Best things to do in Cape Cod

​Cape Cod is a beautiful and iconic vacation destination located on the eastern coast of Massachusetts in the United States. The cape, which stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its sandy beaches, charming towns, and rich history.

10 best things to do in Cape Cod

The cape was first explored by European settlers in the early 1620s, and it quickly became a popular spot for fishing and trading. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cape Cod became a popular summer destination for wealthy families from Boston and New York City, who built grand vacation homes along the coast. Today, the cape is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, who come to enjoy its beautiful beaches, seafood, and quaint New England charm.

One of the most popular towns on Cape Cod is Provincetown, located at the very tip of the cape. This charming town is known for its art galleries, seafood restaurants, and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere. Provincetown is also home to the Pilgrims' Monument, which commemorates the first landing of the Pilgrims in the New World in 1620.

Another popular town on Cape Cod is Chatham, known for its picturesque harbor, charming main street, and beautiful beaches. Chatham is also home to the Chatham Lighthouse, which was built in 1877 and is still in operation today.

The beaches of Cape Cod are some of the most beautiful in the world, with miles of soft, white sand and crystal clear water. Some of the most popular beaches on the cape include Nauset Beach, Coast Guard Beach, and Mayflower Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, and they are also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and seabirds.

In addition to its beautiful beaches and charming towns, Cape Cod is also home to a number of state and national parks, including the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Nickerson State Park. These parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing, and they are also home to a number of rare plant and animal species.

Overall, Cape Cod is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and charm of New England. With its stunning beaches, charming towns, and rich history, Cape Cod has something for everyone. So, if you are planning a vacation, consider visiting Cape Cod - you won't be disappointed but first let's discover the 10 best things to do in Cape Cod ! 

1. Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a protected area that spans over 44,000 acres on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. It was established in 1961 to preserve the natural beauty of the Cape Cod region and to provide recreational opportunities for the public. The seashore is home to a number of diverse habitats, including beaches, dunes, marshes, and forests, and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.
There are many activities available for visitors to the Cape Cod National Seashore, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. The seashore also has a number of historic sites and landmarks, including the Marconi Station, which was the first transatlantic wireless station, and the Nauset Light, which is a historic lighthouse.
The Cape Cod National Seashore is managed by the National Park Service and is open to the public year-round. There is a fee for entry to the seashore, but there are also a number of free days throughout the year when the fee is waived.

2. Take a trip to Provincetown

Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, this charming town is known for its art galleries, seafood restaurants, and LGBTQ+ friendly atmospher but also for its beautiful beaches, charming downtown, and rich artistic and cultural heritage. Overall, Provincetown is a unique and charming destination that offers something for everyone.

3. Go whale watching:

Cape Cod is a great place to spot whales, and there are a number of companies that offer guided whale watching tours.

4. Visit the Chatham Lighthouse :

The Chatham Lighthouse, also known as the Twin Lights of Chatham, is a historic lighthouse located in Chatham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. The lighthouse was first established in 1808 and has played a vital role in the navigation of ships in the region. It is a distinctive landmark on Cape Cod and is a popular tourist attraction.

The Chatham Lighthouse consists of two towers, which were originally built to serve as a range light, with one tower used to mark the entrance to Chatham Harbor and the other used to mark the outer edge of the shoals. The towers were constructed with brick and are connected by a brick building that houses the keeper's quarters and other support facilities. The lighthouse was automated in the late 20th century, and the keeper's quarters are now used as a museum that is open to the public. The Chatham Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist destination on Cape Cod.

5. Go fishing

Cape Cod is known for its excellent fishing, and there are a number of charters available for both inshore and offshore fishing.

6. Visit the Cape Cod Museum of Art

The Cape Cod Museum of Art is a non-profit museum located in Dennis, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. The museum was founded in 1969 and is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the art and culture of Cape Cod and the surrounding region. The museum's permanent collection includes works by artists with ties to Cape Cod, as well as a variety of temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary artists from the region and beyond. In addition to its exhibition spaces, the Cape Cod Museum of Art also offers a variety of educational programs and events for the community, including lectures, workshops, and school programs. The museum is open year-round and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists interested in the art and culture of Cape Cod.

7. Explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 22-mile long recreational path that runs through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The trail follows the route of an abandoned railroad line and is open to a variety of non-motorized uses, including biking, walking, and rollerblading. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and offers a variety of scenic views of the Cape Cod landscape, including marshes, cranberry bogs, and beautiful stretches of coastal landscape. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and is open year-round for public use.

8. Visit the Brewster Conservation Trust

This trust protects over 1,000 acres of land on Cape Cod, including forests, wetlands, and beaches. It's a great place to go hiking and birdwatching.

9. Go to a beach

Cape Cod is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Nauset Beach, Coast Guard Beach, and Mayflower Beach.

10. Visit the Cape Cod Potato Chips factory

Located in Hyannis, this factory offers tours and tastings of their famous potato chips. It's a fun and tasty way to learn about the history of Cape Cod. The company was founded in 1980 by two entrepreneurs, Steve Bernard and Dale Curtis, who started making potato chips in a small shop in Hyannis. They initially cooked their chips in small batches using a traditional kettle cooking process, which gives the chips a distinctive texture and flavor. Today, the Cape Cod Chip Company has grown to become a well-known and respected brand in the snack industry, and its chips are available in stores across the United States.

VISION Destinations | January 2022