The Most Iconic Things To Do In Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a much-loved New England destination favored for white sand beaches, broad marshes, seafood, and immaculate summer vibes.

When planning my first trip to Cape Cod, I was overwhelmed by how much there is to do and how spread out everything is. After hours of research and visiting most of these places myself, I’ve come up with a list of some of the top things to do on the Cape.

Planning a trip yourself and wondering what to do? These are the most iconic things to do in Cape Cod, Massachusetts! 

Top Things To Do In Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Have Beach Day

A beach day in Cape Cod is a must. The beaches, after all, are what have made the area so famous. 

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

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

The Outer Cape is primarily comprised of the Cape Cod National Seashore, these beaches are public and managed by the National Park Service.

A few popular beaches are Nauset Light Beach, Coast Guard Beach, Race Point Beach, Cahoon Hollow Beach, and more. They’re all more-or-less similar, so most will visit the beach nearest to their lodging.

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

In addition to the Outer Cape beaches, there are also beaches along Cape Cod Bay and the Nantucket Sound. For the most part, these beaches have much smaller waves and relatively warmer water temperatures. These are great family-friendly options, I especially liked the Cape Cod Bay beaches.

Check out beaches throughout the Cape (like we did!) and decide which ones you like best.

Enjoy A Lobster Roll

Cape Cod is synonymous with fresh seafood, and while there are may great dishes from the sea, lobster rolls are the favorite around here. 

Most places serve up Maine-style lobster rolls, but Connecticut-style is a common option as well. No matter, you’re sure to have fresh lobster, which is why the rolls are so beloved.

Sesuit Harbor, Caption Frostys, The Skipper, Chatham Fish Pier Market, and The Lobster Pot are a few favorites, but there are tons of good options throughout the Cape. 

Just be aware, if eating during peak hours, there’s often a long wait for food. Come hungry, but not so ravenous you can’t be patient. 

Go For A Bike Ride

Cape Cod is a biker’s dream, with popular trails like the Cape Cod Rail Trail offering over 25 miles of scenic (and paved!) riding through forests, marshes, and seaside towns. 

The Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth and the network of trails in the Cape Cod National Seashore are additional favorites, both featuring stunning views of the coastline. 

No matter which route you choose, this is a fun way to see the beauty of Cape Cod while getting some exercise in.

If you need a rental, just about every Cape town has a bike center or two offering rentals and other services.

Go Whale Watching

Cape Cod is one of the best US destinations for whale and seal watching thanks to the nearby Stellwagen Bank which provides nutrient-rich waters for all sorts of ocean life.

The area is home to humpback, minke, fin, and pilot whales, in addition to seals and dolphins. 

Whales are commonly spotted mid-April through October, with peak season being June to September.

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is located north of Provincetown, making the town a prime location for whale watching and one of the best spots to book a tour.

I did an excursion through Dolphin Whale Watch and would definitely recommend it, but there are additional reputable companies worth considering as well.

This is a really fun way to spend time on the water and hopefully see a few whales!

Tip: Bring binoculars and warm layers. 

Visit The Town Of Chatham

A favorite Cape Cod town is Chatham.

Here you’ll find a charming main street lined with boutique shops and restaurants, all surrounded by picturesque homes.

I was surprised that many towns on the Cape lack this traditional “downtown” stretch, so it’s not surprising so many flock to Chatham. Plus, it’s centrally located at the “elbow” of the Cape, so it’s easy to visit before or after your beach day.

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

Explore The Brewster Flats

The Brewster Flats are the largest tidal flats in North America and a must-see for Cape Cod visitors.

At low tide the ocean recedes for miles, revealing vast sandbars and tidal pools which expose marine life like crabs, clams, and small fish. 

Beachcombing, birdwatching, photography, or simply soaking in views of the exposed ocean floor are all popular pastimes here.

Plan to arrive 1 or 2 hours before low tide to maximize exploration time. And if low tide and sunset coincide, you’re in for a real treat.

See The Lighthouses Of Cape Cod

Cape Cod is home to a large collection of historic lighthouses, each with its own story and breathtaking views. 

The Cape’s 14 lighthouses have guided mariners for centuries and now draw visitors for their beauty and interesting history. 

Highland Light in Truro, the Cape’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, offers tours with stunning ocean views, while Nauset Light in Eastham is famous for its classic red and white design — so famous, it’s even on the Cape Cod Chips bag. Additionally, visitors can learn about the area’s maritime heritage while enjoying sweeping views of the Atlantic from the still active Chatham Lighthouse.

These are a few of the most popular attractions, with 14 different lighthouses though, you’ve got no shortage of options.

Watch A Cape Cod Baseball League Game

The Cape Cod Baseball League offers a chance to see some of the nation’s top collegiate players showcase their skills in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

With games held throughout the summer for over 100 years now, it’s a quintessential Cape experience. And thanks to 10 field locations, it’s easy to find a game near your lodging.

For this year’s schedules and locations, check out Cape Cod Baseball League.

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 it an excellent spot to watch the sun dip into the horizon.

Any of the ample beaches in the area will have great views. During my visit, we wandered over to the beaches nearest our rental about an hour before sunset. We saw fellow sunset-goers in lounge chairs, beverages in hand, while others strolled the beach. There’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the show.

Grab A Drink

Cape Cod’s bar scene is as vibrant as the sunsets, with cozy taverns, beachside bars, and craft breweries offering something for everyone.

Many have live music and entertainment throughout the summer season, while others offer a more relaxed atmosphere and coastal views.

There are so many great bars, it’s impossible to list them all here, but a few favorites include Chatham Squire, The Beachcomber, Chatham Bars Inn, The Ocean House, Truro Vineyards, The Wharf, and Provincetown Brewing Co.

Spend A Day In Provincetown 

Provincetown is one of the most popular (and certainly the most unique) spots on the Cape.

The lively city centers around Commercial Street, which is home to tons of shops, restaurants, cabarets, and nightclubs. You can easily spend hours exploring it alone.

But there are a lot of additional things to do, consider seeing the Pilgrim Monument, Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum, Race Point Lighthouse, or go for a bike ride, hike, or whale watching tours.

Oh, and don’t forget to make time for exploring the beautiful homes around Provincetown – my favorites are the ones just south of the main drag.

Walk Gray’s Beach Boardwalk (Bass Hole Boardwalk)

Gray’s Beach in Yarmouth is one of the most unique in the area, featuring a bog, sand dunes, excellent bird watching, and views of the ocean.

All of these amazing views are accessible from one long boardwalk which commonly goes by two names: Gray’s Beach Boardwalk and Bass Hole Boardwalk.

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

Parking is limited, try to stop by early to avoid crowds.

Watch A Drive In Movie At Wellfleet Cinemas

The Wellfleet Drive-In is a nostalgic way to enjoy a summer evening, watching movies under the stars from the comfort of your car.

In business since 1957, Wellfleet Cinemas shows a mix of classics and new releases on their 100 foot screen. It’s a perfect spot for family or friends to gather and enjoy this timeless Cape Cod gem.

For upcoming movie schedule and events, check out Wellfleet Cinemas.

Get Ice Cream

No trip to Cape Cod is complete without indulging in a scoop (or two) of ice cream from one of the Cape’s many beloved local businesses.

With homemade flavors, endless toppings, and even dairy-free options, Cape Cod ice cream shops are perfect for summer.

Each Cape town has at least one excellent ice cream shop, so it’ll be easy to find a good option from where ever you are. If you’re looking for a local favorite though, check out Sundae School, they have a few locations.

Visit A Museum

If you find yourself in Cape Cod on a rainy or unseasonably cold day, check out one of their many museums.

The Cape’s 80+ museums are an excellent way to learn about the region’s history, and they’re easy to visit, most are small and can be explored in just an hour or two.

A few of the best Cape Cod museums include:

• Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich 
• Sandwich Glass Museum
• John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
• Provincetown Art Association and Museum of Art (PAAM)
• Cahoon Museum of American Art in Barnstable
• Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich
• Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis
• Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum in Mashpee
• Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
• Whydah Pirate Museum on the western end of Yarmouth 
• Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis

Hike The Providence Dunes

Cape Cod has a handful of great hiking options, but the Providence Dunes are one of the best spots.

A walk through the dunes is challenging and definitely tiring, but oh-so worth it thanks to the incredible views. There are no designated trails, so visitors can explore for a little or as long as they’d like, just be sure to steer clear of the fragile vegetation. 

The dunes are located just steps from Route 6 in the Cape Cod National Seashore.

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

Day Trip To The Islands

A vacation to the Cape is hardly complete without a day trip to one of the beloved neighboring islands. Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are both incredibly popular as weekend getaways, but they make for a great day trip as well, especially Nantucket which is small and easy to get around.

Stroll either of the island’s historic cobblestone streets, go shopping, dine out, view the lighthouses, and lounge at the beach during your visit. You’ll find some of the best-preserved New England history here.

Visitors can take a ferry from Hyannis or Woods Hole, with frequent departures throughout the day. Day trippers, plan to take a fast ferry to best utilize your time.

Those planning a day trip to Nantucket, check out my guide: Everything To Know About A Day Trip To Nantucket.

As you can see, there are some really amazing things to do in Cape Cod, these are just a few of the most iconic. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time!

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:

• 4-Day Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary
• 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