Summer is around the corner, and everyone wants to go to the beach. While Cape Cod does have miles of pristine beaches, it is so much more. It offers a wide variety of things to do, vibrant towns to explore, and exquisite landscapes and wildlife to enjoy.
In fact, there’s so much to do on the Cape, you may have trouble knowing where to start. We’ve put together a simple seven-day itinerary for those who need a jump start on their vacation planning.
Day 1: Go to the Beach at the Cape Cod National Seashore
This national preserve offers 40 miles of pristine beach on the east shore of the lower cape – the perfect place to catch some rays, see some wildlife, and take a nice long walk on the beach.
Day 2: Explore the Towns
Cape Cod is quaint compared to many vacation spots, and that’s a lot of its charm. Dotted with inviting towns filled like likable people, this peninsula is worth a mini-road trip. Visit Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, and Chatham, all of which are home to family-run restaurants, inns, and Cape Cod rentals. If you can, take tours on the intra-city trolleys that run in Hyannis and Falmouth to get a better sense of life on the Cape.
Day 3: Visit the Outer Cape
Take advantage of the National Seashore bike shuttle from Wellfleet to Provincetown and enjoy a bike trip across multiple diverse terrains. Ride along remote beaches, small forests, and the dramatic, rocky landscapes of the Atlantic coast.
For an extra bit of wildlife, take a whale-watching tour to see some of the Cape’s biggest and most beautiful marine life. When you’re tuckered out, grab a bite to eat on Commercial Street, where many of the town’s shops and restaurants are located.
Day 4: Peruse the Boutiques on Martha’s Vineyard
Spend a day exploring local art and antiques and a visit the world’s oldest carousel. While you’re at it, take a swim at State Beach (between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown) – where the original Jaws was filmed! Board the ferry at Woods Hole and get to Martha’s Vineyard in about 30 minutes. The ferry costs $8.50 for adults and runs every hour.
Day 5: See a Movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In
This five-star drive-in (51 US-6, Wellfleet, MA) offers something a little more exciting than scrolling through Netflix on the couch of Cape Cod rentals. Park your car, sit back, and enjoy the double features offered all summer long. Alternatively, catch a show at the Cape Playhouse, the oldest summer theater in the U.S., in Dennis, MA.
Day 6: Take a Trip to Nantucket
Though you may have already visited Martha’s Vineyard, don’t miss Nantucket, a smaller island 30 miles off of Cape Cod. Nantucket has a year-round population of about 10,000 that explodes to 50,000 in the summer months. There are plenty of things to do in Nantucket, including visiting a few of its lighthouses, spending an hour or two at the Nantucket Whaling Museum, and cycling through its web of bike paths.
Day 7: Cycle the Cape Cod Rail Trail
If you’re not tuckered out yet, grab your steeds – bikes, horses, whatever – and hit the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This 22-mile trail runs along the old railroad tracks, and offers splendid views of the Cape’s natural beauty, landscapes, and ecosystems. This trail is frequently named one of the best things to do on the Cape. It runs along great beaches and towns, so you can stop for a break or a bite to eat.
Stay With Us
With a number of waterfront vacation rentals on Cape Cod to choose from, you can count on us to help you find the perfect place to lay your head after a day of activity. Choose from beachfront and lakefront properties with the amenities of a modern home, but the charm of a 1950s seaside cottage. For more information, call us today at (508) 619-7658.
