5 Of The Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod - From A Local (Updated 2026)
I am so lucky to have been able to spend my summers on Cape Cod growing up. Think melting ice cream, long beach days, hydrangea flowers, and quaint houses. I notice that when people plan trips to the Cape they often don't know where to begin. There are 15 towns to choose from and they all offer a different vibe. These are 5 of the best towns to stay in on Cape Cod.
This post is all about 5 of the best towns to stay in on Cape Cod - from a local.
1) Harwich
Of course I have to start in the town that I spent my summers. Harwich is a quaint little town located on Nantucket Sound (the southern part of Cape Cod). Harwich has a preppy, yet, laid back (compared to the rest of the cape) and is home to adorable Cape Cod Cottages and family friendly beaches. I loved my time in Harwich because it is small, but it also offers plenty to do.
What To Do In Harwich
One of my favorite things to do growing up was going to Harwich Port with my cousins. Lined with little boutiques and local restaurants, Harwich port will keep you occupied for hours. It has gotten bigger since I have been going to the Cape, but some of my favorite places are still there. I loved going to Dr. Gravity as a kid and once I got a bit older I loved Sativa.
The beach is non negotiable while on Cape Cod. Harwich has some of the best beaches. I grew up going to Wychmere Beach Club, so that was my go to beach. If you are staying at their hotel you will have access to the beach, otherwise, it is private. Another beach I grew up going to was Pleasant Street Beach which anyone can go to.
Where To Stay In Harwich
🛎️Luxury - Wychmere Beach Club
🛎️Mid Range - Inn On The Beach
🛎️Budget - The Tern Inn
Where To Dine In Harwich
Wolfies - Okay, so technically Wolfies is in Dennis, but it is a must visit. Serving coffee, and seriously the best muffins you will ever have, Wolfies is an amazing way to start your day.
Cape Sea Grille - The Sea Grille is a fine dining option in Harwich. I remember only going to the Sea Grille once a summer for a special dinner, and it was always so exciting because the food is delicious.
Ember - Ember is a great place for a casual dinner. Serving pizza, Ember has a fun environment with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and lovely drinks.
🐟Read Next - A Locals Guide To Harwich, Massachusetts
2) Brewster
Adjacent to Harwich is one of my favorite towns on the Cape, Brewster. Unlike the rest of the Cape, Brewster is free and easy. It is were the hippies of the cape are. With eighteen trails that cover one hundred and fifty six miles perfect for running, biking, or walking, Brewser is a great town to spend you Cape vacation.
What To Do In Brewster
I love going running or biking on the many trails in Brewser. When you enter Brewster you will start to notice that there are more bikes than cars. You will see bikes parked outside coffee shops, book stores, boutiques, you name it. There are trails all over Brewster, most of which are paved - so no need to worry if you are a fellow bike crasher. I usually just run because I don't trust myself on a bike.
In terms of beaches there are a few to choose from. I am not as familiar with beaches in Brewser, but I can tell you that there is less seaweed than in Nantucket Sound. The popular beaches in Brewster are Crosby Landing Beach and Breakwater Beach.
The Brewster Store, located on Main Street is such a fun little store. You can find the most random things at The Brewster Store. I am an adult and I love it, but kids would have a blast here too.
Where To Stay in Brewser
🛎️Luxury - Ocean Edge
🛎️Mid Range - Candleberry Inn
🛎️Budget - Brewster Green Resort
Where To Dine In Brewser
Snowy Owl - Snowy Owl is one of my all time favorite coffee shops - a bit under-the-radar and amazing.
The Brewster Fish House - The Brewster Fish House is a fine dining option in Brewster serving amazing seafood. You can find traditional New England seafood a the Brewster Fish House.
🏖️Read Next - A Complete Guide To Brewster, Massachusetts
3) Provincetown
This Cape Cod travel guide wouldn't be complete without Provincetown. Provincetown is truly a unique place. Located on the tip of the Cape, Provincetown is known for its art scene, LGBTQ pride, stunning beaches, adorable downtown, and more. Provincetown is a must visit Cape Cod destination, it is one of my favorite towns in all of the United States and Massachusetts.
What To Do In Provincetown
Take a stroll down Commercial Street, Provincetown's hub for shopping and dining. Commercial Street is full of unique boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and more. Make sure to take a photo in front of the famous Lobster Pot on Commercial Street.
Herring Cove Beach is my favorite beach in Provincetown. Located right off of Commercial Street, the easy to access Herring Cove Beach is perfect for anyone looking to have the best beach bay ever. Another popular beach in Provincetown is Race Point Beach.
Where To Stay In Provincetown
🛎️Luxury - White Porch Inn
🛎️Mid Range - The Provincetown Hotel
🛎️Budget - Lotus Provincetown
Where To Dine In Provincetown
Ciro & Sals - The fine dining restaurant, Ciro & Sals, is always a treat. It is one of the best restaurants in all of the Cape. A reservation is required at Ciro & Sals.
Provincetown Brewing Co. - If you are looking for a fun night with great food checkout the Provincetown Brewing Co. Serving bar food and offering live entertainment most nights, Provincetown Brewing Co. is a great place for a night out.
🎣Read Next - A Complete Guide To Provincetown, Massachusetts
4) Chatham
Chatham is one of the most popular Cape Cod destinations due to the shopping, beaches, hotels, and more. Located next to Harwich you will find the preppy town of Chatham. I love Chatham mostly because of the things to do in the town, when there is a rainy day we always went to Chatham to shop, eat, and explore.
What To Do In Chatham
Going shopping in downtown Chatham is the perfect thing to do on a rainy day in the summer. You will find plenty of shops and boutiques, restaurants, and more. My favorite places in downtown Chatham is Mahi Gold and Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters.
Chatham is home to some lovely beaches as well. I go to Lighthouse Beach and Forest Beach when I am in Chatham.
Where To Stay In Chatham
🛎️Luxury - Wequassett & Chatham Bars Inn
🛎️Mid Range - Grayfinch Chatham Inn
🛎️Budget - Chatham Seafarer Inn
Where To Dine In Chatham
Chathams Bar Inn - The Chatham Bars Inn has a delicious brunch served each morning. You do not have to be staying at the resort to go. Try to get outdoor seating so you can have views of the harbour.
Wequassett - The Wequassett has fine dining options and offers outdoor seating overlooking the harbour and the resorts stunning outdoor pool.
Read Next - What To Do In Chatham, MA
5) Orleans
Last but not least we have the quaint town of Orleans. Located next to Chatham, Orleans, is home to my favorite beaches on the Cape. I love Orleans for it natural beauty and small size. Orleans doesn't get as many tourists as the rest of the Cape, so if you are looking for a quiet holiday, Orleans may be the place for you.
What To Do In Orleans
My favorite beach on the cape is in Orleans, although you may not want to bring your kids because the currents are strong at Nauset Beach. Nauset is a surf beach that has big waves, strong tides, and the occasional shark.
If you want to go to a calmer beach in Orleans you can visit Skaket Beach. While Nauset is on the Atlantic side of Orleans, Skaket is on the bay side. You will find calm and clear waters at Skaket Beach.
Where To Stay In Orleans
Where To Dine In Orleans
Hot Chocolate Sparrow - Another one of my favorite coffee spots on the Cape is Hot Chocolate Sparrow. They also have penny candy.
Nauset Fish & Lobster - Serving up the Capes best seafood Nauset Fish & Lobster is perfect for lunch at Nauset!
5 Of The Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod - From A Local Wrap Up
I hope that these 5 towns to stay in on Cape Cod help you or inspire you to plan the best summer getaway ever. The Cape is a magical place over the summer and you should go at least once in your life. If you have anything you would like to add please leave me a comment below.
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