Things to Do on Cape Cod, MA

Wellfleet Bay is a pristine 900-acre sanctuary along the coast of Cape Cod. The bay’s protected shoreline and waters are home to an array of marine flora and fauna. Overlooking Wellfleet Harbor, the sanctuary features an incredible diversity of landscapes from sandy beaches and salt marshes to dense pine woodlands.

Myriad nature trails make for ideal walking, hiking, and wildlife-watching while the sanctuary’s award-winning Eco Visitor’s Center presents informative aquarium exhibits.

Highlights of this magnificent sanctuary include salt marshes teeming with fiddler crabs and green herons fishing in Goose Pond. Wildlife cruises and tours in Nauset Marsh and the Wellfleet Harbor include hands-on activities. The sanctuary offers summer camp programs for all ages as well as year-round research and conservation projects focused on threatened species such as horseshoe crabs, terrapins, and sea turtles.

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the Cape Cod National Seashore stretches for 40 miles in the Outer Cape Cod region and features pristine sandy beaches, marshes and ponds, lighthouses, and stunning landscapes. Forming part of the 600-mile Cape Cod Coastline, this exquisite strip of shoreline offers an array of outdoor activities from swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing to hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing. There are over 60 magnificent beaches to explore. Resting between the Wood End and Race Point Lighthouses is the gorgeous Herring Cove Beach, which provides ample parking, showers, restrooms, and food stalls. Beech Forest offers excellent walking and biking trails. Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the top Cape Cod attractions.

The Salt Pond Visitor Center is Cape Cod National Seashore's main visitor facility and features a comprehensive museum, a well-stocked bookstore and an indoor theatre showing orientation movies. The museum showcases the Cape's complex natural composition with realistic exhibits on the surrounding ecosystems and displays artwork by prominent artists. The center is conveniently located near the famous Nauset Bicycle Trail, the Nauset Marsh Trail and the multi-sensory Buttonbush Trail, complete with a guide rope and text panels. The Province Lands Visitor Center is located at the northern end of Cape Cod National Seashore in Provincetown and features an observation deck with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Province Lands dunes, the Outer Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The center also features an indoor theater which screens short films on a daily basis.

The Nauset Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse and landmark in Eastham on Cape Cod. The lighthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in Chatham in 1877 and later moved to Eastham, where it was placed just 200 feet from the keeper's house.

Erosion proved to be a serious problem in that spot, and the lighthouse was recently rescued from the edge of a sixty-foot-high cliff and relocated to a new location 300 feet away. The lighthouse has been providing guidance to mariners traveling along the treacherous Cape Cod coastline for over 73 years, and public tours of the Nauset Lighthouse and the oil house take place on Sundays, May through late October. If you are wondering what to do in Cape Cod for couples, this is a great place to visit.

Nauset Lighthouse, Nauset Light Beach, Massachusetts, Phone: 508-240-2612

Located in West Yarmouth, the Whydah Pirate Museum is one Cape Cod attraction you really should not miss. The ill-fated slave ship had been overtaken by pirates on her second voyage and sank in a massive storm off the coast of Cape Cod in 1717, taking all but 2 of the crew with her. She was rumored to have been carrying a vast fortune of plundered wealth. After many years of searching, the wreck of the ship was discovered in 1984. When you visit the museum you will learn all about the ship and see some of the thousands of pirate artifacts which have so far been recovered. There is a walk-through partial reconstruction of the ship and many interactive exhibits to explore.

Whydah Pirate Museum, 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673, 508 534 9571

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

The 63' catamaran Bay Spirit takes visitors on a variety of water excursions and sunset tours.

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club was originally constructed for one of the wealthiest residents in Brewster around the turn of the last century, and still continues to attract a more upscale crowd. The resort spans across 429 aces and features two different types of accommodations. First is the luxurious mansion on the beach, and the second are the Villages, the more family-friendly option. The Villages consists of villas ranging from one to three bedrooms and are set on the golf course. All accommodations include access to the Beach House Spa, the Beach Bar, restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, and more.

2907 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-9000

If you are traveling with your dog:

The Pilgrim Bark Park is a super space for dogs and their owners in Provincetown. If you’re looking for a fun day out with your dog while on vacation in Cape Cod, this is a great place to be.

Pilgrim Bark Park is an acre of land that is fully gated off and secure for dogs to run freely and interact with each other. Pilgrim Bark Park is situated at the intersection between Shank Painter Road and Route 6 and is open year-round.

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch tours are an unforgettable experience with the giants of the deep. An adventure company like no other, Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch offers whale-watching trips that go beyond just watching the whales. They include a variety of educational tools designed not only to enhance the experience, but to educate visitors on the importance of marine conservation and the ecosystems in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Specially designed for whale-watching and comfort, each Dolphin Fleet vessel seats over 100 passengers and has a centrally heated and air-cooled cabin, vast sundeck and walk-out platform for exceptional views off the bow. Tours begin with an introductory presentation and are guided by experienced naturalists who share their knowledge and answer questions (Phone: 508) 240-3636).

Located on 20 acres overlooking Island Pond in Harwich and boasting over 14,000 lavender plants, Cape Cod Lavender Farm is one of the largest lavender farms on the East Coast. Home to owners Cynthia and Matthew Sutphin, the farm produces a variety of lavender-based products including home décor, culinary items, and mind-body-spirit goodies.

The farm welcomes more than 10,000 visitors per year who come not only to join in the harvest (late June through early July), but also to explore the beautiful grounds. The farm is surrounded by over 60 acres of dense woodlands with myriad walking trails. After a pleasant walk through the fragrant fields, visitors can stock up on a variety of lavender products such as bath salts, body butter, essential oils, soaps and lavender lemonade.

Off Weston Woods Rd, Harwich, Massachusetts 02645, Phone: 508-432-8397

Where to Eat:

Gerardi's Cafe in South Yarmouth has been serving authentic Sicilian-Italian cuisine to Cape Cod for over 15 years. Owned by Diego & Sasha Gerardi, this authentic Sicilian restaurant boasts a beautiful 55-seat dining room with a cozy brick fireplace and an elegant full-service bar.

Gerardi’s menu features Italian favorites such as lasagna and meatballs, seafood marinara, pasta with piccata and marsala sauce, and chicken parmigiana. For dessert, Gerardi’s serves mouthwatering tiramisu and ice cream. Superb local and international wines, exotic cocktails, and a range of spirits complement the beautiful food.

902 Route 28, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02664, Phone: 508-394-3111