Cape Cod is truly a spectacular destination to visit, and it’s home to not only some of the best beach towns in New England, but is packed with culture, stunning scenery, amazing shopping, incredible seafood, and so many things to do for everyone.
If you’re visiting Cape Cod for the first time, it may seem overwhelming with lots of towns to choose from, and endless possibilities for things to see and do. But good news! You’ve come to the best place.
Hi! My name is Sam, and I’ve been traveling to the Cape since I was a kid, and as an adult for over 15 years now. In all my New England travels, this is actually where I spend most of my time. I’ve been in all four seasons, stayed in different places, and have experienced so much to do around the area.
In this post, I’m excited to share all my tips for first-time visitors, including where to stay, the absolute must-see things and attractions, and some helpful tips along the way that I wish I’d known during my first few trips. By the end of this guide, you’ll hopefully feel ready to plan your perfect vacation to Cape Cod. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
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How Many Days Do You Need On Cape Cod?
You can spend as little as a day, or longer than a month, but most visitors usually spend anywhere from 3-7 days on Cape Cod. Many people don’t realize how big Cape Cod is, and while is manageable for a shorter trip, it does take time to get from place to place, especially in the summer season because traffic can cause longer drive times. Depending on what you want to see, it may be worth it to spend at least a few days on the peninsula.
Week-long stays are common (and often required) with house or apartment rentals in July and August, and other types of accommodations like hotels, resorts and campgrounds will have a 2-4 minimum night stay requirement for reservations in the summer, too. So that’s one thing to keep in mind.
A week on Cape Cod gives you time to balance relaxation with all the top attractions, sites, and day trip opportunities. This is a great amount of time to have a true vacation.
However, not everyone is able to spend a week at a time on the Cape, and 2-4 nights, or a long weekend getaway, is also an excellent choice. That will allow you enough time to see a few spectacular beaches, some of the top attractions, visit a charming town or two, and maybe even take a day trip, depending on your interests.
To drive from the start and end of Cape Cod, it only takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes without stops and traffic. So even if you decide to visit for just a few days and you’re feeling adventurous, you could still cover a lot of ground and see much of Cape Cod.
What Is The Best Town to Stay In When Visiting Cape Cod For The First Time?
I really don’t think there’s a bad town to stay on Cape Cod, but if this is your first time visiting, it may help you to pick a town that’s centrally located so you can easily access as much of the area as possible. In the most general sense, I always recommend that you stay in any town east of Hyannis for accessibility to the best things to do in the region.
I also like to recommend the centrally-located towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Harwich, Chatham and Orleans. These towns all have plenty of shops and restaurants to visit, beautiful town beaches, and are only 30-60 minutes from the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches.
Areas I suggest you avoid if it’s your first visit would be Bourne, Hyannis, Falmouth, Mashpee and maybe Provincetown. Falmouth and Provincetown are absolutely beautiful, and you’ll see later in this post that I highly suggest visiting Provincetown during your first visit to the Cape. But, they’re both pretty far from the rest of the Cape. If you want to stay in the most exciting town on Cape Cod, then Provincetown will fit the bill perfectly.
Lastly, if it’s the best beaches you want to be closest to, I recommend you stay in the outer Cape region, which includes Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown.
Because I have so much to say on this topic, I have a detailed post on the Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod, which breaks down the pros and cons of each town, general overviews of each area, and which town is best for different kinds of travelers. I also give you my picks for best hotels and vacation rentals, so be sure to pop over there if you need help deciding where to stay!
15 Best Things To See & Do When Visiting Cape Cod For The First Time
While there are tons of things to do on Cape Cod for all different kinds of experiences, there are most definitely top sites that everyone should see to appreciate this region’s natural beauty. If you’re visiting Cape Cod for the first time, these are the can’t-miss things to see and do.
1. The Cape Cod National Seashore
This is personally my absolute favorite thing to do, and an absolute must if visiting Cape Cod for the first time. In fact, it makes my list of the top places to visit in New England.
The Cape Cod National Seashore is home to 40 miles of sandy beaches, marshes and salt ponds, as well as six lighthouses and miles of walking trails. It was designated as official protected land in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, and as far back as the 1840s, Henry David Thoreau even predicted that the National Seashore area of the Cape would become “a place of resort for those New-Englanders who really want to visit the sea-side.”
The highlight of this area is definitely the beaches, and the six beaches that make up the National Seashore on Cape Cod are Race Point, Coast Guard, Nauset Light (not to be confused with Nauset Beach, which is a separate beach that’s not part of the National Seashore), Marconi, Head of the Meadow, and Herring Cove. These are often the beaches you’ll see in stock images when looking up Cape Cod, and each one is just as beautiful as the other.
While I love them all, my suggestions for first-timers would be either Coast Guard or Race Point.
Tip: There is an entrance fee to the Cape Cod National Seashore between Memorial Day Weekend and mid-September. Standard vehicle daily fees are $25 per day, and are valid for the entire park all day, or you can pay $60 for an annual pass. If you plan to visit for 3 days or more, an annual pass is the most cost-effective option, and good for the entire season.
2. Explore Provincetown
Provincetown is the town that’s furthest north, and located at the very tip of the Cape, and it’s also the most unique. Over the years, Provincetown has become a haven for the artist and LGTBQ+ community, and the sense of freedom, individuality, creativity and liveliness in the air here is such an amazing experience.
It’s common to find drag queens and cabaret entertainers on the streets handing out flyers for their evening shows and witness a flash mob on the sidewalks of Commercial Street. But it’s also still a quiet coastal village that somehow manages to balance all of that pretty well, offering something for everyone. It’s so fun and exhilarating, and everyone always seems happy.
The main attraction in Provincetown is Commercial Street, which is a three-mile long street running through the center of town where most of the art galleries, shops and restaurants are located. I always tell people that if you’re visiting Cape Cod for the first time, Provincetown can’t be missed. It’s also where you’ll likely depart from for whale watch tour.
3. Walk Bass Hole Boardwalk
Located in Yarmouth Port at Gray’s Beach, this beautiful boardwalk takes you a quarter of a mile across the salt marshes and offers incredible sunset views. But even if it’s a cloudy day, it’s still worth visiting just for the tranquility of the marsh, and spotting wildlife. There are benches at the very end of the boardwalk, so you can sit and linger for as long as you want to enjoy the views before walking back to your car.
Tip: You may want to consider bringing bug spray with you. Some years, the mosquitos have been really bad, and other years, they were barely noticeable. But if bugs tend to like you, bug spray is probably a good idea.
4. Watch A Gorgeous Sunset
Cape Cod offers lots of opportunity to catch a stunning sunset over the ocean, so this is a fun thing to have on your itinerary when visiting for the first time.
Race Point Beach is located in the Cape Cod National Seashore in Provincetown, and offers one of the best sunsets in the area. If you arrive after 4:30p, you won’t need to pay to park, and you can also combine this visit with the Old Life Saving Station, which is right by the parking area for the beach.
Race Point is also one of the dog-friendly beaches on the Cape (dogs are permitted outside of lifeguarded areas in-season), so if there are no restrictions, you may be able to bring your pup along with you! Seals can often be spotted swimming along the shoreline here, so be sure to bring a zoom lens or binoculars if you want to see them up close.
Herring Cove Beach, also in Provincetown, is another fantastic spot for a sunset. For more options, you can also check out pretty much any beach along Cape Cod Bay, including Breakwater Beach in Brewster, First Encounter Beach in Eastham, and Skaket Beach in Orleans.
Tip: During shore bird nesting season in spring and summer, the Cape Cod National Park Service will prohibit dogs from visiting any dog-friendly area, so be sure to visit the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information. They post regularly with any updates. If Race Point is off-limits to dogs because of nesting season, we sometimes have luck at the nearby Herring Cove Beach.
Psst! I have an entire post all about the best sunsets on Cape Cod and the Islands, if you’d like more tips and suggestions!
5. Get Homemade Ice Cream
There are so many places to get amazing homemade ice cream on Cape Cod, and this is a must if visiting for the first time! My favorite, and probably one of the most popular places, is Sundae School. They have two locations, one in Harwich Port, and one in Dennis Port. I also really love Cape Cod Creamery (locations in South Yarmouth, Hyannis and Dennis), Schoolhouse in Harwich Port and Ice Cream Café in Orleans.
Tip: Parking at Sundae School and Schoolhouse can be a bit crazy in July and August, especially on weekends, so plan to arrive with some patience. Sundae School often has people in their lots directing traffic flow, but the lines to park usually move quickly, and the ice cream is worth it.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best ice cream on Cape Cod, if you need more ideas 😉
6. Visit Chatham
Chatham is probably the most picturesque town on Cape Cod, and also has one of the more distinctive downtown or Main Street areas. If you’re looking to do some shopping, this is a great place to spend your afternoon. There’s a great mix of mostly independent stores that offer everything from souvenirs and home decor, to gifts and clothing.
To round out your day of shopping, consider popping into the Chatham Squire tavern for a casual lunch, or do call-ahead seating at The Wild Goose for a slightly more upscale lunch and co*cktails on the covered outdoor patio overlooking Main Street.
Also in Chatham, you can take a walk over to the Fish Pier for the next suggestion on my list 😉, see Chatham Lighthouse and Chatham Lighthouse Beach, and just wander around to see all the beautiful houses.
7. See The Seals At The Chatham Fish Pier
Walkable from Main Street in Chatham is the Chatham Fish Pier & Market, and not only is this is fantastic place to get fresh seafood and chowder, it’s also the top place to see seals in Cape Cod!
Every day, when the fishermen come back from the ocean with their hauls, the seals know what’s on board, and they hang out here hoping to get some treats. They come right up to the pier, so you get a very close look at them.
An observation deck was build overlooking the pier, so there’s lots of room to check out these little guys as they beg for snacks. The best time to visit is usually late morning or early afternoon when the fishermen begin to come back for the day. I’ve been in early morning just after sunrise, and I hardly saw any seals up close.
Tip: The Chatham Fish Pier & Market does have on-site parking, but it fills up very fast in the high season, so that’s why I recommend you park downtown closer to Main Street, and walk over. However, if that’s not an option for you, you definitely drive over and try to get a spot.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best places to see seals on Cape Cod, if you’d like to try and spot them elsewhere, too 😉
8. Visit The Lighthouses
There are 14 lighthouses on Cape Cod, so seeing at least one or two of them during your visit is a great idea! These historic structures are so beautiful, and one of them is actually rather famous. Do you know which one it is?
The iconic red and white Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham is featured on the Cape Cod potato chips bags, so if you’re wondering why it looks familiar, that would be it! Nauset Light is located at Nauset Lighthouse Beach on the Cape Cod National Seashore, so it’s easy to visit both of these in the same trip.
I also love to visit Race Point Lighthouse in Provincetown, Highland Head Lighthouse in Truro, and Nobska Lighthouse in Falmouth – but really, they’re all pretty great.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best Cape Cod lighthouses to see on your trip if you’d like to see more!
9. Take A Day Trip To Nantucket
Nantucket Island makes for a wonderful day trip, and if you’re visiting Cape Cod for the first time, getting out to one of the islands is a great way to explore a different part of the region. Nantucket is very distinctive in that it feels very modern, but also like you stepped back in time. And with the ferries dropping you off right in the middle of the island’s main town, it’s very easy to get around without a car (although, I do suggest either renting a bike or a moped to see other parts of the island!).
To get to Nantucket, you there are three ferry options:
- Freedom Ferry in Harwich Port (seasonal only)
- Steamship Authority in Hyannis
- Hyline Cruises in Hyannis
For day trips, I like to suggest the Freedom Ferry because the location is very convenient to where most people choose to stay, and the parking is easy and free for day-trippers. This way, you don’t have to drive all the way to Hyannis. But depending on where you’re staying, it may not be too bad to drive over to Hyannis to catch one of the other ferries. I take a mix of them all the time, and most prefer the Freedom Ferry because of the easy parking, but all are great options.
I do suggest a day trip to Nantucket over Martha’s Vineyard simply because Nantucket is easier to visit in a day, whereas Martha’s Vineyard is more spread out. That’s not to say that you can’t do Martha’s Vineyard in a day (I have, and I enjoyed it), I just think Nantucket is much easier with more to do in a concentrated area. Both are beautiful islands and worth your time, but I also slightly prefer Nantucket.
Freedom Ferry Quick Info: Free and easy parking for day-trippers, and the cruise takes about 80 minutes dock to dock. This ferry is a bit smaller, but offers indoor and outdoor seating, and an outdoor deck up top.
Steamship Authority Ferry Quick Info: This ferry line offers two services, a fast ferry that takes 1 hour, or a traditional ferry that takes over two hours. For day trips, you’ll want to take the fast ferry to maximize your time on the island. These ferries both offer indoor and outdoor seating, and have bathrooms and a snack bar with drinks.
Parking For The Steamship Ferry: There is limited on-site parking at the terminal, so I recommend calling to make your parking reservation as soon as you can. These spots sell out quickly in peak season, especially on weekends. The other option is the economy lot, and there’s a free shuttle that goes between this lot and the ferry terminal. This is where most people park. You’ll want to plan for extra time before your ferry departure when using this lot.
Hyline Cruises Ferry Quick Info: This ferry offers 1-hour service between Hyannis and Nantucket, and also offers indoor and outdoor seating, bathrooms, and a snack bar with drinks. There’s also a café right at the terminal where you can grab food before boarding.
Hyline Parking: You can make your reservation online for parking when you purchase your ticket. If you book far enough in advance, you may be able to get parking right at the ferry terminal. These spots are limited, and usually sell out quickly. They’re also more expensive. The other option is the economy lot parking, which also offers free shuttle service two and from the ferry terminal. This option is less expensive, but also less convenient.
You may find these posts helpful for island day trips:
- Is Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard Better For A Day Trip?
- The Ultimate Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Guide
- The Ultimate Nantucket Day Trip Guide
- How To See Martha’s Vineyard Without A Car
10. Walk Around Sandwich
Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod and really fun and relaxing to walk around. While there, you can visit the oldest house on the Cape, Hoxie House, explore the Glass Museum for a live glass-blowing demonstration, walk around the Dexter Grist Mill and pop into the shops. Sandwich doesn’t have a strong downtown or Main Street feel, but it has lots of character, and moves at a slightly slower pace than the other Cape towns.
Outside of town, you can also walk the Sandwich Boardwalk, which connects the salt marshes with Town Neck Beach. In-season, you’ll have to pay $25 to park at one of the two lots that offer access to the boardwalk, so it would be worthwhile to spend some time at the beach if you wanted to walk the boardwalk (which I suggest you do!).
Update: Parts of the Sandwich Boardwalk were destroyed during a nor’easter storm in 2022 and it’s currently closed for repairs. Be sure to check back here with updates on when it will be open to the public again.
11. Explore The Brewster Flats At Low Tide
Some experts have claimed that the Brewster Flats are some of the largest in all of North America, and it’s definitely a site to see if visiting Cape Cod for the first time. At low-tide, up to a mile of sandbars are exposed, allowing you to walk out onto the ocean floor and look for sea life and clam beds. Even if spotting ocean life isn’t your thing, the walk on the ocean floor is stunning, especially at sunset.
Tip: To check the tide schedule, visit TidesChart and see if you can plan your visit during both low tide and sunset on a clear day for the ultimate experience.
12. Enjoy Waterfront Dining Outdoors
There are so many wonderful places to eat outside, and if you’re visiting Cape Cod for the first time, I’d love to make some suggestions!
My absolute favorite lobster roll of all time is at Sesuit Harbor Café. Overlooking the harbor where you can watch fishing boats come and go, the casual restaurant has picnic tables set-up on their uncovered patio, as well as a raw bar, and it’s also BYOB. Many people make a night of it and bring a table cloth, coolers of beer and wine, and really enjoy the scenery. The seafood here is excellent, and this is one of the best seafood experiences you can have on Cape Cod.
Tip: Because of its popularity, Sesuit Harbor gets very crowded, and wait times just to place your order can be up to 45 minutes to an hour during prime times (think anywhere from 4-8p most days of the week). And that’s just to place your order, not even grab an available table. If you’re visiting Cape Cod for the first time, this may seem a bit stressful if you’re not prepared, and you’ll need a lot of patience if you plan to visit. But the food and atmosphere are worth it if you’re up for the challenge!
To avoid as many crowds as possible, I suggest doing a late lunch around 2-3p on a weekday at Sesuit. You’ll still likely have to wait, but it won’t be as bad as prime dinner time. Or, you may get lucky and not have to wait at all. In my experience, Sundays for dinner also tend to be less crowded.
I also love the Beach Bar at the Ocean House restaurant. Ocean House also has a separate indoor dining room with a more upscale feel to it, but the Beach Bar is more casual, and right on the ocean. There’s lots of outdoor seating, the food is great, and they make some awesome drinks. We usually stop at the Beach Bar for a drink before heading inside for dinner.
Psst! I have an entire guide on all the best waterfront restaurants on Cape Cod with more ideas!
13. Get An Official Cape Cod Sweatshirt At Cuffy’s
No matter where you are in New England, you’ve probably seen someone wearing the iconic Cape Cod sweatshirts from Cuffy’s, and you’ll see even more people wearing them when you’re actually on the Cape. For that reason, you may think it’s a huge tourist trap, and while some people may agree, most people love wearing things from Cuffy’s. You can’t leave the Cape without getting a Cuffy’s Cape Cod sweatshirt!
Cuffy’s has everything from sweatshirts to t-shirts to souvenirs like baseball caps and keychains – all printed with Cape Cod on them somewhere. And the quality of their clothes is actually awesome. The very first hoodie I bought from them over 10 years ago still looks brand new, and I’ve worn it a ton. Prices are also very fair, and I’ve seen some other sweatshirt/tourist shops across the Cape charge way more for lesser quality.
Cuffy’s actually just underwent a huge renovation, and they turned their Dennis location into a true destination. With multiple buildings connected by a boardwalk, and surrounded by a moat, it’s an even cooler place to check out during your visit.
14. Go On A Whale Watch Tour
Cape Cod is said to be one of the top destinations in the U.S. for whale watching, so taking a tour while visiting is a great way to round out your Cape experience. During tours, you’re likely to see humpbacks, pilots, finbacks, minkes and possibly some dolphins.
The reason Cape Cod is a top whale watching destination is because it’s close to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, which is very active with whales and other marine life.
The best whale watch tour I’ve done on Cape Cod is with Dolphin Fleet, which departs out of Provincetown. I highly recommend this one because their tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and share awesome information about the Cape Cod ecological system. I also love that it departs from Provincetown, which means less time sailing to to Stellwagen Bank, and more time looking for whales!
If you would rather depart closer to the mid-Cape region, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises is another great option. Both of these companies guarantee whale sightings, or refunds in the form of a voucher for another cruise.
There are a few companies that offer private whale watch tours that average about $600 for up to 6 people. These boats are often smaller and the tours more personalized. Sea Salt Charters out of Provincetown also offers both private and split-private tours. So, if you’re a party less than 6, and still wanted a smaller, more personalized tour, this is a great option to join another private tour, and share the cost.
15. Explore The Town Beaches
I could go on and on about how beautiful the National Seashore beaches are, but that’s not to say that the town beaches aren’t worth your time because they absolutely are! In fact, when I visit the Cape, I usually do the National Seashore beaches about two times, and then stick to the town beaches beyond that. Many of the town beaches are equally as beautiful as the National Seashore beaches, and if you’re visiting Cape Cod to spend as much time at the beach as possible, I recommended trying a few town beaches to claim your favorites (because everyone has their favorites!).
My favorite town beaches to visit are:
- Mayflower Beach in Dennis: Great for families because of the calm waters.
- West Dennis Beach in West Dennis: Amazing, 2-mile stretch of sandy coastline, great sunset spot.
- Nauset Beach in Orleans: Different from Nauset Light Beach, usually has big waves for boogie boarding, and long stretches of gorgeous, sandy coastline to walk on.
- Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet looks like the National Seashore, and is surrounded by sand dunes. Good for seal spotting.
- Sea Street Beach in Dennis Port is small, but has super soft sand and some scenic rock jettys. Very close to Sundae School in Dennis Port, too.
- Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet is home to The Beachcomber, a restaurant and bar right on the bluffs overlooking the beach, and is an awesome destination for both a beach day and visiting the restaurant. Because of the popularity of The Beachcomber, parking here in the summer can be really tough, so I suggest you arrive early.
Tip: Each town beach has its own rules and fees when it comes to parking in-season. Some require weekly beach stickers, and some may require a daily fee to park. It’s best to look up each beach individually before deciding to visit.
How To Get to Cape Cod?
To get to the Cape, you can either drive, which will require crossing either the Sagamore or Bourne bridge into Cape Cod, fly directly to the Cape or to a nearby airport (see below for your flight options), or take a ferry from Plymouth or Boston directly to Provincetown.
I highly suggest that you drive to the Cape, or rent a car from the airport and then drive, as it’s difficult to get around without a car (see more on that below).
Ferries to Provincetown:
There are two ferry options to Provincetown that are very convenient: one departs from Boston, and the other departs from Plymouth. These are great options if you plan on staying in Provincetown and don’t have a need to explore outside of town. These are also perfect for day trips!
🛳 Click here to check rates & availability for the Boston to Provincetown ferry
🛳️ Click here to check rates & availability for the Plymouth to Provincetown Ferry
*Keep in mind that both Provincetown ferries are seasonal, and don’t run year-round.
If you plan to explore Cape Cod beyond Provincetown, I don’t usually suggest the ferry as a way to get to Cape Cod. The only car rental company on the Cape is Enterprise, and there is not a pick-up location at the ferry terminal in Provincetown. I’ve heard from some people that you can call them, and ask for a ferry pick-up, but that’s not always reliable.
Flying Directly to Cape Cod:
CapeAir services both the Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis and the Provincetown Municipal Airport in Provincetown. Round trip tickets from Boston average about $200. You will then also run into the same issues with the rental car, but Enterprise does offer pick-ups from the Provincetown airport.
Tip: Traffic driving into Cape Cod can be rough, I’m not going to sugar coat it! As you approach either the Bourne or Sagamore bridges, you’ll start to see major slow downs, especially during rush hour, and Fridays and Saturdays. To avoid as much traffic as possible, I suggest you plan to arrive to the bridges before 9-10a or after 8p on weekends. If you plan to drive to the Cape on a weekday, you’ll likely see less traffic because most people come for the weekend, or do a Saturday-Saturday vacation rental.
Also, just embrace the traffic! No one likes to sit in traffic, but it’s actually a part of your Cape Cod experience. You’ll overhear a lot of conversations from people saying things like, “When did you get in? How long did you wait at the bridge?” Crossing the bridges is actually a big part of small talk on the Cape!
What is the Closest Major Airport to Cape Cod?
I’ve already mentioned the two airports located on Cape Cod, but the closest major airports would be Boston, MA and Providence, RI. From those two airports, you can rent a car, and then drive to the Cape.
The drive from Boston Airport is about an hour (not factoring in any traffic), and the drive from Providence Airport is about 1 hour and 15 minutes (again, not factoring in any traffic).
Can You Get Around Cape Cod Without A Car?
It’s possible, but I don’t recommend it, and you’ll really hinder your opportunities to see the best pars of Cape Cod because they will either be inaccessible via public transportation, or take a long time to get to.
The Cape Cod Region Transportation Authority does have a bus system all over Cape Cod, but it’s not the best way to get around. If you really want to visit a lot of beaches and maximize your time while on the Cape, I highly suggest you have a car.
There is one exception! The one town on Cape Cod that will be easy to get around without a car is Provincetown.
If having a car is not an option for your trip, you can absolutely take the ferry from Plymouth or Boston, and then get everywhere by foot in Provincetown. Provincetown is very walkable and easy to navigate without a car. During peak season, there are also shuttles from MacMillan Pier in downtown Provincetown to Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach. Both these beaches are part of the National Seashore.
Does Cape Cod Have Uber?
Yes, mainland Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard all have Uber. I have used it in all three destinations. On Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, you may have to wait a bit longer for a ride than you’re used to if you’re coming from a bigger city where Uber is very popular. But overall, Uber is reliable on Cape Cod.
That said, I don’t necessarily recommend relying on Uber for your entire trip. While it’s available, wait times can be longer than what you may be used to, and it’s also more expensive. It really depends on what you plan to use it for. I wouldn’t rely on it to get to beaches and attractions, but for a night out, and to drink responsibly, it’s perfect for that.
Overall, I recommend having a car for your Cape Cod trip, which allows the most freedom.
What Is The Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Cod?
Peak season on Cape Cod is July and August, and that’s when it will be the most crowded. I usually prefer to visit destinations in shoulder season, but I will say, I love the Cape in July because that’s when hydrangeas will be at their best (they begin to bloom at the end of June, and continue through early to mid-July). The Cape really comes to life in July and August, too, and while it can be challenging to navigate the crowds, I love this time of year for the buzz in the air, nicest weather and warmest waters.
If you really don’t want to visit during peak season, I suggest June and September. While these months are also gaining popularity, they will be quieter, less expensive and you’ll likely have nice weather. The water in June might be too cold for swimming, but in mid-September, it may actually be at its warmest, depending on that particular season. I’ve spent a week on the Cape in September, and during the week, I had entire beaches to myself. Weekends in September were lively, but not packed, and it was mostly locals.
Here are some seasonal guides for Cape Cod that you may find helpful:
- Best Months To Visit Cape Cod
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Fall
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Winter
Things To Know Before Visiting Cape Cod For The First Time
The Cape is a pretty easy destination to visit, but here are a few things that may be helpful to know if visiting Cape Cod for the first time.
→ You’re on Cape Cod, not in Cape Cod. Saying you’re in Cape Cod is a dead giveaway that you’re not a local (which isn’t a bad thing!). Just something to note 🙂 This also goes for the islands (for example, on Nantucket, not in Nantucket).
→ You should carry some cash around with you. Most places will take cards just like anywhere else in the U.S., but some ice cream places, seafood shacks and town beaches are still cash only. Sundae School Ice Cream, Schoolhouse Ice Cream and Sesuit Harbor Cafe (all popular places to go) are cash only (as of 2022). They will have ATM’s on-site, so also consider packing a card that reimburses you for ATM fees. Gates at the Cape Cod National Seashore will take credit cards for beach entrance fees.
→Yes, you do need to be aware of sharks, but you shouldn’t let it ruin your trip. Shark sightings happen most frequently on the Atlantic beaches (Cape Cod National Seashore included), and are less frequently spotted along the Nantucket Sound or Cape Cod Bay. There is a small chance that a beach will close if there is a shark sighting, and Cape Cod officials and lifeguards do a great job at monitoring the waters to keep everyone safe. Have awareness, but also have fun and enjoy yourself.
→ Stay away from the seals in the water. One of the most fun things to do on Cape Cod is to spot seals in their natural habitat swimming along the coastline at the beaches. Definitely take some time to observe them, but also stay away from them to respect their space. Also, where there are seals, there are sharks. This doesn’t means that if you see seals, sharks will definitely follow, but there’s a small chance. If you’re in the water when you spot a seal, swim toward the shore and enjoy the moment from a distance. This happens often at Coast Guard beach!
→ Like anywhere you go, practice Leave No Trace at beaches and parks. When you leave the beach, be sure to check your surroundings and pick up any garbage that may have blown away or fallen out of your bags/coolers. If possible, pack a reusable water bottle and use that during your trip to reduce plastic waste. If you don’t see recycle bins at the beaches, consider bringing home your recyclables with you (we do this all the time to ensure we continue to do our part).
→ New England weather can vary, so even if you visit in the summer, you’re not guaranteed good weather (although, it’s likely!). We’ve experienced days in the 60s and even a serious tornado during our July trips, so always be sure to check the forecast before packing. But usually in the summer, the weather is at its best.
What Is Cape Cod Named After?
Believe it or not, it’s as simple as an explorer just noting how many cod fish were swimming in the waters at Cape Cod. English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold first visited Cape Cod in 1602, and it was then he named the Massachusetts Peninsula Cape Cod, after the plentiful cod populations.
Where To Eat On Cape Cod
It’s really hard to narrow down my absolute favorite places, but if visiting Cape Cod for the first time, I suggest adding these restaurants to your itinerary:
- Ocean House in Dennis Port is right on the waters of the Nantucket Sound, and has incredible food and an outdoor beach bar next door, also overlooking the ocean. I go here every time I visit the Cape for a special dinner out, or date night with my husband.
- Sesuit Harbor Café for casual, outdoor seafood. I know I’ve already mentioned it, but it’s worth saying again!
- Skipper Chowder House in Yarmouth has some of the best chowder, food, and also has an open-air deck overlooking the beach across the street.
- Fisherman’s View in Sandwich has awesome seafood and other casual American menu items, and has a few table options such as indoors, an open-air enclosed deck and an outdoor patio. They also take reservations for all table options online about 10 days in advance on Resy.com.
- Mad Minnow in Harwich Port is a newer restaurant that has quickly become one of my favorites. They recently began offering outdoor seating under a tent, but don’t take reservations. I love their cornflake-encrusted filet-o-fish sandwich.
Should You Rent A House or Get a Hotel For Your Cape Cod Vacation?
This is a very personal decision, but I can offer a few suggestions to help you decide if a house rental or a hotel is right for you when visiting Cape Cod for the first time.
For the most part, it depends on how long your stay is. For a week or longer, I recommend a vacation rental. For stays less than a week, a hotel is best.
First, most house rentals on Cape Cod in-season are for specific time frames for 1-week increments (some are Saturday to Saturday, or Friday to Friday, for example). So, if you’re planning a shorter visit, that may rule out a house rental for you. If you’re a family, and you want to save a bit of money by making some meals at home, a house rental may be a good option so you have more space, and a full kitchen. Some hotels will offer efficiency kitchens, which also may work for you.
If you’re a couple, traveling with just one other person or are a solo traveler, and don’t plan to stay for a full week, you’ll likely find that hotels will be your only option. And keep in mind, in July and August, some hotels will also have a minimum night stay requirement of two or more nights.
I’ve done both hotels and house/apartment rentals for my Cape Cod vacations, and I always explore my options for both, and see what works into my budget the best during the dates I plan to travel.
You may also find these Cape Cod posts helpful:
- Unique Things To Do On Cape Cod
- Cahoon Hollow Beach: Top Things To Know Before Your Visit
- Best Cape Cod Lobster Rolls
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults
- Best Shopping on Cape Cod
- What To Pack For Cape Cod
And here are my guides to Cape Cod towns you may also enjoy:
- Best Things To Do In Wellfleet, MA
- Best Things To Do In Harwich, MA
- Best Things To Do In Dennis, MA
- Best Things To Do In Falmouth, MA
- Best Things To Do In Brewster, MA
- Best Things To Do In Provincetown, MA
- Best Things To Do In Chatham, MA
- Best Things To Do In Sandwich, MA
- Best Things To Do In Eastham, MA
- Best Things To Do In Orleans, MA
That’s A Wrap on Visiting Cape Cod For The First Time
Hopefully this answers all your questions about visiting Cape Cod for the first time, what to expect, where to stay and everything you can do. Remember, the important thing is to relax and enjoy the Cape’s naturally beautiful scenery, so try to balance free time with seeing the sites that interest you most. You can always come back, and hopefully you’ll plan to after your first visit!
