Cape Cod consistently ranks as one of Massachusetts’ foremost vacation spots thanks to its world-class beaches, renowned classic streets, and delightful fresh seafood. Another popular attraction to this lovely Bay State gem is the famous Cape Cod National Seashore, an expansive 43,000-acre protected area on the peninsula’s eastern end. Here’s what makes Cape Cod National Seashore such a Cape Cod favorite.
Cape Cod National Seashore has six beautiful beaches, each offering its unique charm and thrills by the water’s edge. Marconi Beach features sweeping panoramic views and a gentle slope, making it an excellent spot for soothing swims, skimboarding, and boogie-boarding. Coast Guard Beach is a popular area for spotting local wildlife, including gray and spot harbor seals, alongside numerous avian species. Other renowned Cape Cod National Seashore beaches worth visiting include Race Point Beach in Provincetown, Head of the Meadow Beach in North Truro, and Nauset Light Beach in Eastham.
Cape Cod National Seashore hosts over 40 scenic hiking trails, perfect for a laid-back mid-morning or afternoon stroll. Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail covers 1.1 miles, offering a brief 23-minute hike through the pine forests and woodlands of Atlantic White Cedar Swamp. The 2.4-mile Sand Dune Trail passes through beautiful dunes before opening up to a beach where you can enjoy a soothing swim. Measuring nine miles, the Great Island to Jeremy Point and Tavern Loop takes nearly three hours, offering multiple elevations with picturesque vistas and a picnic area near the parking.
Hire a bike and head out for a laidback peddling session along Cape Cod National Seashore’s majestic biking trails. The Province Lands Bike Trail stretches roughly 6.6 miles, featuring numerous hills with sweeping views of the Atlantic and dunes. Another popular biking route is the Nauset Bike Trail, which stretches 3.8 miles, delivering a peaceful ride on mostly paved routes. For quality bike rentals in Wellfleet, stop by The Little Capistrano Bike Shop and enjoy an impressive selection of high-end bikes, including mountain bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and tandems.
Enjoy a relaxing kayaking session in the northern area of Nauset Marsh and Wellfleet Harbor. The Nauset Marsh in Hemenway Landing leads out to the Atlantic, offering jaw-dropping scenery and access to numerous avian species, including gulls, raptors, and waterfowl. Wellfleet Harbor features an undisturbed shoreline, delivering a pleasant and peaceful kayaking session with occasional sightings of gray seals. For quality kayak rentals in Wellfleet, check out Jack’s Boat Rental and enjoy an impressive collection of high-end equipment, including single and tandem kayaks.
Test your angling skills at one of Cape Cod National Seashore’s lovely beaches. You can fish anywhere along the Cape Cod National Seashore, provided you have a valid license from the MassFishHunt portal. Local authorities allow fishing by hook and line in designated areas on all days except Labor Day, giving you year-round opportunities to reel in a prized catch.
Cape Cod National Seashore is home to several picturesque lighthouses, highlighting the area’s strong connection to the Atlantic. Nauset Light is one of Cape Cod’s most renowned lighthouses, dating back to 1877 and repainted to its iconic red and white color in the 1940s. Highland Lighthouse remains a beacon of light after faithful service since its construction in 1979, offering sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding areas. The Three Sisters Lighthouse features three 15-foot towers set 150 feet apart along a straight line, making it among Cape Cod’s most unique lighthouses.
Take a trip down memory lane at one of Cape Cod National Seashore’s famous historical sights and learn more about the peninsula’s past and heritage. Captain Edward Penniman House houses written records and artifacts from the Penniman family dating back to the 1800s. The Marconi Station Site is the birthplace of the nation’s first transatlantic wireless station, while the Old Harbor Lifesaving Station is a museum offering tales of ancient wrecks and rescues. Other renowned local historical sights include Doane Homestead, Highlands Center, and Atwood-Higgins House, serving as Cape Cod National Seashore’s oldest house, dating back to 1730.
Cape Cod is a Massachusetts vacation hub delivering umpteen attractions, including Cape Cod National Seashore. This expansive area features multiple miles of lovely beaches, scenic trails, and riveting outdoor adventures, ideal for a memorable getaway. As you plan your Cape Cod vacation, look to New England Vacation Rentals for the area’s best rental homes. We offer an impressive collection of high-end vacation properties, including luxury vacation rental homes, pet-friendly rentals, rentals with hot tubs, and water-view rentals in 14 locations, giving you ample choice to suit your lodging needs. Contact us today to secure your Cape Cod vacation rental and enjoy your Massachusetts vacation in the most comfortable accommodation.
A romantic getaway with your significant other can help foster your bond and deepen your intimacy. The scenic peninsula of Cape Cod features numerous attractions, perfect for a lovely couple’s holiday. Here’s a list of things to do in Cape Cod for couples and what the ideal date night looks like at this beautiful Massachusetts gem.
Cape Cod is famous for its world-class beaches, offering an excellent setting for a scenic evening walk with your partner. Mayflower Beach in Dennis is a favorite among couples, featuring breathtaking sunsets and calm waves. Newcomb Hollow Beach has several massive dunes, providing a beautiful backdrop for a late, hand-in-hand stroll as you watch the sun disappear over the horizon. South Cape Beach features a mile of gorgeous white sand, giving you and your partner an excellent view of the famous Martha’s Vineyard.
Cape Cod has an impressive collection of fine-dining eateries for the ultimate romantic date night. Bleu Restaurant in Mashpee offers a lovely French menu with several dinner classics and a well-curated wine list. Cape Sea Grille is a Harwichport favorite, offering a sumptuous seafood menu with delicious dessert options. Stop by Front Street in Provincetown and enjoy Italian cuisine in a unique 18th century Victorian setting. Other restaurants worth eating at include Belfry Bistro, Water Street Kitchen, Scargo Café, and C Salt X.
Cape Cod hosts several theaters showcasing numerous musicals and plays. If you’re up for a chuckle, The Barnstable Comedy Club is the ideal go-to. This community theater has been a Cape Cod mainstay since 1922, offering hilarious skits and musicals. Cape Rep Theater in Brewster features musicals and plays on indoor and outdoor stages, while the Cape Playhouse in Dennis produces top-rated plays. Stop by the Falmouth Theatre Guild for riveting musicals and enjoy Broadway-like performances.
Cape Cod consists of 15 beautiful towns, including beachside and historical municipalities. This famous hook-shaped peninsula has been a favorite for couples for decades thanks to its robust collection of attractions. From gorgeous beaches to fine dining establishments and lovely live shows, Cape Cod delivers fantastic romantic date nights. Before setting out on your intimate getaway, secure the best vacation rental with New England Vacation Rentals. We have exquisite holiday homes in 17 Cape Cod locations, offering you and your partner ample choice. Contact us today to book your preferred rental and relish the romance of this Massachusetts gem.
Great News! When reserving a New England Vacation Rental you now have Down the Cape Concierge to take care of all of your vacation requests. Our mobile service is here for anything you may need prior to and during your trip. We hope this innovative approach to fulfilling guest requests provides a comparable digital experience to sitting at an actual concierge desk.
Down the Cape Concierge has partnered with a variety of local businesses to offer you the very best vacation services and amenities on Cape Cod. We have taken the time and worry away from you, by providing on-demand guest services wherever you are staying.
To guarantee you’re ready for a relaxing vacation prior to getting over the Bridge, we offer multiple Pre-Arrival services. Want the house stocked when you get there? Need a midweek beer run? Last minute items for a family party? Our customizable “Shop & Stock” packages will ensure that the kitchen is filled with all the essentials. Planning any outdoor activities? We can have bikes, kayaks, or SUPs delivered right to your units. Just let us know what you need.
We are also delighted to suggest and secure reservations to any of Cape Cod’s finest restaurants, as we specialize in organizing group dining events. As guests of New England Vacation Rental, you will have access to preferred seating at some of the best dining destinations on the Cape. In the event you will need local transportation, we can book any size or class vehicle you may need.
Care to indulge yourself in seaside relaxation? Down the Cape offers a number of in unit spa services, including massages available at your convenience. Need to work off that Fisherman’s Platter? Many of our private service partners include trainers and yoga teachers. Please inquire with our concierge to secure a service prior to your stay.
While you are planning your trip or even if you are already on the Cape feel free to chat with our concierge desk to adjust your itinerary, request assistance with organizing on the fly family parties, even local advice,and suggestions (even traffic shortcuts!). All of our services can be done right on your phone! Just chat with our concierge desk and we can get started with your itinerary today. Make sure you have the rental address and your confirmation number handy!Down the Cape Travel Guide has curated the best beaches, kids activities, coastal dining, and unique experiences via the Happy Stays X app.
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Once again, we are looking forward to having you as our guest here on the Cape and wish you a delightful and memorable stay.
As you start planning your next getaway, you may be thinking about doing something different this year. Instead of picking a spot and trying to do everything that spot has to offer, you may choose a theme that your journey will revolve around. Why not enjoy a vacation spent near where our nation began, right here on Cape Cod? Spend your days visiting the many historic attractions found here and your evenings and nights enjoying the comfortable luxury of our thoroughly modern escapes is our idea of the perfect themed vacation, and this guide will help you see everything you want to see!
Some people aren’t satisfied with making their mark in only one category, and those people often leave an indelible mark on the landscape of history. Edward Gorey, famous author/poet/illustrator/puppeteer, is one such gentleman, and he just happened to live out his later years on Cape Cod. The house where he lived, worked, and died has been made into a museum that celebrates his world and should be on the top of any book lover’s bucket list.
Once upon a time, visitors to Chatham would see a landscape dotted with windmills, with at least half a dozen large ones and more than a dozen smaller ones being adding to the charm of our hometown. Today there is only one left, the Godfrey Windmill, built over 300 years ago, making it an appealing attraction to visit! Offering free tours during the season, the 2020 season has ended with the pandemic’s appearance, but shall begin again in 2021.
It’s always fascinating to see how schools have evolved from the one-room schoolhouse into the complexes that exist today, and the Brook’s Academy Museum offers a peek into one of the first private schools that went past the elementary level. Built at night under the glow of moonlight, teacher/architect/builder Sidney Brook’s two-room schoolhouse was a much-needed addition to the town of Harwich and stayed in use until the 1960s.
Cape Cod has a long and rich history that begs to be explored, making it the perfect place to visit for a historical tour. Reserve your New England Vacation Rentals hideaway today and relax in comfort every day of your stay!
In a time of uncertainty, it is always nice to know that some things remain unchanged. The sun rises and sets every day, the ocean’s tide does its ebb and flow thing, and the natural attractions on Cape Cod offer a bright spot in a world that is sometimes too dark! The beauty of Cape Cod lies in its people and its natural landscape, and the serenity found in these spots can only be matched by the comfort discovered in our New England Vacation Rentals retreats!
More than your ordinary neighborhood park, all state parks are places with a natural allure, but we think Nickerson State Park, located at 3488 Main Street in Brewster, offers something extra special. The park is home to a variety of kettle ponds, including the 204-acre Cliff Pond, created over 18,000 years ago when the Laurentide ice sheet retreated from the surface of what is now considered Cape Cod. Over time, depressions in the earth filled up from a combination of groundwater and rain (or melted snow) and a kettle pond formed. They make excellent swimming holes once they are treated for alkalinity. In addition to the ponds, Nickerson State Park offers wooded areas lined with mature trees and trails that lead the way under canopies of green in the summer and brilliant oranges, reds, and golds in the fall.
If you have ever seen commercials where men in hip waders are standing in pools of ruby red cranberries, you might be surprised to learn that it’s not all a figment of television imagination; these bogs do exist and can be found on Cape Cod. Cranberry Bog Tours at 1601 Factory Road in Harwich offers the perfect example of these tangy berries we enjoy during the holidays, thriving in the acid peat soil from which they spring. Native to Massachusetts and pollinated by bees, farmers generally supply at least one beehive per bog, leading to pools of berries so beautiful they make visitors glad they made time in their trips to stop by.
The breathtaking Cape Cod National Seashore is a protected treasure that has attracted visitors to our rugged home for centuries, including esteemed writer Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau was so struck by the great outer beach he praised its merits in his writing, convincing travelers that this quiet place was something worth traveling to see. Today the seashore is known throughout the world for its pristine beaches and the majestic beauty of the ocean waves crashing against the shore. Primarily considered a summer destination, the seashore in the winter offers a desolate and wild beauty as the snow covers the sand and the nearby trees lose their leaves.
The natural beauty of Cape Cod is only enhanced by the style and comfort of our New England Vacation Rentals luxurious retreats. Reserve yours today!
Ok, we have a secret to confess: It never really gets unbearably hot on the Cape, but every once in a while, the temperatures DO rise up over 80, and if you’re not used to the heat wave, you’ll be looking for ways to keep cool like everyone else! Summer vacations spent on Cape Cod are magical experiences that you never want to end, and when the suns shining bright overhead, we’ve come up with these Cape Cod activities to help you keep your cool! Get out your tank tops, slip into a pair of flip flops, and start planning your unforgettable Cape Cod vacation. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
The wind in your hair, the sun shining down from overhead, and the feel of the cool ocean water cradling your body are just a few reasons why a day at the beach cures all ills. Why not make it your first stop on a vacation that will be filled with magical moments from the first day to the last?
Yes, you can see a movie anytime, but when is the last time you spent a day going from theater to theater and catching ALL the movies you’ve been dying to see in the same day? The Chatham 14 Movie Theaters offers crisp and cool air conditioning and the chance to escape into a fantasy world for a few hours at a time—take advantage of it!
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium isn’t a large one, but when you’re looking to escape the heat for a few hours at a time, there’s no better place to explore! Teaching our kids that education can be entertaining, the touch tanks are especially fun for those with gentle hands, while the outdoor seal exhibit will have your entire family laughing as you watch the antics of these canine-like creatures that make their home here!
Not all our homes have pools, but if you plan ahead and rent one that does, you may discover your family never wants to leave your backyard! Greet the day with a refreshing swim, do cannonballs with your kids after a long morning of sightseeing, or float on your back at night, watching the stars above wink and twinkle. Your vacation in one of our New England Vacation Rentals homes with a pool will take you to places you never dreamed possible. Reserve yours today and discover how the RIGHT vacation rental can make all the difference!
Cape Cod has a long history of being a popular tourist destination, but if you’re planning your first trip to the Massachusetts peninsula, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where your time will be best spent. Though you’ll probably want to include plenty of sun, sand, and relaxation on your itinerary, you won’t want to miss out on some of these top attractions.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is 22 miles of paved trail that offers some of the most authentic and beautiful views of the Cape Cod area. Biker will travel through charming villages that are situated along a diverse range of landscape that includes beaches, salt marshes, forests, and cranberry bogs. It’s a fairly easy ride with many places to stop and take a break on the way.
The Pilgrim Monument stands tall and proud, commemorating the pilgrims’ Mayflower landing in Provincetown, which is at the very tip of Cape Cod. The 252-foot granite tower was begun in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt and completed in 1910. Visitors are also invited to climb its 116 steps. The Provincetown Museum was constructed at the monument’s base, featuring many historical exhibits, as well as more modern ones.
Commercial Street offers a treasure trove of shopping and vibrant activity. Easily one of Provincetown’s busiest streets, vacationers will find numerous retail, dining, nightlife, and entertainment choices. Whatever you happen to be looking for, you’re sure to find it here among the eclectic options.
It’s no secret that one of the most notable families to ever frequent Cape Cod was the Kennedys. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum pays tribute to the late president, exhibiting much of his life through multimedia forms so that others can learn more about the legacy he left behind. The museum can be found in the former Hyannis Town Hall building.
The Cape Cod village of Sandwich is home to the Heritage Museums & Gardens, which consist of three galleries and a large display of flourishing gardens. Guests can browse through the interesting exhibits depicting American folk art, a vintage carousel, and a remarkable collection of classic automobiles. Within the gardens, the main feature is rhododendrons, but herbs, daylilies, hollies, and many other types of plants can be found.
Of course, no trip to Cape Cod would be complete without visiting its more than 44,000 acres of National Seashore. Located on the outer banks of the peninsula, the protected shores provide a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities that include camping, beaches, nature trails, and much more.
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