Top Things To Do On Cape Cod

As a premiere summer vacation destination, Cape Cod has so much to offer. From the shores of Woods Hole to the tip of Provincetown, there is so much to be explored. And while it is all worth exploring, this list is designed to help you if you are only in the area for a short period of time, here are my suggestions for the top things to do on Cape Cod, coming straight from a local!

1. Provincetown

This is one of my all time favorite places on Cape Cod. The fun atmosphere and vibrant culture within the tiny seaside town is so enjoyable for all.

Commercial Street is the main hub of all things happening in Ptown. There are tons of eclectic shops, art displays, and small business, as well as a variety of delicious restaurants and bakeries. Ptown has a vibrant history as well, making this a great place to learn about american history. And with the proximity to the Cape Cod National Seashore, there are countless opportunities to learn about marine science. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy in Ptown!

For a more in depth breakdown, check out my guide to Ptown!

2. Go Whale Watching

Are you even experiencing Cape Cod in all its glory if you dont hop on a boat to see it from the ocean?

The best whale watching on the entirety of the Cape is out of Provincetown through Dolphin Fleet. This is actually some of the best whale watching in the world. During whale season, there is so much activity off the shores, with with a wide diversity of marine species. It is an incredible experience that you will not regret!

While Ptown offers the best whale watching, there are other places off the Cape that fall just shy of Dolphin Fleet. The most centralized location is Hyannis, where Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises departs from.

3. Explore The Beaches

The beautiful sandy beaches are probably a big reason as to why you are visiting Cape Cod in the first place. There are so many stunning beaches throughout the Cape that it is impossible for me to name them all. However, you can definitely check out my post that outlines my personal favorite beaches on the Cape that are well worth the visit!

4. Immerse yourself in nature

Cape Cod is incredibly rich with beautiful landscapes and nature preserves. There are so many places all along the Cape that offer an intimate experience with the unique landscape. It is definitely worth taking advantage of during your visit.

Some of my favorite places include the following:

Cape Cod National Seashore
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sancturary
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Nickerson State Park
Provincetown Sand Dunes
Rail Trails

5. Small Business Shopping

A majority of Cape Cod is centered around very historic villages, and what this means is a lack of chain stores. So all across Cape Cod you will find a bounty of towns that are so rich in local businesses. There are definitely so many gems to be explored. Some of my favorite towns to shop and explore are Harwich, Chatham, Hyannis, and Ptown!

6. Food!

It is actually criminal to visit the Cape and not indulge in all the delicious food the region has to offer. Of course New England is known for their fresh and delicious seafood, and Cape Cod does not disappoint on this end.

For more on the best food on the cape, check out this post!