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Cape Cod Vacation Activities

Writer's picture: Chuck LuceChuck Luce

Updated: Sep 25, 2024

Activities on Cape Cod

ProHost® - Cape Cod Vacation Rentals and Short-term Rental Management

Falmouth, MA


Discover the best activities and attractions in and around Upper Cape Cod with ProHost®’s Long List of Things To Do. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for some family fun, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone. From exploring fascinating museums and historic sites to enjoying scenic hikes and thrilling outdoor adventures, you'll find plenty of ways to make the most of your visit. Plan exciting day trips to nearby islands, savor local flavors at charming wineries and breweries, and immerse yourself in the unique charm and vibrant culture of this beautiful region. Let this curated list be your go-to resource for an unforgettable Upper Cape Cod experience.


Museums and Historic Sites - Cape Cod Vacation Activities


1. The Pirate Museum

  • Description: Dive into the world of pirates at the Whydah Pirate Museum in Yarmouth. Explore artifacts from the Whydah shipwreck, learn about the history of piracy, and enjoy interactive exhibits.

  • Address: 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673

  • Link: The Pirate Museum

2. Sandwich Glass Museum

  • Description: Discover the history of glassmaking at the Sandwich Glass Museum. Watch live glassblowing demonstrations and view the extensive collection of glass artifacts.

  • Address: 129 Main Street, Sandwich, MA 02563

  • Link: Sandwich Glass Museum

3. Cape Cod Children's Museum

  • Description: A great spot for families, the Cape Cod Children's Museum offers interactive exhibits and activities designed to educate and entertain young children.

  • Address: 577 Great Neck Rd S, Mashpee, MA 02649

  • Link: Cape Cod Children's Museum

4. John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum

  • Description: Learn about the legacy of President John F. Kennedy at this museum dedicated to his life and times on Cape Cod.

  • Address: 397 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601

  • Link: JFK Hyannis Museum

5. Chatham Orpheum Theater

  • Description: Catch a movie or a live performance at this historic theater in Chatham. The Chatham Orpheum Theater offers a charming movie-going experience with a café serving local fare.

  • Address: 637 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633

  • Link: Chatham Orpheum Theater

6. Woods Hole Science Aquarium

  • Description: Visit the oldest marine aquarium in the United States, where you can see over 140 species of marine animals, including a touch tank and seal exhibit.

  • Address: 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543

  • Link: Woods Hole Science Aquarium

7. Heritage Park Historic District

  • Description: Stroll through the Heritage Park Historic District in Sandwich to see beautifully preserved historic homes, quaint shops, and the historic Dexter Grist Mill.

  • Address: Main Street, Sandwich, MA 02563

  • Link: Heritage Park Historic District

8. Cape Cod Maritime Museum

  • Description: Discover Cape Cod’s maritime history through exhibits, boat-building demonstrations, and maritime art at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum.

  • Address: 135 South Street, Hyannis, MA 02601

  • Link: Cape Cod Maritime Museum

9. Falmouth Museums on the Green

  • Description: Learn about Falmouth’s history at the Museums on the Green. The complex includes historic homes, gardens, and exhibits covering local history from the 17th century to the present.

  • Address: 55 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA 02540

  • Link: Falmouth Museums on the Green

10. Edward Gorey House

  • Description: Visit the home of the late author and illustrator Edward Gorey in Yarmouth Port. The museum features exhibits on Gorey’s life and work.

  • Address: 8 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675

  • Link: Edward Gorey House


Nature and Wildlife - Cape Cod Vacation Activities


11. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

  • Description: Located in Chatham, this refuge offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring pristine coastal habitats. The Monomoy Islands are especially known for their large seal population.

  • Address: 30 Wikis Way, Chatham, MA 02633

  • Link: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

12. Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

  • Description: Discover the natural beauty of Waquoit Bay through its hiking trails, educational programs, and scenic views of the estuarine ecosystem.

  • Address: 149 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, MA 02536

  • Link: Waquoit Bay Reserve

13. Cape Cod Lavender Farm

  • Description: Visit this charming lavender farm in Harwich, where you can stroll through lavender fields, enjoy the scenic trails, and shop for lavender products.

  • Address: 41 Weston Woods Road, Harwich, MA 02645

  • Link: Cape Cod Lavender Farm

14. Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge

  • Description: Explore the natural beauty of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge with its diverse habitats, including woodlands, marshes, and cranberry bogs. Great for hiking and wildlife observation.

  • Address: Great Neck Road North, Mashpee, MA 02649

  • Link: Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge

15. The Knob

  • Description: A hidden gem in Falmouth, The Knob offers a short hike with stunning views of Buzzards Bay and Quissett Harbor. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful walk and beautiful sunsets.

  • Address: Quissett Harbor Road, Falmouth, MA 02543

  • Link: The Knob

16. Cape Cod National Seashore

  • Description: Extend your visit to the Outer Cape and explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, with its stunning beaches, lighthouses, and nature trails.

  • Address: 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667

  • Link: Cape Cod National Seashore

17. Nickerson State Park

  • Description: Enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and swimming at Nickerson State Park, which features kettle ponds, wooded trails, and scenic picnic areas.

  • Address: 3488 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631

  • Link: Nickerson State Park

18. Bourne Farm

  • Description: Visit Bourne Farm for scenic walking trails, historic buildings, and beautiful landscapes. It’s a great spot for picnics and nature walks.

  • Address: 6 North Falmouth Highway, North Falmouth, MA 02556

  • Link: Bourne Farm

19. Spohr Gardens

  • Description: A beautiful six-acre garden located on Oyster Pond in Falmouth. Spohr Gardens features stunning daffodils in spring and a variety of plantings year-round.

  • Address: 45 Fells Road, Falmouth, MA 02540

  • Link: Spohr Gardens


Outdoor Activities - Cape Cod Vacation Activities


20. Chatham Fish Pier

  • Description: Check out the fish pier to see the fishing boats offload their catch. Additionally, watch the seals swim around and eat the scraps! Very fun experience. You can also grab some Cape Cod fried seafood at the pier. Parking can get crazy but its often worth it.

  • Address: 45 Barcliff Avenue Extension Chatham, MA 02633

21. Shining Sea Bikeway

  • Description: Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Shining Sea Bikeway, which stretches 10.7 miles from Falmouth to Woods Hole. The path offers beautiful views of the coastline, marshlands, and cranberry bogs.

  • Address: Falmouth, MA (Starting point: Depot Ave)

  • Link: Shining Sea Bikeway

22. Cape Cod Canal Bike Path

  • Description: Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or walk along the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path. The 7-mile paved path runs parallel to the Cape Cod Canal and offers beautiful water views and opportunities to watch boats pass by.

  • Address: Buzzards Bay, Bourne, MA

  • Link: Cape Cod Canal Bike Path

23. Cape Cod Rail Trail

  • Description: Bike or walk along the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, which extends from Yarmouth to Wellfleet, passing through charming towns and beautiful landscapes.

  • Address: Starting point: Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA 02664

  • Link: Cape Cod Rail Trail

24. Sagamore Bridge

  • Description: Walk or bike across the historic Sagamore Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Cape Cod Canal and connects the Upper Cape to the mainland.

  • Address: Sagamore, MA 02561

  • Link: Sagamore Bridge

25. Old Bourne Bridge

  • Description: Walk or bike across the Old Bourne Bridge, offering scenic views of the Cape Cod Canal and easy access to the canal’s bike paths.

  • Address: Bourne, MA 02532

  • Link: Old Bourne Bridge

26. Heritage Museums & Gardens Adventure Park

  • Description: For a thrilling outdoor experience, try the Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens, featuring zip lines, aerial trails, and climbing challenges.

  • Address: 67 Grove Street, Sandwich, MA 02563

  • Link: Adventure Park

27. Cape Cod Airfield

  • Description: Experience a unique view of Cape Cod with a biplane or helicopter ride from Cape Cod Airfield. Enjoy the aerial perspective of beaches, lighthouses, and other landmarks.

  • Address: 1000 Race Lane, Marstons Mills, MA 02648

  • Link: Cape Cod Airfield

28. Cape Cod Potato Chips Factory Tour

  • Description: Take a free self-guided tour of the Cape Cod Potato Chips factory to see how these famous chips are made and enjoy some tasty samples.

  • Address: 100 Breeds Hill Road, Hyannis, MA 02601

  • Link: Cape Cod Potato Chips

29. Cape Cod Inflatable Park

  • Description: Have a blast at this family-friendly park featuring inflatable rides, water slides, and games. It's a perfect spot for a fun day out with kids.

  • Address: 518 Main Street, West Yarmouth, MA 02673

  • Link: Cape Cod Inflatable Park


Lighthouses and Scenic Spots - Cape Cod Vacation Activities


30. Nobska Lighthouse

  • Description: One of Cape Cod's iconic landmarks, Nobska Lighthouse in Woods Hole offers stunning views of Vineyard Sound and the surrounding area. Tours of the lighthouse are available seasonally.

  • Address: Nobska Point, Woods Hole, MA 02543

  • Link: Nobska Lighthouse

31. Scargo Tower

  • Description: Climb to the top of Scargo Tower in Dennis for panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and the surrounding area. This historic stone tower offers a picturesque vantage point.

  • Address: Scargo Hill Road, Dennis, MA 02638

  • Link: Scargo Tower

32. Highland Light

  • Description: Visit Highland Light in Truro, Cape Cod’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. Climb to the top for panoramic views and learn about the history of the lighthouse at the museum.

  • Address: 27 Highland Light Road, North Truro, MA 02652

  • Link: Highland Light


Shopping and Entertainment - Cape Cod Vacation Activities


33. Mashpee Commons

  • Description: Shop, dine, and explore the charming Mashpee Commons. This open-air shopping center features a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

  • Address: 22 Steeple Street, Mashpee, MA 02649

  • Link: Mashpee Commons

34. Cape Cod Beer

  • Description: Take a tour and enjoy tastings at Cape Cod Beer, a local brewery in Hyannis. They offer a variety of craft beers and have a cozy taproom and beer garden.

  • Address: 1336 Phinneys Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601

  • Link: Cape Cod Beer

35. Jamaican Night at Coonamessett Farm

  • Description: Experience authentic Jamaican cuisine and live music at the Coonamessett Farm's Jamaican Night. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner featuring jerk chicken, curried goat, and other Caribbean dishes.

  • Address: 277 Hatchville Rd, East Falmouth, MA 02536

  • Link: Coonamessett Farm

36. Cape Cod Winery

  • Description: Relax and sample local wines at Cape Cod Winery. The winery offers tastings, tours, and a beautiful outdoor setting for enjoying a glass of wine.

  • Address: 4 Oxbow Road, East Falmouth, MA 02536

  • Link: Cape Cod Winery


Day Trips - Cape Cod Vacation Activities


37. Martha's Vineyard Day Trip

  • Description: Take a ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard and explore the charming towns of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. Enjoy scenic beaches, lighthouses, and shopping.

  • Address: Woods Hole Terminal, 1 Cowdry Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543

  • Link: Martha's Vineyard Ferry

38. Provincetown Day Trip

  • Description: Drive to Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic Pilgrim Monument, and beautiful beaches. Don’t miss a whale-watching tour or a visit to the Provincetown Museum.

  • Address: Provincetown, MA 02657

  • Link: Provincetown Tourism

39. Nantucket Day Trip

  • Description: Take a ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket and explore this picturesque island known for its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and beautiful beaches.

  • Address: Steamship Authority Terminal, 141 School Street, Hyannis, MA 02601

  • Link: Nantucket Ferry

40. Cape Cod Baseball League

  • Description: Catch a game of the Cape Cod Baseball League, featuring some of the best collegiate baseball players in the country. Games are held throughout the summer in various towns on the Cape.

  • Link: Cape Cod Baseball League

41. Bourne Scenic Park

  • Description: Enjoy camping, picnicking, and scenic views of the Cape Cod Canal at Bourne Scenic Park. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities and relaxation.

  • Address: 370 Scenic Highway, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

  • Link: Bourne Scenic Park


We hope this helps you enjoy all that the Upper Cape and surrounding areas have to

offer!


Please share your thoughts and experiences with any of these activities and locations. Additionally, feel free to let us know if you found something else fun worth sharing!


Chuck and Erin Luce, ProHost

cape-cod-vacation-activities


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