SamPlanning on visiting Cape Cod for a week? There are so many adventures and places to explore, that it can be hard overwhelming. As a local, I have curated the perfect itinerary to ensure you hit all of the must-see spots. These range from views of the canal to the tip of P-Town!
Day 1:
Pack up your car and head on the road! Make sure you are on route to go over the Sagamore Bridge.
Before you make it over the bridge and officially onto the Cape, stop at the Herring Run Recreation Center along the Cape Cod Canal. Take a stroll along the bike path and enjoy the beautiful views. Hop across the street to the Shanty and grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the yummy food while you continue to soak in the sun and the views.
Continue on your way to your accommodations: The Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster. Situated right on the water, this resort gives the perfect Cape Cod experience.
Get settled in your room for your stay and relax for the afternoon. Grab some pizza from R.C.’s before hopping over to Chapin Beach. Enjoy your delicious food while taking in the stunning views of the sunset over the ocean.
Day 2:
Pack a picnic style lunch in the morning before heading to Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham. Visit the exhibits in the Salt Pond Visitor Center for more information. Learn about the local geology, natural history, and indigenous culture.
Embark on the Nauset Marsh trail that begins at the visitor center. The trail takes you through beautiful marshes and wooded forests. It finishes at Coast Guard Beach, where you can take a swim to cool down. The hike has little elevation and is about 2 miles in one direction.
Once finished with the hike, spend the rest of the day exploring other areas of the national seashore. Be sure to get a look at the iconic Nauset Lighthouse and the stunning cliffs of Marconi Beach. You may even spot some sea life!
While in that area be sure to explore the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail. this ecosystem is incredibly unique, and the boardwalk taking you through the swamp is incredibly picturesque.
On your way back to your accommodation, stop at Stone L’Oven in Brewster for dinner. Their upscale brick oven pizza is absolutely decadent.
Day 3:
Wake up bright and early to drive to the tip of Cape Cod! Provincetown is an eclectic and unique town with lots of culture and history.
On your drive, stop by Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters. Grab a morning pastry and coffee to get the day started. This is the best coffee shop on all of Cape Cod.
Once you arrive in Ptown, you are going to hop on one of the morning whale watches with Dolphin Fleet. This destination is one of the best places in the world to see whales in their natural habitat. It is sure to be an experience you will not forget!
After the whale watch, spend time walking around commercial street. Enjoy the local shops, cafes, art galleries, and more!
For more information on Provincetown and how to spend you day, check out this blog post!
Day 4:
You’ve spent the past few days on the go, exploring all the best spots on Cape Cod. Now it is time to get some relaxation in!
Head over to Mayflower beach in Dennis for a wonderful day of beach relaxation. This beach is one of the best on the entire Cape, and has great amenities. The beach features a snack bar, bathrooms, and lots of parking. You can enjoy the stunning Cape Cod beach views and the ocean you came for. It couldn’t get any better. It is the perfect place to spend an entire day with your family!
Day 5:
The epicenter of Cape Cod: Hyannis. In the morning, head to downtown Hyannis. Enjoy the harbor side views as you walk along the scenic waters edge. Take a short walk to the JFK Memorial at Veteran’s Beach. The views here are spectacular. It is also a wonderful place to reflect on the legacy of former president J.F. Kennedy in his hometown of Hyannis.
Enjoy the walk back into downtown Hyannis. Take your time wandering down Main St. while you browse all of the local shops, boutiques, and cafes.
Once you have worked up an appetite, head to Anejos right on Main St. Their mexican food is incredibly delicious, but the ambiance of the restaurant puts them over the edge! Be sure to ask for outdoor seating in the back. The vibe is so magical!
Day 6:
Enjoy more of the natural beauty that Cape Cod is known for. Swan River in Dennis is one of the most beautiful and serene places to paddle. Cape Cod Waterways is situated right on Swan River and offers affordable kayak and paddle board rentals. With many rental options, you can take the whole family to paddle the picturesque Swan River. Enjoy immersing yourself in the marshes that make up the coastal landscape of Cape Cod.
After your paddle, head next door to Kream N’ Kone to refuel for the rest of the day. This is one of the best seafood restaurants on the entirety of the Cape. If you are looking to enjoy local cuisine, definitely give the clam strip a try! Nothing says New England more than fried seafood.
Continue the adventure by heading to Cuffy’s, a fun shopping experience that is everything ‘Cape Cod’. Cuffy’s is the original sweater company of Cape Cod. The shop has since expanded to be a small ‘village’, creating an immersive experience for all ages. Offering clothing, local products, candy, fudge, and so much more!
Once you have completed your shopping, continue your adventures with a game of mini golf. Pirates Cove has the best course in town. In fact, there are actually two course to choose from! So if you’re having a good time, feel free to throw on another round.
End the night at The Sundae School with delicious homemade ice cream!
Day 7:
Spend the morning enjoying the beauty of nature on Cape Cod. Head down the street to Nickerson State Park. There are tons of family friendly trails, and the views are incredibly beautiful. This is the perfect place to enjoy your last morning on Cape Cod.
Before heading home, grab lunch at Captain Frosty’s in Dennis. You have to squeeze in one last meal of delicious New England fried seafood! If you are looking to try a truly local food, then enjoy the fried clam cakes. They are fluffy and delicious, and you can only find them around the Cape Cod and Rhode Island coast.
Soak in the views of the pristine peninsula as you make your way off the cape and bring your vacation to a close.
I am sure you will have such a wonderful time enjoying my homeland that you will be itching to come back the second you leave!
If you have any questions about Cape Cod, or any personal recommendations, please share them below! I would love to hear what your favorite part about my home is <3
