Cape Cod is a vacation destination that makes its way to the top of traveler must-visit lists often with good reason. While the Cape comes alive in the summer months, those looking to avoid the crowds while still making the most of the abundance of activities and fun will find winter is the ideal season to plan a visit. No matter what your travel interests or preferences may be, a trip to Cape Cod this winter promises to be fun, exciting, and definitely one-of-a-kind. Grab your coat and pack that suitcase when Cape Cod is calling your name. The following are just a few of the top winter things to do in Cape Cod you’ll want to be sure to add to the itinerary while you’re in town.
Visit the Salt Pond Visitor Center
If you’re ok with bundling up to explore the great outdoors, then a trip to Cape Cod this time of year is bound to please! The Salt Pond Visitor Center is a great place for those travelers looking to pair indoor education with outdoor fun at a leisurely pace without having to attend with summer crowds. The Salt Pond Visitor Center is located conveniently in Eastham and is open year-round for looking around and finding yourself in the heart of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Indoor activities at the visitor center include a theater and a museum while easy access to the Nauset Marsh Trail makes it simple to include a trek on your itinerary as well. The Nauset Marsh Trail is a 1.5-mile pathway that’s as scenic as it is exciting to experience!
Watch a Winter Sunset
There’s nothing quite as magical as taking in a winter sunset or two on Cape Cod. One of the best places to do exactly that is the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary offers up an abundance of amazing moments in nature thanks to the maze of trails you can wander along that take you through salt marshes, sandy beaches, and pine woodland alike. However, when you’re not checking out on-site exhibits and aquariums while you’re here, you’re going to want to linger into the evening hours. On winter nights, a breathtaking sunset from this vantage point is yours for the enjoyment and a moment you simply won’t want to miss!
Go Winter Biking
It’s easy to assume that biking is an activity reserved exclusively for the summer months on Cape Cod but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Cyclists up for a fat tire biking adventure will find the many trails that wind through this terrain are as ideal in the winter as they are when the weather is warm. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is an iconic route you won’t want to miss. This pathway stretches over 27.6 miles of paved land connecting seven towns from West Yarmouth to Wellfleet. The Shining Sea Bikeway offers up a bit of a shorter but no less exciting route to explore at 10.7 miles. The Shining Sea Bikeway is a combination of paved and off-road trail creating a bit of a challenge that experienced cyclists often crave. This trail connects North Falmouth to Woods Hole and offers up beach, marsh and harbor views along the way.
Visit a Lighthouse or Two
Cape Cod has long been loved for its photo-worthy terrain. While much of that is due to natural features, iconic structures like the area’s many lighthouses are just as captivating and appealing to visitors year-round! If you’re looking for a place to take the quintessential Cape Cod photo while you’re here, visiting a lighthouse or two is well worth your time. The Cape hosts well over a dozen light stations so whether you head towards Nobska Beach in Falmouth or to the Chatham Lighthouse, you’re in for a visual treat!
Warm Up in Museums
There’s a lot to be said for making the most of the terrain of Cape Cod in winter. But if those moments come where you’re ready to warm up, heading into one of the area’s many amazing museums is always a good choice. The Sandwich Glass Museum is a unique and colorful stop to enjoy while the Heritage Museum is a chance to get inspired by the area’s past. Other iconic museum stops to add to the itinerary might include the Edward Gorey House in Yarmouth Port as well as the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis. If you’re traveling this way with little ones in the winter, don’t miss out on time well spent at the Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee.
Book Your Getaway and Enjoy Cape Cod in Winter
When the winter temperatures drop, the potential only rises to make it an amazing stay on Cape Cod. Partnering with the property professionals at New England Vacation Rentals ensures that every moment of your stay includes the comfort, luxury, and convenience you deserve! Reach out today to learn more about our many area rental options and to start planning your next exciting trip with our winter things to do in Cape Cod!