Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a classic New England destination known for its charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and rich history. Originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people, Cape Cod was one of the first areas in North America settled by Europeans, including the Pilgrims in 1620. Over time, it developed into a major whaling and fishing hub before becoming the popular tourist destination it is today.
Areas of Cape Cod
Cape Cod, located in southeastern Massachusetts, is a picturesque peninsula known for its stunning beaches, charming coastal towns, and rich maritime history. It’s huge, consisting of several main areas, each offering its own unique charm and attractions.
- Upper Cape Cod: This region includes towns such as Bourne, Falmouth, and Sandwich. It is known for its picturesque beaches, historic sites like the Sandwich Glass Museum, and outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking and biking along the Cape Cod Canal.
- Mid-Cape Cod: This area encompasses towns like Barnstable, Hyannis, and Yarmouth. It is home to the Cape’s largest commercial center, Hyannis, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Mid-Cape Cod also features beautiful beaches, golf courses, and cultural attractions like the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum.
- Lower Cape Cod: Lower Cape Cod includes towns such as Brewster, Chatham, and Harwich. This area is known for its scenic beauty, charming villages, and historic lighthouses. Visitors can explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, visit the Chatham Lighthouse, or enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and whale watching.
- Outer Cape Cod: The Outer Cape includes towns like Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. This region is characterized by its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, sand dunes, and salt marshes. Visitors can explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, visit the iconic Provincetown monument, or enjoy the vibrant arts scene in Provincetown.
The Same
Cape Cod boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, with over 500 miles of coastline to explore. Relax on sandy shores like Nauset Beach, Coast Guard Beach, or Race Point Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports like surfing and kayaking. Explore the charming coastal towns that dot the Cape, each offering its own unique character and attractions. Visit historic Provincetown, known for its vibrant arts scene, or stroll through the picturesque streets of Chatham with its iconic lighthouse and boutiques.
Provincetown
In Provincetown, we indulged in delicious clam chowder for dinner, savoring the flavors of the sea. Provincetown, or P-Town as it’s affectionately known, is a vibrant and eclectic town located at the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The town’s bustling Commercial Street is lined with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, where visitors can explore unique shops, sample fresh seafood, and enjoy lively street performances. Provincetown is also famous for its historic landmarks, including the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, which commemorate the arrival of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. The town’s natural beauty is equally impressive, with pristine beaches, sand dunes, and breathtaking coastal views.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Thumpertown Beach and Brewster Inlet, where we experienced the tranquility of low tide and the beauty of the Cape Cod coastline. (Be sure to check the tide schedule for your visit as it changes daily.)
Nauset Lighthouse Beach and the Three Sisters Lights
Next, we visited Nauset Lighthouse Beach and the Three Sisters Lights, marveling at the iconic landmarks and the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Nauset Lighthouse Beach and the Three Sisters Lights offer a captivating glimpse into Cape Cod’s maritime history and natural beauty. Situated in Eastham, Massachusetts, Nauset Lighthouse Beach is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and its iconic red-and-white-striped lighthouse. Visitors can stroll along the sandy shores, soak up the sun, and watch the rolling waves crash against the coastline. Adjacent to Nauset Lighthouse Beach are the Three Sisters Lights, a trio of historic lighthouses that once guided ships along the treacherous waters of Nauset Beach. Originally built in the 19th century, these distinctive wooden lighthouses served as a beacon of safety for sailors navigating the Cape’s dangerous shoals. Today, while the original lighthouses have been relocated to nearby locations for preservation, replicas stand in their place, offering visitors a glimpse into Cape Cod’s maritime heritage. The Three Sisters Lights are a popular spot for photography, providing a picturesque backdrop against the coastal landscape. Seems like a decent beach if you could find parking during the busy season as there are nice public restrooms at the parking lot but a bit of a hike down to the beach.
The DINKs
Cape Cod’s natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back atmosphere make it a beloved destination for visitors seeking relaxation, outdoor adventure, and coastal charm. We visited off season so while we would normally spend most of our time on the beach, this allowed us more time to explore.
Cape Cod Brewery
Exploring Cape Cod Brewery was a fantastic start to our Cape Cod adventure, where we sampled a variety of their brews, including the refreshing Cape Cod Blonde, the crisp and flavorful Big Sea Saison, and the unique Shucker’s Reward Oyster Stout. The Bold Brew Blend provided a rich and robust stout experience, while the Cape Cod Ale offered a classic taste of the region.
From there, we headed to Craigville Beach and the Kennedy Complex, where we soaked in the sun and enjoyed the coastal views. The Kennedy Complex was a miss as you really couldn’t see much of it from the road.
We stopped by the National Park Welcome Center, to get our passports stamped, & pick up a ornament for the Christmas tree but unfortunately found that the trails weren’t pet-friendly so we moved along.
The Dune Shacks
Our journey continued with a hike to the Dune Shacks, where we immersed ourselves in the natural beauty of the area. The Dune Shacks of Cape Cod offer a unique and rustic retreat amidst the natural beauty of the Cape’s coastal dunes. These primitive, off-grid dwellings have a rich history, serving as havens for artists, writers, and nature lovers seeking solitude and inspiration. Located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, the Dune Shacks provide a back-to-nature experience unlike any other. Accessible only by hiking or 4WD vehicle, these remote shacks offer a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse oneself in the tranquil surroundings of sand dunes, salt marshes, and ocean views. Originally built as fishing shacks in the early 20th century, the Dune Shacks have since become iconic symbols of Cape Cod’s bohemian spirit. Artists like Edward Hopper and writers like Jack Kerouac found solace and inspiration in these simple dwellings, capturing the essence of the Cape’s rugged beauty in their works. We were so excited to see them but only made it about half way. After hiking up town huge dunes we could see the tops of some in the distance but decided not to make the hike all the way out & instead headed to dinner.
Thumpertown Beach
Thumpertown Beach, located in Eastham on Cape Cod, is a hidden gem along the Atlantic Ocean. Tucked away from the main roads and nestled within the Cape Cod National Seashore, Thumpertown Beach offers a tranquil and serene setting for beachgoers seeking relaxation and natural beauty. The beach is known for its soft sandy shores, gentle surf, and panoramic views of the ocean. Its remote location and lack of amenities make it a quieter alternative to some of the more popular beaches on the Cape, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.
Crosby Landing Beach
Crosby Landing Beach, nestled on the shores of Cape Cod Bay in Brewster, Massachusetts, offers a serene and picturesque escape for beachgoers. Known for its pristine sandy shores and calm waters, Crosby Landing is a favorite spot for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts alike. The beach boasts stunning views of Cape Cod Bay, with its gentle waves and expansive tidal flats creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the shore, soaking up the sun and enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. The shallow waters are perfect for swimming, especially for young children, and the soft sand is ideal for building sandcastles or simply relaxing with a good book. During low tide, the exposed tidal flats provide ample opportunities for exploring tide pools and searching for seashells and other treasures.
The Family
Mayflower Beach
Mayflower Beach in Dennis is a beloved destination known for its stunning beauty. Its expansive stretch of soft, white sand and calm, shallow waters make it perfect for families and beach lovers alike. At low tide, the beach transforms as sandbars and tidal pools emerge, offering a great spot for kids to explore. The sunsets here are spectacular, creating an ideal setting for a relaxing evening. With ample parking, restrooms, and a snack bar, Mayflower Beach combines convenience with the quintessential Cape Cod beach experience.
Corporation Beach
Corporation Beach, located in Dennis, Massachusetts, is a picturesque and family-friendly beach on Cape Cod’s north shore. With its soft sandy shores, calm waters, and scenic views, it’s a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. The beach offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a snack bar, making it convenient for a day of fun in the sun. Families will appreciate the gentle surf and shallow waters, perfect for swimming and wading, while beachgoers of all ages can enjoy building sandcastles or strolling along the shoreline. Corporation Beach also features picnic areas and shaded spots, ideal for relaxing with a beach read or enjoying a picnic lunch. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Corporation Beach is a tranquil retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape on Cape Cod.
The Shining Sea Bike Trail
The Shining Sea Bike Trail, located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, is a scenic and popular trail that winds its way along the picturesque coastline of Cape Cod. Stretching for 10.7 miles from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, the trail offers breathtaking views of salt marshes, sandy beaches, and tranquil harbors. Named after the line in “America the Beautiful,” the Shining Sea Bike Trail passes through diverse landscapes, including woodlands, dunes, and cranberry bogs, providing a rich tapestry of natural beauty to enjoy. Along the way, cyclists can stop at various points of interest, including the historic Nobska Lighthouse, the picturesque Falmouth Harbor, and the Salt Pond Bird Sanctuary. With its smooth asphalt surface and relatively flat terrain, the trail is suitable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re biking, walking, or rollerblading, the Shining Sea Bike Trail offers a delightful journey through some of Cape Cod’s most scenic landscapes.
Kayaking Scorton Creek
Kayaking Scorton Creek offers a serene and scenic adventure through one of Cape Cod’s most picturesque waterways. Located in Sandwich, Massachusetts, Scorton Creek meanders through salt marshes and tidal flats, providing paddlers with stunning views of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. As you glide along the tranquil waters, you’ll encounter ospreys, herons, and other coastal bird species, as well as schools of fish swimming beneath your kayak. The creek’s calm waters and sheltered channels make it ideal for kayakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Along the way, you can explore hidden coves, navigate through narrow channels, and even beach your kayak on secluded sandbars to take in the peaceful surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing paddle or an opportunity to connect with nature, kayaking Scorton Creek promises an unforgettable experience on Cape Cod’s beautiful coastline.
See how the Family made Cape Cod an affordable trip
Summary
So, who did Cape Cod better? Both the family and the DINKs experienced the classic charm of Provincetown and the historic Nauset Lighthouse Beach, but each group added their own unique adventures. The family’s trip was filled with family-friendly favorites like Mayflower Beach and Corporation Beach, plus outdoor activities like biking the Shining Sea Trail and kayaking Scorton Creek. Meanwhile, the DINKs embraced a more laid-back vibe, exploring Cape Cod Brewery, discovering hidden gems like Thumpertown Beach, and taking in the remote beauty of the Dune Shacks. Whether you’re looking for family fun or a relaxed, adult escape, Cape Cod offers something special for everyone.
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