SamDo you want to visit the Cape, but you don’t know where to start in terms of planning your vacation? I’m here to help. As someone who grew up on Cape Cod, I have acquired quite a bit of knowledge to share that will help you plan the perfect coastal escape.
Here is the everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Cape Cod, from a local herself!
Where to Stay on Cape Cod
The first step to planning your Cape Cod vacation is deciding where you want to stay. While Cape Cod may be small, it has a lot of diversity throughout it. Split up into four sections, upper cape, mid-cape, and lower cape, and outer cape, it is easiest to decide where to stay based off which of these four areas you think will suit you best.
Upper Cape
Fairly isolated from the rest of Cape Cod, Upper Cape is best known for the Buzzards Bay Area and Falmouth. A beautiful oceanside town at the far end of the Upper Cape, Falmouth is a sweet escape from everyday life with a bit of an upper-class feel. If you choose to spend your time here you are sure to enjoy it. However, a downside is that the road systems and summer traffic make it nearly impossible to easily access any other part of the Cape in a timely manner.
Mid-Cape
With Barnstable, Hyannis, Yarmouth, and Dennis, Mid-Cape houses the main hub of Cape Cod. There are beautiful beaches (both ocean- and bay-side) and quaint small-towns to relax and connect with nature. But there are also downtown areas that give a more upbeat feel. The main benefit of staying in Mid-Cape is the easy access to nearly all the fun activities. It takes about 30 minutes to get back to the canal and about an hour the reach Provincetown at the end of the Cape. You can easily enjoy all that Cape Cod has to offer from Mid-Cape while soaking up the quaint village life that we embrace here.
Lower Cape
With many of the same advantages of Mid-Cape, but a more upper-class feel, this area may be for you if you are looking for a more luxurious experience. Many of the beaches are on the ocean side, which is home to an array of marine life. Most notably, the infamous great white sharks that call Chatham their summer home. Additionally, the area offers more upscale businesses and restaurants, for a more rich experience.
Outer Cape
More sparsely settled, Outer Cape allows you to be more directly connected to nature. With a majority of the land being part of the National Seashore, there is a bounty of stunning coastal landscapes and places to explore. Being the thinnest part of the Cape, the landscape shifts towards more marsh and sand dunes, giving the area a distinctive aesthetic. Additionally, The Outer Cape is home to Provincetown, an upbeat and lively progressive town, located on the tip of the Cape. This is an excellent place to stay if you are looking to experience the unique culture of Provincetown or be more connected with nature.
Cape Cod Accommodations
To truly experience the Cape Cod life, I would highly suggest turning away from hotels and going for the more homey feel of renting a house or an Airbnb. Cape Cod is all about the small-town feel, and renting a house will allow you to fully embrace the lifestyle and enjoy your time here while also having your own personal space.
Transportation
While a majority of people drive to Cape Cod and have their personal vehicles, many people travel from abroad or fly in. This brings about the question of transportation.
Cape Cod is not known for excellent public transportation by any means. Unless you are staying in Hyannis and do not plan on venturing very far, taxis aren’t common. Ubers have become more abundant in recent years, so they are definitely a reliable option. However, be warned that if you are here for an extended period of time and plan on venturing out, it will quickly get expensive.
I advise that the best option for transportation through Cape Cod is to rent a vehicle. It will allow for flexibility and freedom to go wherever you please, whenever you please. Additionally, the combined cost of a rental car and gas is likely to be much cheaper than ubering everywhere. Car rentals go for about $700-800/week and keep in mind that gas is a bit more expensive on the island. However, it will give you the freedom to make your trip perfect.
What to do on Cape Cod
Picturesque Cape Cod Beaches
Cape Cod has some of the most beautiful beaches, so be sure to explore them all during your time here, as they are each unique in their own special way. Be advised that most public beaches require a daily fee to be paid, so prepare for that cost ahead of time.
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post outlining my favorite beaches that you won’t want to miss!
Small Town Shopping
Nearly void of large corporations, Cape Cod has a bounty of small businesses that are worth exploring. You are likely to find some amazing souvenirs to remember your time here.
Eat Like A New Englander
An enjoyable way to experience the New England culture! Don’t miss out on experiencing the delicious foods that are unique to the area, as well as the abundance of restaurants.
Stay tuned for my top restaurant recommendations in the mid-cape area!
Spend Time Outdoors
With nature at your fingertips, there are endless opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Hiking, biking, kayaking, watersports, fishing, etc. There are so many ways to experience the unique landscape of Cape Cod.
Get On The Ocean
If you are in Cape Cod and resist the opportunity to get out on the ocean, you are missing out! Cape Cod waters are home to a bounty of rich wildlife. From whales and dolphins, to sharks and seals, you would be missing out if you did not experience this side of Cape Cod. I have never once been disappointed by my experiences out on the water off the coast of the Cape.
If you have visited the Cape, leave a comment below about what your favorite part of the trip was!
