Top Things to Do on Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a popular vacation destination on the east coast of the United States. With its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and delicious seafood, there is something for everyone on this unique cape. Cape Cod has plenty to offer if you are looking for outdoor activities, historical sites, or family-friendly attractions. Here are some of the top things to do on Cape Cod.

The Beaches

Craigville Beach, located in Centerville, is another popular spot for vacationers visiting Cape Cod. This beach offers something for everyone: breathtaking ocean views, a wide sandy shoreline, and clear water. Craigville Beach is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. You can also explore nearby trails that wind through the dunes or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline while collecting seashells. If you are looking for some quiet relaxation, Craigville Beach offers several shaded areas where you can relax in comfort while admiring beautiful views of the ocean. Additionally, this beach is home to several restaurants, ice cream stands, and shops that offer souvenirs and other items related to your beach visit. Whether you want to participate in water activities or simply sit back and relax while enjoying the scenery, Craigville Beach should be your destination when visiting Cape Cod. During low tide, you will find tidal pools teeming with marine life that make for an incredible sight. On any given day, you might encounter birds such as gulls, sandpipers, and cormorants darting across the surf or even catch sight of dolphins playing in the waves. There are plenty of places to rent beach gear, such as umbrellas, chairs, and surfboards, so you can fully enjoy all the amenities Craigville Beach offers. The local concession stand sells snacks and refreshments so you can keep your energy up throughout the day as well. Whether it’s a family outing or a romantic getaway, there is no better place than Craigville Beach to experience all the beauty and adventure Cape Cod offers!

The Lighthouses

If you’re looking for a spectacular sight, visiting one of Cape Cod’s beautiful lighthouses is a must. This area of Massachusetts is home to fourteen distinct lighthouses, each with its unique story and amazing views. You can easily access many of these lighthouses, making them a fantastic way to explore the coast of Cape Cod.

The first lighthouse on Cape Cod was erected in 1797, and six more have been added since then. The Highland Lighthouse, located on the very tip of Cape Cod, is the oldest and most popular, as it offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Race Point Lighthouse is another fan favorite, located at the northern tip of Provincetown. This lighthouse is situated on the beach and offers a stunning view of the waves crashing against the rocks.

One of the most notable lighthouses on Cape Cod is Nauset Light. This lighthouse is just off Eastham beach and is known for its distinctive black-and-white stripes. It was moved to this location from its original site in 1923, and its keeper’s house has been converted into a museum full of artifacts from the area.

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, visiting one or more of Cape Cod’s lighthouses is an absolute must. Enjoy exploring the history, beauty, and culture of these iconic sites!

The Shopping

Cape Cod shopping is some of the best in Massachusetts. With many boutique shops, antique stores, and charming markets, there is something for everyone. For an excellent selection of art, jewelry, clothing, and gifts head to Commercial Street in Provincetown or Main Street in Falmouth. You can also find great vintage items at the various second-hand shops scattered around the area. Hyannis is home to Cape Cod Mall, an indoor shopping center with over 50 stores and restaurants, and a movie theater. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or handmade items, check out the Artists Association of Nantucket or the Coonamessett Farm. You can even pick up some locally made goods at farmers’ markets around Cape Cod! These markets are wonderful places to buy Cape Cod’s specialties, from homemade jams to freshly caught seafood. From May through October, the Orleans Farmers Market offers local produce, prepared foods, baked goods, wine, and craft beer from more than eighty vendors every Tuesday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Another great market is the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce Market located in Bourne from 10 am – 2 pm every Wednesday. Additionally, don’t forget to check out The South Cape Village Shopping Center located in Mashpee, which offers plenty of restaurants and shopping outlets year-round. Whether you are looking for luxury items, one-of-a-kind souvenirs or everyday necessities, Cape Cod Shopping has it all!

The Food

When it comes to culinary delights, Cape Cod has it all. From fresh seafood to classic New England favorites, there is something to satisfy every palate. Restaurants on Cape Cod offer a variety of options, from fine dining establishments to casual eateries and everything in between.

For seafood lovers, many restaurants feature the freshest catch of the day – you can find everything from clams and lobster to haddock and oysters. The local anglers bring in their daily catches, ensuring you get the most delicious seafood possible. Be sure to sample some classic dishes like clam chowder, fried clams, and lobster rolls!

If seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options. You can find amazing Italian and Mexican cuisine, steakhouses, and traditional American fare. There are also plenty of bakeries and cafes to choose from for an afternoon snack or a quick bite.

No matter what type of cuisine you are looking for, you can find it on Cape Cod. With so many restaurants to choose from, you will surely find something delicious and satisfying.

The Whale Watching

One of the top things to do on Cape Cod is whale watching off its coast. Every year, visitors worldwide flock to the region to catch a glimpse of some of the majestic creatures that live in the nearby waters. From June through October, humpback and finback whales can be seen off the coast of Cape Cod, as well as dolphins, seals, and other sea life.

On whale watching off Cape Cod, one of the best places to go is Provincetown. Located at the very tip of the Cape, this picturesque town offers some of the most stunning views of whales in their natural habitat. Several whale-watching boats depart from the dock at MacMillan Pier daily, allowing passengers to view these magnificent creatures up close and personal. Boats typically leave in the morning and can range from two to five hours, depending on what’s being seen.

Whale watching off Cape Cod is also possible from other locations around the peninsula. Barnstable Harbor, Sandwich, and Chatham are all great spots to take a boat out and look for whales. Passengers should always be sure to bring binoculars with them to get a better view.

In addition to the boat tours, there are plenty of land-based whale watching opportunities too. Headlands Beach State Park in Wellfleet is a beautiful place to catch sight of these amazing creatures, as well as Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. From here you may be able to spot a breaching whale or watch as a pod of dolphin’s swim by.

Whale watching off Cape Cod is an unforgettable experience and something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. So if you’re planning a visit to this beautiful area, be sure to add some time on the water to your itinerary!