25 Best Things To Do On Cape Cod - From A Local

Looking for the very best things to do on Cape Cod? Cape Cod is a peninsula in Massachusetts that is home to adorable b&b's, mom & pop shops, incredible seafood restaurants, golden beaches, and so much more. I am so lucky to have been able to spend my summers on the Cape and I am so excited to share with you all of the best things to do on Cape Cod (from a local).

This post is all about the 25 best things to do in Cape Cod - from a local.

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Best Hotels In Cape Cod

There are so many amazing hotels and b&bs in Cape Cod. You can find something for everyone! If you are looking for a luxury resort checkout the Wequassett or Chatham Bars Inn. For an averagely priced hotel visit the Grayfinch Chatham Inn or Inn On The Beach. If you are on a budget checkout The Tern Inn and  Lotus Provincetown. For a more in depth information on hotels and where to stay on the Cape read my guide to the 22 Best Hotels On Cape Cod and The 5 Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod.

25 Best Things To Do In Cape Cod - From A Local

1. Spot Sharks On Monomoy Island

Monomoy Island is a small uninhabited island of the coast of Chatham. Known for having one of the biggest shark populations in the world, you can spot a Great White or two on Monomoy. To get onto the actual Island you will have to anchor your boat and swim. Once you are on Monomoy you will find trails, the stunning Monomoy lighthouse, and campsites.

The only way to get to Monomoy main islands is by boat. You can easily rent boats on the Cape, Down Cape Charters get great reviews. If you don't know how to drive a boat you can hire a captain for the day.

Technically Morris Island is a part of the Monomy Nature Reserve. So if you want to experience Monomoy, but don't want to deal with boats, try the Morris Island Loop Trail!

2. Go Kayaking On The Herring River

The Herring River is a stunning little river in West Harwich. The Herring River is lesser known than the nearby Bass River and Oyster Pond and is a local spot. I love the Herring River because you can paddle through the marsh in the small inlets when you go more inland and marvel at the open ocean when you paddle towards the mouth of the river.

You can rent a kayak or stand up paddle board at Cape Waterways.

3. Have a Go At Surfing At Nauset Beach

Nauset is easily one of my favorite beaches on the Cape and is a perfect place to surf. Situated in Orleans in the Outer Cape, Nauset is home big waves and cool vibes. If you are a beginner surfer you can do a surf lesson with Nauset Surf Shop. If you are not into surfing Nauset is a fun place to go for a beach day or a beach walk. I love going when it is overcast and foggy - it is gorgeous.

4. Take a Stroll Down Commercial Street In Provincetown

Provincetown is located on the farthest tip of Cape Cod, and is one of the best towns to visit in New England. Offering cool shops, amazing seafood restaurants, art galleries, and so much more, Commercial Street is a vibrate street located in the heart of P-Town.

Some of the best shops on Commercial Street Include  Shop Therapy, Botanica, Century, and Ball Beachwear.

🦞Read Next - A Complete Guide To Provincetown, Massachusetts

5. Visit The Cape Cod Lavender Farm

Located in Harwich, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm is home to a gorgeous lavender field and an adorable lavender shop. To get to the Lavender Farm you must drive through the woods (there is a gravel path) so keep your eye out for the sign on the side of the road - it is easy to miss. The Lavender Farm is truly enchanting - it feels like fairies live there.

6. Go Shopping In Downtown Chatham

Downtown Chatham has some of the best shopping in Cape Cod. You will find name brand name shops along with unique boutiques in Chatham. Some of the best shops include Mahi Gold, The Black Dog, and The Candy Manor. Downtown Chatham is also home to some of the best restaurants on the Cape - be sure to checkout The Chatham Squire and The Impudent Oyster.

7. Have Brunch At The Chatham Bars Inn

One of my favorite things growing up on Cape Cod was having Brunch at the Chatham Bars Inn. You don't have to be staying at the luxury hotel to eat there. The brunch is buffet style and you can enjoy views of the ocean while you eat. Be sure to walk around the stunning property too!

8. Have a Beach Day At Pleasant Road Beach

Pleasant Road Beach is one of the best beaches on the Cape because it is less touristy than other beaches and it is stunning! Since Pleasant Road Beach is on the Nantucket Sound side of the Cape the surf will be minimal and you don't have to worry about sharks (sharks are usually around the outer cape). While at Pleasant Road Beach take a stroll down Shore Road to admire the Cape Cod houses.

9. Get Coffee and Pastries at Snowy Owl

Every ideal day on Cape Cod starts with Snowy Owl. Snowy Owl is easily the best coffee shop on the Cape. At Snowy Owl you will find amazing coffee, teas, pastries, empanadas, bagels and more. There are Snowy Owls in Brewster, Chatham, and Sandwich. My favorite is the location in Brewster because it is super cute, near the bike trail, and gorgeous beaches.

10. Visit The Brewster Store

The Brewster Store has something for everyone. This quaint shop is home to the most random things that you didn't know you needed. Growing up going to the Brewster Store was such a treat and now as a 20 year old I still visit at least once a summer. If you are looking for souvenirs or just need something to do on a rainy day go to the Brewster store.

11. Go On a Bike Ride On The Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a twenty five mile trail that stretches from South Dennis to Wellfleet. The trail is pretty flat and easy to bike or run on. I found that it is similar to the Bermuda Railway Trail. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs along ponds, lakes, and is nestled within the forest.

12. Point Of Rocks Beach

Honestly up until this point I have been gatekeeping the Point of Rocks Beach, but it is just too perfect for me to keep it all to myself. Located in Brewster, the Point of Rocks Beach is one of the most beautiful beach I have been to. The water is typically seaweed free (which is rare for Cape Cod), the water is calm, and there are stunning rocks that jut out of the water. There is usually only a handful of people on the beach at a time. Going to Point of Rocks Beach at low tide is super cool because the sailboats that were once afloat just sit on the sand.

13. Have Dinner At Clancy's

Clancy's is a amazing seafood restaurant in Harwich. The quaint restaurant is unique because it is situated almost on top of the Swan River, so needless to say you will have amazing views. Clancy's is another local secret. Compared to other Cape restaurants it doesn't get nearly as busy. You will find traditional Cape Cod food at Clancy's!

14. Explore Downtown Orleans

Orleans is a cute town located on the outer cape bordering Brewster and Chatham. Downtown Orleans is full of cute shops, cafes, restaurants, and more. Be sure to visit the Hot Chocolate Sparrow and Vintage In Vogue in downtown Orleans.

The Hot Chocolate Sparrow is one of the best cafes on Cape Cod - you will find amazing coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and even a candy store in the Hot Chocolate Sparrow.

Vintage In Vogue takes the definition of vintage to a whole new level. At Vintage Vogue you will find clothes from the 1800s - today. I mean this place is truly unique. Even if you are not into fashion Vintage in Vogue is kind of like a museum and is totally worth a visit.

15. Walk Down Harbor Way and Find The Fish Shack

Harbor Way is a cute little street off of Lower County Road. Just walking down it is amazing because of the flowers, stunning cape style houses, and views of the Herring River. When you get to the end of Harbor Way you will find a little swimming dock and a fish shack. The fish shack is one the water held up by a dock. When I was younger we would just off of it into the river - I don't think that it is legal though. This place is perfect if you are looking for a secluded place to swim or want to take some cool photos.

16. Take a Day Trip To Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard

If time allows, a great way to spend an extra day on Cape Cod is by doing a day trip to one of the nearby Islands. Nantucket is my favorite island because of its beaches and incredible restaurants. Martha's Vineyard is also amazing and is a bit cheaper. For more information on how to do a Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard day trip read these articles:

🏖️Read Next - A Complete Guide To Martha's Vineyard

🎣Read Next - A Complete Guide To Nantucket

17. Admire The Summer Hydrangeas

When I think of Cape Cod my mind goes directly to Hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are the flower of Cape Cod. You will find them all over the place during the summer months. As a photographer I love seeing the stupendous flowers, they always make for a great photo. If you are a flower fanatic you can visit the Hydrangea festival that takes place every year in July.

18. Go To Music In The Port

Music in the Port takes place in Harwich Port every Wednesday night in the summer. It is kind of like a farmers market at night and with bands. You will find kiosks selling local products, food trucks, and rad bands. Shops and restaurants stay open later on Wednesday too!

19. Visit a Cranberry Bog

Did you know that Massachusetts, specifically Cape Cod, has tons of cranberry bogs. Driving through the cape it is easy to spot them. Doing a tour of a cranberry bog sounds pretty boring - but it is actually so cool and fun. I did a tour in Orleans with Cranberry Bog Tours and had the opportunity to learn all about the production of Cranberries!

🍄Book Here - Cranberry Bog Tour

20. Explore The Cape Cod National Seashore

You cannot visit Cape Cod without seeing the National Seashore. The National Seashore is a 40 mile stretch of beaches along the outer Cape. Towns in which the Nation Seashore is a part of include Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, and Chatham. The National Seashore is a great place to do any hiking, spot birds, stop by old lighthouses, go surfing, go swimming, and more. It can be hard to navigate the National Seashore if you don't know the area so I would recommend doing a tour.

🚗Book Here - National Seashore Guided Tour

21. See a Movie at The Wellfleet Drive In

Drive in theatres are alive and well on Cape Cod. At The Wellfleet Drive In you can watch the lasted movie without getting out of your car. You can find concessions at the Wellfleet Drive In as well. If you are into vintage shopping arrive to the movie early and wander around the Wellfleet Flea Market.

22. Enjoy a Meal at The Wequassett Resort

The Wequassett Resort is one of the best hotels on Cape Cod. Located on the Harwich - Chatham border, The Wequassett offers stunning views of the bay, a few lovely restaurants, and more. If you are looking for a treat, splurge on a meal at the Wequassett.

23. Sundae School

I have been going to Sundae School for as long as I can remember. Sundae School, in my opinion, is the best ice cream parlor on Cape Cod. There are two locations - one in Harwich Port and one in Dennis Port. Not only does Sundae School have unique and incredible ice cream, you also feel like you have gone back to the 50s. You will find a jukebox, old fashioned tables and chairs, paper Beistle Soda Jerk Hats for customers, and even a piano that plays fun tunes.

24. Rent a Boat

There are really endless possibilities when you rent a boat on Cape Cod. You can explore Monomoy Island, go tubing, try water skiing, go fishing, visit the islands and more. You can rent a boat with Down Cape Charters. If you don't know how to drive a boat you can also hire a captain!

25. Have a Go At Mini Golf

It almost feels like Cape Codders are obsessed with mini golf. You can find mini golf on pretty much any street on the Cape. My go to mini golf joint is the Weather Deck, mainly because it is close to where I live - but it is super fun, maybe not as extravagant as some others, but still fun. A more imaginative mini golf place in Pirates Cove in Yarmouth. Pirates Cove is more of a theme park than a mini golf place, you are guaranteed to have a blast there.

25 Best Things To Do On Cape Cod Wrap Up

Cape Cod is such an amazing destination for people of all ages. You can find something for everyone in this summer vacation spot. I hope that these 25 best things to do in Cape Cod helps you plan the best trip ever! If you liked this post we think you will love our Locals Guide To Harwich, A Complete Guide To Provincetown, What To Do In Chatham, A Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide, 15 Places To Visit In Massachusetts, and the Perfect Guide To Nantucket Island.

Happy Travels,

Daisy