Cape Cod, Massachusetts is home to towns as unique as their names: Sandwich, Barnstable, Mashpee Commons, Hyannis and Chatham, to name a few, offer a variety of things to do for any length of vacation. For an unforgettable trip to an area teeming with history, simple pleasures, nature and adventure, Cape Cod is the ideal destination.
Family Fun:
- Whales: Cape Cod has a wealth of opportunities that cover an array of interests and ages. No trip to Cape Cod is complete without a Cape Cod Whale Watch Cruise (Provincetown). Board a high-speed catamaran for a guaranteed whale-sighting from either the deck or covered cabin, and learn about the Cape's whale species from a naturalist. Consider playing a round of miniature golf at one of the area's mini golf courses: Cape Cod Storyland Golf (Hyannis) is the largest in New England, and Pirate's Cove (South Yarmouth) features mini golf and games in a pirate-themed park.
- Zoos: Head over to the ZooQuarium, where you'll see an aquarium and a collection of sea and land animals.
- Museums: And when it comes to museums, Cape Cod has something for everyone! Watch glass being made at the Sandwich Glass Museum, see fire engines and firefighting memorabilia at the New England Fire and History Museum (Brewster), or see a 90-year-old caboose and locomotive replicas at the Chatham Railroad Museum.
Beaches & Parks: Cape Cod is also known for beaches and parks that are perfect for water sports, beach combing and birdwatching.
- The 43,000 acre Cape Cod National Seashore boasts lighthouses, white sand beaches, a raised boardwalk trail and swamps.
- Kalmus Beach, a Cape Cod favorite, is the perfect spot for boating and windsurfing.
- At the East Sandwich Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen, visitors can walk through gardens and interpreted trails and then make their own jam to take with them.
- The Heritage Museum and Gardens (Sandwich) offers 70-acres of mazes, herb gardens, and daylily, holly and rhododendron collections.
- At the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the 750 acres of sand dunes, swamps and marshes, attend a lecture or take a guided bird walk.
- Sports: For the sports-minded visitor, Cape Cod offers plenty to do, whether you want to participate or be a spectator. In addition to water sports such as windsurfing and sea kayaking, you'll be pleased to know that you can enjoy a round of golf or grab a hot dog and bleacher seat at a ball game.
- Everyone can enjoy a round at the Holly Ride Golf Club, a peaceful 3-Par course adapted for all golfers, including seniors, women and beginners.
- Or come to a Cape Cod Baseball League game, and cheer on the Chatham Athletics or the Brewster Whitecaps; enjoy this All-American summer tradition in a casual, relaxed environment.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit Cape Cod, most likely there will be an opportunity to attend an annual event or festival. Throughout the year, numerous arts & crafts shows, bazaars, outdoor concerts and oyster and scallop festivals are held. Cape Cod also celebrates holidays such as Independence Day with hometown parades and fireworks, as well as Christmas celebrations.
Whether you seek a relaxing break from everyday life, or an exciting whale-watching excursion, Cape Cod offers the best of everything from nature parks to museums. Once you experience the nautical environment of the unique, charming towns that comprise Cape Cod, you'll find yourself feeling refreshed, rejuvenated... and looking forward to your next visit!
