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Places Welcoming You

gs logo Cape Ann Camp Site
Gloucester, Massachusetts
gs logo Martha's Vineyard Family Campground
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
gs logo Circle CG Farm Campground
Bellingham, Massachusetts
gs logo Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort
Foxboro, Massachusetts

Cape Cod

Jutting off the coast of mainland Massachusetts and into the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod is known for its scenic beaches and sweeping landscapes. Each summer, vacationing couples and families stream into the area’s resort communities for ample fishing and boating opportunities. Cape Cod also offers great shopping and all sorts of things to do, from scenic hikes to history museums to kids’ activities.

Kennedy Country

Cape Cod’s allure goes beyond its beautiful coastlines. Popular points of interest include the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, which gives visitors insights into the life of the president who helped usher in the New Frontier in the early 1960s. Family attractions abound here, too; don’t miss the Cape Cod Children’s Museum, which features a planetarium, the Flying Horses Carousel (the oldest platform carousel in the country) and the Nantucket Children’s Beach Bandstand, with a summer concert series and a host of kid-friendly activities. Other attractions include the adorable Gingerbread Cottages in Oak Bluffs and the Island Alpaca Company, where visitors can pet majestic alpacas.

Surrounded by Water

Cape Cod is a fantastic destination for those who want to get out on the water. Not only is there unlimited access to the ocean, but there are also around 350 freshwater ponds and lakes, along with abundant creeks and rivers. Popular options include Lowell Holly and its Mashpee and Wakeby Ponds, which collectively cover around 729 acres and are stocked with rainbow and brook trout. The sport fishing in Woods Hole isn’t too shabby, either. Fly fishing is also big here, and there are plenty of deep-sea fishing charters that head out to harbors for those who want to haul in striped bass, shark and tuna.

Boats in the ocean

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Hiking the Cape

Cape Cod is not all about sea; there are plenty of recreational options for those who prefer to stay dry. For novice hikers, the Red Maple Swamp Trail’s 1.2-mile hike offers views of beautiful multihued foliage in the autumn months. The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail is a great option for those without much hiking experience; there’s even a boardwalk. For more of a workout, opt for the nine-mile Great Island Trail, which traverses beach and forest terrain for up to 8 miles in the Cape Cod National Seashore. Explore a dynamic ecosystem at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, with trails running along the shore.

Summer Livin’

Cape Cod has long been known as a summer getaway, and the seasonal vibe is low-key, with lots of opportunities to walk, stroll, shop, laze on the beach and swim (if you’re gutsy enough to brave the sometimes-frigid waters). Get a forkful of succulent, freshly caught lobster or leisurely enjoy an ice cream cone during a stroll. Cape Cod also has a large number of retirees who live here year-round, enthralled by the beautiful landscapes and relaxed way of life. Painters and photographers have set up their studios here, capturing the stunning landscapes.

Party on the Cape

Cape Cod hosts a slew of fun events throughout the year, and culinary festivals seem to take center stage. Popular options include the OysterFest in Wellfleet in October, Buzzards Bay Scallop Festival in September and the Cranberry Festival in Harwich in July. The Nantucket Wine Festival in May features a variety of tastings and food pairings along with a gala, while the Provincetown Portuguese Festival in June features not only food and wine but also dance performances, parades and even a blessing of the fleet. Provincetown also puts on a host of events year-round for the town’s LGBT community. Cinema buffs flock to Cape Cod’s two major film festivals: the Provincetown Film Festival and the Nantucket Film Festival, both in June.

Two guys passing in front of the Lobster Pot

Vintage Vineyard

Located in the Atlantic Ocean 8 miles south of Cape Cod, Martha’s VIneyard is an island known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere and frequent sightings of the celebrities who make this a summer home. Take a ferry ride to the island and go on a tour of the Vineyard’s five gorgeous lighthouses. Set out on one of the bike trails that cover much of the 100-square-mile island. Boating, paddleboarding and surfing are plentiful, and anglers can catch fishing charter.

Cape Cod’s Pilgrim Past

Learn about Cape Cod history in Provincetown, where the 252-foot-tall Pilgrim Monument commemorates the first Pilgrim visit (the intrepid voyagers later sailed to Plymouth Rock, where they established a permanent settlement). Provincetown Museum tells their story.

For More Information

Cape Cod Convention and Visitors Bureau

888-332-2732

www.capecodchamber.org

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

800-227-6277

www.massvacation.com