Things to Do in Cape Cod
Fall into Fun
The summer may end, but the fun doesn't have to! Take in the charm of Cape Cod by visiting local beaches, festivals, museums and more this fall.
- All
- Activities
- Festivals
Biking
Discover Cape Cod on two wheels, starting at the iconic Cape Cod Rail Trail, a scenic route extending from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet, just moments from our resorts. This 25-mile, smooth-paved trail is perfect for avid cyclists and families eager to explore the Cape's charm.
Cape Cod Islands
Wander Nantucket's cobblestones, sip brews at Cisco Brewers, and ascend Martha's Vineyard's Gay Head Light for stunning views. From the nostalgia of the Flying Horses Carousel to Edgartown's boutique shops, Cape Cod's islands offer a captivating blend of charm and beauty.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Established by John F. Kennedy in 1961, this 40-mile stretch boasts pristine beaches, diverse habitats, and iconic lighthouses. Delve into Cape Cod's legacy while basking on its shores, cycling scenic trails, or exploring its rich landscapes.
Boating
Admire the allure of the Cape's waters with activities like charter fishing, kayaking, and boat rentals. Become one with the local maritime scene during the annual Figawi Race on Memorial Day Weekend when hundreds of boats race to Nantucket and back.
Breweries & Wineries
Nearby local wineries and breweries offer delightful libations that encapsulate the Cape's character. Tour, sip, and savor the local beer and wine scene and unearth the rich history and craftsmanship that goes into every sip.
Golf
Cape Cod beckons golf enthusiasts of all levels with its 27 public courses and 15 exclusive facilities. Boasting meticulously groomed fairways and greens, each course captures the region's scenic charm, and the Cape's gentle climate often grants the rare delight of teeing off year-round.
Cape Cod Train Rides
Witness the majesty of the Cod's unique marshes and dunes by train at the Cape Cod Central Railroad. Choose from a narrated day trip, a relaxed brunch, or a sunset dinner train.
Cranberry Bog Tours
Explore the radiant hues of Cape Cod's cranberry bogs and witness the berry's journey to bottle. These bog tours offer a glimpse into the region's agricultural legacy.
Fishing Charters
Cape Cod beckons anglers who come for the thrill of reeling in bluefish, striped bass, flounder, and even the elusive shark. With many charter boat options, our seasoned local captains will guide you to the Cape's best-kept fishing secrets.
Hiking
Over a third of the Cape has been designated for preservation or conservation. Whether traversing flat, paved pathways perfect for strolls or seeking the thrill of challenging deep-wood hikes, there's a gorgeously panoramic outdoor adventure tailored to your preferences.
Mini Golf, Bowling and Arcades
Mini-golf is a staple of any Cape Cod vacation that captures the essence of fun and relaxation. For indoor fun, bowling alleys and arcades offer endless entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Museums
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking insight into the Cape's rich heritage, there's a museum on the Cape waiting to captivate your imagination.
Olde Cape Cod Discovery Trail
This trail reveals the region's rich history through picturesque landscapes. From maritime tales to colonial landmarks, every step promises an adventure.
Whale Watching
Depending on the season, Cape Cod waters are teeming with majestic humpbacks, graceful finbacks, elusive minke, playful pilots, and the rare right whales. Enjoy a close encounter aboard a chartered boat tour.
Cape Cod Brew Fest
Sept 21, 2024
Indulge your passion for craft beers at the annual Cape Cod Brew Fest in East Falmouth. Celebrating the best of American craft brewers, especially our local gems, your ticket grants you unlimited beverage samples, live music, and access to gourmet food vendors.
Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival
Sept 26–29, 2024
This annual celebration pays homage to the legendary playwright Tennessee Williams and showcases a curated collection of his iconic and compelling works.
Love Local Fest
Sept 29, 2024
Our 12th season of the free + family-friendly Love Local Fests continues! Featuring local artists, brands + makers along with local food trucks, locally crafted bevs and kids activities all overlooking the beautiful Hyannis Harbor.
Yarmouth Seaside Festival
Oct 12–13, 2024
Two days of artisans, food vendors, music and more! The weekend will also include a 5k road race along Bass River and a canoe and kayak race! End the weekend viewing the fireworks over the beach.
Wellfleet OysterFest
Oct 19–20, 2024
A two-day family festival celebrating the town’s famous oysters, clams and shellfishing traditions brings together locals and visitors alike for a weekend full of hometown flavor and big time fun!
Biking
Top Biking Destinations:
- Cape Cod Rail Trail (Yarmouth to Wellfleet)
- Cape Cod Canal Bikeway (Bourne)
- Shining Sea Bikeway (Falmouth)
- Nickerson State Park Trails (Brewster)
- Hathaway Pond Conservation (Hyannis)
Local Insight:
For an extensive list of maps and rental shops, visit CapeCodBikeGuide.com. For autumn rides, consult the Cape Cod Chamber's guide.
Biking at Our Resorts:
Every resort welcomes bikers, but Green Harbor offers complimentary rentals and celebrates young riders who overcome their biking apprehensions. Enjoy our exclusive Red Jacket bicycle cruisers at Red Jacket Beach, Blue Water, Riviera Beach, and Green Harbor Resorts. Blue Rock Resort is the closest to the Rail Trail, a mere minute's ride away.
Cape Cod Islands
Island Ferry Service
Hop on a ferry to the islands, with services conveniently located just minutes from our resorts:
- Green Harbor: Under 3 miles
- Red Jacket Beach, Blue Water, Riviera: Within 6 miles
- Blue Rock: Just under 9 miles
Choose your voyage:
- The Steamship Authority sails daily from Hyannis to Nantucket, with options for high-speed journeys and vehicle-friendly traditional ferries.
- Hy-Line Cruises whisks travelers to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, offering high-speed and traditional services. Fancy seeing both islands? Opt for their inter-island ferry.
Island Highlights:
Martha’s Vineyard
- Climb the Gay Head Lighthouse.
- Ride the timeless Flying Horses Carousel.
- Admire the iconic Methodist Campgrounds and their Grand Illumination in August.
- Discover treasures on Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs.
- Savor a meal at Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta.
- Make a splash at the Jaws Bridge.
- Unearth the charm of Edgartown.
Nantucket
- Wander through cobblestone pathways.
- Pose by Gardiner's Corner City Sign on Main Street.
- Join the vibrant Daffodil Festival in April.
- Experience the Nantucket Film Festival in June.
- Unwind at Cisco Brewers.
- Relax at Steps Beach.
- Explore the historic Brant Point Light.
Golf
Our Favorite Cape Cod Courses
- Bayberry Hills Golf Course (West Yarmouth)
- Bass River Golf Course (South Yarmouth)
- Blue Rock Golf Course (South Yarmouth)
- The Cape Club (North Falmouth)
- The Captains Golf Course (Brewster)
- Dennis Pines and Dennis Highlands Golf Courses (Dennis)
- Willowbend (Mashpee)
Local Tip:
Explore a full Cape Cod golfing gems lineup with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce's comprehensive guide.
Cape Cod Train Rides
Witness the majesty of the Cod's unique marshes and dunes by train at the Cape Cod Central Railroad. Choose from a narrated day trip, a relaxed brunch, or a sunset dinner train.
Cranberry Bog Tours
Cranberry Bog Tours (Harwich)
Explore Cape Cod's largest organic cranberry farm with Leo and Andrea Cakounes. Tours run from March to December, peaking in September and October. Learn about the berry harvesting process, and stop by the gift shop and farm stand to sample their cranberry sauce.
Annie’s Crannies (Dennis, MA)
Join in on the antique berry-screening process and witness the magical transformation from cranberry blossoms to spun honey and beeswax candles. Their gift shop is a must-visit during the harvest months of October and November.
A.D. Makepeace Company (Wareham)
A.D. Makepeace in Wareham offers exclusive tours on select dates in October for those visiting in the fall. Starting at 1 p.m. and spanning 90 minutes, these tours sometimes feature a chance to handpick cranberries.
Fishing Charters
Our Favorite Charters
- Shark Shark Tuna: Conveniently picks up directly from our dock at Red Jacket Beach and a short stroll from Blue Water and Riviera at Smugglers Beach.
- Bass River Fishing Charters
- Cape Cod Bay Charters
- Cape Cod Fishing Charters
- EmmaJack Charters
- Helen H. Fishing Charters
- Lady J Sportfishing
- Hyannis Whale Watcher
- Dolphin Whale Watch Fleet
Local Insight:
Bluefish are abundant in the area. Their robust taste might deter some, but a simple trick can enhance their flavor. Soak filets in milk or gin for about 30 minutes to mellow out the strong taste and enjoy a delectable meal.
Hiking
Our Favorite Hiking Spots
- Bud Carter Conservation Area: A vantage point atop Yarmouth's highest elevation, sprawls across 300 acres with panoramic views and interwoven trails.
- Callery-Darling Conservation Area: Meander through trails and retired cranberry bogs; it provides a pathway to the famed Bass Hole Boardwalk.
- Crab Creek Conservation Area: Bordering Crab Creek a favorite spot to hand-net blue crabs.
- Horse Pond Conservation Area: Explore trails amidst 400 acres bordering the serene Horse Pond.
- Sandy Pond Conservation Area: Circumnavigate this kettle pond on a scenic trail within a 12-acre expanse.
- Historical Society of Old Yarmouth Nature Trail: A 50-acre haven off Route 6A teeming with wildlife.
- Crowes Pasture: A picturesque blend of woods, meadows, marshes, and coastal lines.
- Punkhorn Parklands: Encompassing 835 acres, this ecological gem boasts kettle ponds.
- Nickerson State Park: With 1,900 acres, it offers myriad trails, including a connecting route to the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: A mix of informative exhibits, diverse trails, and a boardwalk to Cape Cod Bay.
- Sandy Neck Recreation Area: Experience a salt marsh complex, maritime forest, wetlands, and vast dunes.
- Fort Hill Trail: Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this one-mile loop offers breathtaking ocean panoramas and prime birdwatching.
- The Cape Cod Rail Trail: An expansive pathway from Dennis, journeying through Cape Town.
Local Insight:
While not a hike, a brief walk in the woods off Route 6A in Dennis leads to the Nobscussett Tribe Burial Ground, the resting place of the first Native Americans to encounter the Pilgrims. It's a hidden gem; search for Osprey Rd., and you're on the right track.
Please remember: Some trails are adjacent to private properties. Kindly heed signs and boundaries.
Museums
Click the links to learn more about a few of our local museums:
Olde Cape Cod Discovery Trail
Our guide is segmented into four pivotal eras:
1600s: Explore the world of Native Americans and early settlers farming along the Bay.
1700s: Witness the flourishing Quaker community and the buzzing commerce on Bass River.
1800s: Wander through the prosperous village of Sea Captains along the picturesque Old King’s Highway (Route 6A).
1900s: Chart the rise of tourism along the scenic Nantucket Sound.
Key landmarks on this journey include Gray’s Beach, Taylor Bray Farm, the Historical Society of Yarmouth's nature trails, Edward Gorey House, Indian Memorial, the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, and the iconic Judah Baker Windmill.
Learn more by clicking here
Whale Watching
Where to Go Whale Watching
Missed spotting a whale from the shoreline? Cape Cod boasts two premier destinations for whale watch cruises that promise thrilling encounters.
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
Located just 15 minutes from the resorts at Millway Marina in Barnstable, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises offers an unforgettable maritime adventure.
Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch
While the Dolphin Fleet is an hour away in Provincetown, it's an excellent starting point for whale watching. After the cruise, the vibrant town is enticed with its delectable eateries, distinctive art galleries, and sweet delights.
Planning Your Whale-Watching Experience
Given this Cape Cod attraction's popularity, booking tickets early is vital. Both providers offer convenient online booking. Consider packing anti-nausea medication to ensure a smooth sailing experience.
Did You Know?
Humpback whales, fondly known as "breachers," have a penchant for soaring out of the water. As CapeCod.com points out, these spectacular leaps create the breathtaking sights that make whale watching in Cape Cod an unmatched experience.
Cape Cod Brew Fest
Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival
This years fall line-up includes live performances of plays by Tennessee Williams including The Glass Menagerie, Something Cloudy Something Clear, Suddenly Last Summer, Green Eyes, Flight (adapted from a short story by Williams) and Tennessee Rising, a play about Tennessee Williams.
Click here to purchase tickets.