Cape Cod, MA

Travel Guide

Harwich featuring a marina and a coastal town
Hyannis showing a marina and a bay or harbor
Cape Cod showing a bay or harbor
Cape Cod featuring a beach and views as well as a large group of people
Cape Cod which includes views and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Cape Cod Travel Guide Video

Go yachting, whale watching or just enjoy miles of coastal beauty on this famous Massachusetts landmark known to most as “the Cape.”

Home to beaches with rolling sand dunes, New England villages, and a mix of sheer cliffs, harbors and beaches, Cape Cod is an island that offers outdoor activities, fun family attractions and fresh local seafood.

JFK went yachting here, and the area continues to welcome wealthy visitors, but you don’t need to own a yacht to enjoy it yourself. Charter boats are available all over the Cape. These can range from small vessels for hour-long trips, to large ones on which you stay on for the entire vacation. If you’d prefer, you can just rent a kayak or even a kite-board to get out on the water.

Stroll along the sands, sunbathe or explore the many freshwater ponds to find frogs and turtles. Nature lovers should book a place on one of the whale-watching tours, which sail between May and October.

For family entertainment, head to Provincetown, at the northern tip of Cape Cod. As well as pristine coastal stretches such as Herring Cove Beach, you’ll find attractions such as the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum and Whydah Pirate Museum. This is also a great place to stop for a meal, as there are many bars and restaurants.

Because of its exposed position, the climate in Cape Cod is generally mild to cold. If you can cope with average highs of 38° F (3° C), you’re almost guaranteed to score reduced-price accommodation during the cooler months.

The peak season between July and September sees the biggest influx of visitors. Around this time, a number of festivals are held throughout the area. Festivals such as the Bourne Scallop Festival, which has been held for more than 40 years, offer a great atmosphere and showcase many of the things which make Cape Cod so popular.

Cape Cod Maritime Days are also held around May and June of every year. Visit during these days and take a guided kayak excursion, or visit art exhibitions or a nautical flea market.

Where to stay in Cape Cod

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History featuring outdoor art

West Brewster

5/5(14 area reviews)

While visiting West Brewster, you might make a stop by sights like Cape Cod Beaches and Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.

West Brewster
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Sea Pines

While Sea Pines isn't home to many top sights, Ocean Edge Golf Club and Rail Trail Bike Shop are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sea Pines
South Cape Beach State Park featuring a beach

Mews Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mews Village and surrounding area, you can visit South Cape Beach State Park and Popponesset Beach.

Mews Village
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Fells Pond

Fells Pond might not have many top sights, but Popponesset Beach and Cape Cod Children's Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fells Pond
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Summersea

When in Summersea, you can plan a visit to Cape Cod Children's Museum and Popponesset Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Summersea
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Little Neck Bay

While Little Neck Bay isn't home to many top sights, South Cape Beach State Park and South Cape Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Little Neck Bay
Riviera Beach Resort
Riviera Beach Resort
3 out of 5
327 South Shore Drive, South Yarmouth, MA
$442 nightly
The price is $506 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$506 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in South Yarmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"This property was amazing! Can’t wait to come back!"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Riviera Beach Resort
Cape Sands Inn
Cape Sands Inn
2.5 out of 5
149 Main St - RT 28, West Yarmouth, MA
$144 nightly
The price is $164 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$164 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly motel in West Yarmouth. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a sauna. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Great last minute decision. Would stay again"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Cape Sands Inn
Bayside Resort Hotel
Bayside Resort Hotel
3 out of 5
225 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA
$248 nightly
The price is $284 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$284 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in West Yarmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,375 reviews)
"Good stay and close to where we were visiting."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Bayside Resort Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sandcastle Resort and Club
Sandcastle Resort and Club
3 out of 5
929 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Provincetown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,039 reviews)
"Very friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Sandcastle Resort and Club
The Club at New Seabury
The Club at New Seabury
3.5 out of 5
95 Shore Drive West, Mashpee, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Mashpee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions South Cape Beach State Park and Popponesset ...
9/10 Wonderful! (324 reviews)
"Great stay! Didn't notice it being dated or dirty at all like some reviews said. We loved it!"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

The Club at New Seabury
Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
3.5 out of 5
95 Chase Avenue, Dennis Port, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Dennis Port. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Cape Cod Inflatable Park and Pleasant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (281 reviews)
"Beautiful property"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Cape Cod