Cape Cod holidays
Planning a holiday to Cape Cod? Southeastern Massachusetts’ hook-shaped peninsula will reel you in with its endless seaside fun. This sweeping stretch of Atlantic coastline is home to long, sandy beaches, rolling dunes and centuries-old lighthouses. With plenty of charming towns — from historic Chatham to artsy Provincetown — there’s somewhere to stay and play for every type of beach-goer.
Cape Cod holiday highlights
Cape Cod
Massachusetts Office of Travel
Spectacular seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore stretches around the peninsula’s tip and offers six unspoiled beaches. Herring Cove is your best bet for calm waters, family-friendly activities and epic sunsets. Surf lovers should head to Coast Guard Beach, a wide stretch of sand known for its great waves. Note that you’ll have to pay a small fee to enter all National Seashore beaches.
Historic lighthouses
A holiday to Cape Cod wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of its historic beacons. Start with the peninsula’s first lighthouse, Highland Light. Take a guided tour to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline at the top. For a more secluded spot, visit Race Point Lighthouse. Time your visit for low tide, then walk the Hatches Harbor trail along the beach to get there.
Where to stay
Located on the Outer Cape, Provincetown is Cape Cod’s lively, artistic hub. From boutique hotels and historic inns to luxury accommodation, the range of stays is as eclectic as its colourful streets. A haven for creatives and a popular LGBTQ+ destination, Provincetown’s arts and culture scene is unmatched. Make time to hop between indie shops, galleries and cafes, and be sure to catch a drag show.
Cape Cod: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
November – March
/
Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Cape Cod
Cape Cod
Massachusetts Office of Travel
Take in the culture
The John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum is a great place to learn about the former US president’s connection to the region. Or get a local history lesson at the Provincetown Pilgrim Monument, a memorial (and adjoining museum) dedicated to the Pilgrims’ landing in Provincetown in 1620. Art fans will love the community-led Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM). Visit on Friday evenings for free admission.
Shopping
Commercial Street in Provincetown is your one-stop shop for souvenirs. Stock up on saltwater taffy at old-school sweet shops, hunt for treasures in Marine Specialties army-navy store or spend hours browsing indie bookshops. Craving something more upmarket? Chatham’s Main Street is the place for luxury clothing, gifts and antiques. Don’t miss the Mayflower, a historic homewares emporium that has been going strong since 1885.
Places to eat
Cape Cod’s food scene is all about fresh seafood. Look out for New England classics like fried clams, chowder and the region’s famous lobster rolls at seafood shacks along the beach. Ice cream is also a huge deal on the Cape, with countless parlours claiming to serve the best scoop on the peninsula. Try a few and decide for yourself.
FAQs about Cape Cod holidays
English is the language you'll hear most while on your city break in Cape Cod.
Organise your Cape Cod trip for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. -6ºC (21ºF) is as cold as it gets.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for purchases while on your trip to Cape Cod. Pay with a card whenever you can, but have some cash handy for places that don't accept cards.
Cape Cod is generally safe to visit, but it's always wise to exercise some caution wherever you go. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas, and keep your valuables out of sight and secure. Also choose official transport services whenever you can during your holiday to Cape Cod.
Spend at least five days on holiday in Cape Cod if you want to visit several of its quaint towns, explore a few beaches and check out galleries and museums. If you’re pushed for time, you can explore the major highlights over a long weekend.
If you want a destination that combines stunning beaches, cultural and historical attractions and good eats, a holiday to Cape Cod is a great choice. The region also offers plenty of family-friendly things to do, and Provincetown is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travellers.
The hottest month in Cape Cod is July, when temperatures peak at 28ºC (82ºF).
The cost of your city break in Cape Cod will vary based on things like your departure point, the time of year, and your chosen stay. Cape Cod flights and hotels are typically pricier during peak periods, but you can save by booking in the off-season.
With an average rainfall of 14 cm, October is the wettest month to go on a Cape Cod holiday. When the weather shifts, head indoors and enjoy the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.
Plan a holiday to Cape Cod in the shoulder months (May, June, September and October) for a balance of warm weather and fewer crowds. If you’re happy to trade busier beaches in exchange for prime swimming and sunbathing weather, visit in July or August.
