Things to do in Cape Cod
Yankee quaint and beachy kitsch
Endless beaches wrap the shoreline of Cape Cod, a Massachusetts peninsula dotted with fishing villages, miniature golf courses, picture-perfect lighthouses, motels, and quaint art galleries. It’s the starting point for trips to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and a longtime magnet for artists and other creatives. Head all the way to the tip and you’ll reach the LGBTQ haven of Provincetown, whose lively drag bars coexist cheerfully with whale-watching tours and hiking trails.
Top 5 attractions in Cape Cod
Provincetown
Sandwich Glass Museum
Cape Cod Canal
John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
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Top activities in Cape Cod
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All about Cape Cod
When to visit
Summer visitors flood Cape Cod with traffic in July and August, but the peak vacation energy during this month is wonderful for beach days. Shoulder seasons are the best of both worlds: In-the-know travelers aim for May–June or September–October to enjoy sunny days without the crowds. Winter in Cape Cod is quiet but a beautiful time to bundle up for beach walks, hikes, and visiting antique shops.
Getting around
Many Cape Cod visitors come by car, but summer’s legendary traffic jams require a strategic approach—try to avoid busy Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority has buses that link major destinations, and the summer-only CapeFLYER train links Boston with Hyannis. Alternately, take a ferry straight to Provincetown, with seasonal departures available from Boston and Plymouth. Once there, cycling is a popular option, especially along the 25-mile (40-kilometer) Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Traveler tips
Beach parking fees can be up to $30 USD—and that’s if you can find a spot at all. Cycling to the beach in Cape Cod is a budget-friendly way to avoid that hassle. Fortunately, some of the cape’s very best beaches—including Trunk River Beach, West Dennis Beach, Coast Guard Beach, Head of the Meadow Beach, and Herring Cove Beach—are located just off bike paths and cycling-friendly roads.