What are the five best things to see and do on Cape Cod & The Islands?
No matter when you visit Cape Cod & The Islands, there’s always something to see and do. Rocky shores, picturesque beaches and fresh seafood give Cape Cod its legendary beach resort appeal. Travelers descend on the Cape during summer months to enjoy its beachside towns and take in a few waves, while those in-the-know wait until the crowds dissipate after Labor Day to have those postcard-perfect beaches all to themselves. Don’t miss a few of our favorite Cape Cod activities, including:
1. Cape Cod Lighthouses. The Cape is lined with historic lighthouses, many of which are open to the public for tours. One of the most famous is the Nauset Light and The Three Sisters, located along Nauset Beach, which visitors can tour every Sunday from May through October, as well as every Wednesday in July and August. You can also take a free tour of the Chatham Lighthouse, Nobska Light in Woods Hole or Race Point Light in Provinvcetown.
2. Beaches. You can’t come to the Cape and not enjoy a few moments on the beach. Stop at one of the many mom-and-pop grocery marts along Route 6 for some snacks, then head to one of the many public reserves for a few hours of downtime. The Cape is lined with beaches from beginning to tip, many with public restrooms, some that are pet-friendly, and all that offer the quintessential rocky New England shoreline. Sandy Neck Beach in Sandwich and Nauset Beach in East Orleans are two good bets for peace, quiet and gorgeous, soft yellow sand.
3. Whale watches. One of the most famous sightseeing tours offered on Cape Cod takes place in the water. Head to Provincetown and catch a boat to sea for some whale watching. Whales migrate along the New England waters toward Nova Scotia during the summer and fall, so it’s likely you’ll see a few flipping around while you’re here.
4. Biking. Cape Cod is one of the more outdoorsy destinations in New England, thanks in most part to the stunning natural scenery. Grab a bike and set off along the 7-mile Province Land Trail, which takes you along beaches and over sand dunes. The dunes offer a bit of a workout, so if you’re looking for something more leisurely, stay on the street bike path.
5. Baseball. It’s no secret that nearby Boston is loyal to its Red Sox, but there’s also a fondness in this area for other leagues and teams, including the beloved Cape Cod Baseball League. Teams are located throughout the Cape and their games are free to spectators. A small donation to the league is requested. Pay close attention to the players — you might see them in the major leagues soon, as the league has been the starting point for many major league players.
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On October 19Ming Tsai answered the question:
What are the five best Cape Cod & The Islands food experiences?
1. For the classic Nantucket fine-dining, it's all about The Pearl.
2. For a burger and beer at lunch is The Boarding House.
3. The bar upstairs at Corazon del Mar, I think, is a great little jewel — great everything, great food.
4. If you happen to know someone who has a boat, go to The Wauwinet. If you want a nice casual, outdoor lunch, The Wauwinet is great. -
On October 19Ming Tsai answered the question:
What are the five best Cape Cod & The Islands food experiences?
1. For the classic Nantucket fine-dining, it's all about The Pearl.
2. For a burger and beer at lunch is The Boarding House.
3. The bar upstairs at Corazon del Mar, I think, is a great little jewel — great everything, great food.
4. If you happen to know someone who has a boat, go to The Wauwinet. If you want a nice casual, outdoor lunch, The Wauwinet is great. -
On May 19, 2012Wequassett Resort and Golf Club answered the question:
What are the five best Cape Cod & The Islands food experiences?
Cape Cod has long been known for its local seafood, and its restaurants range from the traditional clam shack to sophisticated fine dining. Many restaurants are housed in period homes with various dining rooms, but there are also a number of more contemporary venues.
Fried fish, especially fried clams, are considered the ultimate Cape Cod meal. Another favorite is lobster, which is prepared in a variety of ways. Raw bars serve local oysters — the ones from Wellfleet are famous, and Cotuit oysters are also notable. "Steamers" or steamed clams, are another favorite and, of course, scallops are a main fixture on local menus. There are many great restaurants in Chatham, Harwich, Brewster and Orleans, in close proximity to the resort. From a romantic candlelit, seaside dinner to a casual gathering of family and friends to a quick bite before the opening of a show, Cape Cod has a wide selection of restaurants for all palates and tastes. -
On May 19, 2012Wequassett Resort and Golf Club answered the question:
What are the five best romantic restaurants in Cape Cod & The Islands?
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club's Twenty-Eight Atlantic offers the most romantic and elegant setting, with breathtaking water views. Chillingsworth in Orleans is housed in the 300-year-old Chillingsworth-Foster estate on six acres of lawn and gardens. The restaurant is filled with antiques and features French cuisine. Abba in Orleans is an intimate, sophisticated setting, featuring inventive cuisine with Mediterranean flavors. The Cape Sea Grille is Harwich Port is situated in a 19th-century sea captain's home, just steps from the water and features creative American cuisine. -
On May 19, 2012Wequassett Resort and Golf Club answered the question:
What are the five best kid-friendly restaurants on Cape Cod & The Islands?
Wequassett's Outer Bar & Grille is a casual setting, overlooking the pool and beach with both indoor and outdoor seating. It has a great children’s menu that is presented on a toy sailboat. The resort also offers family theme-night dining, including clambakes and barbecues.
The Chatham Squire on Main Street in Chatham has a pub-like feel and is a great place for lunch or dinner while in town.
The Delmar in Chatham serves wood-grilled pizzas and a variety of nicely prepared local fish. It is a lively atmosphere, and children are given crayons for the paper tablecloth.
The Lobster Claw in the nearby town of Orleans is known as a great family restaurant. It serves lunch and dinner daily and features fresh local seafood, including lobster, steamed clams, haddock, swordfish and salmon. A children's menu offers fried clam strips, shrimp, scallops and chicken tenders.
Arnold's Lobster and Clam Bar in Eastham is about a 20-minute drive from the resort. It’s a great clam shack for lunch or dinner. The restaurant is casual, and you can come right from the beach or ride your bike — the Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through the property.
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On May 19, 2012Wequassett Resort and Golf Club answered the question:
Where can I go to watch sports in Cape Cod & The Islands?
You can watch sports at the resort, both at LiBAYtion, the poolside bar, and at Thoreau's, the cozy lounge adjacent to Twenty-Eight Atlantic. -
On May 19, 2012Wequassett Resort and Golf Club answered the question:
Where are the best places to hear live music in Cape Cod & The Islands?
Wequassett is home to the annual Cape Cod Jazz Festival, and there are complimentary performances under the stars every Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in July and August. The Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis presents up to 60 national and international concert events between June and August. The Cape Cod Symphony is the second-largest symphony orchestra in Massachusetts and performs regularly at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center. It also holds two special summer concerts, one at Mashpee Commons and the other at Eldridge Park in Orleans. -
On May 19, 2012Wequassett Resort and Golf Club answered the question:
Where can I find the best Cape Cod & The Islands nightlife?
The Cape has many fine restaurants, local theater, musical performances and a great jazz scene. Close to the resort are the Academy of Performing Arts, Chatham Drama Guild and Monomy Theatre. The Cape Playhouse in Dennis is about 20 minutes from the resort and is one of the most famous summer theatres in the country, featuring Broadway comedies, musicals, mysteries and dramas. The Cape Cod Melody Tent is about a 30-minute drive from the resort and features national and international concert events.
Wequassett is home to the annual Cape Cod Jazz Festival, with performances every Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in July and August. The resort offers a weekly schedule of evening activities, including poolside music Thursday through Monday, clambakes, barbecues and a manager's cocktail party each week. -
On May 19, 2012Wequassett Resort and Golf Club answered the question:
What are the best Cape Cod & The Islands museums?
There are museums for just about every interest in Cape Cod, from the Sandwich Glass Museum to the Cape Cod Museum of Art, the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and even a museum and Hall of Fame dedicated to the Cape Cod Baseball League. -
On May 19, 2012Wequassett Resort and Golf Club answered the question:
What is the best way to see Cape Cod & The Islands in two days?
On the first day, enjoy the Old King's Highway, and on the second day, take a ferry to Nantucket, which is 30 miles south of Cape Cod. Originally a booming whaling port, Nantucket has been named a National Historic District and has architecturally changed little sine the 17th century, as seaside cottages and old-fashioned lamps still line the streets. Take in the boutique shops and explore the art galleries and museums. Sign on for a guided tour of the island or pick up a picnic lunch and rent a bike, a good way of discovering Nantucket for yourself.
