Historic towns, endless sandy beaches, pretty fishing villages and outstanding natural beauty all help to make Cape Cod America’s summer-holiday playground.
There are many faces of Cape Cod, and all of them have turned this peninsula on America’s East Coast one of the most appealing places for a holiday. Stroll along tree-shaded streets past colonial architecture in 17th-century Sandwich, the oldest town in Cape Cod. Soak up the rich cultural vibe in Provincetown, the peninsula’s liveliest holiday spot.
Cape Cod has been blessed with a stunning coastline that includes the Cape Cod National Seashore. This 40-mile stretch along the Outer Cape is an enchanting area of unspoilt beaches, salt marshes, dunes and nature trails snaking through forests. Rent a bike on your holiday and enjoy the beauty of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, 22 miles of paths winding past cranberry bog, forests and ponds with inviting little beaches.
Cape Cod’s genteel towns hold a wealth of attractions that help you discover its past. Get a glimpse into the lives of the Mayflower Pilgrims at Provincetown Museum. Visit the former summer holiday home of John F Kennedy in Hyannis, where there’s a museum dedicated to the late president. Climb to the top of the historic lighthouses found all over the peninsula, especially Chatham Lighthouse and Nauset Light, and take in the sweeping views of the coast.
During your Cape Cod holiday, you can feed your inner-seafood lover thanks to Cape Cod’s thriving fishing industry. Head to Chatham Pier Fish Market where you can watch fishermen offload their daily catch, then feast on giant lobster rolls, scallops, clams and seafood chowder at one of the rustic seafood shacks.
It’s easy to get around Cape Cod by car, and there are also bus services connecting the major towns and villages. If you want a more sporty holiday, rent a kayak and paddle slowly along the inland waterways and scenic marshes. Or join one of the regular boat trips to watch whales and seals in action.
Don’t miss the chance to take a ferry to two of Cape Cod’s most desirable islands, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. They’re very close to the mainland yet their old-world atmosphere makes them seem a world away.
