Cape Cod is one of the most popular Northeast vacation destinations during the summer and fall months. Visitors to Cape Cod can enjoy the beautiful weather, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and seafood brought in daily to the many area restaurants. Most people divide the Cape into three sections, the upper Cape, the mid-Cape, and the lower Cape. Many small towns and villages dot the Cape Cod landscape. The following are 5 of the most popular destination towns on Cape Cod.
1. Provincetown
This town, found at the northern tip of Cape Cod, is one of the most popular for those looking for some excitement on the Cape. The town has many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Commercial Street, a favorite destination for visitors, has everything from sidewalk vendors to museums and galleries. From Provincetown, you can take a whale watch cruise or take a tour of the dunes. There is also a monument dedicated to the Mayflower Pilgrims which is the tallest granite structure in the United States.
2. Sandwich
This beautiful seaside village along Old Kings Highway is what most people picture when they think of historic Cape Cod. Sandwich has tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and minimal commercialism. When you step into Sandwich, you can visualize what it may have been like to live in the area during Colonial times. Sandwich is Cape Cod’s oldest town and is has fantastic views of Cape Cod Bay. The village is also home to many quaint dining options, including some with seafood caught the same day.
3. Yarmouth
This beautiful village has everything that a Cape Cod town should have. There are homes from the Colonial Era, antique shops, and the southern part of the village has access to Nantucket Sound. Visitors can see the Bass Hole Boardwalk, which stretches hundreds of feet over the salt marshes to Cape Cod Bay. Nature lovers will appreciate the birds and wildlife seen from the boardwalk. Those who enjoy eating blue crab will be pleased to know that Crab Creek, found at the town border, is a top crabbing spot on the Cape.
4. Hyannis
This lovely town has a Main Street that is reminiscent of bygone days. The John F. Kennedy Museum is a popular attraction in Hyannis. The Town Green is a beautiful place for a picnic, and they have live music in the evening during the summer months. Visitors can walk down to Hyannis Harbor where you can take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.
5. Falmouth
This town, located between Buzzard’s Bay and the Vineyard Sound, the ideal vacation spot for nearly anyone with its eight different villages. Each community is unique and caters to different interests. You can spend time biking or walk by the water on the 10.9 mile Shining Sea Bikeway. The Nobska Point Lighthouse, originally built in 1829, can be viewed from the outside. If you’re in Falmouth, be sure to see Historical Falmouth Village which has many shops, restaurants, and historical interests.