Exploring Cape Cod: Your Ultimate Guide

No matter how many times you visit Cape Cod, you’ll continue to find new ways to be captivated by its beauty. Massachusetts’ hook-shaped peninsula is special in many ways, thanks to its abundance of charming towns and sandy, pitch-pine-dotted landscapes. In Chatham, for example, a lively Main Street beckons shoppers and diners. However, further north, the towns of Wellfleet and Truro offer a more laid-back vibe with quiet beaches and winding back roads. Provincetown — the crown jewel at the very tip of the Cape — is a haven for artists and writers.

Each town on Cape Cod boasts some of New England’s most idyllic vacation rentals, luxurious hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts — not to mention award-winning seafood shacks and restaurants. Additionally, the unspoiled beauty of the Cape Cod National Seashore invites visitors to sunbathe, hike, and explore endless sandy stretches. Furthermore, the Cape’s many beaches, from Nauset Light Beach in Eastham to Mayflower Beach in Dennis, are treasures waiting to be discovered.

A true haven for those drawn to the sea, Cape Cod brims with nautical charm. It’s true that nothing beats Cape Cod beaches or lighthouses; however, the traffic can sometimes be less than desirable.

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time

Best Time to Go

While the height of summer (between June and late August) is the quintessential time to experience Cape Cod, visiting in September and October is also delightful, as the crowds tend to subside. Prices are typically lower in the fall as well. Be sure to catch the Provincetown Film Festival in June and the Wellfleet OysterFest in October.

Things to Know

The Cape is notorious for its traffic, primarily due to two crucial bridges: the Bourne Bridge and the Sagamore Bridge. These are the only entry and exit roads onto this beautiful peninsula, often creating bottleneck conditions during weekends in summer.

Your best bet is to start (and end) your stay on a weekday. If you must drive in or out on a weekend, expect to add over an hour to your travel time. For reference, driving from Provincetown to Bourne typically takes about an hour and a half. Checking real-time traffic updates can be helpful.

Temperatures can vary wildly on the Cape. It tends to be cooler than one might expect during summer months, thanks to refreshing sea breezes. Moreover, the ocean generally hovers around 67 degrees at peak season, and winters are relatively mild, with salt air reducing the likelihood of massive snowstorms. It’s wise to always bring a light jacket, regardless of the forecast, and keep a pair of flip-flops handy for spontaneous beach outings.

How to Get Around

While Google Maps suggests Cape Cod is just over an hour’s drive from Boston, this isn’t entirely accurate during peak summer months due to heavy traffic, especially on weekends. Therefore, if you’re driving, factor in an additional hour for safety.

Alternatively, consider taking a short flight from Boston or Providence to Hyannis or Provincetown. The CapeFlyer, a seasonal train, departs from Boston’s South Station on weekends during summer, providing a scenic ride into Hyannis. Tickets are reasonably priced, and children under 11 ride free with a paying adult.

The most exciting option is the fast ferry from Boston. Bay State Cruise Company and Boston Harbor Cruises offer 90-minute rides across the bay, and arriving by boat is a memorable experience. After arriving, renting a car is advisable to explore the Cape thoroughly. Although there is a public bus system, it doesn’t reach every spot or beach on the Cape.

Best Hotels

Chatham Bars Inn

Address: 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-0096

This luxurious hotel, established in 1914, showcases a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Guests can indulge in a renovated spa, and if you’re ready for fun in the sun, enjoy food and beverage service at your private beach cabana.

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

Address: 2907 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
Phone: (508) 896-9000

Enjoy a stay at this award-winning resort on a sprawling 429-acre property. Here, you can relax on a private bay beach, rent paddleboards, or explore the nearby Nickerson State Park.

Salt House Inn

Address: 6 Conwell St., Provincetown, MA 02657
Phone: (508) 487-1911

Offering quirky seaside charm with antique elegance, Salt House Inn is just steps from shopping and dining in Provincetown yet maintains a cozy ambiance.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Address: 2173 MA-28, Harwich, MA 02645
Phone: (508) 784-7961

The only five-star resort on Cape Cod, Wequassett boasts expansive grounds, superb dining options, and extensive amenities, including a splash park for the little ones.

AWOL Hotel

Address: 59 Province Lands Rd., Provincetown, MA 02657
Phone: (508) 413-9820

This elegant hotel showcases rooms inspired by Cape Cod’s natural beauty, complete with private outdoor spaces and modern design elements.

Captain Freeman Inn

Address: 15 Breakwater Rd., Brewster, MA 02631
Phone: (508) 896-7481

Experience unique accommodations that reflect Cape Cod’s historical charm at this beautiful inn, with options for spa services right in your room.

Best Restaurants

Blackfish

Address: 17 Truro Center Rd., Truro, MA 02666
Phone: (508) 349-3399

This restaurant offers an elevated dining experience with a sophisticated setting that transforms a former blacksmith shop into a popular seafood haven.

The Canteen

Address: 225 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 02657
Phone: (508) 487-3800

A charming counter-service spot along Commercial Street, The Canteen specializes in quality seafood in a casual beach setting.

Kream n’ Kone

Address: 961 Main St., West Dennis, MA 02670
Phone: (508) 394-0808

Famous for its fried clam strips and an authentic Cape Cod experience since 1953, this seafood shack is a must-visit.

Things to Do

Cape Cod National Seashore

Address: 99 Marconi Site Rd., Wellfleet, MA 02667

This protected coastline, established by President John F. Kennedy, offers beautiful hiking trails and pristine beaches for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Monomoy Island Seal Cruise

Explore the wildlife of Monomoy Island on a scenic cruise that showcases the local seal population in their natural habitat.

Sandwich Glass Museum

Address: 129 Main St., Sandwich, MA 02563
Phone: (508) 888-0251

This museum beautifully chronicles the rich history of Cape Cod’s glass industry, complete with live demonstrations for visitors.

Weather

Peak beach season is from June to August, with July being the warmest month averaging around 78°F (25°C). During winter, most towns are quieter, with rare snow due to the mild sea air. January sees the coldest temperatures averaging around 40°F (4°C).

Conclusion

As you explore Cape Cod, its combination of scenic beauty, quaint towns, and delicious cuisine awaits you at every turn. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood or uncovering its rich history, you are sure to create unforgettable memories in this stunning destination.