5 Of The Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod - From A Local

I am so lucky to have been able to spend my summers on Cape Cod growing up. When I think of Cape Cod I think of melting ice cream, long beach days, hydrangea flowers, and quaint Cape Cod style 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). Harwich has a preppy, yet, laid back (compared to the rest of the cape) vibe 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.

Where To Stay In Harwich

Luxury - Wychmere Beach Club

Mid Range - Inn On The Beach

Budget - The Tern Inn

Where To Eat 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.

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 so enjoyable.

What To Do In Brewster

I loved 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 Eat In Brewser

Snowy Owl - Snowy Owl is one of my all time favorite coffee shops. You really can't go wrong with your order, I love an iced latte from Snowy Owl.

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.

3) 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 Eat 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.

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.

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 Eat 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.

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, so if you are a fellow adrenaline junkie, checkout Nauset.

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

Luxury - Rental Near Nauset

Mid Range - Rental Near Skaket

Budget - Skaket Beach Motel

Where To Eat 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!