Cape Cod rentals are the perfect starting point for a one-day road trip to a neighboring attraction, town, or even city. Rent Cape Cod vacation homes centrally near Dennis, Harwich, and Chatham, and have plenty of opportunities to take trips up the Cape’s arm or inland.
Our Cape Cod rentals are located within a reasonable driving distance of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Provincetown at the north end of the cape, and the metropolis of pizza and academia, Boston.
We’ve put together a short guide on Cape Cod day trips to nearby attractions and cities for your best time here.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) makes for a perfect day trip from Cape Cod rentals. WHOI is a research and education center founded in 1930 dedicated to advancing knowledge of the ocean and our relationship with it.
WHOI offers an Ocean Science Discovery Center with informational displays and educational programming. It offers Science Chats for adults once a week, summer walking tours, and a Splash Lab for kids twice a week. The center is open from mid-April to December each year.
It is located southwest of Falmouth, across the channel from Martha’s Vineyard. Depending on what route you take, you can also visit the towns of Sandwich and Bourne, or drive through the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge.
Provincetown, MA
Cape Cod day trips up the northern peninsula offer incredibly scenic views of the Atlantic, and a number of outdoor activities.
Drive past Truro to the northernmost point of Provincetown along the Cape Cod National Seashore. This stunning park preserves miles of pristine coastline all the way up the coast. On your way, visit the quaint seaside towns of Wellfleet and Truro for some down-home hospitality.
Provincetown itself is a small town of about 3,000 that has for years been known as a haven for artists and a liberal, accepting community. Visit the lively commercial area, which is full of shops, restaurants, and, at night, bars and clubs. Stop to the Pilgrim Monument and Race Point Lighthouse and Beach, too.
Perhaps the most exciting thing to do on a day trip to Provincetown is whale watching. Head to the pier and book a tour to spot Humpbacks, Minke, and dolphins cruising through the blue Atlantic.
Boston, MA
A Boston day trip takes you down the arm of the Cape inland, winding up the coast through Sandwich, Plymouth, and Marshfield before reaching the Massachusetts capital. Make a pit-stop in Plymouth, a coastal city that was the site of the first Pilgrim settlement in the early 1600s. Plymouth Rock marks the iconic landing site of their boat, the Mayflower.
Boston itself is almost as old, having been founded by English settlers in 1630. It has been the site of many historical events over the years and remains an influential U.S. city today. Seeing all of the attractions in Boston in a day trip is impossible, so you’ll have to choose the things you want to see and do carefully.
Be sure to walk at least part of The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile line or red paint that takes you on a self-guided – via pamphlet or audio – tour of 16 historically significant sites in the birthplace of the American Revolution. Visit museums, meetinghouses, churches, burial grounds, and houses, including Paul Revere’s 17th century home.
Stop for an afternoon pick-me-up at one of the many coffee shops and bakeries along Hanover Street in the North End. Boston loves its cafes, and there are plenty of good ones in this area.
Home Base
All Cape Cod day trips need a home base – make our rental properties yours. From waterfront homes to wooded cottages, our collection of Cape Cod rentals has something for everyone. Check the options and availability on our website or call us today at (508) 619-7658.
