Cape Cod, Massachusetts is a destination where travelers can easily find moments to relax, unwind, and make the most of their downtime year-round. It’s also a place that’s packed with opportunities for those who can’t wait to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors! Whether you’re looking for adventure, scenery, sunshine, or the best of it all, you’ll want to add the following five outdoor activities to your Cape Cod to-do list the next time you’re here.
1. Enjoy Scenic Discoveries in Mashpee
If you find yourself lingering on the south shore of the Upper Cape during your getaway to Cape Cod, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoor adventures that are waiting for you in Mashpee. This beautiful area is loved by locals and visitors alike for its stunning beaches, lush woodlands, and freshwater ponds as well. When you want to spend time in nature here, we recommend making your way to Mashpee’s South Cape Beach State Park. It’s a popular place to enjoy an afternoon of hiking, but just as suitable for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. If you have a love for birdwatching, this area is known for playing host to snowy owls during the wintertime.

2. Explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail
Whether you’re spending time in Cape Cod on your own, as a couple, or with family and friends in your traveling group, exploring the Cape Cod Rail Trail on two wheels is a must. This is one of the most popular bike trails in the region and it offers explorers options to bike a portion or the entirety of the 25-mile route, depending on preference. South Dennis is a convenient access point to the trail, which runs through Orleans, Brewster, Harwich, Eastham, and Wellfleet. It’s a great bike route for those who are looking to get up close to local cranberry bogs, or spend some time dropping by the cape’s many quaint villages and pairing biking with sightseeing, too.
3. Treat Yourself to Time on the Sand
For those travelers in Cape Cod who can’t wait to dig their toes into the sand, an afternoon or two at Sandy Neck Beach Park might just be the highlight of their getaway. You’ll find this delightful stop in Barnstable, and when you arrive, you’ll be treated to access to 6 miles of shoreline. This barrier beach is home to maritime forest, soft sands, and dunes, too. While there are marked trails to check out when you want to adventure further in your surroundings, there’s nothing stopping you from just settling in and watching the waves roll in at your own preferred pace.
4. Try Your Luck at Whale Watching
While Mother Nature doesn’t adhere to anyone’s timetable, depending on the time of year you arrive in Cape Cod, you might just be lucky enough to arrive during whale watching season. Across Cape Cod, this is typically defined as the period of time from April through October, with peak whale watching opportunities running from September through June. It’s absolutely thrilling to spot these magnificent creatures thriving in their natural, watery habitats, no matter when you arrive in town. A terrific place to elevate your chances of spotting whales in the surrounding waters is the Barnstable Harbor. Here, you can try your luck at spotting whales on your own time, or book a certified whale watching excursion to get closer to fin whales, minke, and humpback whales alike alongside a guide.

5. Paddleboard an Afternoon Away
When scenery seeking at a slower pace is what gets you into your vacation state of mind, spending time paddleboarding on the Bass River during your Cape Cod stay is a good idea. This tidal river hosts calm waters and gorgeous views to enjoy as you paddle your way through a sunny afternoon. There are convenient public access points into the water to consider using in Yarmouth, but if you choose an access point in Dennis, you can pair your river adventures with time drifting through salt marshes as well.
Bonus: Free Activities Through Xplorie
When you book your stay with New England Vacation Rentals, you get access to exciting vacation activities through our partnership with Xplorie! Enjoy everything from a free round of golf to bike rentals, a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, whale watching tours, and more!
Book Your Cape Cod Getaway in Comfort and Style This Year
No matter when your travel plans bring you to Cape Cod, booking a property option that feels like home is the place to start. At New England Vacation Rentals, we have a portfolio of inviting property options for guests to enjoy across the Cape that pair comfort, style, luxury, and incredible views, too. When you book your stay through us, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll wake up every day of your stay close to the places you can’t wait to explore. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting options and how our team of property professionals can help you tailor the details of your getaway that matter most. We can’t wait to help you plan your next exceptional trip and we look forward to seeing you in Cape Cod soon.