Top Things to Do in Cape Cod: Beaches, Whales, and Seafood Delights
There’s more to Cape Cod than sea and sand. Some of the coolest activities in this iconic Massachusetts destination take place off the beach.
Get out on the water for fantastic wildlife watching; indulge in the region’s finest seafood and vibrant nightlife; shop in charming art galleries and antique shops; explore unique landscapes and beautiful gardens that adorn the Cape.
From fun in the sun to lively towns to unexpected adventures, here are the best things to do in Cape Cod.
Stop and Smell the Flowers at Heritage Gardens
There’s always something blooming at Heritage Museum & Gardens—a stunning 100 acres of landscaped gardens and walking trails located in Sandwich. The months of May and June bring a special treat, as the Dexter Rhododendron Garden bursts into bloom, while the Hydrangea Display Garden dazzles from July to September with thousands of blossoms.
In addition to flowers, visitors can enjoy an antique car collection, a lovely (working!) vintage carousel, and a delightful outdoor play area for kids, making this site one of Cape Cod’s top family destinations.
Dine at a Beachfront Seafood Shack
Whether it’s fried clams or lobster rolls, fresh seafood tastes best at a picnic table overlooking the water. Here, you can inhale the salty air, enjoy stunning views, and savor the ocean’s bounty. Some popular seaside seafood shacks include the Beachcomber at Cahoon Hollow Beach and the Sesuit Harbor Café in Dennis.
Frolic in Cape Cod Bay at Low Tide
When the tide recedes, Cape Cod Bay transforms into an expansive playground of sunlight, sea, and sand. This enchanting setting is perfect for building sandcastles, hunting for hermit crabs, and tossing a frisbee—a must-do for families with kids of all ages. The west-facing bayside beaches also provide prime locations for sunset viewing, particularly at Mayflower Beach in Dennis and Point of Rocks in Brewster.
Shop for Antiques on Old King’s Highway
Route 6A, known as the Old King’s Highway, runs between Bourne and Orleans—once the primary east-to-west thoroughfare on Cape Cod. This delightful drive features white picket fences, vibrant gardens, and historic homes. The largest concentration of historic houses can be found in Yarmouthport, where nearly 50 sea captains’ homes line Captains’ Mile. Antique shops pepper the Old King’s Highway; a stop to browse can lead to unique treasures to take home.
Catch the “Stars of Tomorrow” in Action
For baseball enthusiasts, the Cape Cod Baseball League is a must-see. This prestigious collegiate league, one of the oldest in the country, has produced over a thousand major league players. It offers world-class baseball without commercialization—admission is free. A Cape Cod tradition since 1885, attending a game is a fun all-American summer activity.
Hike the Trails at Sandy Neck
Located in Barnstable, Sandy Neck stretches 6.5 miles along Cape Cod Bay, providing miles of hiking trails through rolling dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests.
For the best opportunity to spot wildlife such as red foxes and shorebirds, walk in the early morning or late evening. After your hike, don’t miss a stop at the Snack Shack for some delicious fried clams or a refreshing ice cream treat—you’ve earned it!
Spy on Seals in Chatham
It’s not uncommon to catch sight of a cute whiskered face peeking above the water near Cape Cod—home to approximately 50,000 gray and harbor seals. To guarantee a closer look, take a boat trip to Monomoy Islands, where you’ll see seals bobbing in the waves and lounging on the beaches.
During mating season (particularly in September and October), the beach can become crowded with hundreds of seals piled together. You can also spot them from the observation deck at Chatham Fish Pier, which also happens to be a fantastic place for a lobster roll lunch.
Cycling the Cape Cod Rail Trail
Though many excellent bike trails wind through the Cape, none compare to the Cape Cod Rail Trail—a 25-plus-mile scenic, paved, off-road path. The trail stretches from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet, weaving through forests, farmlands, kettle ponds, cranberry bogs, and salt marshes. The final miles run parallel to the National Seashore, offering an easy opportunity for a quick beach stop to cool off.
Paddle Around Nauset Marsh
With tranquil waters and abundant wildlife, Nauset Marsh serves as Cape Cod’s premier kayaking location, particularly for beginners. In this picturesque salt marsh, paddlers may spot seals, otters, and a variety of bird species. Extend your paddle journey into Salt Pond Bay or out to Coast Guard Beach to experience different ecosystems and more challenging conditions.
Watch a Movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In
After a thrilling day filled with surf, sand, and seafood, head over to the Wellfleet Drive-In as the sun begins to set. Sit back and enjoy a double feature; while the technology and movies are contemporary, the drive-in experience feels nostalgic and classic. Kids can be entertained with both a playground and mini-golf between shows.
Browse the Galleries on Provincetown’s Commercial Street
Stroll down the main avenue in Provincetown for prime window shopping, gallery hopping, and people-watching. Whether you’re looking for a quirky t-shirt, a serene seascape, or an erotic sculpture, Commercial Street has something for everyone. Take a break at Aqua Bar to sip a refreshing cocktail while enjoying the sunset over Provincetown Harbor.
Experience the LGBTIQ+ Vibe in Provincetown
Provincetown is renowned for its vibrant and expressive LGBTIQ+ community. The lively street scenes and energetic nightlife make this town the hottest LGBTIQ+ destination in the northeast. To experience it firsthand, attend the afternoon Tea Dance at the Boatslip, enjoy a drag show at the Crown & Anchor, or cap off your night at A-House.
Slurp Oysters on the Half-Shell
The sweet scent, salty taste, smooth texture, and chilling temperature combined with the tantalizing sound of slurping make eating raw oysters a sensory delight that encapsulates the ocean in one bite.
As one of the finest destinations on the east coast for this experience, Cape Cod offers a celebrated merroir from Cape Cod Bay. Order a dozen oysters and indulge at the Naked Oyster in Hyannis or Mac’s Shack in Wellfleet.
Play Golf at the Coastal Highland Links
Established in 1892, Highland Links stands among Cape Cod’s oldest and most picturesque golf courses, perched on bluffs overlooking the Truro coastline. The unique landscape and stunning setting make Highland Links an exceptional venue for golfing in Cape Cod. This nine-hole traditional links-style course features natural rough, coarse grasses, and breathtaking scenery, highlighted by the beautiful Highland Lighthouse.
Whale Watching at Stellwagen Bank
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of witnessing a giant whale leap from the water or flip its tail in appreciation.
Such sightings are virtually guaranteed on a cruise to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine sanctuary and one of the richest feeding grounds for marine mammals and birds worldwide. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch cruises depart from Provincetown.
Explore Cape Cod National Seashore by Bike or Truck
Stretching along the outer edge of the Outer Cape, the Cape Cod National Seashore features 40 miles of pristine landscapes—beautiful beaches, rolling sand dunes, pine forests, and kettle ponds, accentuated by a few historic lighthouses.
While it may be impossible to see all in one visit, the Province Lands bike trail offers an excellent sampler through a surprisingly rugged 5.45-mile loop—one of the top attractions in Cape Cod. End your bike ride at the scenic Race Point Beach for a refreshing swim.
The stunning sandscapes of the Cape Cod National Seashore can also be explored by 4WD (with a permit). If you don’t have access to a suitable vehicle, knowledgeable guides at Art’s Dune Tours provide informative tours that showcase the history and geology of this region—allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty in a comfortable all-terrain vehicle.
Enjoy the Beach Experience
No visit to Cape Cod is complete without spending time at the beach—swimming, sunbathing, or surfing. With beautiful coastlines and charming beaches, there’s a perfect sandy spot for everyone. The summer offers ideal conditions for outdoor fun, while the off-season creates opportunities for serene beachcombing, wildlife watching, and intimate escapes.
Even in winter, the breathtaking seascape and diverse scenery invite long beach walks (preferably followed by a cup of hot chocolate). Regardless of when you visit Cape Cod, life is undeniably a beach experience. Just as it should be.
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