The towns of Cape Cod you must visit

Stef Zisovska

All the towns on Cape Cod in Massachusetts are unique and beautiful, and each one of them has its own historic sites, pristine coastline, great restaurants, and shops. Even if you don’t know anything about these tiny towns, you can’t go wrong by visiting just about any time that works for you.

Take a look and learn more about a few of Cape Cod’s towns, all perfect destinations for people who are looking for peace and unspoiled nature.

Sandwich

Dexter’s Grist Mill – Author: Andrewrabbott – CC BY-SA 3.0
Dexter’s Grist Mill – Author: Andrewrabbott – CC BY-SA 3.0

Sandwich is the oldest town in Cape Cod, settled in 1637. The small town has a beautiful historic district that includes Dexter’s Grist Mill, the Sandwich Glass Museum, and the Hoxie House, one of the oldest surviving houses in Massachusetts. If you want to have a longer walk, then head to the Sandwich Boardwalk or drive to Shawme-Crowell State Forest, where you can wander among 700 acres of natural woodland away from the ocean. Camping here is also a good idea for those who enjoy sleeping in the great outdoors.

Falmouth

Nobska Lighthouse, Falmouth – Author: ToddC4176 – CC BY-SA 3.0
Nobska Lighthouse, Falmouth – Author: ToddC4176 – CC BY-SA 3.0

Falmouth is located in the southwest corner of Cape Cod, and it’s the second largest town on the peninsula. Just like all the other towns on Cape Cod, Falmouth has great beaches. The most attractive among them is the Old Silver Beach. It also includes the village of Woods Hole and its world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the Nobska Lighthouse.

Wellfleet

Aerial photo of Wellfleet Elementary, 2017 – Author: Achituv – CC BY-SA 4.0
Aerial photo of Wellfleet Elementary, 2017 – Author: Achituv – CC BY-SA 4.0

Wellfleet is a small piece of Cape Cod, surrounded by the Cape Cod National Seashore. If you are an oyster fan, then you must visit the picturesque town in October when they have the annual OysterFest. Wellfleet also offers beautiful beaches and historic places like Marconi Beach and the the Marconi Wireless Site, White Cedar Swamp, and the spectacularly secluded Bound Brook Island Beach. If you want to relax for the day, then visit Mayo Beach on the bay side. On the ocean side, there’s Cahoon Hollow Beach. After enjoying the dunes and the forests of Great Island Trail, treat yourself to a delicious meal.

Provincetown

Aerial view of Provincetown, Cape Cod – Author: WestportWiki – CC BY-SA 3.0
Aerial view of Provincetown, Cape Cod – Author: WestportWiki – CC BY-SA 3.0

Provincetown lies at the tip of the Cape, and it’s the first landing spot of the Pilgrims. Today, Provincetown is the cultural and art center of the area. If you’re looking for art galleries, museums, shops, and restaurants, then head for the narrow Commercial Street. For a more peaceful experience, take a walk to Race Point Lighthouse or across the harbor breakwater to Wood End Light and Long Point Light. Also, you can relax on the sand at Herring Cove or rent a bicycle and ride the Province Lands Bike Path. Adventurers can climb the 252-foot Pilgrim Monument for a breathtaking view. In the afternoon, you can have a typical seafood meal at the Lobster Pot.

Chatham

Seals in Chatham Harbor – Author: Jehochman – CC BY-SA 3.0
Seals in Chatham Harbor – Author: Jehochman – CC BY-SA 3.0

If you want to spend some time in a quintessential fishing village on the Cape, then Chatham should be your choice. Every morning at sunrise the fishing boats begin their working day by passing along Lighthouse Beach in front of the Chatham Lighthouse and heading out to the open waters to get their daily catch. Watching the boats leaving is a great way to start a day. Then you can go for a walk down Main Street, which is filled with specialty shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a bit of unspoiled nature, then check out the 40-acre mainland part of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Also, you can spend a day on Hardings Beach or at Oyster Pond or visit the Monomoy Islands.

Cape Cod is a stunning place to visit, from the tip to the canal. Historic sites, beautiful, beaches, delicious restaurants, and shops are what will make your stay here pleasant and unforgettable. Good luck!

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival