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With colorful sunsets, white-sandy beaches, fresh seafood, picture-perfect lighthouses, a diverse selection of outdoor activities, and unique historical attractions, Cape Cod, MA, is one of the best destinations to enjoy your holiday. It’s a famous getaway spot for many families in the US.
Whether you’re looking to watch wildlife, play golf, hike, or shop, Cape Cod is your go-to destination for weekends or holidays with family and friends. Let’s look at Cape Cod things to do on your next vacation.
1. Explore the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is among the eight diverse refugees located along Massachusetts’s Atlantic Flyway. It was established in 1944 to serve as a habitat for migratory birds.
With about 8 miles of sandy beaches, ponds that attract numerous birds, and freshwater and salt marshes, there is always something you can enjoy at this place.
Here are things to do while at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.
Wildlife Viewing
As the name suggests, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a place to experience wildlife. You’re likely to find the occasional seal and horseshoe crabs. Moreover, there are over ten species of birds that have made this place their home.
Fishing
If you like fishing and you’re hunting for bluefish, this wildlife refuge has got you covered. However, before you come to this place, ensure you meet all necessary permits.
Walking Trail
On arrival, you’ll be guided or given the Morris Island map that helps you explore the refuge. The map has all the information you need about your walking trail, from native wildlife learning centers, hands-on activities centers to information about foliage.
Monomoy Island Ferry
Other than being the path you’ll use to arrive and leave the refuge, Monomoy Island Ferry also lets you enjoy sport fishing, shark tours, and whale watching.
2. Visit Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket
From beaches where you can sit and watch the sunset to charming villages and locally-loved restaurants, there is always something to do at Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket. Over 13 million visitors come to this place every year to shop and enjoy themselves.
Some fun activities to do at Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket include the following.
Anderson’s Bike Rentals
Anderson’s offers visitors bike rental services at a small fee. You can find the rentals off Oak Bluffs ferry dock.
Walk Trip
The Menemsha Beach and Kamata Beach in Martha’s Vineyard are one of the best places to enjoy a day trip with your family. Other good spots include Lighthouse Beach, Lobsterville Beach, and Joseph Sylvia State beach.
Kiteboarding
Nantucket offers flat and waist-deep water for visitors who love kiteboarding. If you’re new to kiteboarding, there are coaches to help you develop your skills.
Dining
There are all kinds of food in the restaurants at Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket. Whether you’re looking for freshly caught seafood, New England’s most refined foods, or sidewalk case meals, it’s pretty easy to find food at this place.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket has a wide selection of clubs and bars where visitors enjoy dance, comedy, and drag shows.
3. Soak in Provincetown’s Beautiful Dunes
Provincetown is one of the most welcoming and favorite destinations for many Americans. Apart from its natural delights, culinary, and rich cultural heritage, the town is becoming more popular for its inclusivity of the LGBTQ community.
Below are other Cape Cod things to do if you want to make your vacation memorable at this place.
Monument and Museum
At Provincetown, you’ll get to climb the country’s tallest all granite structure for a breathtaking view of the town.
Experience Art
People in this town appreciate creativity and have fabulous art galleries. When you stroll on commercial streets, you’ll see a collection of paintings, sculptures, or photography.
Enjoy Nature
Have a view of the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset at Herring Cove beach. You can also relax while viewing the wildlife.
4. Enjoy Plenty of Shellfish at Wellfleet Drive-in
If you’re looking for exciting things to do in cape cod, then Wellfleet should be on your list. Wellfleet drive-in is famous for its wildlife sanctuary and its great oysters. Some of the activities you can participate in include the following!
Attending Wellfleet Oyster Festival
Each year, the locals and visitors come together for the Wellfleet oyster festival. Usually, it involves athletic competitions, educational presentations, cooking competitions, live music, dancing, and much more.
Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wellfleet Bay wildlife sanctuary lies on 937 acres and stretches along the harbor. At this beautiful sanctuary, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the salt marsh, the wildlife, or the pine forest.
Wellfleet Farmers Market
You can go shopping at the Wellfleet farmers market for baked goods, veggies, herbs, and more. Usually, the market is open from 8. am on Wednesday.
Wellfleet Drive-in Theater
The theater is an excellent spot to enjoy a romantic getaway or time with family and friends. You get to watch a movie in the comfort of your car.
5. Unlock the Rich History and Heritage of Sailors and Pirates
Falmouth is home to delicious seafood, pristine beaches, and historic town centers. It’s a small town located in Barnstable County, one of the largest municipalities in Cape Cod.
Check out these activities!
Fishing
Falmouth beach has various fish species, and it’s a great place to spend a lazy morning.
Biking and Hiking
With a 10.7-mile bikeway, Falmouth is an excellent place for hiking and biking enthusiasts.
Restricted Hunting
The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve allows visitors to engage in restricted hunting in addition to boat fishing and boating.
Explore the Glendurgan Garden
Set in the Cornish Valley, the Glendurgan garden is an exotic and popular tourist attraction in Falmouth. You get the chance to admire blooms and visit Durgan village via the Helford River.
6. Join Chatham’s Summer and Concert
Situated on the elbow of cape cod, Chatham offers a range of activities for everyone. It has a scenic white sand beach, a lighthouse, superb beaches, and summer band concerts.
Here are other Cape Cod things to do at Chatham.
Lighthouse
The Chatham Lighthouse is the national coast guard station and a tourist attraction. The lighthouse has an 8-foot ladder with 44 steps, so you’ll need appropriate footwear to reach the top.
Relax at Harding’s Beach
Harding’s beach has warm and calm waters compared to the eastern side of the town. It’s a perfect place for swimming, kayaking, and even playing beach games.
Shark Center
Visit the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to know more about the feared sea predator. Visitors get to learn about sharks and their importance in the ecosystem.
7. Buy Home Decorative Items at Sandwich Glass Museum
Located downtown, Sandwich Glass Museum is one of the best places to see fantastic art while learning local history. The museum features a collection of fun facts, historical replicas, and glass-making demonstrations.
The museum’s mission is to emphasize the distinctive contribution of the local glass industry to the community. If you’re looking for decorative items for your home, visit the gift shop and get beautiful paperweights or glasses.
You’ll also find glass animals, holiday items, and a range of ornaments at the gift shop. It’s a great place to visit at any time of the year. Besides this, there are many other places where you can buy gifts for everyone. You can buy anything from Gourmet Dates boxes or island’s fresh produce, accessories like hats, clothes, etc.
8. Go Swimming and Hiking at Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore is a 40-mile stretch of coast to the east of the Cape Cod region. The area prides itself on pristine sandy beaches, including Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, Race Point and Herring Coves in Provincetown, and Nauset Beach in Eastham.
These shores offer various outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, sailing, sunbathing, and kayaking. Away from the shores, there are trails for hiking and biking that you can explore.
Besides, the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Cape Cod National Seashore has an indoor theater, a comprehensive museum, and a well-stocked bookstore. If you love artwork or prefer indoor activities like reading or watching, you should visit Cape Cod National Seashore.
9. Bike at the Cape Cod Rail Trail
Cape Cod Rail Trail is the place to be if you love biking. The 25-mile paved bike path is perfect for cycling and other adventurous activities.
The former railroad winds its way through Wellfleet, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Yarmouth.
What’s more, the rail trail has an unpaved pathway for hiking, horseback riding, walking, and even running. It also allows you to explore the national parks, beaches, and oceanside towns.
You can always rent one from bike rentals along the cape if you don’t have a bike.
10. Take a Tour of the Heritage Museums & Gardens
Sandwich’s Heritage Museum and Gardens offer an experience that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a peaceful respite for visitors of all ages and interests.
The garden covering about 100 acres has various things to offer, from walking trails, landscaped gardens to art galleries, and more. It has an automobile gallery to view antique and classic cars and American art and a Carousel gallery with hand-carved horses.
Besides the museums, the gardens of heritage are home to thousands of species of plants. Some of the plants you’ll see include rhododendrons, hostas, lilacs, magnolias, and hydrangeas.
Cape Cod Things to Do: Book Your Vacation Rental Today
While there are many vacation rentals in Cape Cod, it’s sometimes hard to find one that caters to all your needs. Search on our website to find owners who are highly attentive to detail, create a tranquil environment and are a step above the rest of many short-term rentals around Cape Cod!
Book your vacation rental home today and enjoy your stay at Cape Cod.
