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Cape Cod
Introduction
Cape Cod is a 70 mile long peninsula likened to a flexed arm bent at the elbow, extending from the main body of Massachusetts and it is the most popular holiday destination in New England with its charming historic towns and small villages, miles of sandy beaches and wind-sculptured sand dunes. Cape Cod comprises 15 towns, with each locale offering sun-splashed beaches and a laid-back attitude, yet all are unique in their own right. Cape Cod sis a brilliant holiday destintion for everybody. It has the best shopping malls, attractions, restaurants and much more!
Gallery
Attractions
Famous for its rolling dunes and gable-roofed, gray-shingled houses, Cape Cod is where you will find outdoor activities and loads of fun family attractions. Also, many great places to eat, shop and relax. On Marthas Vineyard, a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland, you will stumble upon quaint shops, natural sites, fine dining and lively nightlife throughout six picturesque towns. Then, of course, you have Nantucket. Located 30 miles off the Massachusetts coast, this island is characterized by cobblestone streets, antique stores, lighthouses and acres of conservation land.
A name that’s synonymous with long, sandy beaches and rolling dunes, Cape Cod also offers biking, kayaking, summer theater, art galleries, and challenging golf courses - all this in a peninsula known for its distinctive gable-roofed, gray-shingled houses.
The Heritage Museums and Gardens features Americana, antique cars, the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame, and, in the spring, masses of rhododendron blooms. In the port of Woods Hole, the mysteries of ocean life are on display at the NOAA Aquarium and the Oceanographic Institution.
The seaside resort of Hyannis is the summer home of the Kennedy family and the John F. Kennedy Memorial and Museum. On the tip of the Cape is Provincetown, a haven for artists, fishermen, and summer visitors. Whale watch trips leave from here and Barnstable Harbor.
For a nostalgic evening of fun, bundle everyone in the car and head to the Wellfleet Drive-In for first-run double features. Hungry? Crack open a lobster or order up a plate piled high with fried clams. Hike through the 27,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore, pedal the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, or take your clubs to one of the Cape’s 27 public-access golf courses.
Check some amazing videos of Cape Cod:
Restaurants
When you explore Cape Cod, be sure to sample the area’s diverse mix of unforgettable restaurants and dining experiences, ranging from upscale elegant eateries and waterfront restaurants to old-fashioned Cape Cod clambakes and seafood shanties. While the Cape is renowned for serving the freshest seafood, our restaurants have a wide range of dining options - everything from sushi, Brazilian barbecue and Chinese to Italian cuisine, Indian curry and French & Continental fare. Pizza and ice cream parlors, bakeries and coffee shops are never hard to find!
Shopping
Cape Cod and the Islands are Massachusetts summer playground. For shoppers there is no shortage of options. Nantucket is a haven for shoppers, and harbors an impressive collection of distinctive, independently-owned shops and boutiques. From the fishing shanties turned art galleries along Old South Wharf to the celebrated "Petticoat Row" of distinctive shops on Centre Street, Nantuckets historic downtown offers a unique shopping experience to satisfy every taste. Over on Marthas Vineyard from late-spring through early-fall you can find great shopping at outdoor markets like The Meadow Flea Market in Chilmark and The Artisan Fair in West Tisbury. The Arts District in Oak Bluffs offers galleries and artist studios as does the Shops at Menemsha Village.
The Main Streets in Edgartown and Vineyard Haven offer a variety of clothing, jewelry and antique stores and for a unique collection of Wampanoag tribal goods and jewelry check out the Shops at the Cliffs in Aquinnah. Back on the mainland you will find many quaint seaside towns along Cape Cod that offer a multitude of shopping options along their main streets. Towns like Falmouth, Chatham, Orleans, Wellfleet, and Provincetown are just a few of the options.
There are also smaller villages such as Barnstable Village and Osterville that offer premium shops. Mashpee Commons in Mashpee is a unique retail destination with an exciting blend of the finest retailers set amid the charm of a traditional New England town center. If its maps you are looking for, you can browse more than 4000 maps at Maps of Antiquity in Chatham.
Finally, Lemon Tree Village in Brewster offers a treasure trove of shopping ideas. Cape Cod Mall, Hyannis, is anchored by Macy's Apparel, Macy's Men/Home and Sears, along with mini-anchors Best Buy, Marshalls and Barnes & Noble.
* Cape Cod Mall (Hyannis)
* Mashpee Commons (Mashpee)
* Popponesset Marketplace (Mashpee)
* South Cape Village (Mashpee)
Weather
Weather in Cape Cod
Take care to bring the right clothes for your visit to the Cape. Cape Cods maritime climate is changeable from day to night and from day to day. Because it is a peninsula, it is more temperate than surrounding areas (cooler in summer, warmer in winter.) It is sometimes necessary to pack for 2 seasons. Remember--if you go out on the open ocean on a boat, whether it be for fishing, whale watching, etc. -always bring pants, a warm top, and a light jacket, even in July & August. The everpresent offshore breeze is significantly cooler than on land.
January-March
Pack for snow, rain, and (hopefully) sunny days in the 40s to 50s. This includes a heavy coat, gloves, waterproof, insulated boots or shoes, turtlenecks, sweaters, and thermal underwear if you have it. This also includes a medium weight jacket to be worn over other layers for golfing, biking, or walking. Swimming for mammals other than seals or polar bears is limited to indoor pools.
April
Pack for late winter and spring. April is variable --a light snow in early April is common; towards the end of the month it can be in the 40s & 50s. Waterproof shoes or boots are a must; as are medium and heavy jackets. Swimming-see above.
May
...is still a bit chilly (50s to 60s) but bring one pair of shorts. Lightweight pants, cotton sweaters, and a medium to light jacket will suffice. Its a great time for outdoor activities like biking, birdwatching, golfing, or walking--you wont be hot. Don't forget sunscreen. Swimming --see above.
June
Count on beautiful early summer weather--not too cool, not too hot (60s to mid 70s). Bring lightweight pants, some shorts, lightweight shirts, and cotton sweaters. A light jacket is needed for the evenings. Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and beach accoutrements-chairs, a cooler, bug spray, etc. When going to the beach this time of year, always bring some warm clothes in case it gets chilly. The salt water is still a little cold for swimming, although kids and some adults brave it. Fresh water ponds are a little warmer.
July-August
Classic Cape Cod summer days--70s to 80s, a light salty breeze, cool nights. Temperatures in the 90s or extreme humidity is uncommon on the Cape, and the reason why everyone flocks here during these months. Pack for summer, but bring 2 pairs of pants and 2 cotton sweaters or warmer tops for evening. The beaches are in full swing. The saltwater is comfortable for swimming; freshwater is warmer. Always bring a sweatshirt or warmer top to the beach--a cool breeze can kick up anytime.
September
A slightly cooler version of July & August. Beach weather possible early in the month. Bring a light jacket for late September.
October
Beautiful fall days 50s to 60s during the day with quite cool nights 30s to 40s. Bring heavier pants, turtlenecks, a couple of sweaters, and a medium jacket.
November/December
Pack for winter, with an emphasis on layering. Snow is uncommon in November, but bring gloves. Snow happens sometimes in December--aside from that, pack for winter.
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