Cape Cod, Massachusetts Travel Guide

Cape Cod is my second home. My family is scattered throughout the tip of The Cape and because of this, I have spent lots of time up there my whole life. Over the years I have developed a list of my favorite things to do/see, places to eat, and beaches to enjoy. I can’t wait to share with you what I like to do on Cape Cod!

Any part of The Cape will provide you with an unforgettable experience. I, personally, go all the way up to the tip - around Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown - so that is where this post will be focused around.

Where to Stay

Any of the cottages in these towns are a great option. The beachy vibes of the little houses make for a great getaway on the ocean. There are endless options for places to stay. It will probably be difficult to find a place that is less than $100 per night but the experiences and memories that you make here will be totally worth it. There are cottages for rent all along the shore in these three towns and there are also regular hotels, inns, and motels all around. Whatever you’re more comfortable with, you can’t really go wrong with any of these options!

Things to Do

Walk around Provincetown: P-town is a cute little area at the tip of The Cape. The streets are lined with shops and restaurants that you can easily spend hours browsing. There are several places to get delicious food, ice cream, to buy souvenirs, and clothing stores. This is a great activity for any kind of weather, the shops are close together so if it is rainy it’s easy to go between the shops and still stay somewhat dry. Definitely something you have to see if you are on Cape Cod.

Mini Golf: This is a very popular activity on The Cape. There are tons of places to try out; all of which are great. One of my favorites is Poit’s Lighthouse Mini Golf in Eastham. None of the miniature golf places here will disappoint. Whichever one you pick will surely be very fun.

Go to the Beach!: The beaches here are gorgeous! I love having the option of the bay side or the ocean side. The bay side has smaller waves and a weaker undertow. This would be my recommendation if you have kids, aren’t a great swimmer, or you fear the ocean / sharks. This is also just a relaxing, stress free option. The ocean side is great for body surfing, boogie boarding, and surfing. The bigger waves are really fun! Make sure you stay aware of sharks though as they are becoming more common at The Cape. There is an app called Sharktivity that will tell you when there are sharks at any of the beaches. Don’t let the possibility of sharks stop you from enjoying the beach though, they’re not as big of a concern as they are made out to be as long as you are aware of your surroundings. Get some sun, put your feet in the water, enjoy one of the things that The Cape is best known for!

Drive-in Movies: Wellfleet has a 63 year old drive-in movie theater that is pretty much a requirement for your trip. Such a fun, old school night out that you will remember forever. You can sit in your car, in the bed of your truck, in camping chairs outside of the car, on a blanket - pretty much anywhere you are comfortable. The movie’s audio is played through your car radio and the screen is big enough to see from any parking space. They have food, snacks, and drinks for sale, bathrooms, and a playground for the kids. If you love movies, this is going to be a must for you!!

Whale Watch: P-town has a couple of giant boats that go out for whale watches. I have never been on one and NOT seen at least one whale. However, even if you happen to be on one that doesn’t see any animals, it is still an awesome experience to be on such a big boat in the middle of the ocean. If you like marine wildlife, boats, or the ocean - you have to check this out!

Where to Eat

If you are a seafood person, literally any restaurant here can cater to your needs. Cape Cod is home to many fisherman who bring in fresh fish each day. If you’re vegetarian / vegan, here are some of the places that I have found: 

Rosie’s Cantina: This Mexican restaurant makes a mean burrito bowl (gluten free, dairy free, vegan friendly). They have multiple other vegan options that are all fantastic. 

John’s Foot Long: This restaurant is mostly meat stuff but they do have a really good veggie burger that I definitely recommend! 

Ben & Jerry’s: Dairy free ice cream!!! What more do I have to say?? This is the only ice cream place I have ever been to that has dairy free ice cream ready to be scooped into a cone. Absolutely delicious!

There are also several sandwich shops that can easily provide vegan food if you order a veggie sandwich. There are many options for eating out here, even on a plant-based diet! 

Cape Cod is one of the most beautiful places in New England! I hope you have a great time on your trip!