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Cape Cod is one of New England’s most iconic coastal destinations, known for its charming seaside towns, expansive sandy beaches, and laid-back atmosphere that draws visitors back year after year. Whether you're planning a summer escape, a long weekend by the ocean, or a family vacation filled with outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of things to do on Cape Cod.

From relaxing beach days and scenic bike rides to fresh seafood, whale watching, and exploring picturesque villages, Cape Cod offers something for every type of traveler. The region is made up of distinct areas, from the Upper Cape to the Outer Cape, each with its own personality, making it easy to tailor your trip based on what you want to experience.

For those looking to stay close to the action while enjoying a true beachfront setting, the Mid Cape area offers some of the most convenient access to top attractions, dining, and activities across the region.

Best Beaches on Cape Cod

No trip to Cape Cod is complete without spending time at the beach. With over 500 miles of coastline, the Cape is home to a wide variety of beaches, from calm, family-friendly shores along Nantucket Sound to more rugged, scenic stretches along the Atlantic.

Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, take a long walk along the shoreline, or simply enjoy the ocean views, these are some of the best beaches on Cape Cod to explore.

 

Race Point Beach (Provincetown)

Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, Race Point Beach offers a more rugged and scenic experience. Known for its sweeping dunes, strong waves, and expansive shoreline, it’s a favorite for those looking to experience the raw beauty of the Outer Cape.

It’s also one of the best spots for wildlife sightings, with seals frequently seen just offshore. The wide-open space makes it ideal for long walks and quieter moments away from busier Mid Cape beaches.

Gray’s Beach (Yarmouth Port)

Gray’s Beach is a standout for its unique setting along Cape Cod Bay. The long boardwalk stretching out over the marsh is one of the most photographed spots on the Cape, especially at sunset.The calm, shallow waters make it a great option for families, while the surrounding marshland creates a peaceful, almost tucked-away feel compared to larger ocean-facing beaches.

Marconi Beach (Wellfleet)

Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Marconi Beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and wide Atlantic views. This is one of the most iconic beaches on the Cape, offering a more natural and untouched landscape.

The waves here can be stronger, making it better suited for confident swimmers or those looking to enjoy the scenery rather than spend long periods in the water.

Old Silver Beach (Falmouth)

Located on the Buzzards Bay side, Old Silver Beach is one of the most popular spots for calm, warm water and soft sand. It’s particularly well-suited to families thanks to its gentle conditions and easy access.

The west-facing location also makes it a great place to catch the sunset, with clear views across the bay on a calm evening.

 

Where to Stay Near Cape Cod’s Best Beaches

If you’re planning to spend most of your time by the water, staying in South Yarmouth or West Yarmouth puts you within easy reach of many of Cape Cod’s best beaches. Here’s how the Red Jacket Resorts properties map to nearby shoreline spots:

• Red Jacket Beach Resort (South Yarmouth)
  Located directly on a private beach along Nantucket Sound, with immediate access to calm, warm waters. Just minutes from Smugglers Beach and Bass River Beach, making it ideal for guests who want both convenience and variety.
  
  
• Blue Water Resort (South Yarmouth)
  Set right next door to Red Jacket Beach Resort, also offering direct beachfront access on Nantucket Sound. Within walking distance of Smugglers Beach and a short drive to Seagull Beach, one of the largest beaches in the Mid Cape.
  
  
• Riviera Beach Resort (South Yarmouth)
  Located across the street from its sister beachfront properties, Riviera Beach Resort offers easy access to a private beach on Nantucket Sound just steps away. Close to Smugglers Beach and centrally positioned for exploring multiple nearby beaches.
  
  
• Green Harbor Resort (West Yarmouth)
  Set on Lewis Bay, offering a quieter waterfront experience with calm waters. Just a short drive to Seagull Beach and Englewood Beach, making it a great option for those looking for a more relaxed, less crowded setting while still being close to popular Cape Cod beaches.

Outdoor Activities & Adventures on Cape Cod

Beyond its beaches, Cape Cod is a destination built for the outdoors. From scenic bike trails and ocean excursions to kayaking and wildlife experiences, there are endless ways to explore the Cape’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re looking for something active or more relaxed, these outdoor activities on Cape Cod offer a different way to experience the coastline.

Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail

One of the most popular activities on Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Rail Trail stretches over 25 miles through some of the region’s most scenic areas. The paved, relatively flat path makes it accessible for all ages and skill levels, winding through forests, ponds, and charming towns.

Bike rentals are widely available along the route, and you can choose to ride shorter sections or take on the full trail.

Go Whale Watching

Cape Cod is one of the best places in New England for whale watching,

particularly between April and October. Tours typically depart from nearby harbors like Barnstable and Provincetown, taking visitors out into the Atlantic to see humpback, fin, and minke whales.

It’s a must-do experience if you’re visiting during the warmer months.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

For a slower-paced way to explore, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular across Cape Cod’s bays, rivers, and marshlands. Areas like Bass River and Lewis Bay offer calmer waters, making them ideal for beginners or families.

Hiking & Nature Trails

Cape Cod is home to a variety of scenic walking and hiking trails, from coastal paths to quiet conservation areas. Spots like the Cape Cod National Seashore and local wildlife reserves offer opportunities to explore dunes, woodlands, and protected habitats.

Fishing & Boating

Whether you’re casting a line from shore or heading out on a charter, fishing is a classic Cape Cod activity. Boating and sailing are also popular, with plenty of options for both guided excursions and independent rentals.

Explore Cape Cod Towns & Villages

Cape Cod isn’t just one destination, it’s made up of a collection of towns and villages, each offering a slightly different experience. Exploring beyond your immediate area is one of the best ways to discover what makes the Cape so unique.

Upper Cape (Closest to the mainland)

The Upper Cape is often the first stop for visitors arriving from Boston or Providence. Towns like Falmouth and Mashpee offer a mix of beaches, shopping, and access to ferries for Martha’s Vineyard.

This area is great for day trips, especially if you’re planning to explore the islands.

Mid Cape (Best for central access)

The Mid Cape, including Hyannis, Yarmouth, and Dennis is one of the most convenient areas to stay, thanks to its central location and easy access to both the Upper and Lower Cape.

Here, you’ll find a mix of beaches, restaurants, shopping, and activities, making it an ideal base for exploring multiple parts of the region.

This is also where many of Cape Cod’s most accessible beaches and family-friendly attractions are located.

Lower Cape (Quaint & scenic)

The Lower Cape, including towns like Brewster, Harwich, and Chatham, offers a quieter, more scenic experience. Expect charming village centers, coastal views, and a slower pace.

Chatham, in particular, is known for its classic New England feel, lighthouse views, and seal sightings.

Outer Cape (Wild & dramatic)

The Outer Cape, home to Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown, feels noticeably different from the rest of Cape Cod. Much of this stretch sits within the Cape Cod National Seashore, where towering dunes, windswept beaches, and expansive ocean views create a more rugged, untamed coastline.

This is where the Cape feels at its most raw, long, open shorelines, shifting sands, and fewer crowds give it a sense of scale and stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere.

At the very tip, Provincetown brings a contrasting energy. Known for its creative spirit, independent shops, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s also a world-renowned LGBTQ+ destination with a year-round sense of community and celebration. In June, that energy peaks with Provincetown Pride (June 4-7), which anchors Pride Month on Cape Cod, followed by Lower Cape Pride (June 12-14) across Orleans, Brewster, and Harwich, featuring parades, community BBQs, and drag performances.

Together, it creates a distinct balance: wild, protected landscapes paired with one of the most inclusive and expressive communities on the East Coast.

 

Family-Friendly Things to Do on Cape Cod

Cape Cod is an ideal destination for families, with a mix of outdoor activities, hands-on attractions, and classic seaside experiences. Whether you’re traveling with younger kids or teens, there are plenty of ways to fill your itinerary beyond the beach.

Mini Golf & Classic Cape Cod Attractions

Mini golf is a Cape Cod tradition, and you’ll find some of the most creative courses throughout the Mid Cape area.

Popular spots include:

• Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf (South Yarmouth) – One of the most well-known courses on Cape Cod, featuring waterfalls, bridges, and pirate-themed obstacles
  
  
• Skull Island Adventure Golf (South Yarmouth) – A fun, high-energy course with a large arcade, making it a great option for evenings or cooler days
  
  

Pirate Museums & Interactive Experiences

Cape Cod’s maritime history comes to life through interactive attractions that are especially engaging for younger visitors.

Top options include:

• Whydah Pirate Museum (West Yarmouth) – One of the Cape’s most popular attractions, featuring real pirate artifacts recovered from a shipwreck
  
  
• Cape Cod Maritime Museum (Hyannis) – Offers exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and local maritime history, along with hands-on programs

Seal Tours & Wildlife Experiences

Seeing seals in their natural habitat is a highlight for many visitors to Cape Cod.

• Chatham Seal Tours (Chatham) – One of the most popular ways to see large seal populations up close along the sandbars
  
  

• Monomoy Island Excursions (Chatham) – Offers guided boat tours with a mix of wildlife viewing and scenic exploration

Ice Cream Shops & Casual Treat Stops

Cape Cod is known for its classic ice cream spots, many of which have become destinations in their own right.

Local favorites include:

• Cape Cod Creamery (multiple locations, including South Yarmouth) – A go-to for creative flavors and generous portions
  
  
• Sundae School Ice Cream (Dennisport & Harwich Port) – A long-standing favorite with a nostalgic, old-school feel
  
  

Rainy Day & Indoor Activities

Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are still plenty of family-friendly things to do indoors.

• Ryan Family Amusements (South Yarmouth & Hyannis) – Arcade games, bowling, and casual entertainment
• Cape Cod Children’s Museum (Mashpee) – An interactive, hands-on museum designed for younger visitors, with creative play areas, STEM exhibits, and indoor activities ideal for rainy days
• Cultural Center of Cape Cod (South Yarmouth) – Offers rotating exhibits, workshops, and events that can be a quieter alternative activity

 

Where to Stay on Cape Cod

Choosing where to stay on Cape Cod depends on the type of experience you’re looking for, whether that’s beachfront access, proximity to attractions, or a quieter setting.

Staying in the Mid Cape area, particularly around South Yarmouth and West Yarmouth, offers one of the most convenient bases for exploring the entire region.

Red Jacket Resorts features a collection of properties in this area, each offering a slightly different experience:

• Red Jacket Beach Resort – Ideal for families looking for direct beachfront access and a lively, activity-focused atmosphere
  
  
• Blue Water Resort – A more relaxed, coastal setting with easy access to nearby beaches
  
  
• Riviera Beach Resort – A modern option with strong on-site amenities and close proximity to the beach
  
  
• Green Harbor Resort – A quieter, more laid-back waterfront experience on Lewis Bay
  
  

Staying centrally allows you to explore beaches, towns, and activities across Cape Cod without needing to relocate during your trip.

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