Defoes Lifestyle Travel Team

Blog featuring travel tips, packing guides, videos and photography from around the world.

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Introduction

Why Go To Cape Cod?

Cape Cod, often simply referred to as “the Cape,” is a beloved summer destination for its charming coastal towns, picturesque beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Known for its colourful clam shacks, shingle-style cottages, and serene beaches, Cape Cod offers a quintessential New England retreat. The area is characterised by its quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations, scenic bike trails, and a seemingly endless seashore dotted with bright kayaks and fishing boats. The slower pace of life on the Cape adds to its allure, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.

The Upper Cape, Mid Cape, Lower Cape, and Outer Cape are the four main regions of Cape Cod, each offering unique attractions and experiences. Provincetown, known for its bohemian vibe and LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere, is famous for its quirky art galleries and excellent whale-watching opportunities. Sandwich, the oldest town on the Cape, offers glass-blowing demonstrations and historic New England homes.

Cape Cod Travel Tips

The Best Months to Visit

May, June, September, and October: These shoulder months offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, fewer crowds, and reasonable room rates.
July and August: Ideal for beachgoers, but expect high prices and crowds.
December through March: The Cape is much quieter, with many shops and restaurants closed. However, it’s a great time for solitude and lower hotel prices.

Dress Code

While beachwear is appropriate for the shore, Cape-wide dress codes are casual. When away from the beach, avoid wearing overly casual attire, such as old sweatshirts.

Local Cuisine

For the freshest fish, try local seafood in casual clam shacks near the ocean. For the adventurous, you can charter a boat for fishing or dig for oysters in Wellfleet (a shellfish license is required).

Traffic Tips

Traffic can be problematic, especially with only two bridges connecting the Cape to the mainland. Avoid travelling on Friday and Sunday afternoons during peak season. Stay updated on traffic conditions by dialling 511 or visiting the MassDOT Traffic website.

How to Save Money in Cape Cod

Visit During the Offseason

Prices are lower in April, May, September, and October. These months offer mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to visit.

Plan Your Own Clambake

Gather your own seafood to save on meal costs. Each town has specific shellfish license requirements, so check local regulations.

Skip the Weekend

Travelling during the middle of the week can help you avoid the weekend crowds and find reduced rates on accommodations.

What to Eat

Cape Cod is a haven for seafood lovers, with offerings ranging from oysters and scallops to fried clams and lobster rolls. Here are some notable places to try:

Casual Dining:

The Lobster Pot (Provincetown): Known for harbour views and dishes like lobster avocado cocktail and scallops au gratin.
Seafood Sam’s (Sandwich): Offers fried clam strip platters and lobster salad rolls.
Pie in the Sky (Woods Hole): Famous for its blueberry, apple, and key lime pies, as well as crumbly popovers with jam.

Fine Dining:

Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar: Features French-inspired dishes like gimlet oysters with gin sauce and oysters Moscow with caviar.
Twenty-Eight Atlantic (Wequassett Resort): Serves butter braised lobster and beef tenderloin, offering a Four Diamond Award-winning dining experience.

Getting Around Cape Cod

By Car:

The most convenient way to explore Cape Cod is by car, with Route 28 and Route 6A providing easy navigation to top attractions.

By Bus:

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority offers bus services to areas like Sandwich and Barnstable.

By Bike:

The 25-mile-long Cape Cod Rail Trail is popular for cycling, though a bike may not be practical for extensive exploration.

Travel Options:

Driving: Easily accessible via Route 3 from Boston or Interstate 195 from Providence.
Flying: Small airports in Barnstable (HYA) and Provincetown (PVC).
CapeFLYER Train: From Boston to Hyannis during summer weekends, with one-way tickets at $22 and round-trip tickets at $40.
Fast Ferry: A 90-minute ferry from Boston to Provincetown, costing $62 to $65 one way or $92 to $98 round trip.

Cape Cod’s blend of serene beaches, charming towns, and rich history makes it a perfect summer retreat, offering a variety of activities and culinary delights to ensure a memorable visit.