We have been to Cape Cod many times, first Monika as a tour guide. On numerous trips she got to know new attractions, hotels and restaurants. Her love for Cape Cod developed during this time. Later we went on a Cape Cod vacation together several times as travel bloggers Cape Cod is a peninsula on the coast of in Massachusettsthat always attracts us. The peninsula is known for its beaches, small villages and lighthouses.
We are big fans of Cape Cod. The relaxed atmosphere and the warm people always attract us. The Beaches are ideal for relaxing and swimming. There are also many opportunities for activities such as cycling, hiking and kayaking. A bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Map of Cape Cod
Cape Cod is also popular with many travelers from Europe. The combination of nature, history and culture offers something for everyone. The lighthouses, such as the Nauset Light, are impressive.
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Getting to Cape Cod
For us, a Cape Cod vacation begins with the journey from Europe. We always fly from Munich or Frankfurt to Boston*. (Advertisement) Many airlines offer direct flights to Boston. The flight takes about seven hours.
Once you arrive in Boston, there are several options for getting to Cape Cod. We prefer to rent a carThis gives us flexibility and allows us to make stops along the way. The drive from Boston to Cape Cod takes about two hours. It is a scenic route.
Alternatively, you can also take the bus. Various bus companies offer regular connections. The journey takes about two and a half hours. It is comfortable and you can relax.
Another option is the ferry. From Boston there are ferry connections to Provincetown on Cape Cod. The crossing takes about one and a half hours.
The best time to travel for your Cape Cod vacation
A Cape Cod vacation is an experience in any season. We have experienced different seasons and each has its charm. In summer the weather is warm and ideal for beach visits. Temperatures are between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. We then enjoy the long days and swimming in the Atlantic.
In autumn it gets cooler, but the colors of the deciduous trees are impressive. It is a quieter time, perfect for walks as well as bike rides. I particularly like the harvest festivals in October. In spring, however, nature awakens and the temperatures are pleasant. Flowers and less crowded attractions attract visitors to the peninsula.
Winter is quiet and contemplative. It's a good time for cozy days by the fireplace. There are fewer tourists and you experience Cape Cod from a completely different perspective.
We definitely recommend summer for beach lovers and fall for nature lovers. Spring is ideal for exploring without the crowds, but winter has its own charm for quiet relaxation. Cape Cod has something to offer in every season. It's important to choose the right time to visit for your interests.
Accommodations on Cape Cod
A Cape Cod vacation offers a variety of accommodation options. There are hotels, bed & breakfasts as well as vacation homes. Each option has its advantages. In this blog post we recommend Cape Cod Accommodations Near the Beach.
Hotels offer comfort and often additional amenities such as pools and restaurants. You can find many hotels, especially in the larger towns. They are ideal for travelers who value service.
Bed & Breakfasts offer a more personal atmosphere instead. You meet the hosts and get insider tips. These accommodations are often in historic buildings. They are good for travelers who like personal contact.
Holiday homes offer plenty of space and privacy. They are ideal for families or groups, for example. You have the option of cooking for yourself and enjoying more flexibility. Holiday homes are available in different sizes and locations.
For smaller budgets, simple hotels and bed & breakfasts are suitable. They offer the necessary basic amenities and often a good breakfast. For medium budgets, comfortable hotels and charming bed & breakfasts are suitable. Holiday homes are available in different price ranges.
Cape Cod accommodations available in real time
If you want accommodations that are currently available, you can find them on this map:
To do this, enter your travel date and the number of travelers. Then simply click on the accommodation of your choice. This is available on the travel date specified. If you book through one of these offers, we will receive a commission that we use to run this blog.
Cape Cod offers accommodation to suit every taste and budget. It is definitely worth booking early, especially in high season.
Things to do and see on Cape Cod
A Cape Cod vacation is full of activities and sights. We visited many beaches. Nauset Beach is our favorite. The water is clear and ideal for swimming. Coast Guard Beach is also beautiful. But the beaches in Cape Cod National Seashore are also worth a visit.
Water sports are varied. Kayaking in the calm waters is relaxing. You can rent a kayak and explore the coast. Stand-up paddling is also a great alternative. It is easy to learn and fun.
Nature parks, for example, offer great hiking trails. Cape Cod National Seashore is a must. For example, we like to hike the Great Island TrailThe view is definitely worth it. Nickerson State Park also offers beautiful bike paths. There are many species of birds to observe.
Historical sites and museums are also numerous. The Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown commemorates the arrival of the pilgrims. We climbed the tower and had a great view of the city. The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster is also interesting. We learn a lot about the regional flora and fauna.
The Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich is impressive. It is one of our favorite museums on the peninsula. We love strolling through the gardens and visiting the vintage car exhibition. There is also a nice cafe there.
Cape Cod has something for everyone. Whether you love water sports, hiking or want to enjoy culture, it's all there.
Cape Cod culinary experience
A Cape Cod vacation offers many culinary experiences. Typical dishes and local specialties can be found everywhere. For example, we love the fresh seafood. Lobster and mussels are a must. In Wellfleet we also try oysters. They are known for their special taste.
There are many popular restaurants. Lobster Pot in Provincetown is one of our favorites. The atmosphere is relaxed and the seafood is fresh. We especially enjoy the lobster sandwich there. In Chatham we like to eat at Chatham SquireThe restaurant offers a wide selection of fish dishes. There is also a good steak for meat lovers.
Cafés are also numerous. We like the Café Chew in SandwichThe sandwiches as well as the salads are delicious.
Markets are a highlight. The Wellfleet Farmers Market offers regional products. We buy fresh fruit and vegetables as well as handmade products. In Orleans there is the Orleans Farmers Market. Here we try local cheeses and bread.
Culinary events are diverse. The Wellfleet Oyster Festival in October is impressive. There you can enjoy oysters in different variations and watch the shucking competition. The Cape Cod Food Truck Festival is also great. Many food trucks offer a wide selection of dishes.
Practical tips for your Cape Cod vacation
With these practical tips, you'll be well prepared for your Cape Cod vacation. The currency is the US dollar. We always have some cash with us, but credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. In smaller shops and markets, however, cash is often more practical.
Health care on Cape Cod is good. There are several hospitals and clinics. We once had a minor accident and were treated quickly and professionally. Travel insurance is therefore important. It covers unexpected medical costs and provides security. We always choose insurance that includes emergency care and repatriation.
There are few linguistic peculiarities. English is the official language. Most people are friendly and helpful, even if you are not completely confident with the language. A few basic English expressions are therefore useful. But we also found that a smile can often have just as much impact as words.
Cultural cues are also important. People on Cape Cod are relaxed and polite. Tipping is customary. In restaurants, 15-20% is appropriate. Tipping is also expected for other services such as taxi rides or at hotels. We make sure to always be polite and respectful. A friendly "please" and "thank you" is greatly appreciated.
Another tip: don't forget sunscreen. The sun can be strong, especially on the beaches. Insect repellent is also helpful, especially in the evenings.
Sustainable travel
A Cape Cod vacation can be sustainable. There are many environmentally friendly travel options and activities.
Budget Car Rental on Cape Cod offers a selection of hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, and fully electric options like the Chevrolet Bolt, which produce fewer emissions while being more fuel efficient.
Electric car charging stations can be found here, for example:
- Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis
- Wellfleet Town Hall at Cape Cod National Seashore
- Park and Ride on Route 124, Harwich
- Cranberry Plaza in Orleans on Route 6A for Tesla drivers
Go Green Shuttle is an environmentally friendly alternative for transfers on Cape Cod and the surrounding area that uses only hybrid vehicles. The shuttle service is particularly suitable for routes to airports and Amtrak stations in the region and also promotes the local economy by implementing sustainable business processes and relying exclusively on digital bookings. Further details can be found on the website of Green Shuttle.
Traveling to Boston by train and then continuing by bus or ferry reduces CO2 emissions. Many cyclists use the well-developed bike paths locally. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is particularly popular. You can rent bikes and explore the region in an environmentally friendly way.
Hiking is also a great, sustainable activity. The many nature parks offer beautiful hiking trails. Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a highlight. We enjoy nature and watch birds and other animals. Kayaking is another environmentally friendly option. You glide quietly through the waters and experience the landscape from a different perspective.
Local initiatives promote sustainable travel. The Cape and Islands Green organisation supports environmentally conscious business practices. Many restaurants and shops are members. We make sure to visit them and buy local, sustainable products.
Sustainable accommodations are also important, and there are several of them on Cape Cod. These Cape Cod accommodations are certified for sustainability*. (Advertisement)
And finally ...
A Cape Cod vacation offers a variety of experiences. From beaches and water sports to nature parks and hiking trails to historical sites and museums, Cape Cod has something for everyone. The beaches are ideal for relaxing and swimming. We particularly like Nauset Beach and Coast Guard Beach. For water sports enthusiasts, there is kayaking and stand-up paddling.
Natural parks offer great hiking trails. The Cape Cod National Seashore and Nickerson State Park are impressive. We enjoy the views and the peace and quiet there. Historical sites such as the Pilgrim Monument and museums such as the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History are also exciting and educational.
Cape Cod also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Fresh seafood is a highlight. Restaurants such as the Lobster Pot and Chatham Squire are worth a visit. Markets and culinary events such as the Wellfleet OysterFest offer many local specialties.
Further links and resources:
You will find lots of useful information for your Cape Cod vacation. Check out our detailed blog posts on activities, accommodations and culinary experiences. Here you will find everything you need for your trip. Explore Cape Cod with our tips and enjoy your stay!
Do you know anything else?
- Massachusetts landmarks
- Cape Breton in the footsteps of the Scots
- Acadia on the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
- The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
Source: Cape Cod National Seashore and our own research on site. We definitely financed this research trip ourselves. Our opinions are therefore our own.
Text Accommodation in Cape Cod: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash
