Harwich and Chatham are popular vacation spots known for their miles of unspoiled beaches, hiking trails and sand dunes, which is why most tourists visit during the warm summer months. However, there is also plenty of activities to do on Cape Cod during the off-season. With fewer tourists, the quaint beachside towns are much less crowded, and you can truly enjoy a relaxing vacation. If you do decide to visit Harwich or Chatham during the off-season, here are some things to see and do in Cape Cod during the winter.

Go Antiquing 

Cape Cod is known for its rich history, and there are several locations on the island where you can go antiquing. Harwich Antique Center is a large shop selling everything from coins to local art, jewelry, furniture, vinyl records, military and nautical items. The store is located off of Route 28 in West Harwich and is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

If you are interested in maps, visit Maps of Antiquity in Chatham. The shop specializes in antique maps and reproductions, with some dating back as far as the 1600s. The shop is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., although the store owners request that you call ahead of time to schedule a visit.

Visit a Museum

The Atwood House Museum is the oldest building in Chatham. Built in 1752, the house belonged to Captain Joseph Atwood. You can tour the house, which has exhibits featuring the history of commercial fishing, antique tools and glimpses into what life looked like when Captain Atwood lived in the home. This museum is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Cape Cod in MA.

Enjoy the Empty Beaches

Bundle up and enjoy the empty beaches. During the warmer months, Chatham and Harwich beaches can be packed, but during the winter chances are you will have the whole beach to yourself for a stroll (we don’t recommend swimming, though!).

Planning Your Stay to Experience all the Best Things to See and Do in Cape Cod

If you are looking for accommodations in Harwich or Chatham, consider booking one of our vacation homes. We offer some of the nicest homes in the area. After a day exploring the best things to see and do in Cape Cod, you can head back to your home and cozy up for the rest of day.

All of our homes are fully stocked with everything you may need for your stay and our concierge team is available to help you will all your questions and request for recommendations. For more information on our homes or to book a rental, please contact us today.

Don’t forget to check out our Dennisport Weekly Rentals!