Cape Cod Travel Guide

Situated on the Atlantic Coast of Massachusetts, Cape Cod is popular among tourists from New England and around the world, who are drawn to the region's sandy beaches and charming atmosphere. Protected by the National Park Service, Cape Cod's 300-mile shoreline is always clean and unspoiled, in spite of the large number of visitors arriving and enjoying. The many historic and distinctive towns are equally well maintained.

Sights

Sunbathing, diving, kayaking, fishing and swimming are obvious activities to enjoy in Cape Cod. Another great aquatic activity for families and groups of friends is a whale-watching adventure from Provincetown, located at the tip of the cape. It's a great way to get a taste of the Cape's seafaring past and present.

But if you're not up for spending time in or on the water, another enjoyable way to spend a day is on a bicycle. You'll find rental shops all over the area. Take the Shining Sea Bicycle Path or the Cape Cod Rail Path and while...

Situated on the Atlantic Coast of Massachusetts, Cape Cod is popular among tourists from New England  and around the world, who are drawn to the region's sandy beaches and charming atmosphere. Protected by the National Park Service, Cape Cod's 300-mile shoreline is always clean and unspoiled, in spite of the large number of visitors arriving and enjoying. The many historic and distinctive towns are equally well maintained.

Sights

Sunbathing, diving, kayaking, fishing and swimming are obvious activities to enjoy in Cape Cod. Another great aquatic activity for families and groups of friends is a whale-watching adventure from Provincetown, located at the tip of the cape. It's a great way to get a taste of the Cape's seafaring past and present.

But if you're not up for spending time in or on the water, another enjoyable way to spend a day is on a bicycle. You'll find rental shops all over the area. Take the Shining Sea Bicycle Path or the Cape Cod Rail Path and while away a few hours sightseeing and snapping photos of the charming Cape Cod buildings and the many historic landmarks--the old homes, the quaint streets, the lighthouses. At night, you can take in a perfectly breathtaking sunset by Rock Harbor in Orleans town.

If you're traveling with kids, a trip to Cape Cod can be a great learning experience.  Make sure to schedule visits to the museums in Hyannis and the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown.

Dining and Shopping

Fresh seafood, especially the local lobsters and clams, is undeniably the most popular fare on the dining tables of Cape Cod. The island has plenty of sidewalk cafes offering everything edible from the ocean. Some of the area's finest restaurants are in the scenic town of Chatham. You'll also find a very quaint shopping district here, with stores where you can buy souvenirs and many beautiful creations by the Cape's glass artisans.

Art galleries thrive in the region, particularly along Commercial Street in Provincetown, where a wide variety of one-of-a-kind pieces are displayed and sold. The shops of Cape Cod also feature a good selection of nautical and island-themed home furnishings.

Nightlife

The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down in Cape Cod. At night, the island remains lively and vibrant with entertainment of all kinds. One of the best-known spots is the Beachcomber in Wellfleet, which caters to families with fine meals by day and offers music by night. Other after-dark attractions include dance clubs and bars with everything from comedy acts to drag shows.