SamWhile I could spend an eternity enjoying the beauty of Cape Cod summers, I know most only have a few days to explore the area.
There is so much to see and do on Cape Cod, and it can be overwhelming to decide what to do in the short amount of time you have. Luckily, I am here to help! As a local, I have perfectly crafted the ultimate long weekend itinerary for Cape Cod. This is an itinerary full of fun things to do and see that I, myself, would do if I were only visiting for a weekend. And is also the itinerary I recommend to all of my friends and family that visit for quick trips.
I assure you that this travel itinerary will give the quintessential ‘Cape Cod’ vacation, and you will not leave feeling like you missed out.
Day 1:
Enjoy the journey to the destination by stopping along the Cape Cod Canal. Take a scenic walk along the canal, taking in the views of the Sagamore Bridge alongside the blue waters. Before continuing your drive, head across the street to the Seafood Shanty to grab a bite to eat.
Continue on towards Chatham, where you will stop for the afternoon to explore the Main Street full of Cape Cod culture. There are lots of shops along the strip, with a majority being small, locally owned businesses. If you are looking to get souvenirs, this is the perfect place to do it! Some of my favorite shops are Beach Bum Surf Co., Ducks In The Window, Cape Clasp, and The Chatham Candy Manor.
To fuel up for all of the walking, stop at the Snowy Owl Espresso Bar. This is one of the three locations that Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters operates, where they serve the best coffee on Cape Cod!
If you are visiting between June and August, be sure to check out the ‘Art in the Park’ auction on display. This auction is a compilation of work done by local Cape Cod artisans to represent local businesses and charities. All of the proceeds from the auction go back to the businesses, charities, and artists, so if you see any you like, why not bid on it! Walking through the park and admiring all of the beautiful art is a must-do when in Chatham.
Stop in at the iconic Chatham Squire for a delicious meal before completing your journey to Eastham, where you will be staying for the weekend.
Day 2:
Head to the tip of Cape Cod to enjoy a day in Provincetown! Ptown is a vibrant town full of culture, art, food, and fun. It is one of my favorite places on Cape Cod, and no trip to the cape is complete without it.
Head to Ptown early and hop on a whale watch with Dolphin Fleet. Cape Cod Bay is home to one of the most active whale watching areas in the world. Enjoy a morning of beautiful coastlines, picturesque lighthouses, and of course, marine mammals! From humpback whales, to dolphins and seals, there is so much to be seen in these waters.
After the tour, explore the seaside art shacks along Macmillian Pier before making your way to Commercial Street to shop, eat, and enjoy the vibes! Check out this post for more details on all of the best places to check out in Ptown!
Day 3:
No trip to Cape Cod is complete with a quintessential relaxing beach day. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches on the Cape, as they are all beautiful in their own way. However, in the Eastham area I highly suggest Coast Guard Beach.
Coast Guard Beach is part of the National Seashore and sits along the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great place to enjoy coastal waves, potential marine life settings, and beautiful dunes.
Conversely, First Encounter Beach sits on the Cape Cod Bay. The beauty of this beach is seen in the miles of sand, green marshes, and calm waters.
After relaxing on the beach all day, freshen up before heading to Arnold’s Clam Shack for a delicious meal before hopping over to the Wellfleet Drive In. There aren’t many drive-in theaters left, but this historic theater in Wellfleet plays movies all summer long. It is the perfect activity for all ages!
Day 4:
Cape Cod may be known for their beaches, but there are so many fantastic nature trails throughout the area. With unique ecosystems, from oak forests to salt marshes, there is so much to explore.
Head to the Cape Cod National Seashore and embark on the Nauset Marsh Trail. This is one of the best trails on the entirety of the Cape. It allows you to perfectly experience the multiple different coastal ecosystems that exist in Cape Cod.
Be sure to check out the Salt Pond Visitor Center located at the start of the trail! There is so much to learn about these varying landscapes and the geologic history of Cape Cod.
While at the National Seashore, continue to explore by visiting the iconic Nauset Light. If you enjoy a tasty bag of Cape Cod Potato Chips during your time in the area, then this lighthouse may look familiar to you. That’s right, this historic landmark is the iconic lighthouse on every bag of Cape Cod Chips!
And that’s a wrap! After all of your adventures, pack up and head home as you reminisce on all the wonderful memories you have made in beautiful Cape Cod.
If you follow this Cape Cod itinerary, I assure you will have a fantastic time exploring this beautiful part of New England! And if you have visited Cape Cod and have favorite spots, be sure to drop them in the comments to share with everyone.
