4-Day Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary

Cape Cod is a popular destination famed for beautiful white sand beaches, broad marshes, seafood shacks, and all the summer vibes.

This hook shape peninsula is surprisingly large and has so many unique areas to explore, it can be difficult to know what’s worth seeing.

Below I’ve outlined everything I wish I’d done for my 4 day Cape Cod vacation.

My Cape Cod itinerary was a bit jumbled, with time wasted driving around, unsure of exactly what’s worth seeing. As much as I loved my trip, it could’ve been a little smoother.

That’s why I created this itinerary, so you don’t make the same mistakes as me.

(If you are curious about my muddled 4 day Cape Cod itinerary, check out my 9 Day Southern New England Road Trip. This guide follows my exact itinerary from a Connecticut, Rhode Island, Boston, and Cape Cod road trip.)

Getting Around Cape Cod

Before we get to the itinerary, it’s important to have an understanding of how Cape Cod is laid out.

(If you’ve already been to Cape Cod, skip this section, the itinerary begins under the next header.)

Imagine the Cape as an arm flexing its bicep. The Cape/arm is divided into four sections:

• Upper Cape – The “shoulder” where the Cape meets the rest of Massachusetts. 
• Mid Cape – The “bicep” of the arm.
• Lower Cape – The “elbow” and the portion of the arm between the bicep and elbow.
• Outer Cape – The “forearm” and “fist”. 

Cape Cod is about 65 miles long with the main highway, Route 6, running from end to end.

If you’re wondering ‘How long does it take to drive from one end of Cape Cod to the other?’ The answer is about 1.5 hours. That’s assuming traffic is flowing decently. 

You will need a car here. The area’s many attractions are spread out and public transportation is limited.

Throughout this Cape Cod vacation guide, I’ll group together activities based on location, that way precious leisure time isn’t wasted driving around.

Note: For this itinerary it’s best to stay in the central portion of the Cape. This will allow you to get around without wasted hours in the car. Towns such as Orleans, Yarmouth, Eastham, Dennis, Harwich, or Chatham would qualify. Towards the bottom of the itinerary, I include some popular hotel and vacation rental options.

Cape Cod Vacation Day 1

Go For A Stroll Through Sandwich 

Day 1 of the trip will be spent exploring the Upper Cape, where the peninsula meets the rest of Massachusetts.

The first stop is Sandwich, one of the oldest towns on Cape Cod.

The town has a quieter and more historic feel to it than other Cape towns, offering a glimpse into life here hundreds of years ago. 

While in Sandwich check out attractions like Hoxie House, the oldest home on Cape Cod, the Dexter Grist Mill, the Sandwich Glass Museum, or walk the Sandwich Boardwalk, which connects the salt marshes with Town Neck Beach.

Stock Up In Hyannis

As you make your way further onto the Cape, consider a quick stop in Hyannis, Cape Cod’s largest city.

Forgot something at home? Or need to grab groceries? Hyannis has a wide selection of retailers, and even a mall. So really, you can find just about anything here, making it the ideal spot to stock up on supplies before heading further down the Cape.

Visit A Museum

For those interested in visiting a museum, the upper portion of the Cape has a large concentration of them, so day 1 is the time to check one out.

For museums towards the base of Cape Cod check out:

• Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich 
• Sandwich Glass Museum
• John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
• Cahoon Museum of American Art in Barnstable
• Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis
• Whydah Pirate Museum on the western end of Yarmouth 
• Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis

Walk Gray’s Beach (Bass Hole) Boardwalk

Last up for day 1, I highly recommend making a stop at Gray’s Beach in Yarmouth.

This is one of the most unique beaches in the area, featuring a bog, sand dunes, and views of the ocean.

The landscape is always changing, and offers unique views depending on tide. Whether you visit at high or low tide, you’re sure to witness something incredible.

Tip: This is a great spot to watch the sunset

Cape Cod Vacation Day 2 

Beach Day In Cape Cod

A beach day during your Cape Cod vacation is a must! In fact, you could scrap this entire itinerary and just hit the beach for 4 days instead, I wouldn’t be offended. 

During my visit I only had one day with good beach weather, so I spent it at Cahoon Hollow Beach on Cape Cod’s National Seashore. 

I’m a big fan of the Outer Cape’s shoreline (remember, this is the “forearm” and “fist” of the Cape). The east side of the peninsula is exposed to the Atlantic and therefore has soft sandy beaches and big waves. 

Cape Cod National Seashore

A majority of the outer Cape is made up of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The National Seashore beaches are public and primarily managed by the National Park Service.

These beaches are perfect for sunbathing, admiring the dunes, playing on the sandbar, and if you’re able to bear the cold, swimming!

During your visit check out one of these popular beaches: 

• Nauset Light Beach
• Coast Guard Beach
• Race Point Beach
• Head Of The Meadow Beach
• Herring Cove Beach
• Cahoon Hollow Beach
• Marconi Beach

They’re all more or less similar, so most will visit the beach nearest to their lodging.

Keep in mind, many Cape Cod beaches along the Atlantic require walking down sand dunes to access the beach.

Beach Parking

I recommend visiting the beach early, as parking fills quickly during summer.

Beach fares must be paid at the manned fee booth upon arrival. During summer, prices are: 

• Vehicle Fee – $25
• Motorcycle Fee – $20
• Daily Bicycle or On-Foot Entrance Fee – $15
• Cape Cod National Seashore Annual Pass – $60
• America the Beautiful Annual Pass – $80 (this allows unlimited visits to any national park for a year)

Check out pricing and more information, including fee-free days, at National Seashore Massachusetts Fees & Passes.

Note: Biking to the beach is a popular alternative to driving. Also, if you enjoy biking be sure to check out the much loved Cape Cod Rail Trail. 

Visit The Nauset Lighthouse 

Among the most famous of the Cape’s many lighthouses is Nauset.

The historic structure is so loved, and has a such a classic look, it’s even on the Cape Cod Chips bag. It’s located right off the National Seashore and definitely worth a quick visit. 

I made a stop here before sunset, the lighthouse was closed but was still cool to see from the outside.

Nauset Lighthouse can be toured at predetermined times, check out the Nauset Lighthouse website for more information: Nauset Lighthouse.

Catch A Sunset Over Cape Cod Bay 

During your Cape Cod vacation be sure to enjoy at least one sunset over Cape Cod Bay. The bay sits west of the peninsula, making an excellent spot to watch the sun dip into the horizon.

We watched the sunset from First Encounter Beach, but any of the ample beaches along the bay will do.

Tip: Brewster Flats is a great place to watch the sunset if low tide and sunset coincide.

Explore The Town Of Chatham (Optional)

For those who don’t want a full beach day, consider checking out the town of Chatham during day 2 of your trip to Cape Cod.

Chatham’s main street is lined with popular boutique shops and restaurants, and surrounded by picturesque homes.

I was surprised that many towns on the Cape lack this traditional “downtown” stretch, therefore, Chatham is one of the most popular towns to explore. Since it’s centrally located at the “elbow” of the Cape, it’s easy to visit before or after your beach day.

I spent about 2 hours here, walking the shops, admiring the homes around the main street area, and going for a walk along the beach.

The town is also home to the Chatham Lighthouse and Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, each of which is worth checking out if you’ve got the time.

Cape Cod Vacation Day 3 

Visit Provincetown

Provincetown is one of the most popular, and certainly the most unique, towns on the Cape.  

We’ll plan to spend the entirety of day 3 in the area since Provincetown is bit of a drive. It’s located at the far end of Cape Cod, on the “fist”. 

Walk The Shops In Provincetown 

This lively town centers around Commercial Street, which is home to tons of shops, restaurants, cabarets, and nightclubs.

P-Town is known as a haven for artists and the LGBTQ+ community, something you’ll notice immediately as you’re greeted by colorful buildings donned in rainbows. 

Be sure to spend some time exploring the shops and gorgeous homes around the area. I recommend touring Provincetown by foot, as traffic near the main drag can be really crazy. 

Speaking of traffic, we parked at Grace Hall parking lot. This was far enough from the heavily congested area but not so distant it wasn’t walkable. 

Cape Cod Whale Watching

From Provincetown we did a whale watching tour. P-Town is in a prime location for whale watching and is therefore one of the best spots on the Cape to book a tour.

I did the excursion through Dolphin Whale Watch and would definitely recommend it. 

The area is home to humpback, minke, fin, and pilot whales in addition to seals and dolphins. During my 3+ hour tour in mid-May I saw 4 fin whales and 1 minke, plus a handful of seals. It was really exciting as this was my first time ever seeing a whale in the wild.

Tip: Bring binoculars and warm layers. 

Provincetown Dunes

Just steps from Route 6 on the Cape Cod National Seashore are the Provincetown Dunes. The dunes are beautiful and make for excellent hiking and sightseeing.

While here, I recommend at least a short hike. There are no designated trails so you can explore for a little or as long as you’d like, just be sure to steer clear of the fragile vegetation. 

Dune Shacks Trail is the most popular in the area at just 2.5 miles. Be aware, there’s no trailhead parking lot, visitors park along Route 6. 

A walk through the dunes is challenging and definitely tiring but oh-so worth it thanks to the incredible views. 

Tip: Prepare as you would for any hike — wear proper attire, including good footwear, bring sun protection and plenty of water. 

Truro Vineyards & South Hollow Spirits

Just south of Provincetown is Truro Vineyards & South Hollow Spirits.

After a day of hiking and whale watching, relax with a glass of wine or cocktail from this popular local business.

Truro Vineyards offers tastings, wine or cocktails by the glass, and snacks from a local food truck. It’s a fun place to wrap up day 3 of your Cape Cod vacation.

Cape Cod Vacation Day 4 

Day Trip To Nantucket 

For the final day of your Cape Cod vacation, take the fast ferry to Nantucket for an incredible day trip. 

This small island is located about 30 miles off Cape Cod. I’ll be honest, with such little time to spend here I was unsure the excursion would be worth the ferry fees, but my fears instantly dissipated upon arrival.

Nantucket’s undeniable charm managed to capture my heart in the few short hours spent on the island.

Note: If choosing between a day trip to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, I was told by locals that Nantucket is best. Nantucket is smaller and easier to get around in one day.  

Explore Nantucket’s Downtown Area 

The Nantucket Port is centrally located downtown so you’ll be right in the action immediately upon exiting the ferry. 

Stepping onto Nantucket is like stepping back in time. This former whaling town has an incredible amount of charm, from the uneven cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks, to the steepled churches and historic homes.

It’s hard to put into words just how gorgeous this island is.

I enjoyed browsing the shops along Easton Street, the town’s main drag, and wandering the surrounding neighborhoods with seemingly endless rows of adorable, historic homes.

You could easily spend your entire day just hanging out downtown, however, if you’d like to see more of the island, I’ve listed a few ideas below.

Relax At Jetties Beach 

Jetties Beach is only 1 mile from downtown. I walked here from the ferry port and relaxed on the calm, sandy beach for a few hours. 

This beach sits on the island’s north shore, which is known for gentle waves and sandy shoreline with pebbles and seashells mixed in. 

For bigger waves and softer sand, you’ll need to head to the island’s south shore. 

If you’re hungry (or thirsty) stop by the Sandbar at Jetties Beach Bar & Restaurant.

Visit The Sankaty Head Light

The Sankaty Head Light, built in 1850 and still in use today, is the island’s most iconic lighthouse. 

The 7 acres surrounding the lighthouse are free and open to the public from dawn until dusk.

It’s located at the easternmost point of the island, in the village of Siasconset, about 9 miles from downtown. 

To get here plan to Uber or take a taxi. Otherwise, utilize the very affordable, year-round shuttle option, The Wave. Check out the shuttle schedule at: The Wave Shuttle Schedule. 

Ferry From Cape Cod To Nantucket 

There are ferries to Nantucket departing from both Harwich and Hyannis. 

Harwich is more centrally located on Cape Cod and offers free parking for day trippers.

Hyannis is on the Upper Cape but is the larger of the two ports, meaning it has more ferry options. Parking here will require a fee and is limited (allow yourself some extra time!). 

I booked the fast ferry with Steamship Authority out of Hyannis. This was the most affordable option and their schedule worked best for my schedule. 

If visiting Nantucket for only one day, the fast ferry is your best choice. 

Note: Bringing a car to Nantucket is very pricey. Leave your car on the mainland and plan to get everywhere by foot, bike, Uber, taxi, or by utilizing Nantucket’s shuttle system, The Wave.

Tips For A Day Trip To Nantucket

• Bring cash, the public shuttle and many local business operate with cash only.
• Dress warm or bring a jacket, the temperature will be cooler here than on the mainland. 
• Bring a portable phone charger. Between the so-so cell service and the number of photos I took, my iPhone battery was drained by the afternoon. At this time I still needed it to show my mobile ferry ticket for the return trip home. 
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, Nantucket has very jagged cobblestone streets. 

For more information, check out Everything To Know About A Day Trip To Nantucket.

Where To Stay In Cape Cod

For this itinerary it’s best to stay in the central portion of the Cape. This will allow you to get around without wasted hours in the car.

Consider towns such as Orleans, Yarmouth, Eastham, Dennis, Harwich, or Chatham.

Hotels In Cape Cod

Below are a few centrally located hotels in Cape Cod:

• Inn on Main – Yarmouth
• Nauset Beach Inn – Orleans
• Brewster By The Sea – Brewster
• Four Points by Sheraton Cape Cod – Eastham
• Wequassett Resort & Golf Club – Harwich
• Chatham Bars Inn – Chatham

For a list of the best hotels in Cape Cod, check out my guide: Top Hotels In Cape Cod.

Vacation rentals via Airbnb and VRBO are also popular options. Keep in mind, many hotels and rentals have minimum stay requirements during the summer season.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Cape Cod?

If you’d like to enjoy the area’s ample outdoor activities, I suggest visiting in summer from late-June into mid-September. 

Spring and fall are both pleasant, but too cold for sunbathing or swimming. Rain is common in spring.

Winter is quite cold but offers quiet solitude and lower prices. 

Keep in mind, some businesses in Cape Cod are seasonal. If visiting outside summer months, you may not be able to visit all attractions.

Cape Cod Weather

Below are the average monthly temperatures in Cape Cod:

• January – 38° / 21° (High / Low, F°)
• February – 40° / 23°
• March – 45° / 30°
• April – 54° / 38°
• May – 63° / 48°
• June – 72° / 57°
• July – 79° / 64°
• August – 78° / 63°
• September – 72° / 56°
• October – 62° / 45°
• November – 53° / 37°
• December – 44° / 28°

Is A Vacation In Cape Cod Expensive?

Overall, the cost is high to average. Lodging is costly, especially during peak season.

However, it’s possible to offset the steep lodging by preparing your own meals and limiting pricey excursions. 

Shoulder seasons, such as late spring and early fall, can be a great time to find more affordable lodging. 

How Many Days Do You Need In Cape Cod?

Getting to and from the Cape can be a bit of a process, so I recommend visiting for at least 3 days. 

If you wish to explore the Cape’s many towns, including a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, 5 – 7 days is best. 

As you can see, there’s so much to do in Cape Cod, I hope this 4 day itinerary has helped you in planning your Cape Cod vacation! Happy travels!  

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Cape Cod and Massachusetts guides below!

More Information For Your Trip To Cape Cod & The Islands:

• Iconic Things To Do In Cape Cod
• Top Hotels In Cape Cod
• Nantucket: Everything To Know About A Day Trip
• Top Hotels In Nantucket

More Information For Your Massachusetts Vacation:

• Boston, Massachusetts Guides
• Plymouth, Massachusetts Guides
• Salem, Massachusetts Guides