Although Cape Cod is known as a summer paradise, increasingly people are visiting during the "off" season to enjoy its peace and tranquility. The sea is an integral part of everything Cape Codders do, and celebrations take place throughout the year. There are only two bridges to access the Cape, which sets the tone for a holiday on the Cape. Vacationers, from the outset, have the opportunity to slow down and go with the local pace. The fresh salty air, quaint villages, picturesque harbors, unspoiled woods and marshes make it easy to unwind.
The Cape is divided into three regions: Upper Cape (Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, Mashpee), Mid-Cape (Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis) and Lower Cape (Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown). All of the 15 Cape towns are part of the County of Barnstable, established in 1685, making it one of the nation's oldest counties. It contains more lighthouses than any other county in America.
In the past, generations relied on whaling, fishing, shipbuilding, salt-making and cranberry cultivation. Today, tourism is the top industry. During the summer tourist season, the Cape's population of 200,000 more than triples in size. For example, the Town of Dennis, with a year-round population of 14,000, swells to 60,000 in the summer.
The climate is interesting and varied on Cape Cod. One side of the Cape may be enjoying a gorgeous sunny day, while only a half-hour away the clouds have rolled in over the beach. Overall, the temperature on the Cape is moderate in all seasons.
You can choose to arrive in Cape Cod by car, bus, boat or plane. Each method offers the visitor a wonderful first impression. Once you've arrived, the most convenient way to get around is by car but be prepared for bridge crossing delays and weekend traffic during the summer. Take the moment to enjoy the sights!
There are plenty of activities on the Cape for the entire family to enjoy. This beautiful setting for sailing, hiking, golfing, biking and, of course, beach activities, will provide endless hours of recreation for everyone. The strong maritime heritage and historical charm of the Cape create an ambiance of delight and relaxation that will bring you back year after year.
Cape Cod Glass Works 845 Sandwich Rd, Sagamore, MA 508-888-9262 Watching the artisans creating glass is sure to entertain the entire family.Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Yesteryear's Doll Museum Main and River, Sandwich, MA 508-888-1711 The museum has a collection of dolls, doll houses and toys from around the world.Open from mid-May to mid-October
Nobska Light Nobska Rd, Woods Hole, MA This lighthouse was erected in 1876 and provides spectacular view of Vineyard Sound.
Dexter Grist Mill and Hoxie House Town Hall Square, Sandwich, MA 508-888-4910 Authentic mid-17th century mill built to grind corn. Take the tour of the mill and then see how the pilgrims really lived - no electricity, plumbing and heat. Ah, the simple life.Open daily the summer
Heritage Plantation Grove and Pine Streets, Sandwich, MA (508) 888-3300 76 acres of beautifully maintained grounds feature an antique car collection, a military museum, a folk art museum and a 1912 restored carousel.Open May through mid-October
Mid Cape:
Water Safari Waterfront Park Rt. 28, West Dennis 508-362-555 Take a river cruise down the Bass River, Grand Cove and Weir Creek on a custom built flat bottom boat. You'll see all types of wildlife, beautiful waterfront estates, lighthouses and windmills.Group rates available. Call for more information.
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises Barnstable Harbor 800-287-0374 The 110-foot vessel seats about 300 people and cruises at 35 mph. Travel across Cape Cod Bay to the Stellwagen Bank area. Naturalists provide the commentary. Whales usually spotted within an hour upon departure.
Eventide 165 Ocean St Dock, Hyannis, MA 508-775-0222 This Cape Cod catboat travels daily out of the Hyannis Harbor. Choose either the harbor cruise, starlight cruise or nature cruise. View the Kennedy compound and local lighthouses.
Cape Cod Scenic Railroad 252 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 508-771-3788 For those who love trains and wish to see the less frequented areas of the Cape, come aboard. Narrated tour.
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum 397 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 508-790-3077 Children free This museum focuses on the years JFK spend on Cape Cod. Photos and a narrated video are some of the features.
Lower Cape:
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Rt 6A, Brewster, MA 800-479-3867 The museum offers four-hour bird-watching trips to North Monomoy Island. The museum also offers overnight cruises to the island. Guest sleep in the Keeper's Cottage attached to an 1820 lighthouse. Other excursions available so call for more information.
Outermost Harbor Marine 83 Seagull Rd, Chatham 508-945-2030 Seal cruises and shuttles to South Beach.
Schooner Hindu MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA 508-487-0659 A replica of the seaworthy schooners that sailed during the 19th and 20th century, the Hindu offers four two-hour sails a day during the summer.
Cape Cod Flying Circus Chatham Municipal Airport 204 George Ryder Rd, Chatham 508-945-2363 Take a 20-minute flight that includes loops, rolls and acrobatics. Or take a more sedate trip sightseeing along the coastline.
Rambling Rose Carriage Company Commercial Street at Town Hall, Provincetown, MA 508-487-6584 Enjoy a horse and buggy ride through the quaint town of Provincetown.
Cape Cod Children's Museum (508) 539-8788 577 Great Neck Road South Mashpee, MA 02649 10a.m. - 5p.m. M-Sat 12 p.m. - 5p.m. Sun Come explore the 30' Pirate Ship, submarine, dress-up castle and indoor sandboxes. This is a great place to take the family rain or shine.
Adventure Isle (508) 759-2636 or (800) 535-2787 343 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, MA Open mid-March through Columbus Day 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. summer 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. fall Minigolf, driving range, bumper boats, go-cart track, batting cages, video arcade, 25' super slide, rides.
Sandwich Minigolf 508-833-1905 159 Rt. 6A, Sandwich, MA 27-hole course built on former cranberry bog and designed to look like a miniature Cape Cod. Also features the world's only floating green.Open mid-May through mid-September
Animal Friends Summer Camp 508-563-6116 97 Megansett Rd, Cataumet, MA Day camp gives kids ages 6 - 13 chance to be around all types animals. Campers learn about animal care, farm life, ocean ecology, nature exploration and crafts. For detailed information (617) 426-9170 X119.
Camp Lyndon Cape Cod YMCA 508-362-6500 Stowe Rd, South Sandwich, MA Open during the summer Day camp for boys and girls ages 3-15. Archery, games, sports, sailing, boating, arts and crafts, and horseback riding.
Cape Cod Canal Cruises 508-295-3883 Onset Harbor, Wareham, MA Two hour cruise. Cruise 7 miles along Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Canal. Offers sunset, Sunday Jazz and evening trips.
Mid-Cape:
Water Wizz of Cape Cod Inc. (508) 295-3255 3031 Cranberry Highway, E. Wareham, MA 02538 Open during the summer Water theme park.
ZooQuarium 508-775-8883 674 Rte 28, W. Yarmouth, MA 02563 Open daily mid-February to late November9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. summer 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. off-season Half zoo and half aquarium where you can catch a sea lion show and hand feed the llamas, sheep and other animals corn!
Cape Cod Discovery Museum (508) 398-1600 444 Main Street, Dennisport, MA 02639 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. summer 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. off-season Non-profit hands on children's museum offers variety if interactive exhibits. Educational work shops daily, birthday parties.
Cape Cod Storyland Mini-Golf (508) 778-4339 68 Centre St., Hyannis, MA 02601 Open mid-April through October Golf course designed as a mini-version of Cape Cod. Bumper boats.
YMCA Camp 132 508-362-6500 2245 Rt. 132, Barnstable MA Offers weeklong summer day program. Ages 5-12.
Lower Cape:
Bassett Wild Animal Farm, Inc 508-896-3224 620 Tubman Rd., Brewster, MA 02631 Exotic animals: tigers, lions, zebras, llamas and monkeys as well as domestic animals. Pony rides & hay rides. Snack Bar, gift shop & picnic area.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History 800-479-3867 867 Route 6A, Brewster, MA Very family oriented and child-friendly. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, hands-on activities, walking trails and outdoor demonstrations that will entertain you for hours. Call for hours of operation.
Portuguese Princess MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA 800-442-3188 Take the family whale watching on one of the two 100-foot vessels. Hands on activities for children and adults. The morning trip is ideal for families with small children.
New England Fire & History Museum 508-896-5711
1429 Rt. 6A, Brewster, MA Fire trucks and a fireboat for the kids to explore.
Railroad Museum 153 Depot Rd, Chatham, MA Admission free Open June - September Old railroad cars, cabooses, models and photos.
