Things to do & places to visit in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States

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.

Cape Cod region in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 21:00.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (29 attractions)

5.0 Shining Sea Bikeway (1.051 reviews)
- An outstanding rail - trail
Biking Trails

The Shining Sea Bikeway is one of the best biking / walking paths that I have enjoyed. It is a rail - trail that runs along the site of a former train route; so, the path is relatively flat with few hills to climb. The path stretches for 10.7 miles from the harbor in Woods Hole to North Falmouth and along the way you'll see cranberry bogs, salt water marshes, and many quintessential New England homes. The path is very well maintained and marked. I can think of no better way to spend some time on land in Cape Cod and get some great exercise. See more..
5.0 Cape Cod National Seashore (644 reviews)
- Amazing Trip
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM National Parks • Beaches

Over 40,000 beautiful acres of protected beach and dunes, stretching from Chatham to Provincetown. See more..
5.0 Atwood Museum (213 reviews)
- So hospitable and welcoming.
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Art Museums • History Museums

Exhibit hours and days vary throughout the year. For details please visit our website. **Advance reservations are required during the pandemic.** Most, but not all exhibits may be open at this time. ** New exhibits this year include: - An outdoor Wetu (Wampanoag dwelling), - The Turning Point - Mayflower Exhibit, - WWII Commemoration, and - Honoring the Suffrage Movement. Explore Cape Cod of centuries past with 12 galleries in 14 exhibits, starting with a tour of a historical dwelling built circa 1752. Discover Cape Cod's captivating history, art, and culture at the Chatham Historical Society's Atwood House Museum. In addition to the 18th century Atwood House, Museum highlights include: a Mural Barn with works by Alice Stallknecht, the Nickerson North Beach Camp, a fishing gallery, Double Take Then and Now photo exhibit, Main Street Cape Cod, stories of the Pendleton and other shipwrecks, several rotating exhibits, a research facility, a popular gift shop and more. See more..
4.5 Race Point Beach (1.527 reviews)
- Beautiful National Seashore beach
Beaches

Relax on sandy shores and hike dunes and grassland at this beautiful coastal stretch on the tip of Cape Cod. Spot seals sunbathing on the sandbars off the coast, and book a boat tour during the summer and fall months to see the whales that migrate through the area. Later in the day, head to the westernmost end of the beach to see the 200-year-old Race Point Lighthouse during sunset—in summer, the sun disappears right behind the lighthouse. There is ample parking nearby, and also restaurants and cafes in the area. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum (1.499 reviews)
- A must see in Provincetown
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Monuments & Statues

This monument commemorates the Pilgrim's first landing in Provincetown (not Plymouth), where they conceived, wrote and committed to the Mayflower Compact - the foundational document for the democracy America enjoys today. The Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the U.S. rising 353 feet above sea level, and at the top, visitors are provided the most spectacular view of Cape Cod.In addition to the MOnument, the Provincetown Museum presents the unique cultural heritage of this historic town with special exhibitions and permanent displays.The Monument and Museum has ample parking, is open daily from APril 1st through November 30, and NEW this year - a food concession call the "Shallop Cafe" where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking Provincetown and the Bay. See more..
4.5 Herring Cove Beach (966 reviews)
- Wonderful bayside beach.
Beaches

Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Herring Cove is Provincetown's most popular beach. See more..
4.5 Heritage Museums & Gardens (948 reviews)
- Visit in mid July for the best hydrangeas ever!
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 22, 2023 Speciality Museums

Visit Our Beautiful Cape Cod Gardens & Museums Offering 100 Magnificent Acres, Family Fun, American Automobile Collection, & Museum Exhibits Within our peaceful confines you’ll find walking trails, outdoor discovery opportunities, gardens that invite lingering, and exhibits to expand your understanding of art and history. Heritage offers up-close experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Play in Hidden Hollow or take a ride on the Carousel. See our gorgeous collection of vintage automobiles. It’s a place of joy and fun. It’s a place to make lasting memories. And it’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again. 100 Magnificent Acres, Family Fun, American Automobile Collection, & Museum Exhibits See more..
4.5 Island Queen Ferry (929 reviews)
- Best method to MV without a car.
Spent More than 3 hours Ferries

The Fun Way to Martha's Vineyard! BOOK ONLINE and sail away on the Island Queen from Falmouth, Cape Cod and you will experience Martha's Vineyard within just 35-minutes. Convenient parking just 200 yards from the dock. Enjoy our enclosed lounge, outside decks, full-service snack bar and our friendly crew! Daily sailings beginning at 9:00am from late May to mid October. Children ages 4 & under travel free! BOOK ONLINE in advance, to ensure availability of your desired sailing times! See more..
4.5 The Steamship Authority - Martha's Vineyard (862 reviews)
- Late ferry
Ferries

Serving over 3 million travelers to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, the Steamship Authority is the largest ferry provider on Cape Cod, offering the lowest fares, the most departures and year-round service. We offer off-site parking and free shuttle service to our Woods Hole terminal. Check our mobile site for current parking and trip status. Whether you come for a day, or a longer stay, the Steamship Authority is the Way to Go with our spacious ships, the most frequent daily departures, and U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews to get you there safely. From the moment you step on board, you'll have that vacation feeling. Sit outdoors for the sea breezes and spectacular ocean views, or find comfortable seating indoors. For your enjoyment, our snack bars offer beverages including beer, wine and mixed drinks, as well as hot and cold menu items. Pets are welcome to travel with you in designated areas on-board. Please note, vehicle reservations are required in advance and sell out quickly. See more..
4.5 Sandwich Glass Museum (773 reviews)
- Sandwich Glass Museum -- Wheelchair Accessible!
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Science Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

The museum details the history of the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company. See more..
4.5 Nauset Beach (755 reviews)
- One of our “Go-To” Beaches
Beaches

Nauset Beach is an absolutely beautiful place to spend a day. We’ve gone several times and have always seen many seals pretty close to shore. They’re fun to watch and don’t seem too bothered by humans. The beach is also a great place to beachcomb for interesting and colorful rocks if you’re into that. You won’t find shells here, but you will find a lot of nice stones, pebbles and rocks. The water is a little chilly for swimming and there are a fair amount of sharks around, but it’s great for wading. We certainly see people swimming, too. Nauset Beach is very large with plenty of room for long walks, or just relaxing away from the crowds. We always make it a point to spend some time on Nauset Beach when we’re on the Cape, and we recommend you do too! -The PowerTrippers See more..
4.5 Chatham Lighthouse (705 reviews)
- Good for a Quick Visit
Lighthouses

One of the most famous and interesting lighthouses on Cape Cod. See more..
4.5 Nobska Point Lighthouse (652 reviews)
- Picture Spot
Lighthouses

Got dropped off at Nobska Light to start a 5 miler with my neighbor from Falmouth. When we arrived we were ‘in line’ to take a picture of ourselves with the beautiful lighthouse as our backdrop. We could have driven ourselves to the site- there are a few parking spots- but we didn’t want to have to drive back to pick up a car after our long walk. The view of Nobska is beautiful and the view FROM the lighthouse is beautiful. Well worth the visit! See more..
4.5 Coast Guard Beach (634 reviews)
- Great beach
Beaches

Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this coastal gem is a prime spot in summer. Many flock to surf and go boogie boarding, while sun worshippers strive to get the best tan. In summer, you have to pay a fee to access the beach—fees vary depending on your mode of transportation. Parking is not available at the beach, so either hike from Nauset Trail or take the shuttle from Little Creek instead. If you come during winter, you’re likely to spot harbor seals at the end of Nauset Spit or on the marsh. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Seagull Beach (539 reviews)
- Perfect day at Seagull Beach!
Beaches

After researching the local beaches near our hotel I decided on this one and I have to say I made a good choice! :) Arrived at 9:45am on a Saturday in July and there was still plenty of parking available. Parking is $20 (cash only) for non residents. We parked near to the building that houses the restrooms and snack bar as was suggested in TA reviews. From that area it's a quick, easy walk along a short boardwalk to a perfect spot in the sand. Water is calm and fairly warm. There wasn't too much seaweed although there are a lot of small shells along the shore line that you need to step over/around (or wear water shoes). Clean restrooms, outdoor shower, foot shower and a nice snack bar are available. If you're staying in this area this is the place to go! Especially good for families with children, couples, and seniors. See more..
4.5 Marconi Beach (536 reviews)
- Great day at Marconi!
Beaches

Brought the family (ages 12-82) for a day at the beach. Daily fee of $25 worth the ample parking available; if we were there for three days or more, the season pass worth $60 would have been the way to go. I would have gone back in a heartbeat. Park Staff were friendly, bathrooms clean. There are stairways down to the beach (with several landings to rest if you need) and sections of the beach cordoned off if you bring your dog. Surfers abound - bring your boogie board if you have one. Sand was soft (and hot!). The day we went the water temp was a brisk 41 degrees! (Found out from newscast later that day.) Family friendly beach - worthy of your time. See more..
4.5 Whydah Pirate Museum (489 reviews)
- Impressive but Crowded
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Experience Cape Cod's newest interactive science museum featuring real pirates and real treasures! A must-see attraction for all ages where you will touch, see and interact with the worlds only authenticated pirate treasure, discovered off the coast of Wellfleet. See more..
4.5 Provincetown Library (489 reviews)
- A Nod to the Past
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Libraries

True no one goes to the traditional library anymore but this one is a reminder of the past when such things existed. This library is in a historic building and surprisingly has a boat inside one of the upper floors. Rumor has it there are books too. See more..
4.5 Chatham Lighthouse Beach (476 reviews)
- Gorgeous beach to walk and take pictures
Beaches

Absolutely gorgeous! Looks like right out of a painting and as gorgeous as the movies depict. I'm jealous of the homes that call this their backyard. Across the street is the Chatham Lighthouse. Parking is available right in front of the beach (payment required) and there is a placard explaining some of the history of the beach. Next time, I'm splurging on a hotel in this area. See more..
4.5 Cape Cod Rail Trail (455 reviews)
- Shady, Level Trail….WONDERFUL
Hiking Trails

This bike path runs 25 miles, from Dennis to Wellfleet. See more..
4.5 Skaket Beach (450 reviews)
- Unique, Beautiful, Iconic Cape Cod
Beaches

We arrived when the tide was fairly high, and even at high tide there was still lots of beach to explore. The views are beautiful as is the scenery. You could clearly see all the way to Provincetown. The beach itself is like looking at a Cape Cod postcard. As the tide went out, numerous tide pools, rocks and sandbars were exposed. At low tide, you feel like you could almost wade all the way to P-Town. We arrived a few days after Labor Day, so there was no cost to park and there were no crowds. Normally, I believe it costs $25 to park and the parking can apparently fill up quickly. Regardless, it’s a perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy a Beach Day. We highly recommend! -The PowerTrippers See more..
4.5 Nauset Light (432 reviews)
- NL
Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses

Free tours of the light are normally offered from May to October. This year the light will be open on Sundays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Going up into the tower may require masks or be suspended because of COVID19 limitations. Visit the Nauset Light Preservation Society website, nausetlight.org, or Facebook page for updates. See more..
4.5 Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (401 reviews)
- Quiet walk
Sunday: Historic Walking Areas • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Wellfleet Bay offers five miles of walking trails that lead through a variety of unspoiled habitats, including salt marsh, beach, sandplain grasslands, pine woods, and a freshwater pond. The sanctuary is a great place to hike, commune with nature, and watch a sunset. Public programs include tidal flats explorations for adults and children, birding walks, turtle prowls (in season), and kayaking trips in nearby ponds, rivers, and marshes. See more..
4.5 Salt Pond Visitor Center (395 reviews)
- Orientation, Exhibits & Trail Access
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers • History Museums

Popular replica of an Indian settlement. See more..
4.5 Mayflower Beach (332 reviews)
- Beautiful Mayflower Beach
Beaches

This is the most pristine beach on the north side of Dennis on the Cape. Splendid sand, clear shallow water, this beach on a low tide is magnificent. The flats go forever and the sunsets take your breath away. Get there early in the morning as this year the town is limiting the number of paying parking customers. See more..
4.0 John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum (1.201 reviews)
- Greg & Kat’s John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum.
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum Foundation preserves and promotes the legacy of President Kennedy, his family, and their deep connection to Cape Cod. The JFK Hyannis Museum has three multimedia exhibits designed to open a window on the days JFK spent on Cape Cod; days relaxing with family, days as President of the United Sates when the Cape provided a time to relax and be reinvigorated and days spent sailing on the ocean to which he was so constantly drawn. The Museum's exhibits feature videos, photographs, art and artifacts relating to John F. Kennedy, his family, his friends and the Cape Cod he so dearly loved. Special exhibits and special events change, so please check our website for last minute information and hours we are open. See more..
4.0 Main Street Hyannis (1.158 reviews)
- A pleasant place to visit
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

My second visit to these area. I love the convenience of being able to walk from my hotel to main street. Also the hotel i stayed back yard faces where sometimes the community have musical programs so thats a plus. When we went it was the week where on each block they were independent singers on the blocks singing. See more..
4.0 John F. Kennedy Memorial (669 reviews)
- Wonderful tribute to our 35th president!
Monuments & Statues

Located at Veterans Memorial Park on Veterans Beach overlooking Lewis Bay. The memorial includes a fountain and a fieldstone monument with the presidential seal. Inscribed with, “I believe it is important that this country sail and not lie still in the harbor.” By JFK. A beautiful site to see and photograph. See more..
4.0 Woods Hole Science Aquarium (527 reviews)
- Enjoyable visit at this small aquarium
Sunday: Aquariums

This place is temporarily closed. This aquarium offers visitors the chance to watch the seals being fed. See more..