Cape Cod Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

“At present it is wholly unknown to the fashionable world,” Henry David Thoreau wrote of Cape Cod, MA in 1855. Well, that was a while ago. The fashionable world has definitely caught on. Stretching like an arm off mainland Massachusetts, ‘The Cape’ is a favorite New England summer destination of windswept seashore and graceful colonial-style towns for visitors with a bit of expendable income. Well-known towns include Hyannis, of Kennedy-fame, and the gay-friendly Provincetown. Cape Cod National Seashore, a 43,500-acre national park, includes a 40-mile long stretch along the eastern edge of the peninsula where surfers attack the Atlantic waves along head-on. Plus, you can find plenty of affordable Cape Cod vacation homes that you can rent and just relax on the beach.

  • Beach, Boating, Family-friendly, Fishing, Gay, Massachusetts, Northeast, Ocean, Relaxing, Romantic, Rustic, Sailing, Shopping, Surfing, Usa, Wedding, Wildlife, Yachting
  • 97%

 
 
link41.6775276789-70.20469665539Cape Cod, MA, USA
link41.6875275719-70.4093170166Cape Cod Baseball Leagues
link41.5270858137-70.6606292725Woods Hole
link42.0635677188-70.2438354492Cape Cod Lighthouses
link41.9395735182-69.9884033203Cahoon Hollow
link42.05256-70.18694Provincetown
link41.6775276789-70.20469665539Cape Cod, MA, USA
link42.05256-70.1869412Provincetown, MA, USA
link41.65487-70.2792712Hyannis, MA, USA
link41.792794-70.00048612Orleans, MA, USA
link41.669773-70.06127212Harwich Port, MA, USA
link41.9442-70.0291412Wellfleet, MA, USA
link41.760944-70.08294212Brewster, MA USA
link41.55214-70.6129710Falmouth, MA, USA
link41.735242-70.19793312Dennis, MA USA
link41.83027-69.9737512Eastham, MA, USA
link41.70552-70.2286312Yarmouth, MA, USA
 
 
 
 

   

 Directions 

Distance from closest metropolitan area: 80 miles (from Boston, MA)  
 
Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes (from Boston, MA)  
 
From Boston, MA: Take Route 3 (Southeast Expressway) to Route 6 over the Sagamore Bridge. From there, follow Route 132 into Hyannis.  
 
From New York, NY (270 miles): Follow Route 95 to Providence, RI, and from there, Route 195 to Wareham, MA. Route 25 will take you over Bourne Bridge. From there, take Route 6 to Exit 6, and then Route 132 into Hyannis.

 

   

 Weather 

  • Current conditions

    Cond007

    Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds around 5 mph...becoming south in the afternoon.
    Hi: 60° F, Low: 40° F.

  • Tomorrow's forecast

    Cond007
    Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
    Hi: 60° F, Low: 43° F.


  • Weatherbug's weather page.
 

   

 Attractions 

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Cape Cod Baseball Leagues

The game of baseball. It's America's favorite past time, but on Cape Cod it's more than just a way to pass the time. Clever puns aside, The Cape Cod Baseball League is an amateur summer league that regularly features many of the best college baseball stars, and is known for launching the careers of some of the best players to hit the big leagues. Founded in 1885 under the motto "Where the Stars of Tomorrow Shine Tonight," the CCBL is considered to be the equivalent of a high-A Minor League Baseball game and is definitely considered grade A entertainment. Teams like the Bourne Braves or the Falmouth Commodores do battle nightly from mid-June through mid-August, and the games routinely draw thousands of fans from all over the country. The CCBL was even the setting for the awful Freddie Prinze Jr. film Summer Catch. However, the league is much more than just a pleasant summer distraction in a town known for pleasant summer distractions; it's a joyous celebration of a game that has become all to commercialized with corporate sponsors and multi-million dollars contracts. It's a celebration of the game of baseball!

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Woods Hole

Like so many of the small towns in Cape Cod, Woods Hole has a fascinating history stretching back to the early days of American colonization. Some might call that boring, so in order to battle such egregious claims Woods Hole also seems to be cornering the Massachusetts’s market on providing exciting scientific research that provides visitors an entertaining and interactive learning environment. It should be known that Woods Hole is home to a thriving scientific community including the Marine Biological Laboratory, the Children’s School of Science Inc., the Sea Education Association, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, which is known for discovering the remains of the Titanic (the ship, not the movie) and the Woods Hole Science Aquarium (where you can actually touch the fish at the touch tank). But Wood’s Hole isn’t just a place for science and biology lovers to geek out, it’s also a storied, sea-faring port where crusty fisherman and turtle-neck wearing writers often share a pint at the local watering hole. The town itself (at a population of less than 1,000) also benefits from lying close to Martha’s Vineyard (they make wine there right?) and the serene Quissett Harbor.

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Cape Cod Lighthouses

With today's revolutionary communications technology, the simple idea of a lighthouse seems like an antique notion reserved for those with a fondness of the times of yore. However, all along the coast of Cape Cod, lighthouses are still viewed the same way they were in the past; the presence of a lighthouse meant life or death for a weary nautical crew. With over a dozen working lighthouses scattered throughout the constantly moving and dangerous shoals of the Cape Cod coast, the lighthouse still plays a major part in the culture and history of the Cape. Several popular lighthouse tours run all throughout the Upper Cape, Mid Cape and Outer Cape, and tourists come from around the world to explore the inner workings and fabulous views. Highlights include Highland Light, Nauset Light, Chatham Light, Race Point Light and Nobska Light, all of which are currently operated by the U.S Coast Guard. Although light houses have been replaced by newer, more sophisticated technology, the sheer amount of them in Cape Cod prove Edward Snow's idea that "there is something about a lighted beacon that suggests hope and trust and appeals to the better instincts of mankind."

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Cahoon Hollow

To experience one of the most sought-after beaches in Cape Cod, trekking (or sliding) down a massive sand dune has never been quite so rewarding. Cahoon's Hollow boasts not only a gorgeous dark green ocean, but a vibrant and adventurous atmosphere as well. Although Massachusetts is probably not the first place that comes to mind for great beaches, this one located in Wellfleet has a lot to offer its guests. A popular draw for surfers seeking out the waves of the Atlantic, Cahoon's Hollow also entertains visitors with live music, fresh, flavorful seafood, and an energetic nightlife. And as much as it provides for thrill-seekers and vacationers, this enchanting beach has also served as an inspiration for many artists. Take a stroll along the coast one early morning and you might be blessed with a glimpse of North-Eastern birds catching breakfast. Show up later in the day and experience a slightly different sight of tourists and locals sunbathing, playing volleyball, or picnicking. Sure, people-watching's great, but don't be shy to get your hair wet. Whether you're a surfer or not, climbing down that initial dune to reach the water is surprisingly satisfying for the adventurer in all of us.

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Provincetown

Sure, the words "Cape Cod" sound a bit stuffy and pretentious when uttered by your wealthy neighbor who often refers to his stock options while twirling his handlebar mustache. But Cape Cod can be infinitely more than that. Enter Provincetown, Massachusetts. Located on the furthermost tip of the infamous Cape Cod peninsula, Provincetown has created its own unique niche. A quaint, rustic fishing village turned arts and culture mecca, "P-town" is the perfect mix of excitement and serenity. Whether you spend your days relaxing on the quintessential east coast beach and sand dunes, exploring the town's history, attending the local theatres' infamous plays, partaking in the burgeoning night life, or going whale watching (with money-back guarantees of whale-sightings), Provincetown has the charm that lures folks back for a lifetime. At the epicenter is Pilgrim's Monument, which commemorates the spot where the Pilgrims ACTUALLY landed. So climb the 252 feet to the top, and before becoming wholly enamored with the view, look across the bay and tell those fakers in Plymouth (with their fancy little rock) that you know the truth. While there, try to absorb the Cape Cod coastline spiraling around you in all directions and the scenic docks nestled against the saffron sunset, and then you'll truly comprehend what makes Provincetown so special.

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 Reviews(Average Rating: 97% for 4 reviews) 

  • karisanicole
    karisanicoleReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    Sick of Destin? Try this Coastal Hot Spot!

    08/20/2008

    99%

    Cape Cod, MA, USA

    Cape Cod is truly your atypical beach vacation. It’s a place where your everyday white, sandy beach is replaced by a uniquely breath-taking rock-rimmed ocean, complete with a fairytale-like lighthouse around every corner. The air is crisp even in the middle of summer and the sun never suffocates. The locals are warm and inviting, bringing a bit of southern hospitality to their beloved Northern state. I promise, by the end of week it really seems like the place where “everybody knows your name.” And if you are into shopping and food as much as I am, you won’t be disappointed. The shops and boutiques here are quaint and full of fun treasures and the sea food is to die for… especially being a native Southerner whose idea of good fish comes from the Red Lobster…just imagine, huge fresh delicious lobster for half the price… YES PLEASE! And don’t even get me started on the clam chowder, it is fabulous! Unlike the cheap version I’ve unfortunately become accustomed to, this local delicacy has more chunky clams than potatoes…what a novel concept!

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  • cmjohnson
    cmjohnsonReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    Provincetown in Winter

    07/29/2008

    100%

    Cape Cod, MA, USA

    My friends and family were surprised when I told them I was going to spend October through May of this past year with a group of other writers and artists on Cape Cod--and not just Cape Cod, but Provincetown, which lies on the furthest tip of the sliver of land that juts out into the cold sea. It's true that the overwhelming bulk of Provincetown's visitors come in the summer, especially in July-September, when the water is the warmest for swimming, the ferry from Boston runs several times a day, and all the ice cream shops, candy stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars on bustling Commercial Street are open. But Cape Cod in the winter has a contemplative, bleak beauty that I loved. The town shrinks to a couple thousand people and many businesses close, leaving the remaining lobstermen and artists alike to congregate for sandwiches and talk at general store/delis like Farland Provisions and Angel Foods, and for weekly events like Trivia Night at The Pig. I have never seen anything quite so strange and beautiful as the beach covered with salty ice and snow, and late winter also brought clamming season, when we walked out onto the sopping sand of low tide with our boots and buckets and rakes to dig up enough clams to make chowder for a Superbowl Party. The slower season makes for a much easier drive up the Cape, and the bus service to and from Boston runs twice a day. Local bed-and-breakfasts offer special rates for late fall and winter, and readings and art openings at the Fine Arts Work Center and the Provincetown Art Museum happen frequently throughout this open and welcoming little town's "off" season.

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  • hackmer
    hackmer
    • Top member
    Reviews: 5
    Posts: 6

    Summer fun on the Cape

    07/16/2008

    94%

    Cape Cod, MA, USA

    I grew up just outside of Boston, so going to Cape Cod is what summer is all about. Our favorite place has been Orleans, because of its proximity to Nauset Beach. Nauset has some of the strongest waves coming off the Atlantic, which I prefer because I love to body surf. Personally, I find the Bay waters a little too calm. Another great thing about Orleans is that the town has a baseball team – and the tickets are pretty affordable for a family. Wellfleet has been another popular spot for my family over the years, since there is an active community – typically a lot to do in the evenings. But our total Cape experience is not complete without grabbing the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Cottage rentals and summer homes adorn much of the Cape, but Martha’s Vineyard is in class by itself with beautifully decorated homes. On the whole, the Cape feels different from the rest of the State and never loses its charm or fun.

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  • Dorothy Carlow
    Dorothy Carlow
    • Top member
    Reviews: 11
    Posts: 23

    Hyannis Port

    06/30/2008

    95%

    Cape Cod, MA, USA

    My mom, a Bostonian by nature, grew up in Natick, MA and spent her summer's on Cape Cod. Still, her entire family lives in Boston or on the "Cape." So, I have visited there more often then I can count. In fact, I spent many summers swimming in the COLD ocean and attending boys' baseball camp with my brother and cousins. These memories are with me forever! My advice to vacationers - if you are planning a summer trip to the Cape, be ready for large beach crowds, restaurant waitlists and lots of traffic. But, trust me, the POSITIVES outweigh the negatives. Take a look at the list below! Must visit beach: Cahoon's Hallow in Wellfleet Must eat in restaurant: The Captain's Table in Hyannis Port Must do tourist attraction: Main Street in Hyannis Must go to store: The Old General Store in Centerville Must get icecream: Four Seasons Must attend children's summer camp: Cotuit Kettlers Baseball Camp If you do all the above, your trip to Cape Cod is sure to be crazy fun and memorable!

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