Less than 100 miles from Boston and Providence, Cape Cod is one of New England’s most accessible and scenic road trips. The sandy peninsula curls into the Atlantic Ocean like a bent arm, revealing classic seaside towns, windswept beaches and historic lighthouses.
Drive slowly and the Cape unfolds region by region, from quiet villages on the Upper Cape to dramatic dunes at the tip in Provincetown. Along the way, stop for traditional Cape Cod activities like whale-watching cruises, strolling coastal trails, sampling local seafood and exploring the region’s maritime heritage.
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Upper Cape
Cross the Cape Cod Canal via the Sagamore Bridge or Bourne Bridge to reach the Upper Cape for historic clapboard homes and village greens. The Upper Cape offers some of the most relaxing things to do on Cape Cod, from historic villages to scenic bike trails.
In Sandwich, the Cape’s oldest town, stretch your legs on the 1,350-foot-long Sandwich Boardwalk, which leads to Town Neck Beach. Visit the Sandwich Glass Museum for live glassblowing demonstrations and the Heritage Museums & Gardens, which feature an aerial adventure park with five treetop trails and seven ziplines.
Falmouth’s walkable Main Street features cafes, art galleries and retail shops, like Eight Cousins bookshop and The Gilded Oyster. For local history, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Museum delves into the daily lives and culture of the Wampanoag people, whose presence on the Cape dates back thousands of years.
In North Falmouth, rent bicycles at Bike Zone of Cape Cod to pedal the paved 10.7-mile Shining Sea Bikeway, winding past salt marshes, cranberry bogs and glacial kettle ponds. Stop at the Ocean Science Discovery Center in Woods Hole for hands-on maritime exhibits.
Mid Cape
The Mid Cape combines history, outdoor recreation and coastal experiences. Start in Hyannis, a classic Cape town with quaint shops like Red Fish Blue Fish and Kandy Korner. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum explores the Kennedy family’s long ties to Cape Cod, while the nearby Cape Cod Maritime Museum focuses on the region’s boatbuilding and seafaring heritage.
On the water, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises depart from Barnstable Harbor March through October for sightings of humpback, finback and minke whales. Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary offers 2½ miles of walking trails through marshes, meadow and woodland, as well as guided kayak tours through estuaries and marshes.
At Sesuit Harbor in East Dennis, Lobster Roll Cruises operates lunch, dinner and sunset dinner cruises. Glide along calm waters and enjoy fresh lobster rolls while taking in Cape Cod’s coastline. Reservations are recommended, particularly in summer months.
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Book TodayLower Cape
The Lower Cape wows with postcard-perfect harbors and storybook villages. The 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail runs from Yarmouth to Wellfleet, passing through six towns. In Harwich, stop at Pizza Shark, housed in a historic 1800s general store, for pizza, sandwiches, salads and Gifford’s ice cream. Bikes are available for rent at Barb’s Bike Shop in South Dennis and Rail Trail Bike & Kayak in Brewster.
Explore scenic beaches and harbors, like Wychmere Harbor. Watch as local fishermen unload their daily catch at the Chatham Fish Pier, then visit the historic Chatham Lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. In mid-summer, stroll the Cape Cod Lavender Farm, where 14,000 blooming lavender plants fill the fields with fragrance and color.
Orleans marks a transition as forests thin, winds pick up, and sand dunes begin to dominate the coastal landscape. Check out Nauset Beach for dramatic Atlantic surf or Skaket Beach on Cape Cod Bay for calmer waters and vibrant sunsets.
Outer Cape
The Outer Cape features dramatic dunes, sandy beaches and maritime preserves. Much of the area lies within Cape Cod National Seashore. Begin at Salt Pond Visitor Center for maps, exhibits and ranger programs. Eleven walking trails, including the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail and the Fort Hill Trail, allow for easy exploration.
In Eastham, Nauset Light stands out with its red-and-white stripes, famously featured on bags of Cape Cod potato chips. Farther north in Truro, Highland Light, Cape Cod’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1796, offers seasonal climbs of the 66-foot-tall tower. On the grounds, the Highland House Museum showcases the region’s maritime history.
Beach hopping is practically mandatory. On the Atlantic, Coast Guard Beach frequently ranks among America’s top beaches thanks to rolling surf and expansive dunes. Head of the Meadow Beach boasts wide sandy shores and a two-mile bike path, while Race Point Beach is known for iconic lighthouse views and whale sightings.
The Outer Cape is known for mellow bay beaches too, like Mayo Beach, a family-friendly spot with calm waters. Corn Hill Beach in Truro features a long, narrow stretch of sand and gentle waters. It also holds historical significance as part of the Pilgrims’ early exploration of Cape Cod.
Near the tip of the Cape, climb the 225-foot-tall Pilgrim Monument for sweeping panoramas and visit the Provincetown Museum to learn about the Pilgrims’ first landing in 1620. Stroll Commercial Street for art galleries and seafood restaurants or set out on a whale-watching tour to see marine life offshore.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full road trip, these highlights showcase some of the best things to do in Cape Cod across every region.
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Have you ever been to Cape Cod? Share your favorite things to do in Cape Cod in the comments!
Featured image: Coast Guard Beach, Eastham. Photo credit: Paul Scharff.
Last updated on May 6, 2026 by AAA Staff
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