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Cape Cod
Massachusetts
Visit Cape Cod
Cape Cod, a hook-shaped peninsula in Massachusetts, is a quintessential New England summer haven, famed for its maritime character, pristine beaches, and quaint villages. As you cross the Cape Cod Canal via one of the picturesque bridges, you leave behind the mainland and enter a world of sandy shores and salty breezes. The Cape stretches out into the Atlantic, its arm curling around Cape Cod Bay, offering visitors over 550 miles of spectacular coastline to explore.
The Cape is divided into four distinct regions, each offering its own unique attractions and atmosphere. The Upper Cape, closest to the mainland, is home to the historic town of Sandwich and the bustling maritime hub of Falmouth, which provides ferry access to Martha's Vineyard. The Mid Cape features Hyannis, known for its deep connection to the Kennedy family and as a commercial and transportation hub with a vibrant main street and bustling harbor. The Lower Cape is where you'll find the charming towns of Chatham and Brewster, each with picturesque lighthouses and popular beaches, while the Outer Cape boasts the untamed landscapes of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Provincetown�s eclectic and inclusive atmosphere, and the dramatic dunes of Truro.
A visit to Cape Cod offers more than just sun and sand. The region is steeped in history, from the Pilgrim's first landing in Provincetown to its rich maritime past, which can be explored in various museums and historic sites. Nature lovers will revel in the opportunities for whale watching, seal spotting, and bird watching, particularly in the protected areas like the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. For those who enjoy a more active vacation, Cape Cod offers numerous biking and hiking trails, the most famous being the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 25-mile path that runs through several towns and offers a scenic way to explore the area.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in a seaside cottage, a family vacation packed with beach days and ice cream, or an adventure-filled exploration of natural beauty and local wildlife, Cape Cod provides an idyllic backdrop. With its rich history, diverse regions, and welcoming communities, Cape Cod remains a beloved destination for both relaxation and adventure, promising a memorable escape for travelers of all ages.
Cape Cod Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
29°F
41°F
12
February
28°F
41°F
12
March
31°F
47°F
14
April
43°F
54°F
12
May
50°F
65°F
12
June
57°F
72°F
12
July
66°F
79°F
10
August
65°F
79°F
12
September
57°F
71°F
12
October
50°F
62°F
12
November
42°F
52°F
12
December
31°F
41°F
12
Need to Know Before You Go To Cape Cod
Nickname:
Cape Cod is often nicknamed "The Cape.
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST) / Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
4.1 million
Primary Export:
Seafood
Busiest Travel Months:
Quietest Travel Months:
Find your Next Adventure in Cape Cod
Explore Cape Cod
Iconic Landmarks
Bartholomew Gosnold's Naming of Cape Cod (1602)
- Cape Cod was named by Bartholomew Gosnold for the abundant fish in its surrounding waters.
Cape Cod National Seashore
- This national park features over 40 miles of pristine sandy beaches.
Provincetown's Community and Arts
- Located at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and thriving artistic scene.
Cape Cod Style Homes
- The region is famous for its distinctive architectural style, characterized by steep roofs, large chimneys, and shingle siding.
Cape Cod Canal
- This wide sea-level canal significantly shortens the maritime journey around the peninsula.
Cranberry Bogs
- Cape Cod is renowned for its extensive cranberry bogs, a major agricultural production in Massachusetts.
Cultural Experiences
Cape Cod Museum of Art
- Explore regional art exhibits that showcase the rich artistic heritage of Cape Cod and its unique cultural influences.
Heritage Museums & Gardens
- Stroll through 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, visit the American Folk Art collection, and enjoy antique car exhibits.
Provincetown Carnival
- Experience one of the largest outdoor celebrations in Massachusetts with a week-long festival of parades, costumes, and community events in Provincetown.
Wellfleet OysterFest
- Celebrate the famous Wellfleet oysters with this annual festival that features local cuisine, live music, and oyster shucking competitions.
Cape Playhouse
- Enjoy a show at America�s oldest professional summer theater, offering a variety of plays and musicals in Dennis, Massachusetts.
Wampanoag Native American Thanksgiving
- Participate in a historically informed celebration at the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum, learning about the culture and contributions of the Wampanoag people to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Outdoor Adventures
Cape Cod National Seashore
Explore over 40 miles of pristine sandy beaches, marshes, ponds, and uplands supporting diverse species, along with lighthouses and cultural landscapes.
Nickerson State Park
Enjoy over 1,900 acres of varied terrain for hiking, biking, and swimming in freshwater kettle ponds created by glaciers.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Discover a variety of wildlife, especially migratory birds, on this 7,604-acre refuge with excellent opportunities for bird-watching and nature walks.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Bike or walk through 25 miles of scenic paths that run from South Dennis to Wellfleet, offering a safe and enjoyable way to see diverse parts of the Cape.
Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
Climb the monument for panoramic views of Provincetown and the surrounding area, and explore the museum to learn about the Mayflower Pilgrims� first landing.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Wellfleet Bay
Paddle through the serene waters of Wellfleet Bay, exploring marshes and witnessing diverse marine life, ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Off the Beaten Path
Jeremy Point, Wellfleet
- Accessible only by boat or a long walk at low tide, this secluded spit offers panoramic views and a quiet escape.
Sampsons Island, Osterville
- A protected bird sanctuary, this island provides a serene spot for kayaking and observing wildlife.
Great Island Trail, Wellfleet
- This challenging hike leads through marshes, forests, and sandy beaches, offering solitude and historic sites along the way.
Crowes Pasture Conservation Area, East Dennis
- Experience a scenic drive down a dirt road leading to a quiet beach and walking trails through ancient cedar swamps.
The Knob, Falmouth
- A hidden gem offering a short hike to a serene overlook with stunning views of Quissett Harbor and Buzzards Bay.
Bound Brook Island Beach, Wellfleet
- Reachable via a rustic road or by hiking through the woods, this remote beach offers peace, quiet, and beautiful sunset views.
Cape Cod Fun Facts
- Cape Cod was named by Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602 after the abundant fish in its surrounding waters.
- The Cape Cod National Seashore features over 40 miles of pristine sandy beaches.
- Provincetown, located at the tip of Cape Cod, is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and artistic scene.
- Cape Cod is famous for its Cape Cod style homes, characterized by steep roofs, large chimneys, and shingle siding.
- The Cape Cod Canal, one of the world's widest sea-level canals, significantly shortens the maritime journey around the peninsula.
- The region is renowned for its cranberry bogs, which are among the largest agricultural productions in Massachusetts.
- Cape Cod has its own distinct dialect known as the "Cape Cod accent."
- The area is a major destination for whale watching, with frequent sightings of humpback, fin, and minke whales.
- Cape Cod Potato Chips, one of the most popular chip brands in the U.S., originated in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
- The Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port served as the summer White House for President John F. Kennedy.
Featured Picture Gallery
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