Top Things to do in Cape Cod
What to do and see in Cape Cod, Cape Cod: The Best Free Things to do
The Atlantic crashes on a coastline strewn with quaint harbors, windswept beaches, glorious dunes and blinking lighthouses. Explore Cape Cod National Seashore, bike past cranberry bogs on the Rail Trail or saunter around Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town. Many areas are architectural and culinary gems - full of weathered shingles, whaling captains' mansions, chowder shacks and upscale dining delights. Don't miss Woods Hole Oceanquest, famed Martha's Vineyard or charmingly upbeat Provincetown.
Restaurants in Cape Cod
1. Cape Cod National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 625 reviews
Over 40,000 beautiful acres of protected beach and dunes, stretching from Chatham to Provincetown.
Reviewed By StacyInDC2012 - Alexandria, United States
During our visit to Cape Cod National Seashore we enjoyed relaxing beach time at Marconi Beach, complete with several seal appearances just beyond the waves and then hiked in the white cedar swamp. The park wasn’t very crowded as we were there during the week just after Labor Day. Loved the visit and the fact that it gave us the opportunity to both be active and relax.
2. Shining Sea Bikeway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,029 reviews
Reviewed By MingO_11 - Boston, United States
This is arguably the most scenic bike trail in Cape Cod. It has almost everything Cape Cod bike trails have to offer: the marsh, the cranberry bog, picturesque cape towns, and of course the shining sea. A few tips: Near the Woods Hole terminus of the trail, there is a very good bakery called Pie in the Sky, which is a good stop to refuel. Also from there, the Nobska lighthouse is close by (~1 mile away), which also worth a side trip.
3. Cape Cod Provincelands Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 264 reviews
Reviewed By CherryTravels17 - New Jersey, United States
My husband and I ran the Provincelands Trail. We took advantage of the free parking at the Visitor Center, where we started/ended our run. The views from the Visitor Center were breathtaking. The path was beautiful and not crowded; this is a must-do for active travelers visiting P-town!
4. Race Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
The Race Point Lighthouse, Keeper's House, Whistle House and Oil House are maintained by the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization of volunteer members whose mission is the restoration and preservation of these and other properties including Wood End and Long Point Lighthouses. In 1995, the Keeper's house and Whistle House were renovated and the opened for overnight stays to guests from around the world. Google Maps directs drivers to a road that is not accessible unless a permit is obtained from the NPS during the season and vehicle has 4 wheel drive. It is a 2 mile walk from the Race Point Beach, or an easier and shorter walk from the Hatches Harbor parking lot off the Province Lands Rd between Race Point and Herring Cove Beaches. The lighthouse tower is open for tours on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays during the season. Closed if the piping plovers close access to the beach.
Reviewed By 641zipw - Boston, United States
We visited the place last weekend in October. Nice experience. The view is great. Light house is facing East. Sunrise photo is great with sun light shines on the object. The seascape view is not that great because of view angle, kind of awkward angle on both side, East or West. From reviews, most people talk about the positive aspect of the visit. One thing I would like to point out that the hike is not an easy one for everyone. Before we went, we did not do enough homework, thought we could easily drive there. When we get there, we realize that vehicles are required to have beach permit. Even four wheel drive vehicles have special requirements for permit. We then think we can walk, but with all my photo equipment that is not prepare for hiking, the hike is a tough one. The sand is deep and you are limited on walking only on the vehicle track. You need flash light to walk before sunrise. One step high, next step low - tough. It took us almost two hours to get there. Four hrs of walking on sand back and forth may be a challenge for many. Beware.
5. Cape Cod Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
This bike path runs 25 miles, from Dennis to Wellfleet.
Reviewed By O8419NOadamw
For a family of 5 it is a great mostly straight long mostly very flat bike trail through a forest. It is an easy ride and great for young riders as my nine year old was able to go 17 miles with relative ease. I could see some complaints as there are some riders who act like it's the tour de france racing through the trail with little regard to others while others could think it is mostly a boring forest scenery. We started in Brewster at the Ocean Edge and the scenery was much nicer west towards Dennis
6. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Birdwatchers flock to this Cape Cod wildlife habitat with a special emphasis on migratory birds.
Reviewed By kezd07 - Coventry, United Kingdom
We were so pleased to find this place, it was a total hidden gem. You can walk for miles when the tide is out and we saw so many different birds and even a seal out to sea. We came back a second time and sat on the beach for the day. You can’t swim here due to great whites in the area and there is a high volume of boat traffic but that didn’t bother us. We were happy to walk this beautiful beach, sunbath and paddle. Very beautiful!!!
7. White Cedar Swamp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
The site of Marconi's wireless transmission station.
Reviewed By Wander555899
An easy walk through and unusual landscape. Most of the walk is on a raised walkway through a beautiful, peaceful ecologically sensitive area. Somewhat mystical on foggy days but always beautiful.
8. Chatham Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 688 reviews
One of the most famous and interesting lighthouses on Cape Cod.
Reviewed By amf660 - Briarcliff Manor, United States
Worth the brief walk from town. This lighthouse is in a great location facing the Atlantic (there is parking directly across the street) & is a nice attraction to see while in Chatham.
9. Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Before you go.. there is very limited parking. Please try to walk or bike there for a visit. No large gatherings, events or functions are allowed on the Knob property. Nature trails run among the beach, rock and trees of this hidden shelter. Please leave the property as you found it. Dogs are allowed but only on leash. Please clean-up after your dog. This is a non-smoking property.
Reviewed By johnmN719YN - Mashpee, United States
You won't just discover this place. Even when you park, you will have to search for the path through the "tunnel" to entrance. A very unique vista of buzzard bay all year round.TAKE THE RIGHT ST THE FORK!
10. Beech Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
This reserve is a primary birdwatching region on Cape Cod.
Reviewed By capecodgary - North Truro, United States
Take a quiet stroll in the autumn or any other time around the pond in Beech Forest. A well maintained trail in a quiet beautifully scenic walk. Great place to walk.
