As a popular tourist destination, Cape Cod offers its visitors an endless amount of possibilities for fun, discovery and exploration. From its beautiful seashore with spectacular dunes, magnificent waves and pristine beaches to its historic lighthouses, theatres, museums and galleries, the Cape provides so much diversity; it has something that will appeal to every traveler. Having a limited amount of time on your vacation can make it difficult to ‘fit everything’ in – especially when there are so many great choices. That is why we compiled a list of the top 10 activities to do on Cape Cod…so you can make the most of your time while visiting this beautiful coastal community.
Blue Claw Boat Tours, East Orleans– When you are ready to fold up your chair and get off the beach for a while, taking a boat tour is great way to experience Cape Cod. Although there are certainly a number of businesses on the Cape that offer boat tours, we like this particular cruise adventure because it gives you a ‘total sightseeing experience’. As the 2017 Best of Cape Cod Readers’ Choice Awards Winner, Blue Claw Boat Tours provides a variety of cruises that will appeal to everyone’s sense of adventure. On one of their cruises you can travel from Orleans to Chatham Harbor to get an up-close and personal viewing of seals just lounging about or playing in their natural habitat. While onboard, you’ll get an education while listening to stories about the seals, as well as shipwrecks, pirates and pilgrims. This boat tour also offers beachcombing expeditions where you’ll stop at one of the small outer islands to explore its treasures and collect an assortment of shells along the shore. For those looking for a more romantic ocean rendezvous, Blue Claw offers amazing sunset and full-moon cruises that are both magical and memorable. Don’t see a cruise that interests you? No worries, because Blue Claw provides private custom cruises where they’ll help you ‘create your own special trip’. Catering to both groups and families, it is an ideal boat tour for family reunions, wedding parties, educational outings or any special occasion. Cruises run anywhere from 90 minutes -2 ½ hour depending on which one you choose and prices range from $30 for children 11 and older (the little ones are free) to $40 for adults.
Skull Island Adventure Golf & Sports World, South Yarmouth- This popular action packed amusement park is guaranteed to keep you entertained for hours and is great fun for the whole family! For the ‘inner child’ in all of us, Skull Island offers an exhilarating track that is sure to get your heart racing- for only $10 for a single driver and $12 per double you can race around in their zippy go-karts. Skull Island also has softball cages and a great driving range for golf enthusiasts who can hit a few leisurely balls or practice their ‘A game’ – they offer different size buckets of balls with the largest being only $15. While you’re at this adventure world you won’t want to miss playing a round on their mini-golf course. Beautifully landscaped, this magnificent golf course takes you by cascading waterfalls and realistic rock sculpting, over alligator infested waters and through a haunted treasure cave. Here, every hole on the course has a water obstacle! The highlight at this course is a Swiss Family Robinson Tree House that is so cool your kids will beg you to play ‘just one more time’! $10 gets you a round of 18 holes at Skull’s fun Caribbean island themed based mini-golf course. Skull Island Adventure Golf & Sports World is the perfect destination that offers hours of fun for all ages during your Cape Cod vacation.
Monomoy Theatre, Chatham– Vacation is a great time to enjoy Summer Stock Theater on the Cape, and the Monomoy Theater’s productions are top notch. Celebrating over 75 years performing productions for the locals and visitors, this playhouse is unique in that it is serves as a great educational tool for young people interested in theater. From the designers, technicians to the actors, it is one of the few student-driven theaters in the area. Associated with both the University of Hartford and the Friends of Monomoy Theatre, each season engages professional guest actors and actresses to serve as teachers and mentors to the students who are involved in every aspect of putting on a play. With a long impressive list of fabulous plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, On Golden Pond, Pride and Prejudice, The Good Doctor, South Pacific, Death Trap and so many more, the blend of emerging and professional theatre artistry at the Monomoy offers one delightful performance after another. A fun evening of summer stock will cost you $29 for an evening show and $27 for a matinee at this long standing established theatre when you are looking for a little culture while visiting Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Lavender Farm, Harwich– If you are looking for a low-key activity on Cape Cod, the Lavender Farm is a tranquil place that beckons its visitors to ‘celebrate the senses’. A favorite of both locals and tourists who love all things lavender, the farm is a family owned business nestled on 12 secluded acres on Cape Cod. Its owners invite you to explore the grounds which include an enchanted garden and fields of lavender as far as the eye can see. With their annual harvest every June and July, they produce a variety of lavender enhanced products that will beautify your home, cleanse & nourish your body, excite your palate and awaken your senses-from candles, essential oils, shampoos and soaps to lavender chocolate bars and aromatic marmalade- you can purchase all their products on the premises. You can even take home a freshly harvested bunch of lavender to remember your trip to the Lavender Farm. The property itself is surrounded by an additional 60 acres of conservation land that offers numerous walking trails perfect for exploring and hiking. Admission at the Cape Cod Lavender Farm is free and visitors of all ages are always welcome during the summer season-7 days a week.
Heritage Museums and Gardens, Sandwich-If you are searching for a cool place to visit that offers a little bit of everything, your search is over! At the Heritage Museums and Gardens you can get a bit of exercise in as you stroll the 100 acres of gardens, admire galleries of antique automobiles or American Folk Art on display and take a ride on the vintage carousel. If you are feeling adventurous during your visit you can even strap on a zip line harness and explore one of the five trails on the property that run through the treetops at Heritage Adventure Park. The gardens are a horticulturist’s dream-consisting of the country most comprehensive collections of rhododendrons and hydrangeas. It is also home to over 1,000 varieties of daylilies, hostas, herbs and heather- not to mention over a 1000 varieties of trees, flowers and scrubs along the beautiful paths that intertwine around the gardens. Families with children will love Hidden Hollow- a nature inspired place where you can explore and have fun on stepping stumps, walk on the log balance beams, construct your own forts, dig in the sand, experiment with water and so much more! The Heritage Museums and Gardens is also home to an amazing labyrinth maze that was designed by Marty Cain, one of the most well-known labyrinth designers in the country. Plan to spend the entire day here because there is so much to do. They offer a variety of affordable pricing packages (individual, group, parking only) with rates that are based on what area you want to visit, as well as the activity you want to participate in.
Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, Provincetown– If you are in pursuit of a fun adventure where you can see humpback whales up close and personal, you’ll want to get on board one of the Dolphin Fleet’s 4 seaworthy vessels. On this guided tour, you’ll be hosted by trained naturalists who are always enthusiastic to give you their whale presentation as you head out to sea. Dolphin Fleet offers so much more than just the ‘traditional’ whale watch because their trips are designed to not only educate you on whales, but also raise your awareness of these magnificent creatures and other marine life that is local to the area. The tour company offers 4 vessels that depart from the Provincetown Harbor and head out to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Each vessel has its own distinct amenities; yet, they all offer a snack bar that serves breakfast and lunch, the option to purchase alcoholic beverages, a shop to purchase souvenirs and 2 restrooms for your convenience. We recommend you choose a vessel with an upper deck- which offers plenty of sunshine and ‘bird’s eye’ seating for the best views. Upon your arrival, your tour boat will cover large areas of the sanctuary and surrounding waters to find the best location for successful whale watch. Don’t be surprised if a curious whale calf comes right up to the boat to give you an up close and personal experience on your watch- yes, they do come that close! Rates are $37 for adults and $31per child (5-12 years old) – children under 4 get a free boarding pass! Reservations are definitely recommended for this exciting excursion to watch the whales. As a passenger on the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch you are not only guaranteed to have a fantastic time, we guarantee you’ll become a lover of whales by the time you return to the dock!
Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis -If you are looking for something unique to do while visiting Cape Cod, we recommend you stop by this brewery for either a guided or self-guided tour of their fascinating facility. Founded in 2004, Cape Cod Beer is advertised as ‘a vacation in every pint’ so you know you are going to have a great time stopping by! The owners of this brewery are dedicated to sharing ‘the experience’ with all their visitors so they can witness firsthand the production of their original local craft beer and sample local beer that is undeniably fresh and delicious. Sold locally on Cape Cod, you can sample the beer varieties at the brewery or grab yourself a frosty draft in many of the dining or bar establishments from Plymouth to Provincetown. Cape Cod Beer offers both locals and tourists a fun-filled day -where you can relax outside in the beer garden, catch some rays and sample their beer. Along with comfortable seating, the brewery also provides corn hole, foosball tables and a wide variety of board games for your entertainment while you are savoring their samples or relaxing with a pint. During the summer months they host a weekly farmers market, pull out the beer trailer and invite local musicians so their guests can enjoy live music. Beer tasting will run you about $5 for five 3oz samples and you’ll even get a souvenir tasting glass to take home. Cape Cod Beer is also family and dog friendly- so bring the dog and kids! Of course, you must be 21 to enjoy their beer- so you won’t want to forget your ID!
Sandwich Glass Museum, Sandwich– If you’re into art, especially art made from glass, stopping by the Sandwich Glass Museum should be on the top of your list for things to do on Cape Cod. Preserved by the Sandwich Historical Society, this facility was once considered the cornerstone of American glass production that included glass blowing, pressing and cutting. As a museum it houses both modern displays of glass art, as well as exquisite historical glass objects. Their exhibitions include collections of nearly 6,000 pieces produced from 1825 to 1888. The museum’s contemporary gallery reflects state-of-the-art pieces that are simply breathtaking and the light gallery will teach you about the history of light as you bask in the glow of candles, whale oil, kerosene and the first electric light. The exhibits at the museum will provide a wealth of information about this industry and there are some really interesting hands-on activities guests can participate in. The museum offers daily glass blowing demonstrations where you can watch glassblowers turn and twist the hot glass into magnificent forms. The museum is open daily during the summer with limited hours in the winter- so be sure to call ahead. Admission is $9 for adults, $2 for children 6-14 and free admission for children under 5. Don’t forget to stop at their gift shop on your way out where you can purchase your own spectacular art glass- from perfume bottles and tableware to jewelry and ornaments.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Woods Hole Science Aquarium, Woods Hole- If you are looking for something to do that is a bit more in the educational realm, you’ll want to visit one of the largest oceanographic research institutes in the world- located right here on Cape Cod. As a global leader in the study and exploration of the ocean for nearly a century, WHOI features a wide range of exhibitions that will delight and educate visitors of all ages. Here you can experience the discovery of the wrecked titanic, watch amazing footage taken at deep sea hydrothermal sites, participate in inter-active activities. Free walking tours are available throughout the dock area and many sections of the facility. Established in 1885, Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the country’s oldest marine aquarium. Here you’ll discover over 140 species of marine animals found only in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic waters. You’ll get to explore exhibit cases full of various marine life-including bones & teeth and touch tanks filled with lobsters, horseshoe crabs, spider crabs, tautogs, starfish, hermit crabs and so much more! There is also an outdoor exhibit, a seal habitat comprised of an enclosed 17,000 gallon pool that is the permanent home for seals unable to live in the wild. The perfect destination for a rainy day on the Cape- the aquarium is open year round Tuesday-Saturday. Admission to both the WHOI and the Aquarium is free, but donations are always welcome!
Catboat Rides, Hyannis– if you are yearning to venture out on the open sea, Captain Marcus Sherman is the man to see! A native Cape Codder, Captain Sherman has been sailing passengers around Hyannis Harbor since 1989 via his 34 foot Eventide Catboat. This particular sailboat is ideal for exploring the waters just off the shoreline. With the ability to sail in only 30 inches of water, the Catboat can easily get you closer to coastal attractions (like the Kennedy Compound) than any other excursion boats in Hyannis. Not only will you sail to some fabulous places with this charming sea captain, you’ll also be treated to lobster rolls, shrimp cocktail and a well-stocked bar while onboard. Being a native, Captain Sherman knows just about everything about the Cape so he’s always happy to share his stories and a bit of local history with his passengers- and he’s renowned for trading anecdotes with his guests. For the convenience of its passengers, a clean restroom is available on this vessel. Catboat Rides offer public excursions and private charters, as well as full day tours. They also offer passengers a Blue Water Sail-which casts off at 4:00 in the afternoon and Sunset/Cocktail cruises set sail at 6pm. Reservations are always recommended for public excursions with rates starting at $35 for adult and $10 for a child with senior discounts available. Private charters can accommodate up to 20 passengers and rates start at $275 for 1 hour of sailing and go up to $1020 for 4 hours- Catboat Rides recommends that all private charters be planned and schedule one week in advance from your departure.