How to Experience Cape Cod Like a Local, With Charming Boutique Hotels, Fresh Seafood, and Stunning Ocean Views
Charming downtown Chatham is a regular stop on any trip Sarah and Alex make to the Cape. Easily walkable, this is a fun stop on any trip to and from the beach or a quick pit stop for lunch. Highlights of the strip include The Mayflower, The Candy Manor, and Ducks in the Window, and feel free to stop by any of Sarah's former employers -- Chatham Cookware Cafe or The Wild Goose Tavern -- for a quick snack. Go to the Chatham Fish Pier and see the seals and have a lobster roll, chowder, or fish sandwich. Yum! Go to Chatham Light beach for beautiful views and great pictures (address below!) Have a drink or snack at the Veranda at Chatham Beach Inn and admire the views and relax.
With over 40 miles of shoreline, the Cape Cod National Seashore is the perfect place to enjoy the quiet beauty of fall. Beautiful dunes and ocean views make this a great time to explore the coast. Spot migrating birds or take a walk along the shores of Coat Guard or Marconi Beaches for a peaceful, scenic escape. There’s no better time to enjoy all the Seashore has to offer.
From the site: "Provincetown is many things. It’s an escape. It’s an art scene. It’s a foodie haven. It’s an LGBTQ+ capital, and it’s an entertainment hub like no other in the world. Experience what you love or what you’d love to try for the first time. There are so many things to do in Provincetown all year long." Sarah and Alex enjoyed an amazing whale watch from P-Town on his first trip to the Cape -- and they saw upwards of 10 on their three-hour tour... Other P-Town suggestions: Visit the dunes and admire the view at Race Point beach. Go for a whale watch (www.whalewatch.com). Visit the shops and galleries on Commercial street. Take the funicular up to see the Provincetown Pilgrims monument for a great view.
Fall is the perfect time to explore Cape Cod’s iconic lighthouses, each with its own rich history and breathtaking views. The historic Chatham Light overlooks Lighthouse Beach, be sure to stop by for a photo op or simply to soak in the scene. Just a short drive up the coast, Nauset Light in Eastham offers free public tours on Sundays through late October, from 1-4 p.m. Step inside and climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic that are absolutely worth it.
Fall is the perfect time to explore Cape Cod’s iconic lighthouses, each with its own rich history and breathtaking views. The historic Chatham Light overlooks Lighthouse Beach, be sure to stop by for a photo op or simply to soak in the scene. Just a short drive up the coast, Nauset Light in Eastham offers free public tours on Sundays through late October, from 1-4 p.m. Step inside and climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic that are absolutely worth it.
Cape Cod’s scenic walking trails offer the perfect way to unwind and connect with nature. In Wellfleet, the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail winds through a peaceful loop surrounded by a rare cedar forest. Or the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (link below!). Down the coast in Chatham, the Morris Island Loop Trail offers beautiful coastal views and trails through both open and wooded areas. Each trail provides a unique opportunity to experience Cape Cod's diverse natural beauty.
A few options of activities in Hyannis: See the JFK museum (www.jfkhyannismuseum.org). Take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. Visit the Hyannis HyArts Artist Shanties for crafts and art. Explore Tugboats, The Black Catt or Embargo for dinner.
Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking (https://www.mass.gov/locations/cape-cod-rail-trail) Cape Cod Mini Golf Courses (https://www.capecodgolfguys.com/miniature-golf-courses) All I got was a Tee shirt? Cuffy’s is a must for tee’s and sweatshirts, and all other Cape Cod gift items (https://cuffys.com) Heritage Museum and Gardens is a beautiful botanical gardens complete with a Carousel, classic car museum, and adventure park. Located in Sandwich -- right near the Sandwich Glass museum (https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org). Harwich Beaches (https://www.harwich-ma.gov/373/Beaches) Orleans Beaches (https://www.orleanscapecod.org/orleans-beaches/)
Chatham Bars Inn Classic Cape Cod hotel with great views, a spa and a veranda for outdoor lunches with a beautiful view. Fine dining at STARS (https://www.chathambarsinn.com). Wequassett Resort. Another beautiful CC resort with exquisite landscaping. Fun outdoor food and drinks at The Outer Bar and fine dining at 28 Atlantic (https://wequassett.com). Truro Vineyards (https://trurovineyardsofcapecod.com) Hog Island Brewery (https://hogislandbeerco.com)
Sesuit Harbor Café (www.sesuit-harbor-cafe.com) Chatham Fish Pier (https://www.chathampierfishmkt.com/) Go to the Chatham Fish Pier and see the seals and have a lobster roll, chowder, or fish sandwich. Yum!
General info (https://atlanticwhales.com/whale-watching-cape-cod-ma/) In Provincetown (www.whalewatch.com) In Hyannis (www.whales.net)