CAPE COD
Cape Cod is a charming place to vacation or live. Locals might tell you that each of its towns has a special character that make it unique, whether it be a charming main street, bustling pier, or a lively nightlife scene. You may be looking for a beach to catch the sunset; a festival, concert, or art exhibit; or the perfect spot for dining.
PROVINCETOWN
Provincetown is America’s oldest continuous art colony, the birthplace of modern, American theater, and a safe harbor for many generations who were born, visit, or live here. With more than 80 accommodations and eateries, 200-plus shops, more than 60 art galleries and events, Provincetown is a one-stop destination that offers something fun for everyone. Not to be missed are the unique whale watch, trolley, bicycle, and dune tours, and the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. World-class dining, nightlife, and entertainment await, as do the renowned beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
WELLFLEET
Wellfleet is a historic seaside village on the Outer Cape, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay. Once an important port for both whaling and the early banana trade, Wellfleet remains today deeply connected to the sea through the local shellfish and aquaculture industry; the famed Wellfleet Oyster is prized internationally. The town’s natural landscape—of marshes, towering dunes, and crystal-clear freshwater ponds left by retreating glaciers centuries ago—has been protected since 1961 with the establishment of the Cape Cod National Seashore, which comprises 61 percent of Wellfleet’s land. The result is that much of the area is pristine and undeveloped, shining light on our rich natural resources and boundless outdoor recreation activities.
EASTHAM
Eastham, conveniently located near all that Cape Cod & the Islands have to offer, is best known for its vast conservation lands, hiking, biking, and kayak trails, and one of the top ten beaches in the country. Situated on the Outer Cape, Eastham is the gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore and home to Cape Cod’s oldest working windmill, famed Nauset Lighthouse, along with several buildings, sites, and museums listed on the National Historic Register. The town’s Cove Burying Ground is the final resting place of three Mayflower passengers.
ORLEANS
With a rich coastal heritage and 54 miles of coastline; award-winning restaurants; and endless recreational opportunities, Orleans is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or relaxing retreat. Most shops in town are independently owned and offer personal service. Visitors can watch the sunrise at world-renowned Nauset Beach on the Atlantic coast, bicycle the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which runs through town, visit the cultural district, and catch a sunset at Skaket Beach on Cape Cod Bay. Preservation of open space is a top priority in Orleans, whose conservation lands are traversed by miles of public trails.
CHATHAM
Chatham is a special, memorable place to visit or to live. Visitors are drawn to the expansive and magnificent beaches, the lighthouse, wildlife, nature trails, bike path, and stunning views of the ocean. Chatham has a special blend of the past and present with quaint streets lined with historic sea captains’ houses, a fine selection of historic museums, and a walkable downtown area with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Lodging options range from a spectacular oceanfront resort to lovely bed-and breakfast inns tucked in throughout this picturesque seaside village. Chatham sits at the elbow of Cape Cod, surrounded on three sides by water. Located halfway between Falmouth and Provincetown, it extends out to sea as the most easterly point in Massachusetts. Once a quiet farming and fishing community, Chatham has become a vibrant tourist destination. Rich in maritime heritage, this spirited New England town boasts a variety of small businesses that add to its quality of life.
HARWICH
For a daytrip, weekend getaway, or vacation, Harwich offers a relaxed lifestyle with delicious dining and great shopping in one of the town’s quaint New England villages including East Harwich, Harwich Center, Harwich Port, North Harwich, Pleasant Lake, South Harwich, and West Harwich. Enjoy all the area attractions and recreational activities that Harwich offers: boating, biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, golf, and much more. Not to be missed are Harwich’s art and artisan galleries and shops; the Harwich Junior Theatre; and the town’s Cape Cod League baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.
BREWSTER
Known as Cape Cod’s ecotourism destination, Brewster boasts natural assets including more than 5,000 acres of conservation land with miles of hiking and biking trails; saltwater beaches revealing the famous Brewster Flats; and ponds and forests that set the backdrop for the community. Brewster’s cultural assets include world-class attractions such as a natural history museum; award winning live theater; renowned artists and chefs; historic architecture now used as 5-star inns; farms and education facilities; and a history rich in tales of merchant sea captains. Whether you are in Brewster for a short visit or call Brewster your home, there is something for everyone to see, do and enjoy!
DENNIS
The heart of the Cape, Dennis offers award-winning seasonal and year-round lodging and restaurants. The town is home to 19 gorgeous freshwater and saltwater beaches, perfect for swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Miles of hiking and biking trails wind through scenic conservation lands and parks. Chamber members welcome golfers at three public courses. For family fun there are go-karts, mini golf, ice skating, yoga, museums, and outdoor concerts. Annual events in Dennis throughout the year include a clam bake, fireworks, 5K race, parade of antique cars, scavenger hunt, holiday lights and strolls, and the Taste of Dennis.
YARMOUTH
Yarmouth is the second oldest town on Cape Cod and has three villages, West Yarmouth, South Yarmouth, and Yarmouth Port. The three together create a history-rich area with iconic landmarks such as Gray’s Beach boardwalk, Judah Baker Windmill, and historic sea captains’ houses. Yarmouth has beautiful beaches located both on Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound. The town offers family-friendly activities, including biking, mini golf, water park, live music, Y-D Red Sox baseball, kayaking, fishing, and museums. No matter the season, Yarmouth offers many places to dine, shop, and stay.
HYANNIS
Family-friendly Barnstable is Cape Cod’s largest town in both size and population, with seven distinct villages. Hyannis, the most celebrated and renowned, is the transportation, commercial, mercantile, and spiritual heart of the Cape, home to a bustling downtown shopping, dining, and art scene and to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, and Osterville lie along Nantucket Sound. Marstons Mills is the town’s sole inland village. Historic Barnstable Village and West Barnstable are situated on Cape Cod Bay and Route 6A, the Old Kings Highway. From pastoral byways to sandy crescents of stunning beaches, each village offers its own set of charms. The town’s beaches, dining, art galleries, and shopping offer much to explore.
SANDWICH
The oldest town on Cape Cod, Sandwich offers many options to get outdoors and enjoy nature, from the Sandwich Boardwalk to the Cape Cod Canal Trail and many conservation lands. A variety of lodging and dining experiences await visitors. Historical and cultural offerings include the Cahoon Museum of American Art, Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, Dexter Grist Mill, and Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen. House museums from the 1600s and the Sandwich Glass Museum also are musts for visitors. The Heritage Museum & Gardens is the largest public garden in Southern New England and offers family-friendly activities as well as American art and a vintage carousel. The Sandwich Chamber keeps its Welcome Center, located at Route 130 in Sandwich, open all year long and sponsors three annual signature events: the Sandwich Legacy Foundation Golf Tournament, SandwichFest, and Holly Days.
MASHPEE
Known as a shopping and dining destination, Mashpee is proud of its variety of boutiques and other small shops, fine-dining establishments, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. The town is home to three world-class golf courses and the Cape Cod Children’s Museum. The community shopping center, Mashpee Commons, is noted for its traditional New England architecture. Residents and visitors enjoy the unaltered beauty of Mashpee’s waterfronts, with both freshwater and saltwater beaches. The Wampanoag Tribe, whose name means “People of the First Light,” grace the town with integrity, deep roots, and an active Tribal Council that sponsors cultural and recreational events.
CANAL REGION
The communities of Bourne, Sandwich, and Wareham make up the Cape Cod Canal region. The towns boast beautiful, sandy ocean beaches and popular saltwater fishing spots. Bourne is home to the Cape Cod Canal, a favorite spot for visitors to walk, bike, fish, picnic, and relax. Sandwich has many distinctive museums and shops, along with its rich history as the oldest town on the Cape. Wareham offers more than 54 miles of coastline, including Onset Harbor in the seaside Victorian village of Onset. A large cranberry grower affords visitors the opportunity to view bogs year-round.
FALMOUTH
Besides being home to one of the most popular running events in the country, Falmouth has eight charming villages and seven historic districts to explore. With 68 miles of shoreline, the town is a paradise for beach activities, including swimming, windsurfing, and fishing. The Shining Sea Bikeway, a paved path nearly 11 miles long, runs from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. Locals and visitors can visit myriad shops, art galleries, and restaurants and enjoy summer stock light opera, cutting-edge theater, many family-friendly events, and the annual Woods Hole Film Festival.
Click on the links below to learn more about each area and view their guide books.
