Thousands of vacationers are drawn to Cape Cod every year to relax on the sandy beaches, explore the historic towns, and mill about the charming harbors. Cape Cod family vacations are always exciting; even if you can only get away for a quick weekend trip, your time spent here is guaranteed to be well worth it. With some careful planning, first-time visitors to the Cape can make sure they get the most out of their trip, and not leave feeling like they missed out on anything. Below, you’ll gain a good sense of where to stay, where to eat, and what to include on your itinerary, so you don’t waste any precious time once you arrive.

Where to Stay

You will have several lodging places to choose from at the Cape, but keep in mind that there are many benefits to staying in a vacation home rental instead of in the impersonal, tight quarters of a hotel room. New England Vacation Rentals offers a variety of homes to choose from, ensuring that all visitors will find something to suit their budget and location preference. Amenities include concierge services and maintenance requests, so that all you have to worry about is enjoying your time on Cape Cod. Whether you’re looking for a large property situated right on the water, perfect for a Cape Cod family vacation, or a cozy house positioned in the heart of one of the Cape’s villages, New England Vacation Rentals can accommodate.

Places to Eat

The main things to think about when it comes to eating during your two-day stay on Cape Cod are where you’re going to have breakfast and where you’re going to get excellent seafood. Many places cater to both, so finding either shouldn’t be too terribly difficult. Of course, where you end up will all depend on which area of the peninsula you’re in, but a few places to start include Maison Villatte in Falmouth for breakfast, The Clam Shack for a tasty seafood lunch right on the dock, and Quahog Republic to mingle with the locals for a drink or two.

In Provincetown, try out Pop + Dutch for a delicious breakfast sandwich, The Canteen for a variety of seafood options, and Aqua Bar for a waterfront nightcap. If you’re in the lower Cape area around Chatham, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Monomoy Coffee for breakfast, Impudent Oyster for a seafood lunch or dinner, and Chatham Bars Inn for an after-dinner cocktail.

Things to Do

With only two days to pack in all that you want to see and do, it helps to have a clear plan outlined ahead of time. Begin your first day in Falmouth, check out Old Silver Beach, and stop to take pictures of the very New England-esque Nobska Point Lighthouse. Later in the afternoon, head to Hyannis to catch a glimpse of the Kennedy compound, and walk through the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum before signing up for a whale watching tour that leaves from Hyannis Harbor. You may find your second day best spent taking a ferry ride to Nantucket, where you can bike around and experience the National Historic District’s museums, boutiques, and art galleries.

Any of these suggestions are sure to make your first trip to Cape Cod a memorable one.