And don't forget to explore the area's smaller villages for a taste of the Old Cape. 1,000+ places sorted by traveler favorites, Great beach, level with parking lot, lots of fun at, Everyone in the group enjoyed the beer and also the BBQ. The shoreline all along the Cape Cod Coast provides the opportunity for off-roading with hard-packed and soft sand terrain. With an expansive 40 miles of national seashore, Cape Cod is one of New England's premier beach destinations. Not to be missed for any family and anyone interested in ships and sailing, technology, or even World War II. The parking lot fills up quickly during the summer months, so travelers advise getting a spot early in the morning. We parked on the street, but there was parking behind the museum. If you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful summer swim, there are lots of ponds across the cape for a secluded dip. and then the other part is 2 very tall. Cape Cod officials are gearing up for a banner season and have this message for the millions of visitors expected to flood the region: pack a mask and plenty of patience. All rights reserved. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. But there's more to do here than. Theres no time like the winter, spring, or a rainy day to gallery hop in Provincetown. They are small so you dont have as many people going to them, they arent on the main thorough fields.. Good to Know:Horseback riding, boating and other water sports, culinary classes, and the chance to watch art glass created by Island artisans are popular activities here too. It offers the greatest variety in scenery and natural landscapes of all the regional bike paths, with the chance to enjoy lush forests, kettle ponds, sandy lake beaches and salt marshes while you pedal. What Is It? Cancellation policies vary by homeowner, so Sparrow said her company recommends that travelers look into travel insurance. Set on pristine grounds, the spacious museum includes a shop, a natural history library, and an array of exhibits, like the working beehive and a pond- and sealife room with live specimens. If you cant make it to Nantucket during your Massachusetts vacation, stop in downtown Chatham where upscale boutiques, art galleries, antique stores and fine dining establishments stretch for a mile along Main Street. The trams will continue to require wearing masks, Carlstrom said. We drove from Sandwich to Provincetown and stops at lots of beaches and little shops along the way. Travelers in need of a rental on the Cape this season should get cracking, said Jennie Sparrow, marketing manager for WeNeedaVacation.com, which offers more than 4,000 listings on the Cape and islands that range from modest to luxurious. During COVID-19, a new way to dine is available at the hotel, curbside pickup, with more casual items such as a dry-aged burger, crab cake sandwich, and a family-style apple crisp. Good to Know:Teams are located in Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Cotuit, Falmouth, Harwich, Hyannis, Orleans, Wareham and Yarmouth-Dennis. This vibrant town at the tip of Cape Cod offers much in the way of shopping, dining and nightlife. is well worth seeing and a good spot to make the large loop around. Free, Recreation, . There is plenty of space in the sand for kids to play and run around. For a night of beer and artisan thin crust pizza, visit Bad Martha's Falmouth Brewery (their original Martha's Vineyard location is open seasonally). One of the best natural history museums we've ever visited. The splurge spot has plenty of chilled shellfish and serious entrees like lobster fra diavolo and a tomahawk steak for two. The trail name references a lyric from America the Beautiful, by Katherine Lee Bates, who was a Falmouth resident. The Cape Playhouse, located in a 19th-century meeting house in Dennis, was declared by the Actors Equity Association to be the Oldest Professional Summer Theatre in America. Thanks for all your suggestions, The tour guides was interesting and knew a great deal about Mr Gorey. Cape Cod is rich with recreation, from the artistic to the adventurous. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. On the weekends, great live music is added into the mix. Enjoy coming here multiple times each year to see the different flowers and plants in bloom. We got out of the car at Nickerson State Park and walked a few miles on the bikepath. And, its fun, open-minded attitude has remained, making for lively streets and plenty of excitement. Why Do It? The region is also ranked among the ten most popular destinations in the U.S. for beaches and golf. It's an easy walk - there is a pavement/cycle path all along the route. The Highland Light, sometimes referred to as Cape Cod Light, is the oldest and tallest on the cape. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Its the land of eccentric ice cream scoops heaped on fresh, buttery waffle cones. Note: While some things close during the winter months, many lodging options and stores stay open. Yes, that Mudslide: a blend of Baileys, vodka, kahlua, and lots of ice. Oak Bluffs is the village where the Flying Horses (oldest platform carousel in the US and it has a brass ring), the, Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown, Provincetown Scavenger Hunt: The Crown Jewel of Cape Cod. This museum is centrally located in the town of Dennis. Last summer, Herring Cove Beach and Head of the Meadow Beach did not have lifeguards due to the pandemic. What a place, utterly bohemian and relaxed. What Is It? Recent visitors praised the versatile exhibits and serene surroundings atthe Heritage Museums & Gardens, citing the area as a peaceful respite for visitors of all ages. You could clearly see all the way to Provincetown. Being the first time the federal government created a national park, the seashore is more than 43,000 acres. We viewed various photos, documents and statements illustrating JFK's life through the years. And though the original 1950s mono speakers have been known to offer spotty speaker functionality (they are antiques, after all) you can always tune your radio to the drive-in's own 89.5 FM radio station for audio. Good to Know:In addition to whales, seals and dolphins can be seen too. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cape Cod. Its one of the few grandfathered properties allowed to remain within the protected Cape Cod National Seashore, and numerous beach bums head here in the summer to enjoy the sun, the sand and drinks like the house specialty, Goombay Smash. Holly Johnson|Erin EvansFebruary 28, 2023, U.S. News Travel EditorsFebruary 28, 2023, Kyle McCarthy|Catriona KendallFebruary 22, 2023, Holly Johnson|Ann HensonFebruary 22, 2023, Entertainment and Nightlife, Recreation, Shopping, Beaches, Natural Wonders, Free, Parks and Gardens, Historic Homes/Mansions, Monuments and Memorials. What Is It? Walk the Boardwalk or visit MacMillan Wharf. If youd like some lobster to dine on, a lobstah truck sits out front. The terrain is flat, paved, safe, and doable for kids of all ages. We stopped here for the beer. I had not realized how much work he had done besides the Dracula set and the Mystery theater animations. These can be tight spaces and, certainly, its within reason.. This is not a trail for beginners. ' Northcross said. If you stay and play, you can take advantage of the opportunity to reserve tee times six weeks in advance of arrival and also enjoy golf vacation workshops. Learn more, including how to schedule a free ride to the Amarillo Public Health Department, at www.AmarilloAlerts.com/findavaccine. . Its also 70 miles long so it's best to break it into three regionsand to make more than a single trip so you can explore it all. Provincetown, Cape Cod - Audio Tour Guide: The birthplace of American Liberty! Good to Know:There are four other lighthouses open for tours, including Nobska Point, Chatham, Nauset and Race Point. These numbers include patients with and without COVID-19. Automated robotic security firm will partner with the 6th Space Warning Squadron, in increasing efficiency of installation security. What Is It? The crescent-shaped peninsula known as Cape Cod is a favorite destination for many, with its miles and miles of unspoiled beaches and sand dunes, charming waterfront cottages and B&Bs, lighthouses, art galleries, museums and more. our latest advice & deals in your inbox! Granted, the first few days we dealt with the after affects of the hurricane that had hit Florida, but then the sun came out and we really soaked up the beautiful beaches. Good to Know:Jenkins Pond, in Falmouth, is one of the areas cleanest ponds and it also offers great fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, white and yellow perch, and occasionally trout. On Cape Cod, the only thing as sure as the seafood and lighthouses is the region's dependence on summer tourism. Great spot for kids too with the tidal pools! You may not be able to scope out the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, six acres of waterfront property along Nantucket Sound where the family spent their summers and Ethel Kennedy still lives, but you can learn about the Kennedys' connection to the Cape at the nearby Kennedy Museum. For the latest Covid information or to find vaccine locations, visit www.AmarilloAlerts.com. Cape Cod even offers a vineyard for wine enthusiasts. A favorite weekend getaway destination in the Northeast, Cape Cod has been a popular vacation spot for decades, especially during summer. Many people remain at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death due to Covid, which is why staying up-to-date on Covid vaccinations and boosters is of utmost importance.". There isnt a whole lot of availability left, but there is some, she said. There are nearly three dozen public golf courses on Cape Cod. We went the first week in October. According to the Amarillo Department of Public Health's new COVID-19 report card issued for the week of Feb. 23 to March 1, there were 357 new cases, with the overall total rising to 90,331 COVID-19 cases, 1,327 total active cases, a seven-day positivity rate of 7% and 1,327 deaths. Fin and humpbacks whales are regularly spotted between April and October, and experts have discovered that Cape Cod Bay is an important breeding ground for the extremely rare North Atlantic right whale. Why Do It? There are plenty of free and paid parking lots near the downtown area. It boasts narrow cobblestone streets lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and unique shops as well as offering great people watching. Its sister resort, the Villages at Ocean Edge Resort, (from $119 a night) shares the grounds and offers more private accommodations. Plus, Cahoon Hollow and neighboring beach Newcomb Hollow is consistently rated one of the best spots for stargazing in Massachusetts, thanks to the Outer Capes dark skies. The beach sits on the Outer Cape, so waves are suitable for surfers or boogie boarders. There is no amateur baseball league thats more prestigious, and there are more than 200 active Major League players that have spent time in the Cape Cod League in fact, one in seven major leaguers has spent at least a summer here. Love Provincetown and will be back again soon. There are many Ma and Pa type operations that have excellent food. Of the 346 fully vaccinated cases, median age was 42, and 87% were men. Jonathan Kandell of the Smithsonian Museum called it the most appealing stretch of America I know.. Recent visitors praised the staff at the welcome center and say that its a beautiful area to walk. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Be sure to have a map, as the way to beaches and other points of interest don't have signs on the main road. Bring a picnic along and enjoy it at one of the many idyllic spots along the way. Cahoon Hollow is just as fun after dark as it is during the day. Naturally, the bread is a New England hot dog bun, which means it griddles superiorly thanks to its flat cut sides. And the answer is, theres going to be very little requirement by the government.. Today, the 40-mile stretch of coast is recognized as having some of the best beaches on Cape Cod, including Nauset Beach in Eastham, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet and Race Point and Herring Cove beaches in Provincetown. Cape Cod is home to 16 lighthouses, some of which you can even climb to the top to take in phenomenal vistas of the shoreline the ocean beyond. With capacity limits, required closures of some businesses and other Massachusetts COVID-19 rules set to end on Saturday, Cape Cod is now preparing for its first major holiday weekend since 2019 without pandemic restrictions in place. The homemade hard ice cream comes in myriad flavors including Almond Joy, ginger, pistachio, heath bar, and bananas foster. Truro Vineyards hosts tours and tastings as well as the opportunity to picnic on its well-manicured grounds. Also, vacationers who are flexible with their plans may be impacted less by the workforce shortage, he said. You can't miss a chance to hop aboard one of the best whale watching tours in Cape Cod, and don't forget to visit lively Provincetown, where boutiques, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops abound. What a great time to visit. It also has special happenings, like a Friday night art series with local artists and gallery owners as well as a whole range of top-notch restaurants onsite (more on that below). One of the cutest beach towns in New England, Provincetown is located at the very northern tip of Cape Cod. What Is It? Review of: Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum, See all attractions in Cape Cod on Tripadvisor, Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, See all outdoor activities in Cape Cod on Tripadvisor, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Cape Cod, Hotels near Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum, Hotels near John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Hotels near The Steamship Authority - Martha's Vineyard, Hotels near Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Hotels near Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), Motels near Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), Motels near Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Even in the Winter this is a beautiful destination ~ we saw people riding on the beach with their 4x4 vehicles late at night. Our website uses various cookies. Outdoors, informative trails to the beautiful shore. Depending when you visit, you may even be able to catch a live music show, bid at an art auction or take a pottery class. by local restaurant and one of my favorite restaurants on the cape, Blackfish (open only for bc over a mile long on uneven rocks but worth it. According to past visitors, if you are a Gorey fan, this quirky museum is must-see. Or, if youre staying nearby in Wellfleet, consider biking to the beach. The museums collection is made up of nearly 6,000 glass items, including perfume bottles, vases, lamps, candlesticks and tableware. What Is It? While Provincetown's beach area isn't the best for sunbathing, there are opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding in the summer. The Seashore includes six public beaches, 40 miles of coastline, and 36 miles of hiking and biking trails. This is the year to try that restaurant you noticed on the outskirts of town, said Tom Murphy, president of the Yarmouth Restaurant Association. The museum exhibits almost 5,000 pieces of glass produced at the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company between 1825 and1888. This is a spot for bargains as well as high-priced, rare treasures. Another new. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Cycle the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Most trips last for three to four hours and are guided by expert naturalists. Good to Know:It passes through some of the countrys oldest villages too, including Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans, with many of the homes and churches listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But don't let the shabby-chic atmosphere fool you: The playhouse boasts quite an impressive alumni base, including Gregory Peck, Betty White and Bette Davis. Local officials have little doubt the flood of summer visitors is one driver of the COVID surge, with the Cape's population easily doubling during the summer season, and Provincetown swelling . The ferry is on time and not noisy. Visitors can also explore the pier, where they can enjoy the ocean air and browse the small stands run by local artisans. We took the ferry to Nantucket on a Sunday. Also on offer during the pandemic is beer to-go, which can be ordered online as four-packs or growler refills. It's free for those under 12. Complete with the original and somewhat uncomfortable pews serving as the venue's seats, the interior makes for a quaint theater experience. Good to Know: Breaking stripers, bluefish, bonito, and false albacore are all caught along the shoreline here too. Exhibits detail how important Sandwichs contributions were at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. The Beachfront compound of the Chatham Bars Inn (from $290 a night) has rooms and cottages that manage to be both luxurious and quintessentially Cape Cod (and super dog friendly). Once you get to know the trail, you will enjoy it much more. Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com. Sally F. was our tour guide through the original house. There are a lot of hills and blind turns (you have to slow down). What Is It? Good to Know:An exhibit hall upstairs features a wall display with aerial images that document the process by which the famous Chatham sandbar was split in two, while the popular Butterfly House offers the chance to get up close to these beautiful winged creatures and, during the summer you can even feed them! Homes with pools are typically rented quickly, Sparrow said. Visitors planning excursions have many options, said Bill DeSousa, publicist for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. , just get there early or on a weekday to park. If you're planning to visit, here is a look at the 21 ultimate things to do on this scenic cape island. The summer season runs from June through September and ticket prices vary by show type, showtime and seat section. Amarillo Public Health strongly encourages residents to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters. Beyond the shores, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails for you to explore, and two helpful visitor centers that are worth a pit stop. "Covid has impacted all aspects of daily life and contributed to a decline in life expectancy. September and early October, we really get some summer days, weather wise, she said. Cape Cod, MA Cape Cod, MA . Restaurants were booked solid, and snaking lines formed outside the dance clubs. Previously known as the Old Colony Railroad corridor, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is considered one of the best bike trails in New England. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. If youre thinking of going out to popular restaurants at 6-6:30, you should be expecting to have a long line.. The region is also ranked among the ten most popular destinations in the U.S. forbeachesand golf. The Beachcomber Restaurant a Cape Cod staple sits high on the dunes overlooking the ocean and draws visitors with its fresh seafood, live music and fun nighttime atmosphere. See more places. Unlike the bay and ocean beaches where signs will point you in the right direction, many of the best freshwater swimming holes are truly hidden gems. One of the secret springs leftover from the Ice Age, hidden deep in the Wellfleet and Truro woods is Gull Pond, with exquisitely clear, silky waters. Cape Cod has been named as one of the top ten spots in the world forwhale watching and water activities, including paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and windsurfing. Cape Cod Space Force Station received an unmanned ground vehicle in the form of a semi-autonomous "dog" meant to enhance their base protocols on Feb. 24, 2023. Great time to beachcomb and visit the seaside towns. The old Boston & Sandwich Glass Company facility once the cornerstone of the glass-blowing, pressing and cutting industries was preserved by Sandwich Historical Society at the turn of the century. If youre planning to visit, here is a look at this comprehensive list of what we think are the best things to do on this scenic cape island. Cape Cod officials last week said they're facing a third surge and that the community needs emergency vaccination sites after 20 of the first P.1 cases popped up. Walked here from Provincetown- it took us about 40 minutes from the centre of town. Great for a day at the beach; stay for sunset; looks like glass. Why Do It? At Race Point Beach in Provincetown, youll have incredible views of the Atlantic and Cape Cod Bay and miles of sandy shoreline to enjoy. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. As for masks, visitors should still carry them, even though Gov. Cape Cod is rich with recreation, from the artistic to the adventurous. Good to Know:If youre on a tight budget and dont mind missing the sunset, take the lunch cruise and youll pay less its just as scenic as the evening trip. There is also a recreation of a 19th-century sea captain's parlor at home and his quarters at sea, a diorama of the Mayflower Compact being signed aboard the Mayflower in Provincetown Harbor and more. Its often found on lists of the best places to have a drink on the Cape, and overlooks the dunes on Cahoon Hollow Beach, providing a panoramic view of the Atlantic. Whale watching can be done here. The guides are super knowledgeable about the amazing history of ship-to-shore communications displayed in the original wireless transmission building. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Museum displayed various events documenting JFK's life up to and including his death. Double features are shown each night throughout the summer (complete with a vintage welcome reel and quintessential theater snacks at the Dairy Bar and Snack Bar), making for a memorable family theater outing. Why Do It? Why Do It? Some of the Cape's best beaches and ponds are scattered throughout the area, especially in Orleans and Wellfleet. Why Do It? It was first constructed out of wood in 1797, to warn ships about the dangerous coastline between Cape Ann and Nantucket as it was usually the first seen by ships approaching from Europe. I am a fan of glass so I definitely made sure I had the Sandwich Glass Museum on my list of stops when I visited Cape Cod this past September. Why Do It? Another new option is private dining. The area is also home to acclaimed beaches and the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Stay Back from Ocean Bluffs Dont discount being on lakes and ponds, she said. Unwind with a glass of local wine at Truro Vineyards, which specializes in maritime grapes. The parking for handicap is fabulous. The visitor center is well worth seeing and a good spot to make the large loop around. But in areas where its hard to maintain social distancing, if you have not been vaccinated, per the CDC, please wear masks. check out what humans are learning from termite mounds about natural cooling systems in hot climates), and a fun aquarium. Cape Cod has been named as one of the top ten spots in the world for whale watching and water activities, including paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and windsurfing. Of course, the town offers its fair share of bars, but there are plenty of other unique nighttime activities to choose from such as karaoke spots, drag shows and dance clubs. Its permitted from many of the docks and bridges, though the abundant shoreline at Chatham is renowned for some of the best striped bass fishing on the planet. Lots of fun and a great time. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, How to Throw a Perfect Bachelorette Party in Charleston, The Best Things to Do in Dominica, the Caribbeans Nature Island, Which Island to Choose for Your Hawaii Honeymoon, How to Throw a Perfect Bachelorette Party in New Orleans, A Guide to Seeing Vancouver's Indigenous Heritage and Natural Beauty by Bicycle. What Is It? Cortile Gallery is another gem thats worth browsing even if not shopping. Now, businesses are sorting through what that will look like. What Is It? Car fanatics will drool over theAntique Automobile Collection, a living timeline of the evolution of the automobile. Tennis, baseball, softball and soccer pose less risk because players can keep physical distance. For the 250 young players in the league, the majority of which are still not able to legally buy alcohol, its the most crucial summer of their baseball career, and it can make, or break, their big league dreams. Towering over the quaint Provincetown skyline, the Pilgrim Monument modeled after theTorre del Mangiain Siena, Italy is a must-see for history-loving travelers. Cape Cod Provincelands Trail 274 Hiking Trails By mtmonadnck The visitor center is well worth seeing and a good spot to make the large loop around. By the Fourth of July, Provincetown's tourist season had built to a prepandemic thrum. Here is our guide for what to do in Cape Cod: where to eat, stay, and play. We were there in October, so I'm not sure how busy it is in the summer, but there was ample parking in the lot. The Rice-Polak Gallery features the work of mid-career and emerging artists alike, group and solo exhibitions, and contemporary art in an array of media including photography, sculpture, and digital art among the paintings. Hunted for shark teeth (found one) and shells. The most common symptoms were cough, headache, sore throat, myalgia, and fever. Southern New Englands largest public garden, it hosts an impressive collection of plants, shrubs, and trees native to Cape Cod, as well as an excellent Norman Rockwell collection in the museum. Art aficionados can browse the eclectic collection of American folk art while the kids enjoy a ride on the vintage, hand-carved carousel. CHATHAM (CBS) - If you see a house for sale in Cape Cod, don't blink. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The town of Chatham is located in the southeastern corner of the Cape, meaning it's about midway between the mainland and Provincetown. The hotel is a known wedding venue, but theres no need to wait for a special occasion to spend a night. Many past visitors described the venue as beautiful and the atmosphere as welcoming, though some do lament the stiff seating and lack of strong air conditioning. It was once a farm that sold a variety of fruits and vegetables; today it produces grapes. Good to Know: An onsite shop sells contemporary as well as reproduction glassware. We have been in Chatham many times and didn't even know it was there. Its a must-visit for those who love nature, with the opportunity to take a stroll across the sand through high cliff dunes passing tidal flats, salt marshes, ponds, vernal pools, and more. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. For more information, check out Provincetown tourism board's website. The new P.1 variant of COVID-19 first found in travelers from Brazil has been detected in Massachusetts more than anywhere else in the country, and the lion's share of those cases are part of a. Editors note: Due to ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions, visitors are advised to contact businesses directly for updated hours and safety guidelines. What Is It? Walk the Dunes at Cape Cod National Seashore, beloved nature destination in Massachusetts, Enjoy a Picnic and Wine Tasting at Truro Vineyards, Shop for Antiques at the Sandwich Antiques Center, Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism via Flickr, Top 11 Hotels Near Bryce Canyon National Park, 12 Best Beach Hotels in South Padre Island, Texas, Top 14 Luxury Vacation Rentals in San Diego, 12 Authentic Dude Ranches in the U.S. for a Cowboy-cation, Top 10 Luxury Train Journeys in the United States, We Analyzed 2,500+ US Resorts These Are The 15 Highest-Rated on TripAdvisor, 14 Best U.S. Attractions to Celebrate Black History Month.