The Ultimate Guide to Winter and Spring

When you can’t wait to get out of town and enjoy time away from the daily grind, planning a comprehensive vacation is a good place to start. Of course, the trick to making sure it’s a memorable and productive getaway is to pick a destination that pairs scenic beauty with access to fun, comfort, and luxury too. Fortunately, travelers can find it all and more when they book a stay in captivating Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This stunning destination is loved for its fantastic food, amazing shorelines, and year-round welcoming ambiance that turns first-time visitors into annual adventurers with ease. No matter how long you have to enjoy time away or what your travel interests may be, Cape Cod certainly has something exciting waiting for you. If you’re planning a trip this way in the winter or spring, consider this the ultimate guide to Cape Cod and use it as a launch pad for creating a one-of-a-kind adventure you won’t soon forget.

Guide to Cape Cod: Winter Activities to Enjoy

When the temperatures drop across Cape Cod, the fun is just getting started for those willing to pack a suitcase and make their way this direction despite the chill in the air. In fact, if you’re the type of traveler that appreciates fewer crowds and just as much access to entertainment and fun, Cape Cod could be even more enjoyable for you this time of year. Whether you’re one for the great outdoors or you can’t wait to make the most of indoor stops during your stay, you’ll find there’s no shortage of options when it comes to filling out your winter itinerary.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Yes, Cape Cod experiences temperature fluctuations in the winter but if you’re a visitor that loves to spend as much time as possible outside, it’s nothing that some well thought out layers can’t handle. Every shoreline that graces Cape Cod is open and available to be explored at will during the winter months but that said, there are a few places that are particularly scenic this time of year. Consider taking some time to take a nature walk at The Knob at Cornelia Carey Salt Pond Sanctuary while you’re in town. Situated in the heart of Woods Hole, visitors here can make the most of stunning wintertime views of Quisett Harbor as well as Buzzards Bay from the end of the wooded peninsula. Parking is made simple in the absence of summer crowds and if you happen to be traveling with a four-legged friend, this naturally beautiful stop even has a dog-friendly beach.

If you’re looking for some of the best winter beaches to explore this time of year, Falmouth tops the list of options. In fact, this area hosts over 68 miles of coastline to enjoy, making it simple to customize your stroll. 12 of those miles are public beaches, providing guests with a great and tranquil place to take in a sunset, watch the waves roll in or simply walk hand-in-hand with the one you love most. No, you won’t want to go for a swim this time of year, but if you’re passionate about photography, you’ll certainly find the winter sky, water, and sand create for a stunning color palette to capture on camera.

There are also sensational walking trails to explore at Beebe Wood near High Field Hall and Gardens if you’re the type of traveler ready to lace up their winter boots and explore some inspiring routes at your own pace. From the steep hollows to the wooded ridges these trails host, it’s definitely a place to check out and trails are convenient open from dawn to dusk year-round.

Indoor Options for Fun

When you’re ready to thaw out without sacrificing anything in the way of fun during your winter Cape Cod adventures, there are many indoor options to choose from as well! If you’re traveling with little ones in tow, consider heading over to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. This public destination features marine species found throughout the middle and northeast Atlantic. You can admire over 140 species right on site and make the most of a watery adventure without having to contend with the cold in any way! Admission is free but donations here are gladly accepted.

If you’re in town as a couple, planning a winter spa day indoors can be an amazing option as well. There are a variety of spa destinations across Cape Cod that provide couples massages that can easily be paired with hot stone treatments, exfoliating services and beyond. Consider starting your ideal spa day search at Pure Vida Spa in Falmouth or check out Sol Spa in Chatham!

When you’re up for some entertainment, the Falmouth Theater Guild puts on winter productions that are sure to inspire! If you happen to be looking forward to time spent shopping, use your winter getaway time to explore places like The Gilded Oyster in Falmouth or The Atlantic Spice Company in North Truro just to name a few. Of course, the main streets that grace Hyannis, Harwich Port, and Provincetown are packed with specialty shops that you won’t want to miss either. Make time to shop them all while you’re here!

Indulge in Winter Flavors

<>One of the best winter activities travelers to Cape Cod can enjoy during a stay is finding those savory stops to indulge the tastebuds. Fortunately, this area is brimming over with delicious options to choose from. Those in the mood for mouthwatering Italian cuisine will want to make time for a meal at La Cucina Sul Mare in North Easton at least once during their visit. Finding yourself craving locally sourced seafood paired with American favorites? Make your way to The Glass Onion on North Main Street in Falmouth for a delightful dining experience from start to finish. Of course, Cape Cod is a place where you can also find fantastic food inspired from far flung destinations. Bangkok Thai Cuisine has convenient locations in Hyannis, Mashpee, and Falmouth that are worth adding to your epicurean itinerary.

For those whose flavorful inclinations lean more towards wine tasting, you’ll be happy to know that places like the Cape Cod Winery stay open year-round for palate-pleasing experiences! Located in East Falmouth, this winery is welcoming and romantic, and takes reservations for winter wine tasting experiences that are sure to inspire.

Cape Cod in Spring Travel Plans

It’s no secret that summer is a sensational time to make your way to Cape Cod, but for those craving a bit more of a laid-back atmosphere complete with milder temperatures, Cape Cod in spring is actually the ideal time to travel this way. It’s a wonderful moment to make the most of outdoor activities without having to contend with the sometimes-overwhelming summer crowds. As the landscape comes to life with color and places that were closed in the winter open once more, you’ll find its easy to personalize your springtime Cape Cod itinerary to match your travel preferences at every turn.

Outdoor Fun

One of the most iconic and inspiring stops to explore for those that love the great outdoors is The Cape Cod National Seashore. The natural beauty this destination hosts is truly breathtaking in the springtime. Here, visitors can take time to take a stroll along Nauset Beach in East Orleans and admire the many surrounding cliffs, sand dunes and more. It’s an amazing place to explore for wildlife lovers as well as photographers looking to catch nature at its finest. The Cape Cod National Seashore offers up opportunities to make the most of springtime hiking, fishing, and observing that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

If you’re the type of traveler looking for a sky-high view on your springtime adventure, booking a scenic sightseeing flight is sure to please. Stick-n Rudder Aero Tours out of Chatham offers guests scenic flights that highlight the best bird’s eye views of coastal Cape Cod around! Your pilot will provide insightful commentary as you fly high above places like Monomoy Island, coastal shipwrecks, the Provincetown monument and more.

Spring is also an ideal time of year for anglers who can’t wait to get out on the water and cast a line. This destination provides opportunities to enjoy both fresh and saltwater excursions and just as many charters to match an angler’s idea of fun! The waters that surround Cape Cod are known for hosting everything from tuna and bluefish to fluke, seabass, striped bass and beyond.

For those who are more interested in observing wildlife, booking a seal cruise this spring with Monomoy Island Excursions is a must! These tours take visitors towards Monomoy Island to make the most of observing seals in their natural habitats. Of course, the waters and landscapes here are rich and thriving, so you’re likely to see more than you bargained for. It’s not uncommon for these tours to put guests in proximity to everything from dolphins and fish to a shark or two along the way!

For many springtime travelers, a trip to Cape Cod wouldn’t be complete without at least a little time set aside to explore a lighthouse or two. These fascinating structures serve an important purpose for passing vessels but are also incredible to get up close to when visiting. Start your lighthouse adventures at the Chatham Lighthouse when you’re looking to grab an iconic photo opportunity. Keep in mind that if you’re up for it, many of the lighthouses across Cape Cod allow visitors to climb to the observation decks and make the most of stunning panoramic views too.

Indoor Adventures to Enjoy

Just because the weather is wonderful in the spring doesn’t mean you’ll want to overlook the indoor opportunities for exploration and discovery while visiting Cape Cod. Make your way to Provincetown and you’ll find that there is a collection of art galleries on site just waiting to be enjoyed! In fact, this area is considered one of the oldest artist colonies in the U.S. A thriving art association was started here in 1914, and today continues to feature exhibitions that are one-of-a-kind. The Provincetown Art Association is located on Commercial Street and even offers art classes for those who reserve a place in advance.

Find Your Flavor

Exploring restaurants across Cape Cod is a fun adventure, and a springtime visit this way is no exception to the rule. For those looking to make the most of budget-friendly travel, you’ll find that spring actually comes with some significant savings on iconic area food items like lobster rolls. Seafood stops across the Cape are delightful and its well-worth your time to check out any destination that brings in fresh-caught fare to please guests. If you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience or two this spring, be sure to make reservations at twenty-eight Atlantic in Harwich which pairs an impeccable menu with waterfront views to match. The Ocean House Restaurant in Dennis Port is another appealing choice for those looking to combine a touch of elegance into their flavorful fine-dining experience. When you’re looking for a unique stop to enjoy, be sure to check out Cape Cod Potato Chips in Hyannis during your visit. Here, kettle-cooked potato chips are produced and distributed much to the delight of visitors and locals alike! Self-guided tours of the facility are available between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm daily but the highlight will certainly be the tasting options.

Book Your Stay Today

No matter what season it is that brings you to Cape Cod, having a plan in place to make the most of the fun is key to success. Booking beautiful, comfortable, and conveniently located accommodations is an important part of that plan! That’s where New England Vacation Rentals comes into the picture to help. We’re a team of property professionals who are passionate about the people and places we serve. When you’re looking forward to an amazing journey this way, let us handle all of the details of your vacation rental while you visit so all that’s left for you to do is focus on the fun that awaits! Our properties pair luxury and comfort and every turn and are sure to keep guests close to those Cape Cod destinations they can’t wait to explore. Reach out today to learn more about our portfolio of property options and to begin planning your next trip to Cape Cod. We truly can’t wait to see you here soon! Check out some of these amazing journeys to Cape Cod.