The Ultimate Guide to the Beaches of Cape Cod

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Just over an hour outside of Boston, Cape Cod is a quick and easy beach trip or road trip for East Coasters. An idyllic getaway for history buffs, aspiring artists, sharknado fans, lobster lovers, golfers, fisherman, or those simply in search of sun and fun, “the Cape” is a choose your own adventure and a prime New England summer destination. 

As the first stop off the Mayflower, it’s also laden with American history, A lot of distinguished people have made Cape Cod their home at one point or another, but Henry David Thoreau was the only one to write about it, saying “A man may stand there and put all America behind him.” It’s housed everyone from the Kennedys and a long list of artists to dignified visitors and throngs of tourists. 

While Michigan can be explained on a hand, Cape Cod is best shown on the arm. The Upper and Mid-Cape being the bicep, the Lower Cape is the elbow, and Outer Cape the fist. There are 15 towns on the Cape, all offering different activities and personalities, the most recognizable names being Provincetown and Plymouth. Don’t expect to hit everything in one go, or you’ll be running up and down the peninsula but instead, plan to make a return visit.

How to Get to Cape Cod

If you are coming from ways away, there are a handful of regional airports on and around the Cape like Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis and Provincetown Municipal Airport in Provincetown. More common, though, is to fly into Logan International Airport in Boston, rent a car (helpful to have anyway) and drive 65 miles southeast, which can take anywhere from an hour and a half to a couple of hours in traffic (Rockport is a nearby lesser known beach destination). If you are coming from Boston for the weekend, another great option is to take the ferry to Provincetown, as there is plenty to do within walking distance. 

Best Places to Stay on Cape Cod

There are plenty of great hotels on Cape Cod, but to get the full experience, you may want to check out the inns, B&Bs, or houses on the beach as there’s nothing better than the New England seaside aesthetic. Some of your best places are Chatham Bars Inn and Captain’s House Inn. You can even spend a couple of nights in Wings Neck Lighthouse or its keeper’s cottage for more unique accommodations.

The Best Time to Visit Cape Cod

The primetime to visit Cape Cod is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as that’s when the weather is the most optimal for a beach day. However, to avoid the inevitable high season crowds, many people will visit between September and November, otherwise known as shark season. During these months, the water isn’t necessarily warm enough to swim, but you can still look out for fins from the comfort of shore. 

The Best Beaches on Cape Cod

There are 559.6 miles of coastline on Cape Cod, so you have plenty of stretches of sand to explore. Cape Cod National Seashore spans the entire easternmost coastline created by JFK to protect the beaches from overdevelopment. The National Seashore is made up of many beaches, ponds, and marshlands. Some of the national parks’ best spots are Race Point Beach (at the very tip of the peninsula) for an incredible sunset and Marconi Beach for its immense forty-foot sand cliff. Outside of that area, you have Mayflower Beach, Veterans Park Beach, and Sandy Neck Beach for a day of splashing around.

Things to Do in Cape Cod

Besides the obvious sun and fun, Cape Cod has plenty of other activities for all ages and interests. Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25-mile route through six towns, perfect for walking, running, or biking. Heritage Museums and Gardens has a beautiful floral full of daylilies and a fountain full of waterlilies, a great spot to snap some pics or bring the whole family. You can also embark on Art’s Dune Tours for the adventurous spirits and check out the famous sand mounds by way of SUV. Make sure to send one of your nights at Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre for retro entertainment, and if all that isn’t enough, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are easy day trips by ferry. 

Best Restaurants on Cape Cod

One can’t talk about Cape Cod without mentioning The Beachcomber, the beloved waterfront restaurant. It’s one of the few establishments on the National Seashore that opened before the National Seashore was protected, and thus its succulent seafood and outdoor bar were “grandfathered” in. Other must-eat spots include Land Ho, Mac’s Shack, and the Lobster Pot (the restaurant where Anthony Bourdain his start) for seafood, or Abba and Ocean House for fine dining or a splurge meal. For breakfast, grab some donuts from Hole in One or head to Hangar B for a cozy diner. You must try a lobster roll and one of their signature clam bakes.

Insider Tips for Visiting Cape Cod

There are a few things to make note of before heading to Cape Cod. Most beachgoers know about the red, yellow, and green flags to indicate water conditions, but Cape Cod also flies a purple flag throughout the summer to remind swimmers that sharks may be present. It’s also important to note that while town beaches are free, parking may not be, so if you can walk or bike, do it to save some dough.

Note: as travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind. If you are comfortable hitting the road, please be responsible as any travel is at your own risk. It’s recommended to wear a face mask, bring hand sanitizer, wash your hands frequently, know the local guidelines, and book a hotel with flexible cancellation policies in case you need to change your plans last minute.

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