Cape Cod is known for its charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character. Some well-known towns on Cape Cod include Provincetown, Hyannis, Chatham, Falmouth, and Sandwich. These towns offer a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. From beaches to museums to trips to Martha’s Vineyard, here are the 10 things to do when visiting Cape Cod!

 1) Summer Theatre Cape Playhouse: The Cape Playhouse was founded in 1927 by Raymond Moore, a theatrical producer, and his wife Mabelle. Over the years, it has hosted numerous Broadway stars and productions, earning it the nickname “Broadway in the Barn.”

2) Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding: There are many places on Cape Cod to rent kayaks and paddle boards! A few well known spots are “Stand Up and Paddle” Cape Cod in Osterville, “Bass River Kayaks and Paddle Boards,” in West Dennis, and “Provincetown Aquasports” in Provincetown. Enjoy a leisurely paddle no gorgeous open water or challenge yourself to a rigorous workout in the sun! 

3) Seaside Hikes and Lush Woody Trails: From seaside hikes to trails in what feels like the deep forest, Cape Cod has it all! A few seaside trails that will take your breath away are “Red Maple Swamp Trail” in Eastham and “Sandy Neck Marsh Trail” in Barnstable. A stunning and historical park to find woods filled trails is “Nickerson State Park,” in Brewster. Here you will find 13 walking trails and 8 biking trails. Nickerson State Park is filled with lush woods, and in addition some water views with Cliff Pond being central to the park as well.

4) Provincetown: Drive to the very tip of Cape Cod and enjoy the charm, stores, and state beaches of Provincetown! Get a Dune tour with Arts Dune Tours. Grab a bite at Mac’s Fish House!

5) Heritage Museums & Gardens: Heritage Museums & Gardens is the largest public garden in Southern New England. It’s located on 100 acres of beautifully manicured flowers and trails. If you’re on Cape Cod during the holidays, they light up the gardens for a magical experience! Spring and summer are stunning! Enjoy a picnic, scenic walk, or learn something new in the Heritage museums! Visit here for more info!

6) Day trip to Martha’s Vineyard: Take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard, a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean just off of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is comprised of small coastal towns each with their own unique characteristics and beaches. You can take a ferry from Hyannis, Woods Hole, or Chatham! If you happen to be in the city, you can also take a ferry from Boston! Enjoy the salty breeze and gorgeous views of a wonderful ferry ride to MV.

7) The Kennedy Compound and JFK Hyannis Museum: Get a closer look into American history by visiting the JFK Museum, where you can also explore parts of the Kennedy Compound. Keep in mind, the Kennedy’s home is still a private residence. You may see a security guard parked on the street that leads to their home!

8) Cape Cod Canal: Cape Cod Canal is 28 km long and located between Cape Cod and “the main land.” It is accompanied with beautiful views and bike paths! Most of the canal is located in the town of Bourne, but it also includes Sandwich and is close to  Scusset Beach State Reservation!

9) Drive your car onto Nauset Beach: Do you like deflating your tires and getting a close look at the ocean while cruising in your car with the music blasting? Then you’ll enjoy driving your car onto Nauset Beach, located in Orleans! Make sure to get your permit for this first (info here)!

10) Chatham Lighthouse Beach: Enjoy the quaint Cape Cod town of Chatham, and while you’re there, visit Chatham Lighthouse Beach! You will be blown away by this stunning view. If you go at night, you can see the lighthouse twisting and the large lights moving through the sky and across the vast ocean. This is a sight to see! The waves are not too big here making Chatham Lighthouse Beach a wonderful option for family fun!

View Bucket Lists across Massachusetts here

Boston Visitors Bucket List: Top 10 Things To Do in Boston. 

South Coast Visitors Bucket List: Top 10 Things To Do on the South Coast!