Cape Cod Activities, Shopping Malls, Restaurants, Parks, and Transit

Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown

Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown

It's no secret that Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is one of the nation's most popular vacation destinations, and with so many activities, it's no wonder, either. Nature enthusiasts, sports lovers, history buffs, shop-'til-you-droppers and food fans will discover heaven on earth among Cape Cod's 15 towns.

Outdoors Activities:

For those who live to hike, birdwatch, observe nature, or just be outside in a beautiful setting, Cape Cod has plenty of parks, beaches and gardens to visit. As a 65-mile-long peninsula, the Cape is a unique environment comprised of white sandy beaches, sand dunes, swamps and forests.

• The Cape Cod National Seashore and the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary are both ideal spots for birdwatching and nature walking.
• Visit the East Sandwich Greenbriar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen or the Heritage Museum and Gardens (Sandwich) to stroll through gardens and along nature paths.
• Other Cape Cod beach favorites include Kalmus Beach, Nauset Beach and Coast Guard Beach.
• For an unforgettable wildlife adventure, take a Cape Cod Whale Watch Cruise (Provincetown) for a 2-1/2 hour catamaran trip with a whale-sighting guarantee and on-board naturalist.
• In addition to nature and wildlife, the Cape has numerous lighthouses such as Chatham Light and Nauset Lighthouse.

Shopping:

For those who seek shopping and souvenirs, be sure to visit some of the numerous original shops:

• Handicraft House (Brewster), Peachtree Designs (Yarmouth Port), Tree's Place (Orleans), Bean & Cod (Falmouth) or The Chocolate House and Fudge Gift Shop (Sagamore).
  In addition to unique shops, the Cape Cod Mall and the Cape Cod Factory Outlet Mall offer the convenience of lots of shopping in one location.
  Sports:
• Sports fans will also thrive at Cape Cod. A beautiful New England Par-3 Course awaits golfers at Holly Ridge Golf Club, in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Baseball lovers will enjoy the Cape Cod Baseball League (the nation's premier amateur league), where they can enjoy a snack from a local vendor in a comfortable, small-town environment.
  Restaurants:
• For visitors who enjoy food, there is something to satisfy every palate, from sweet to salty to savory! Take advantage of the sea's proximity and enjoy fresh, local seafood at The Dolphin Restaurant (Barnstable) or ponder poetry and philosophy on the wall above your table at Bobby Byrne's Restaurant & Pub (Mashpee Commons).
  For something sweet, enjoy penny candy, saltwater taffy and 12 flavors of fudge at Chocolate House Fudge and Gift Shop (Sagamore).
• If you desire a drink, head over to the Hyport Brewing Company and order The Flounder, a sampler of six original beers crafted at Cape Cod's only Brewery.

Museums:

• If you're craving an adventure in history, you won't want to miss the New England Fire and History Museum for a look at old fire engines and video footage, or the Chatham Railroad Museum to see the 90-year-old caboose and locomotive replicas.
• The Atwood House Museum, a house built in 1752, houses a treasure trove of nautical-themed nostalgia.
• Another unique history lesson lies in the Chatham Lighthouse, built in 1808, and then relocated to North Eastham in 1923.
• The John F. Kennedy Museum (Hyannis) provides an unforgettable and comprehensive exhibit telling the story the former President's life from 1934 to 1963 in over 80 photographs, and shares a glimpse into John F. Kennedy's love of Cape Cod.

Transportation:

To get the most out of your Cape Cod vacation, be sure to take advantage of the local transportation network, and also choose from among the lodging opportunities that are close to the things you want to see or do.

• Hop a ride on a Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority trolley or bus, or take a Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway train between your activities. Stay at the Best Western Blue Water on the Ocean (South Yarmouth) for BBQs and theme dinners, Gull Wing Suites with its spacious, well-equipped quarters, Inn on the Square (Main Street Falmouth) in the heart of shopping and restaurants, or Ramada Inn Cape Cod (Hyannis) to be close to the Cape Cod Whale Watch Cruise.

Cape Cod offers 400 square miles of excitement, relaxation and one-of-a-kind opportunities. Activities here truly offer something for everyone.