The Top Things to Do and See in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a popular vacation spot for New Englanders – whether it’s hiking, swimming, shopping or visiting the free aquarium, there’s plenty to see and do. Here’s our list of the best, after all of which you can cool off with some ice cream.
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Cape Cod Rail Trail
Hiking Trail
Get outside and explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This 22mi (35km) trail is popular with bikers, horseback riders and adventurers and is the best way to experience the Cape’s natural attractions, all while being adventurous and active.
Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre
Movie Theater, Theater
Take a break from the beach to visit the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre. This outdoor venue has a minigolf course nearby and a playground right in front of the screen. Complete with a vintage vibe, it’s the last drive-in movie theater on Cape Cod.
Commercial Street
Historical Landmark
Take a walk down Commercial Street in Provincetown, Cape Cod’s shopping and tourist hotspot. It offers everything you can imagine, so stop to get a bite to eat or check out the souvenir shops.
Four Seas Ice Cream
Ice Cream Parlour, Ice Cream
After a long day at the beach, stop by Four Seas for a pint of some refreshing ice cream; you will not be disappointed. Make sure to bring cash, as this place is an old-school, cash-only joint.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Natural Feature
The Cape Cod National Seashore spans 40mi (64km) and is an absolute must-see. Walk along the beautiful beach, appreciate the rolling dunes, take a dip in the ocean or go on a self-guided tour via a bike. Spending a day here is the perfect way to relax.
Gull Pond
Natural Feature
Gull Pond is Cape Cod’s best-kept secret. Tucked between Wellfleet and Truro, it’s one of the only springs left from the Ice Age and offers a host of activities, including swimming, kayaking and fishing.
Race Point Lighthouse
Museum
Visit this beautiful historic lighthouse for lovely views and to learn about Cape Cod’s cultural history – it was the third lighthouse built on the island. For those looking for a bit of an adventure, it offers tours throughout the summer, making a visit worthwhile.
Visit this beautiful historic lighthouse for lovely views and to learn about Cape Cod’s cultural history – it was the third lighthouse built on the island. For those looking for a bit of an adventure, it offers tours throughout the summer, making a visit worthwhile.
Sandwich Glass Museum
Museum
The Sandwich Glass Museum houses rare glasswork from Boston and beyond. Indeed, it has some of the most beautiful art pieces in this medium on display. The exhibits range from handmade, locally made works of art to rare findings and natural sand glass.
Catch a Cape Cod baseball game
Park
The Cape Cod Baseball League, a competitive summer league, offers fans of America’s favorite pastime a great way to spend an afternoon. Find the schedule online, buy some hotdogs and Cracker Jacks, and enjoy a day at the park.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Aquarium
For vacationers on a budget, visit the Woods Hole Science Aquarium – admission is free. Established in 1885, it’s the oldest public aquarium in the US and is home to more than 140 species, including seals, toadfish and horseshoe crabs.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
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