What to Know When Planning Your Cape Cod Vacation

Travelers from all around the country keep coming back to Cape Cod. This amazing city attracts around six million tourists each year. Learn everything you need to know about Cape Cod vacations so yours can be a success!

Traveling to Cape Cod

Cape Cod is the eastern “arm” of Massachusetts that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The region also includes the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as other, smaller islands. Most people choose to drive to Cape Cod, since having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to fully explore the area.

If you’re coming from farther away, you can choose to fly into Boston, Providence, or even Cape Cod itself. You can also choose to take a bus or train from nearby cities including Boston, Providence, and New York City. To get around, you can take a bus or catch a taxi. Ferries and charter boats and planes are readily available to transport you out to the islands.

When to Visit

The peak tourist season for Cape Cod is during the summer, when children are on break from school and the whole family can enjoy the beach together. You will be able to enjoy the full range of seasonal shops and activities, many of which close up after the main tourist season. If you want your vacation to be a little bit quieter, however, consider visiting during the spring or fall after the rush of the crowds has gone. You won’t see as many shops open, but you’ll be able to appreciate more of the area’s natural beauty.

Where to Stay

Because Cape Cod caters to a wide variety of tourists, there are plenty of places for you to stay. From quiet bed-and-breakfasts to upscale hotels, you can find anything you’re looking for at the Cape. To avoid the worst of the crowds, stay on one of the islands, which are more remote than the highly traveled mainland. There are also many camping possibilities along the Cape if you are traveling on a budget or prefer a more rustic environment.

What to See

The primary attraction in the area is Cape Cod National Seashore and the surrounding beaches. Nearly everyone who comes to the area spends at least one day relaxing on the beach and soaking in the sun. You can also visit historic locations like lighthouses up and down the coast. Cape Cod is also famous for its small towns full of unique shops, galleries, and museums to explore. If you travel all the way down to the tip of the Cape, you’ll be able to see the spot where the Pilgrims first set foot in the New World. They spent 5 weeks exploring the area in 1620 before relocating to Plymouth, Massachusetts.

What to Do

Cape Cod is a fantastic location for those who want to get out and explore. Outdoor sports and activities are common, including the following:

Hiking
Biking
Canoeing
Kayaking
Golfing
Fishing

If you don’t have your own equipment, it’s easy to rent what you need from the many shops along the Cape. Other outdoor activities, such as whale watching and boat tours, are also common, and are favorites of many tourists.

Travel Tips

Here are some other things to keep in mind when planning your Cape Cod vacations:

Cape Cod is one of the more pet friendly areas in the northeast, but it’s still important to call ahead and make sure your pets will be permitted in the beaches or hotels you plan on visiting.
If you plan on visiting during the summer, book your visit well in advance. As popular as the area is, hotels and events fill up quickly!
Plan a few indoor activities in case of a storm, since harsh weather can be especially brutal on the Cape.