Tag: Cape Cod

Stops to Make When Visiting Cape Cod

For many Americans, Cape Cod is the single-best destination to visit during the summer months, as it is a vibrant treasure-trove of activity and adventure. With this article of the best towns to visit whenever you’re on Cape Cod from Travel + Leisure, you’ll be making the most of your vacation the next time you’re in New England. From whale watching to lighthouse exploring, you’re sure to find a new experience on this unforgettable peninsula that stretches some 500 miles along the coast of Massachusetts and 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean.

Sandwich, MA

Located along the shore of Cape Cod Bay is the quaint coastal town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, and it’s a perfect destination to visit to get the ideal Cape Cod experience. If you’re looking to add some scenic, picturesque landscapes to your summer beach vacation, then look no further than the quaint and memorable town of Sandwich. Specifically if you want to explore 15 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, be sure to check out and visit the Shawme-Crowell State Forest and its 700-acre expanse of oak trees, rolling hills, mountain vistas, and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Alternatively, if you can check out the Heritage Museums and Gardens, as it offers a diverse array of unique and exciting exhibits sure to amaze visitors of all ages and interests. One exhibit of the Heritage Museum that is much sought-after is the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery, which features 21 classic American automobiles and teaches visitors about the origin and rise in popularity of the American automobile across the 21st Century. The Heritage Gardens is also where you’ll find over 100 acres of precisely manicured gardens, including the recently expanded North American Hydrangea Test Garden, which showcases some of the newest hydrangea cultivars on the market.

Truro, MA

If you’re looking for a destination in Cape Cod that you could swear you’ve seen captured on a postcard before, then look no farther than the town of Truro. A visit to Truro is advisable for those who prefer the quieter side of Cape Cod, and it’s only located one hour away from Boston by car or train on the Outer Cape. Not only is the Turro community scattered with a typical, rugged shoreline that’s beside expanding forests, it’s also home to the famous Highland Lighthouse and Ballston Beach in North Truro. This is an active lighthouse that’s located on the Cape Cod National Seashore, and it stands proudly as the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod.

Truro is also an excellent town to peruse while in motion as you traverse the Pamet Cranberry Bog Trail, which extends down the Cape Cod National Seashore in an easy, 1.9-mile out-and-back-loop. Pamer Cranberry is just one of 11 trails that is operated by the Cape Cod National Seashore, but if you’re looking to be engaged by more of a challenge, then be sure to consider the Ryder Beach Loop. This loop is a 3.2-mile trail that offers a moderate hikealongside unforgettable beach views and inland trails.

Brewster, MA

Located in the Lower Cape and famous for its stunning views and unforgettable sunsets, the town of Brewster is the ultimate vacation destination for anyone seeking a friendly community and a relaxed atmosphere. This town is well-known for stunning views and memorable sunsets that you’ll be able to appreciate while spending an afternoon or entire day at one of Brewster’s many beaches such as Breakwater Beach, Crosby Landing Beach, or Robbins Hill Beach. Alternatively, you can stroll through historic downtown’s offering of history by visiting the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History or The Captain Freeman Inn, a charming former sea captain’s home.

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Experiencing Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to one of the most picturesque landscapes on the planet, and with this informative travel guide from the experts over at Touropia, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of Cape Cod, MA in no time at all.

Cape Cod is a northeastern haven brimming with nautical charm in the form of a hook-shaped peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Also known as “the cape,” this area is home to several charming towns, each with its own perspective on Cape Cod’s idyllic beaches, culture-rich artistic escapes, and maritime cuisine.

Undoubtedly, the towns along Cape Cod can vary from sophisticatedly suave centers of arts and culture, such as Provincetown, to the relaxed, laid-back aesthetic and vibes associated with towns in the north like Wellfleet and Truro. No matter where you travel to, they’ll be something special to experience and enjoy.

If you wish to escape to Cape Cod to enjoy the peace and quiet often associated with the idyllic vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfasts associated with New England’s maritime environment, then look no further than the town of Brewster, which is situated on the shores of Cape Cod Bay. Brewster is located in close proximity to Nickerson State Park, the Massachusetts-owned park with 2,000 acres offering over 400 campsites.

One excellent way to see a portion of the park is by riding along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which is a popular bike path that follows a former railroad for 22 miles through the towns of Brewster, Dennis, Eastham, Harwich, Orleans, and Wellfleet. The Rail Trail is the ideal way to survey as much of the Cape Cod maritime landscape as it also accommodates walkers, runners, and horseback riders.

Inside the town itself, you’ll find that in addition to its expansive beaches, Brewster is also home to several old sea captains’ homes and fishermen’s cottages that have been converted into inns and bed-and-breakfasts, making for an ideal way to both stay on the cape and learn about the surrounding history and culture of the area. Though, another way to go this would be to visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, which is also a nature education center and steward of conservation land that displays local artifacts, hosts traveling exhibits, and offers educational programs for children and adults across its 17,000 square-foot campus.

The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History also features some 400 acres of natural habitat, including 400-plus acres of natural habitat, salt marshes, Wing’s Island, and a lovely beach area that’s located between Quivett and Paine’s creeks. Simply stated, a full day could be spent touring the museum’s many offerings and extensive art collections like the whale exhibits, nature trails, wildflower garden, and nearby beaches.

Speaking of beaches, there’s no surprise that there is always an ideal beach to be explored and enjoyed “just around the corner” once you find yourself “on Cape Cod.” One of the most rewarding ways to truly experience the landscape is by heading out to the Outer Cape Peninsula and surveying the sandy expanses of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, this stretch that is seemingly untouched by time offers its visitors a comprehensive overview of the Cape Cod area while also connecting to several hiking trails such as the Great Island Trail, which is a nearly seven-mile hike along the National Seashore in Wellfleet, MA.

Wellfleet itself is a charming reminder that Cape Cod is filled to the brim with artistry in the form of nature, cuisine, and artwork. Wellfleet contains several art galleries and restaurants that give an accurate taste of what makes Cape Cod s special, but it’s also home to a true marvel of industry in the work of Wellfleet Harbor that allows you to survey the fleets of fishing boats setting off from and returning to a dock, all set against the backdrop of the one-of-a-kind Cape Cod Bay.

Though COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to scale back, it’s always a responsible practice to check local travel advisories, city ordinances, and state mandates that may have been implemented due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travel safely and rest assured that you’ve done your due diligence by referring to CDC travel guidelines.

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