fun.
Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen | Sandwich
If you’re looking for something fun to do, take a jam-making class at the historic Green Briar Jam Kitchen where you can learn to make jam and even take your creations home with you. Additionally, the museum offers a diverse array of engaging activities for children and adults, such as high-quality programs, classes, lectures, panel discussions, workshops, films, walks, traditions, and interactive exhibits.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium | Woods Hole
Explore the county’s oldest public aquarium, The Woods Hole Science Aquarium established in 1875. The Woods Hole Science Aquarium showcases around 80 species of marine animals native to Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. waters. Visitors can explore the main exhibits at their own pace on self-guided tours and also get a glimpse behind the scenes to see how the aquarium operates.
Color Me Mine | Mashpee
If you’re feeling artistic, then head to Color Me Mine in the Mashpee Commons to paint some pottery. The only thing is that you will have to plan another trip back to the studio to pick up your pottery as it has to be glazed and fired in their kilns. but the nice thing is that it’s located in the Mashpee Commons which is an outdoor shopping center that you can explore when you come back.
Hangar B Eatery | Chatham
Have you ever wanted to watch airplanes come in as you eat your breakfast or lunch? Well, you can at this quaint airport cafe that serves up delicious gourmet lunch and breakfast options. You are not just going for the food, you’re going for the fun experience. (Get here early as they get busy quickly with very limited seating!)
Where to get the best Seafood:
If you’re a seafood lover, you’re coming to the right coming to Cape Cod. There are so many places where you can get seafood on the Cape but not all are created equal. Here are some of the most highly-rated seafood joints that you’ll most definitely want to check out.
Chatham Fish Pier | Chatham
My all-time favorite place to get seafood on Cape Cod is the Chatham Fish Pier! Their fish and chips are the best I’ve had, their fish is fresh and flavorful, while their fries are nice and crunchy. Not to mention, their tartar sauce is amazing, you can instantly taste that is homemade, and it’s delicious.
Seafood Sam’s | Sandwich or Falmouth
Seafood Sam’s in Sandwich is one of my favorites. They are known for their delicious fried seafood but have many other offerings as well. My go-to is a fried seafood platter which you cant go wrong with.
Tugboats at Hyannis Marina | West Yarmouth
Tug Boats is an enjoyable restaurant to sit down and watch the scenic harbor views as you eat. Their fish and chips are excellent along with their lobster rolls. If you have someone with you that’s not a seafood they have a full menu of other delicious offerings.
Sesuit Harbor Cafe | Dennis
To get one of the best lobster rolls on Cape Cod, you have to go to Sesuit Harbor Cafe in Dennis. Sesuit Harbor Cafe is a quaint seafood shack by the water with outdoor picnic tables for you to sit at. This place is so good that there is often a line, especially around dinner time so just be prepared to wait and bring your own beer.
Where to get the best Ice Cream:
New England is renowned for its rich tradition of delicious ice cream and Cape Cod has its fair share of some of the best ice cream shops. There’s nothing better than a hot fudge sundae with homemade ice cream, homemade hot fudge, homemade whipped cream, and topped with a real cherry.
Sundae School Ice Cream | Harwich Port & Dennis Port
If you are looking for the best hot fudge sundae with real hot fudge, whipped cream, with a real cherry on the Cape then Sundae School Ice Cream is it! Their hot fudge is insanely good and homemade of course, along with their homemade whipped cream that they make on they whip up in their kitchen aid mixers. In short, they have the absolute best hot fudge sundaes on Cape Cod.
Steve and Sue’s Partee Freeze | Hyannis
For soft serve ice cream, the best place on the Cape is Steve and Sue’s Partee Freeze aka Partee Freeze. They offer a wide range of soft-serve flavors, frozen yogurt, slushies, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, flurries, parfaits, even lobster rolls, chicken salad sandwiches, and slices of pizza from Jack’s Pizza (from down the street).
Four Seas Ice Cream | Centerville
Four Seas Ice Cream has been open since 1934 and is an iconic ice cream shop known for its award-winning homemade ice cream. They have a wide range of mouth-watering flavors, my two favorites are mocha chip and coconut which I definitely recommend. Their ice cream sundaes are also quite delicious white homemade hot fudge and whipped cream.
Sweety Izzy’s | Harwich
If you love ice cream but can’t have it because of dietary restrictions or allergies there is also something for you! Sweet Izzy’s in Harwich offers a menu serving 100% dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan plant-based ice cream. Even though I have no dietary restrictions or allergies I still love going to Sweet Izzy’s because it is so delicious.
Caffè Gelato Bertini | Yarmouth
I know that gelato is different than ice cream but they are both frozen and delicious and I had to include Caffè Gelato Bertini in this post. They serve the best homemade gelato with so many different flavor options to choose from. I’ve never been to Italy, but I would imagine that this is how gelato would taste in Italy.
