Cape Cod Map Print Travel Guide
Introduction
Cape Cod is a popular tourist destination located in Massachusetts, USA. Known for its beaches, lighthouses, and seafood, Cape Cod is a perfect place for a summer vacation. In this travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. Let’s get started!
Top Attractions
1. Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore is a 40-mile stretch of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and dunes. It is a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The park also has several historic sites, including the Highland Lighthouse and the Marconi Station Site.
2. Nauset Light Beach
Nauset Light Beach is a popular beach located in Eastham. It is known for its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Nauset Lighthouse. The beach is also a great spot for fishing and surfing.
3. Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is an island located south of Cape Cod. It is known for its picturesque towns, colorful gingerbread houses, and stunning beaches. The island is accessible by ferry from Woods Hole.
Hidden Gems
1. Monomoy Island
Monomoy Island is a secluded island located off the coast of Chatham. It is a perfect place for birdwatching, seal watching, and fishing. The island can be reached by boat from Chatham.
2. Cahoon Hollow Beach
Cahoon Hollow Beach is a hidden gem located in Wellfleet. It is known for its towering sand dunes and crystal-clear water. The beach is also a great spot for surfing.
3. Welfleet Drive-In Theater
Welfleet Drive-In Theater is a retro-style drive-in theater located in Welfleet. It is a perfect place for a family-friendly night out. The theater shows double features of new releases and classic movies.
Food Scene
1. Lobster Roll
Cape Cod is known for its delicious lobster rolls. The lobster meat is served on a buttered bun with a side of fries or coleslaw. Some of the best places to try lobster rolls are The Lobster Pot in Provincetown and The Raw Bar in Mashpee.
2. Clam Chowder
Clam Chowder is a classic Cape Cod dish. It is a creamy soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, and cream. Some of the best places to try clam chowder are The Lobster Shack in Chatham and The Chatham Squire in Chatham.
3. Seafood Market
Cape Cod has several seafood markets where you can buy fresh seafood to cook at home. Some of the best seafood markets are Mac’s Seafood in Wellfleet and Chatham Fish Pier Market in Chatham.
Budget-Friendly Tips
1. Free Beaches
Cape Cod has several free beaches, such as Coast Guard Beach in Eastham and Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro. These beaches offer free parking and are a great place to spend a day with family and friends.
2. Bike Trails
Cape Cod has several bike trails that are free to use. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 22-mile trail that runs from Dennis to Wellfleet. The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10-mile trail that runs from Falmouth to Woods Hole.
3. Picnic Lunch
Cape Cod has several picturesque spots where you can have a picnic lunch. Some of the best places are Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown and Cape Cod National Seashore.
Outdoor Adventures
1. Kayaking
Cape Cod has several kayaking spots, such as Bass River in South Yarmouth and Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellfleet. Kayaking is a great way to explore the waterways and observe wildlife.
2. Whale Watching
Cape Cod is known for its whale watching tours. You can see humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales. Some of the best whale watching tours are Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch in Provincetown and Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises in Barnstable.
3. Surfing
Cape Cod has several surfing spots, such as Nauset Light Beach in Eastham and White Crest Beach in Wellfleet. Surfing is a popular activity among locals and tourists.
Family-Friendly Activities
1. Cape Cod Inflatable Park
Cape Cod Inflatable Park is a family-friendly amusement park located in West Yarmouth. It has several inflatable rides, such as bouncy houses, obstacle courses, and slides.
2. Cape Cod Children’s Museum
Cape Cod Children’s Museum is a fun and educational museum located in Mashpee. It has several interactive exhibits, such as a pirate ship, a treehouse, and a puppet theater.
3. Pirate Adventures
Pirate Adventures is a family-friendly boat tour located in Hyannis. It is a fun and interactive tour where kids can dress up as pirates and hunt for treasure.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
1. Wellfleet Drive-In Flea Market
Wellfleet Drive-In Flea Market is a unique shopping experience located in Wellfleet. It is a flea market that is held on the weekends at the Welfleet Drive-In Theater.
2. Cape Cod Lavender Farm
Cape Cod Lavender Farm is a beautiful farm located in Harwich. It has several varieties of lavender and is a perfect place for a relaxing afternoon.
3. Salt Pond Visitor Center
Salt Pond Visitor Center is a visitor center located in Eastham. It has several exhibits about the natural and cultural history of Cape Cod.
Natural Wonders
1. Nickerson State Park
Nickerson State Park is a beautiful park located in Brewster. It has several freshwater ponds, hiking trails, and campsites. The park is a perfect place for outdoor activities.
2. Long Point Wildlife Refuge
Long Point Wildlife Refuge is a secluded beach located in West Tisbury. It is a perfect place for birdwatching, seal watching, and hiking.
3. Cape Cod Rail Trail
Cape Cod Rail Trail is a beautiful trail that runs through several towns on Cape Cod. It is a perfect place for hiking, biking, and observing wildlife.
Vibrant Nightlife
1. The Improper Bostonian
The Improper Bostonian is a popular nightclub located in Provincetown. It has several dance floors, bars, and DJs.
2. British Beer Company
British Beer Company is a popular pub located in Hyannis. It has several craft beers, live music, and pub food.
3. The Woodshed
The Woodshed is a popular bar located in Brewster. It has several craft beers, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Local Markets
1. Wellfleet Farmers Market
Wellfleet Farmers Market is a farmers market located in Wellfleet. It has several vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
2. Chatham Farmers Market
Chatham Farmers Market is a farmers market located in Chatham. It has several vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and handmade crafts.
3. Cape Cod Beer
Cape Cod Beer is a brewery located in Hyannis. It has a taproom where you can taste several varieties of beer and buy souvenirs.
Beaches and Mountains
1. Coast Guard Beach
Coast Guard Beach is a beautiful beach located in Eastham. It is known for its towering sand dunes and crystal-clear water.
2. Mount Blue
Mount Blue is a mountain located in Plymouth. It is a perfect place for hiking, birdwatching, and observing wildlife.
3. Head of the Meadow Beach
Head of the Meadow Beach is a beautiful beach located in Truro. It is a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing