Top 15 Must-Visit Cape Cod Towns for Your Summer Getaway

Fact checked by Sarah Cahalan

Cape Cod stretches some 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, giving travelers plenty of land to explore in Massachusetts before it disappears into the sea. Although relatively small, the landmass possesses more than 500 miles of coastline, with each inch more memorable than the last. Beyond its beautiful beaches, Cape Cod is home to many towns rich in history and culture. Here are 15 of the best Cape Cod towns worth exploring this summer and beyond.

Provincetown

Provincetown is one of the most widely known Cape Cod beach communities. Located at the very tip of the Outer Cape, this town has become a haven for the LGBTQ+ community due to its welcoming atmosphere and events like the Provincetown Carnival. While visiting, enjoy accommodations at the Surfside Hotel & Suites or the Breakwater for stunning views and easy beach access. While there, make sure to check out the Provincetown Art Association and Museum and the Race Point Lighthouse.

Dennis

If spending every second on the beach is your vacation motivation, then Dennis is the town for you. Known for its spacious sandy stretches, like Chapin Memorial Beach and Howes Beach, which provide visitors with ample area to relax under the sun. Dennis presents two distinct environments — the Nantucket Sound with West Dennis and Dennisport, and Cape Cod Bay featuring Dennis Village and East Dennis. The former gives off a traditional New England village feel, while the latter is less populated. Local bed-and-breakfasts, such as An English Garden and Isaiah Hall, provide a more intimate experience.

Sandwich

For those wishing to combine their summer beach vacation with lush landscapes, Sandwich is an excellent choice. This town offers a beautiful coastline along with the expansive 700-acre Shawme-Crowell State Forest, abundant in oak trees and containing over 15 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Campsites are also available for those wishing to stay overnight.

Visitors should take a trip to the Heritage Museums & Gardens for a stroll through the manicured gardens, nature trails, and to see a historic carousel along with an American automobile collection featuring pristine antique cars.

Hyannis

Hyannis, a village within the larger town of Barnstable, offers “big city” amenities on Cape Cod, including an airport, shopping malls, and renowned restaurants. Visitors can easily transition between the beach (Veterans Park Beach is a must-visit), the shops on Main Street, and attractions such as the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and Cape Cod Maritime Museum.

Orleans

Orleans is one of the smallest towns on the Cape, yet it delivers a powerful experience. Boasting two popular beaches — Nauset and Skaket — the town also features a charming downtown area with galleries, including the Eastwind Gallery, displaying the work of local artists, as well as Galley West Art Gallery, showcasing artists from the Lower and Outer Cape Cod towns. For accommodation, consider a stay at the Nauset Beach Inn, which advertises “an ocean view from every room.”

Truro

Situated on the Outer Cape, Truro is renowned for its lush, forested landscapes alongside its rugged shorelines. The real attraction here is Truro Vineyards, known for producing exceptional maritime wines, including whites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, along with reds like Barbera and Cabernet Franc. Check out the tasting rooms or South Hollow Spirits, Truro Vineyards’ on-site distillery, known for its Twenty Boat Rum and Dry Line Gin. Although hotels are limited here, rental options abound, including a beautiful three-bedroom beach house perfect for group getaways.

Harwich

Harwich is known for its lively summer festivals and sandy beaches like Red River Beach and Pleasant Road Beach. However, the main draw here is its vibrant seasonal events, such as the annual Cranberry Arts & Music Festival each September, featuring live music and local craft vendors. For an authentic experience, explore local bed-and-breakfasts such as Pelham on Earle or Handkerchief Shoals Inn. For those interested in luxurious accommodations, the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club is a highly recommended choice.

Mashpee

Although Mashpee may not share the same tourism appeal as other towns along Cape Cod, it offers significant culture and history. The community has been the home of the Wampanoag people for thousands of years, with their headquarters still located here. Visitors can explore Mashpee Commons for shopping and dining or head to South Cape Beach, a mile-long stretch perfect for sunbathing. Experience the local vibe by spending a few nights at New Seabury, offering both one- and two-bedroom condos.

Brewster

Brewster, situated in the Lower Cape, is ideal for families or groups, offering diverse options for everyone. Enjoy a wonderful day at various beaches, such as Breakwater Beach, Crosby Landing Beach, and Robbins Hill Beach, or venture off to local attractions like the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History or the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which runs from Dennis to Wellfleet. Historical homes abound, and staying the night at the Candleberry Inn or The Captain Freeman Inn provides a delightful experience.

Woods Hole

This community, technically a village within Falmouth, deserves special mention for its beauty and significant contributions to marine science. Woods Hole is an aquatic paradise, home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, dedicated to enhancing our understanding of the ocean and its Earth system connections, and the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, the nation’s oldest public aquarium. Consider a stay at the Woods Hole Inn, a contemporary bed-and-breakfast, or the Treehouse Lodge, packed with games and outdoor fire pits for kids.

Chatham

Chatham is characterized by a charming downtown, picturesque lighthouse, and wide sandy beaches, making it an ideal destination for a Cape Cod getaway. The town also features the Cape’s first luxury hotel — the Chatham Bars Inn, which has its own private beach. Lighthouse Beach offers stunning views, while a shuttle boat rides to the Tern Island Sanctuary are a must for anyone interested in local wildlife. Treat yourself to exceptional local seafood at one of the upscale restaurants like Pisces, which sources fresh ingredients from local fishermen.

Wellfleet

Wellfleet, located halfway between the tip and elbow of Cape Cod, is often overlooked as vacationers rush to Provincetown. However, it is worthwhile to stop for a meal at Mac’s Shack. The town is famous for its picturesque harbor and enjoyed for its sunset views at Duck Harbor Beach; it’s a perfect chance for relaxation. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Great Island Trail, an eight-mile loop leading through sandy paths, grassy hills, and pine forests. For a taste of nostalgia, spend an evening at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre.

Yarmouth

Located at the center of Cape Cod, Yarmouth consists of three villages and boasts many beautiful beaches such as Seagull Beach, Gray’s Beach, and Bass River Beach, all of which provide clear waters and plentiful sea life. Not just for children, the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth captures interest with its replica pirate ship and artifacts recovered from a real vessel that sank off the coast of Cape Cod in 1717. A lovely stroll can be enjoyed along the Bass Hole Boardwalk, an 800-foot path perched over a salt marsh.

Bourne

Situated on the western edge of Cape Cod, Bourne offers a convenient getaway while avoiding much of the area’s traffic. The canal bisecting the Cape from the mainland provides a scenic spot for biking, featuring views of a remarkable railroad bridge. Nearby, the National Marine Life Center offers educational exhibits focused on rescued animals. If you’re looking for a peaceful walk by the shore, Sagamore Beach provides a lengthy stretch of sand alongside Cape Cod Bay. Notably, The Lobster Trap is a top choice for dining, attracting visitors from all over the Cape to enjoy its delicious lobster rolls.

Eastham

Quietly located, Eastham marks the beginning of the Cape’s Outer arm and boasts stunning beaches on both sides. Along Ocean View Drive, Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach stand out for their beauty. Here, the Pilgrims engaged in their first encounter with the Indigenous Wampanoag people after the Mayflower landed in Provincetown Harbor. Eastham is home to several historic sites that narrate the journey of Europeans arriving and settling in North America, such as the Three Sisters Lighthouses and the Eastham Windmill, the oldest on the Cape from the 17th century.