Cape Cod, Massachusetts — famous for its beautiful beaches, maritime culture, and unique heritage ― ranks among the world’s most desirable summer vacation destinations. The Cape offers something for everyone, from culinary adventures to a variety of art galleries, preserved lands, romantic sites, and family activities. Fill your next East Coast vacation with days spent relaxing by the sea, riding along scenic bike trails, and sharing tasty treats from a local ice cream shop.
Find your dream seaside escape by booking the perfect vacation rental for you. Then, be sure to add the following ideas to your itinerary.
Hit the Beach or Trails on Cape Cod National Seashore
Founded by President John F. Kennedy and stretching 43,607 acres to the tip of Cape Cod, the National Seashore boasts some of the area’s best beaches. Spend laid-back days by the Atlantic Ocean visiting popular hot spots like Nauset Beach and Race Point Beach, or finding your own hidden gems in between.
Take a break from the sand and venture through Cape Cod’s vast network of hiking trails. Make sure to look around during your hike — the area is filled with breathtaking scenery including lighthouses, salt marshes, estuaries, freshwater ponds, and more.
Due to the seashore’s distinct environment and wide stretches of wildlife preserves, you’re likely to spot animals in their natural habitat. The park also includes several sites for fishing and hunting, so look into a license before an outdoorsy retreat.
Plan Guided Tours or Ferry Rides to the Islands
Cape Cod is home to breathtaking Sand Dunes, and there’s no better way to witness this phenomenon than with Art’s Dune Tours. The family-owned business offers one-hour trips throughout the day and curated experiences like sunset rides, group celebrations, and more.
If you’re interested in whale watching, there are two choices for a memorable voyage: Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises and the Dolphin Fleet of Providence. From April through October, a variety of whales migrate to the area to feed on schools of fish and small animals. Both boats guarantee whale sightings while ensuring the safety of their passengers and the whales.
Of course, no trip to Cape Cod is complete without touring the islands. Martha’s Vineyard hosts guided walking and other services to see its coastal landscape, beach colony roots, and gothic structures. Meanwhile, Nantucket provides ample opportunities to stroll its famous cobblestone streets and admire the shingled cottages. Choose the right experience for you and book a day trip across the Sound.
Rent Bikes, Boats, and Water Sports Gear
Break away from the crowd and create memories with some outdoor recreation. From strolling paved pathways to setting sail on the Bay, you’ll find the right rental shop to suit any adventure.
Cape Cod is known for its cycle-friendly atmosphere and seemingly endless bike paths. Plus, the Lower Cape’s surrounding ecosystems are best experienced by riding the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Head to the Dennis Cycle Center, find the ideal bicycle for you, then hop directly onto the trail and traverse 22 miles of stunning terrain.
Whether you wish to water ski, jet ski, or kayak, the sea is calling. There are two premier options for rentals on the Cape: Dennis Parasail and Jet Ski and Cape Cod Parasail and Jet Ski. Both shops provide professional parasailing trips plus a variety of rental options.
Explore Cape Cod’s History and Culture
Cape Cod’s roots date back to the beginning of the American colonies. Built to commemorate the first landing of the pilgrims in Provincetown Harbor (and the tallest completely granite structure in the United States) the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum is a must-see for history buffs.
Visit the oldest town on the Cape and tour the Sandwich Glass Museum, where you’ll observe professional glass blowing, a local trade dating back to the 19th century. Between towns like Yarmouth, Orleans, Wellfleet, and many others, there’s no shortage of historic buildings, live music, and annual events.
If you’re an avid foodie, you’ll find the Cape’s cuisine doesn’t disappoint with fresh seafood, cozy coffee shops, ice cream parlors, breweries, and more. However, wineries are the area’s trademark. Taste award winning wines at establishments like Truro Vineyards and First Crush Winery.
Discover Options for Family-Friendly Entertainment
Focused on curating educational outdoor exhibits for all ages, the Heritage Museum and Gardens covers 100 acres filled with plant life, bug life, and architectural features. Learn more about the outdoors at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History or opt for first-hand encounters in Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and Nickerson State Park.
You won’t have to worry about keeping the kids busy on a rainy day. New discoveries await at the Cape Cod Children’s Museum or the Whydah Pirate Museum. Your group can also enjoy live performances at the Cape Playhouse, where actors like Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart made their first appearances.
Cap off your adventures by exploring sea life research at either the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary or Woods Hole Oceanographic institute. The Cape Cod Maritime Museum, a non-profit organization designed to preserve the area’s seafaring background, is another great choice for all nautical enthusiasts.
Get Your Cape Cod Visitors Guide
With so many items to cross off the bucket list during your Cape Cod journey, you’ll want to ensure nothing gets missed. Download the free Cape Cod Travel Guide and start planning today.
Rest Easy with an Evolve Vacation Rental
The moment you book your vacation, you should start looking forward to your trip — not worrying about the little details. When you choose Evolve for your Cape Cod vacation rental, you can feel confident that the home you book will live up to our standards.
Every Evolve vacation rental you book comes with a team of hospitality experts, and we’re here to help make your stay more comfortable 24/7. To help you feel even more confident, we created The Rest Easy Promise: if a stay doesn’t match our standards, we’ll make it right. Find Cape Cod vacation rentals you can count on.