Discovering Cape Cod Vacations
I've compiled this resource to answer your questions on planning Cape Cod Vacations. You'll discover where to go, what to see, and where to stay.
I've been taking Cape Cod vacations since 1981 and I want to grow old taking them.
You see, from my first steps onto this peninsula I've felt at home and in harmony with the Cape and never tire of its seasons and hidden delights. For two wonderful years I lived in Orleans and discovered the Cape Cod that most tourists miss and that I'll share with you here.
Though justly famous for its white sand beaches and scenic dunes, the Cape also has hikes, swamps, marshes, kettle ponds, and bogs. And there's no better way of seeing the Cape than on a bike traveling the miles of paved paths, or taking to foot and exploring the nature trails that showcase the diversity that makes Cape Cod the jewel of New England.
Cape Cod vacations are a chance to explore a geological wonder, a historical kaleidoscope, and a fragile and ever-shifting environment - but more than all these - it's a gift for you to discover and enjoy.
The door is open so why not step inside and discover the Cape with me.
And like the best cape antique shops, browsing this page is definitely encouraged.
What is Cape Cod and What's with the Name?
20,000 years in 40 seconds...
Officially, Cape Cod is a sandy peninsula and not an Island. It was joined to the mainland until the Cape Cod Canal was opened in 1914 to provide a shorter and safer route for ships bound for Boston.
But to understand the Cape Cod of today you've got to go back to the last great glacial age - a mere 20,000 years ago. The area represented the southern extreme of the glaciers and the constant retreating and advancing action of the glacial flows deposited sediment which accumulated.
This vast amount of sediment was the raw material that the ocean current and wind, ground down to the amazing white sand that is Cape Cod today.
The cold Atlantic and great sand banks in the vicinity attract a rich supply of fish and whales that didn't go unnoticed by early European explorers and fishermen, and it was the plentiful supply of cod fish in the area that most agree was the basis for naming the peninsular Cape Cod.
Though hard to imagine now, once there were forests when the pilgrims first landed. But by the 1850's, when Thoreau took his famous treks along the outer cape and coined the phrase the Great Beach of Cape Cod for the outer beaches, the trees were mostly gone - all used for building and firewood.
All that remains today of these forests are the familiar stunted pitch pine. But the sand and dunes remain.
But to understand the Cape Cod of today you've got to go back to the last great glacial age - a mere 20,000 years ago. The area represented the southern extreme of the glaciers and the constant retreating and advancing action of the glacial flows deposited sediment which accumulated.
This vast amount of sediment was the raw material that the ocean current and wind, ground down to the amazing white sand that is Cape Cod today.
The cold Atlantic and great sand banks in the vicinity attract a rich supply of fish and whales that didn't go unnoticed by early European explorers and fishermen, and it was the plentiful supply of cod fish in the area that most agree was the basis for naming the peninsular Cape Cod.
Though hard to imagine now, once there were forests when the pilgrims first landed. But by the 1850's, when Thoreau took his famous treks along the outer cape and coined the phrase the Great Beach of Cape Cod for the outer beaches, the trees were mostly gone - all used for building and firewood.
All that remains today of these forests are the familiar stunted pitch pine. But the sand and dunes remain.
My Favorite Resources for the History of Cape Cod
Over the years I've found this small collection of resources help me understand how the events of the past have shaped the Cape Cod we see today. I find background information like this helps me get more out of my visits to places.
My Favorite Beaches of Cape Cod
and this is just a few of hundreds...
A Cape Cod vacation tends to be focused on the water and beaches - after all why would you travel all the way to the Cape and then sit and relax in a screen porch, sipping a cool drink in a warm gentle breeze, and reading a novel... hey, wait a minute that's not a bad idea is it?
Seriously, the Cape has many of the best beaches on the east coast - there are about 115 public beaches including the National Seashore beaches.
The ocean side beaches of the National Seashore are spectacular and popular with sunbathers and beach walkers, however, many have dangerous undertows and so be careful with small children, and the water can be refreshingly cool as well - that means... cold!
The Bay side beaches tend to be calmer and warmer, and offer safer swimming opportunities.
Instructions on using the map: I've noted the location of my favorite beaches on the map below and if you click the markers a bubble will appear with information on each and you can also get directions. The markers sometimes are mapped to the road the beach is on and appear to be not on the shoreline, but follow the road and believe me, you'll hit the beach!
These are personal choices and yes, I do favor the Outer Cape beaches for my own Cape Cod vacations, but you won't be disappointed with any one you choose.
Seriously, the Cape has many of the best beaches on the east coast - there are about 115 public beaches including the National Seashore beaches.
The ocean side beaches of the National Seashore are spectacular and popular with sunbathers and beach walkers, however, many have dangerous undertows and so be careful with small children, and the water can be refreshingly cool as well - that means... cold!
The Bay side beaches tend to be calmer and warmer, and offer safer swimming opportunities.
Instructions on using the map: I've noted the location of my favorite beaches on the map below and if you click the markers a bubble will appear with information on each and you can also get directions. The markers sometimes are mapped to the road the beach is on and appear to be not on the shoreline, but follow the road and believe me, you'll hit the beach!
These are personal choices and yes, I do favor the Outer Cape beaches for my own Cape Cod vacations, but you won't be disappointed with any one you choose.
Cape Cod Destinations and Attractions
Resources about what to see and what to do...
This is a collection of resources and links that should keep you busy for hours planning your Cape Cod Vacations, and I've thrown in a few to off-cape destinations for the odd day trip or two.
- Cape Cod Vacations Guide
- This resource covers a broader selection of destinations on the Cape in an article format. All the popular attractions are covered, including the Cape Cod National Seashore and it's history.
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- This is the official National Park Service Cape Cod National Seashore site and they've done a nice job making it informative with a healthy dose of nature and wildlife facts. Covers all the beaches with directions and parking fees.
- Cape Cod Bike Trails
- Biking on the Cape is a popular and favorite mode of getting around and enjoying the day. This site covers both paved paths and off-road (for the serious) trails. Also has an extensive listing of bike shops and rental places. All-in-all a solid resource.
- Lighthouses of Cape Cod
- At one point there were twenty lighthouses around Cape Cod. Now there are less but they remain a fascination and magnet for visitors every year. This site covers each remaining lighthouse together with its history and location.
- Martha's Vineyard
- Martha's Vineyard is a 45-minute ferry ride from Wood's Hole in Falmouth and worth a day trip if you can spare it. This resource will give you all the details on what to do and see there.
- Whale Watching around the Cape
- This resource contains information about whales and the types you see around the waters of Cape Cod, and lists the excursion boats with contact information. All the boats head out to Stellwagen Bank just off the tip of Provincetown.
- Art's Dune Tours
- Yeah, sounds fascinating doesn't it. As far as I know this is the only company authorized to take you on tours through the dunes around Provincelands. They also do sunset and clambake tours as well.
- Cape Cod Scenic Train
- Meandering along through cranberry bogs, kettle ponds, salt marshes, woodlands, and the Mid-Cape towns is the Cape Central Railroad scenic train. This is a favorite summer and fall trip running from Hyannis to Sandwich. This is the official site for information.
- Heritage Museum and Gardens
- Located in Sandwich, the Heritage Museum and Gardens features history and art museums, an impressive antique car collection, a windmill, and the Carousel. The gardens alone are worth the trip, but go in May when the Dexter Rhododendrons are in full display.This is the official site for the museum.
- New England Vacations Guide
- And just in case you're interested in knowing what else is in New England to go and visit then this resource covers the whole region including the lakes and mountains and coastline.
- New England Getaways
- This resource focuses on getaways and news from New England and covers Cape Cod.
- Exploring The Cape Cod National Seashore | New England Birdhouse
- Take a captivating trip through Massachusetts' Cape Cod National Seashore Park. With miles of splendid white sand beaches, inspiring walks and trails...
- Five Bird-watching Destinations on Cape Cod | New England Birdhouse
- If you're a bird watcher and nature lover then few places in New England can compare with Cape Cod. A rich habitat for wildlife it attracts seasonal resi...
Getting to Your Cape Cod Vacation
The gateway to New England and Cape Cod is Boston - it has the most flights and choice. Stay for a few nights and enjoy the City sights before driving your rental car the short 60 miles on Route 3 and over the Sagamore Bridge onto Route 6 and also known as the Mid-Cape Highway.
The Dunes of the Cape!
Where to stay on your Cape Cod Vacation
Hotel or B&B or Rental?
So you've picked your dates and how you'll be getting there and now the most important choice for your trip will be where to stay and what type of accommodation.
With a hotel you get the convenience of service and most have breakfast and a restaurant close by and cater for families. A B&B or Inn is a better choice for a romantic getaway or off-season vacation.
A rental home for a week gives you the ultimate freedom and is a popular choice for many families as many second homes are purchased on the cape with the purpose of renting them out during the summer months. The choice is limited though after Labor Day.
Here are some resource links to check out for each of the types of accommodation. Cape Cod is very popular and fills up quickly so book early:
With a hotel you get the convenience of service and most have breakfast and a restaurant close by and cater for families. A B&B or Inn is a better choice for a romantic getaway or off-season vacation.
A rental home for a week gives you the ultimate freedom and is a popular choice for many families as many second homes are purchased on the cape with the purpose of renting them out during the summer months. The choice is limited though after Labor Day.
Here are some resource links to check out for each of the types of accommodation. Cape Cod is very popular and fills up quickly so book early:
- Cape Cod Hotels
- Here you'll find hotels in each of the Cape towns along with reviews by people just like you and me - that is people that have actually stayed in these places. Make sure you check them out before booking anything. Most of the family-oriented hotels are around the Dennis, Harwich and Yarmouth locations.
- Cape Cod B&B and Inns
- Here you'll find Bed and Breakfasts and Inns to check out. If you're a large family with children under 12, you should ensure this accommodation will work for you. While these are great for small families or couples or getaways I don't recommend them for high-energy kids. But for that off-season vacation you can't beat them.
- Cape Cod Cabins Cottages and Campgrounds
- As you travel along the cape highways and main roads you'll discover that staying in cabins and cottages is popular. These are collections of small buildings with one or two rooms that provide very reasonable rates but with no frills. The Cape is also popular with the tent camping and RV crowd, so if this is you you'll be welcome on the cape. As before check out the options and reviews at this link before you part with any money.
- Cape Cod Vacation Rentals
- This resource is the largest one I could find covering all the towns of Cape Cod and it has an easy-to-use map to help pinpoint the area that interest you. There are no reviews on this site but my advice is to call and talk with the property owner directly rather than just the realtor. I'm biased towards Orleans for a rental, or out towards Eastham, Wellfleet or Truro. But as always your budget will be a major part of the decision.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Photographs and Text to Rember her by
Here in a small package you can read in one sitting all you need to know about one of the most beautiful spots in North America.
Cape Cod National Seashore (NE Landmarks)
Amazon Price: $8.98 (as of 02/15/2012)
This is one of those books that mixes beautiful photographs and snippets of text and quotes from people. Andrew Borsari supplies the photographs and Amy Whorf McGuiggan pulled the text snippets together.
Here you'll find the Cape in winter when the huge storms redistribute the sand and reshape the land for the next summer. A summer in pictures of places where the warm sun of a vacation can be escaped behind the dunes and sand cliffs or where you can take endless walks in solitude.
If you love the Cape and the seashore then add this to your bookshelf and browse and remember this special place in New England on your own time and conditions.
My Favorite Guides and Resources on Cape Cod
There's a mountain of guides and travel books written on Cape Cod but most don't do justice to the spirit of the Cape and the National Seashore in particular. And so after plowing through many disappointments over the years - and a chest full of pennies along the way - these few continue to be informative and enjoyable to me. I hope you find the same.
New England Vacation and Getaways Video:
Take a break from all things Cape Cod for just a minute to view this video about all the different destinations and attractions in New England including those on Cape Cod.
curated content from YouTube
Destinations and Happenings from Around New England and Cape Cod
topic and timely news and events
Check out these daily updates for news, events, destinations and attraction ideas from the New England region.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCape Cod Souvenirs and Collectibles
some are fun, some are great deals, and some should never have been made...
This is a chance to browse in a Cape Cod antique store or the Wellfleet Flea Market (wow, try saying that fast five times) without actually going there. Like many stores you just never know that you may find. Good hunting.
More Massachusetts Resources:
Why not add a few days to your trip and take in some more Massachusetts destinations. Here are some resources to help you choose...
- 1. Massachusetts Vacation Guide
- This resource covers Boston, Pioneer Valley, and the Berkshires. More >>>
- 2. Free Things to Do in Boston
- Boston should be on everybody's itinerary and this resource lists a bunch of quality destinations and attractions with a zero price tag! Nice. More >>>
- 3. Romantic Getaways in Cape Cod & Islands
- If you're looking for information on a romantic getaway or honeymoon planning on Cape Cod or Islands then this resource provides ideas and suggestions. More >>>
- 4. Romantic Getaways in the Berkshires
- Information on romantic getaways or honeymoon planning to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, includes what to see and do, and where to stay. More >>>
Tell Me What You Liked - And What Should Be Added!
Take a few seconds please and let me your thoughts of this lens and whether it provided useful information for you and how I could do better
submit
-
Reply
-
jazzdog
Oct 24, 2011 @ 7:30 pm | delete
- This is a great time to visit the cape. The crowds have gone and walking on the beach on a sunny day is amazing - maybe not very warm so wrap up but still one of my favorite times on the cape.
-
-
Reply
-
Joan4
Oct 16, 2011 @ 8:56 am | delete
- Years ago I had a a dear friend who lived on Cape Cod. I loved to hear her talk about "the Cape"!
-
-
Reply
-
SaintFrantic
Oct 9, 2011 @ 3:10 pm | delete
- Thank you for this great Lens
-
-
Reply
-
blackspanielgallery
Apr 27, 2011 @ 9:45 pm | delete
- Nice lens
-
-
Reply
-
jazzdog
Apr 28, 2011 @ 6:07 pm | delete
- Thanks for compliment on lens - Cape Cod is a great spot in New England.
-
-
Reply
-
Pastiche
Nov 14, 2010 @ 8:31 am | delete
- The Cape and Islands offer some of my favorite places to visit any time of year (2nd only to the North Shore). My parents honeymooned in Truro in the early fifties. It's still wonderfully wild and beautiful there along the National Seashore.
-
-
Reply
-
southshoretees
May 2, 2010 @ 11:01 am | delete
- You can't go wrong with any of the beaches you've mentioned. I do prefer the ones along the Outer Cape and in Chatham over anywhere else, but there are some great ones all over the Cape. Great lens! I'm lensrolling this to my best Cape Cod beaches lens.
-
-
Reply
-
flighty02
Aug 31, 2009 @ 2:46 am | delete
- Looks great... maybe I will get there one day
-
-
Reply
-
Jul 22, 2009 @ 1:53 pm | delete
- Nice lens, I thought it was pretty insightful so I decided to give you 5 stars, hey, I have a page that's pretty similar to yours, maybe you can check it out when you have time: Formal Koi Pond
-
-
Reply
-
katesmart
Jan 25, 2009 @ 11:39 pm | delete
- Great lens about the Cape. You sure have been lucky to have lived in Orleans. My ultimate dream is to work and live out the rest of my life on the Cape. Thank you for the lens. Cape Cod is my place for peace and tranquility.
-
-
Reply
-
katesmart
Jan 25, 2009 @ 11:39 pm | delete
- Great lens about the Cape. You sure have been lucky to have lived in Orleans. My ultimate dream is to work and live out the rest of my life on the Cape. Thank you for the lens. Cape Cod is my place for peace and tranquility.
-
-
Reply
-
KidizoomFan
Dec 30, 2008 @ 6:56 pm | delete
- One of my favorite places under the sun as well. Very nice lens.
-
-
Reply
-
hypnosis4life
Dec 30, 2008 @ 6:48 pm | delete
- Another great resource on New England from Jazzdog - thanks for all your work. I love the cape as well.
-
-
Reply
-
eccles1
Jun 17, 2008 @ 8:00 pm | delete
- Very cool pictures very nice thank You
-
-
Reply
-
Props-n-Frocks-Fancy-Dress
Jun 2, 2008 @ 7:56 am | delete
- another great lens, well done!
-
- Load More
More Resources on Cape Cod, Massachusetts and New England
Enjoy this resource of different web pages and articles about destinations in New England and travel tips and guides.
- New England Vacation Planning Tips
- Vacation planning can be a nightmare for many especially when confronted with the many choices of today. But it doesn't have to be. This quick guide will help you zero in on where to go and stay by answering four simple questions you already know the answer to.
- Nantucket Island Vacations
- Once the whaling capital of the world, Nantucket Island in Massachusetts, is now a magnet for those seeking an escape to a vacation filled with natural beauty, scenic walks, pristine beaches, and a generous dose of history. Follow along as I explore what to see, where to stay and where to eat.
- 6-Day Tour of History and Museums of Southern New England
- New England is popular for its history and living museums. Here is a 6-day tour through some of the best to visit in southern New England.
- Great Beach of Cape Cod Article
- The name the Great Beach of Cape Cod is generally attributed to Henry David Thoreau who visited the area when it was desolate and a graveyard for ships. This article traces the history since his visit and why it is such a significant piece of land for the U.S.
- Cape Cod Family Vacation Resource
- Here's a list of things to see and do with an emphasis on a family vacation. Covers baseball, whale watching, bike paths, and some great ice cream places.
- Top Ten Places to See On Cape Cod
- Beaches, Towns, Lighthouses, Islands and Wildlife: The Ten Best Places to See on Cape Cod.
- My New England Journal Blog
- Jack Spratt's New England journal describing his favorite places in the region. Jack has a wry sense of humor and it's always fun reading his blog and being educated about destinations as well. Every now and then he leaves a comment at my blog or links to one of our articles but I've not managed to get him to write for us... yet.
- New England Getaways & Travels
- This blog focuses on New England getaway destinations but I've also found it great for Jed's tips and professional travel agent perspective. Jed also stops in to our blog once in a while and chimes in with an enlightening comment and mentions us on his blog.
- All Things New England
- Jessica Layne's New England community web site. If you want to put your finger on the pulse of the region and read heartwarming stories, interviews and articles about the region then pay her site a visit and linger.
- The Lighthouses of Cape Cod
- The Cape has a wonderful collection of lighthouses you can still visit. This article traces the history and importance of the lighthouse on the Cape in a brief tour and explores what you can see today.
- Covered Bridges in New England
- New England has one of the finest collections of Covered Bridges in the nation and this article traces the history of these bridges and what you can see today.
- New England Stone Walls
- There are some people that would like to make New England stone walls a protected species. The old stones walls from the nineteenth century to a casual observer are crumbling and in disrepair. Yet they still serve a purpose and part of our region's heritage. This article explores the history of the old stone walls and why we should leave them alone.
by jazzdog
jazzdog
Jazzdog is Cliff Calderwood - a travel writer living in New England. He loves sharing his knowledge and love of the region.
He is the publisher of a popular...
more »
- 2 featured lenses
- Winner of 4 trophies!
- Top lens » New England Fall Foliage
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- New England Fall Foliage New England Fall Foliage
- Vermont Maple Syrup Hard To Find? Vermont Maple Syrup Hard To Find?
- Whales, Dolphins, Sea Creatures Coloring Pages Books Whales, Dolphins, Sea Creatures Coloring Pages Books
- Cape Cod Road Trip Cape Cod Road Trip
- The Top Five Best Cape Cod Beaches The Top Five Best Cape Cod Beaches
- Ten places to see in the United States before you die Ten places to see in the United States before you die
