Top Things to do in Cape Cod
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Cape Cod, Cape Cod
The Atlantic crashes on a coastline strewn with quaint harbors, windswept beaches, glorious dunes and blinking lighthouses. Explore Cape Cod National Seashore, bike past cranberry bogs on the Rail Trail or saunter around Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town. Many areas are architectural and culinary gems - full of weathered shingles, whaling captains' mansions, chowder shacks and upscale dining delights. Don't miss Woods Hole Oceanquest, famed Martha's Vineyard or charmingly upbeat Provincetown.
Restaurants in Cape Cod
1. Atwood Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 151 reviews
Exhibit hours and days vary throughout the year. For details please visit our website. **Advance reservations are required during the pandemic.** Most, but not all exhibits may be open at this time. ** New exhibits this year include: - An outdoor Wetu (Wampanoag dwelling), - The Turning Point - Mayflower Exhibit, - WWII Commemoration, and - Honoring the Suffrage Movement. Explore Cape Cod of centuries past with 12 galleries in 14 exhibits, starting with a tour of a historical dwelling built circa 1752. Discover Cape Cod's captivating history, art, and culture at the Chatham Historical Society's Atwood House Museum. In addition to the 18th century Atwood House, Museum highlights include: a Mural Barn with works by Alice Stallknecht, the Nickerson North Beach Camp, a fishing gallery, Double Take Then and Now photo exhibit, Main Street Cape Cod, stories of the Pendleton and other shipwrecks, several rotating exhibits, a research facility, a popular gift shop and more.
Reviewed By EllieR33 - Leeds, United Kingdom
We visited last week, on a very wet day in Chatham, as we were looking for something indoors to do, and most things were closed as it was the end of September. This place was a lucky find, we must have spent a good couple of hours there and could have taken longer. The tour of the original old house that forms part of the site, the beach cabin out back, the displays of clothing, shells and war history were all fascinating. We especially enjoyed learning about the story of the rescue of the crew members from the Pendleton shipwreck. The staff here are friendly, and informative, thoroughly recommended if you're in Chatham
2. Race Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
The Race Point Lighthouse, Keeper's House, Whistle House and Oil House are maintained by the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization of volunteer members whose mission is the restoration and preservation of these and other properties including Wood End and Long Point Lighthouses. In 1995, the Keeper's house and Whistle House were renovated and the opened for overnight stays to guests from around the world. Google Maps directs drivers to a road that is not accessible unless a permit is obtained from the NPS during the season and vehicle has 4 wheel drive. It is a 2 mile walk from the Race Point Beach, or an easier and shorter walk from the Hatches Harbor parking lot off the Province Lands Rd between Race Point and Herring Cove Beaches. The lighthouse tower is open for tours on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays during the season. Closed if the piping plovers close access to the beach.
Reviewed By 641zipw - Boston, United States
We visited the place last weekend in October. Nice experience. The view is great. Light house is facing East. Sunrise photo is great with sun light shines on the object. The seascape view is not that great because of view angle, kind of awkward angle on both side, East or West. From reviews, most people talk about the positive aspect of the visit. One thing I would like to point out that the hike is not an easy one for everyone. Before we went, we did not do enough homework, thought we could easily drive there. When we get there, we realize that vehicles are required to have beach permit. Even four wheel drive vehicles have special requirements for permit. We then think we can walk, but with all my photo equipment that is not prepare for hiking, the hike is a tough one. The sand is deep and you are limited on walking only on the vehicle track. You need flash light to walk before sunrise. One step high, next step low - tough. It took us almost two hours to get there. Four hrs of walking on sand back and forth may be a challenge for many. Beware.
3. Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,469 reviews
This monument commemorates the Pilgrim's first landing in Provincetown (not Plymouth), where they conceived, wrote and committed to the Mayflower Compact - the foundational document for the democracy America enjoys today. The Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the U.S. rising 353 feet above sea level, and at the top, visitors are provided the most spectacular view of Cape Cod.In addition to the MOnument, the Provincetown Museum presents the unique cultural heritage of this historic town with special exhibitions and permanent displays.The Monument and Museum has ample parking, is open daily from APril 1st through November 30, and NEW this year - a food concession call the "Shallop Cafe" where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking Provincetown and the Bay.
Reviewed By sls8806 - Sugar Land, United States
Taking the route of the Pilgrims landing all starts here. The museum is well set up and sets the story with artifacts, and timeline and explanation of the first landing. Step outside and walk to the monument. If you are in better physical health to climb the steps to the very top, you will get a breathtaking 360 degree view and a sticker at the end of the adventure! The day we went there were gale force wind warnings and rain. It really brought home what those early settlers went through and how brave they truly were!
4. Scargo Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. The highest point of land on Cape Cod, the view from this stone observation tower sweeps across Cape Cod Bay to Provincetown.
Reviewed By ChrisT4825
Nice and clean, well maintained and kid friendly! Bring a good camera and a bunch of lenses. The ponds and oceans are just breathtaking.
5. Hoxie House
6. White Cedar Swamp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
The site of Marconi's wireless transmission station.
Reviewed By Wander555899
An easy walk through and unusual landscape. Most of the walk is on a raised walkway through a beautiful, peaceful ecologically sensitive area. Somewhat mystical on foggy days but always beautiful.
7. Chatham Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 688 reviews
One of the most famous and interesting lighthouses on Cape Cod.
Reviewed By amf660 - Briarcliff Manor, United States
Worth the brief walk from town. This lighthouse is in a great location facing the Atlantic (there is parking directly across the street) & is a nice attraction to see while in Chatham.
8. Highland Light
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
This lighthouse was the first light sailors glimpsed when reaching this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
Reviewed By iheartbigpapi - Boston, United States
You can’t pass up seeing the first light house in Cape Cod, which was commissioned by then President George Washington and built in the late 1700s.
9. Provincetown Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Provincetown's municipal center also contains 30 pieces of art donated by local artists.
Reviewed By KeithLampmanPerlman - Provincetown, United States
Grand old building, still an operating town hall, with offices on the lower floor. The community space and concert hall, complete with wraparound balcony (best acoustics for musical events), are old-world, wooden living history.
10. Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Before you go.. there is very limited parking. Please try to walk or bike there for a visit. No large gatherings, events or functions are allowed on the Knob property. Nature trails run among the beach, rock and trees of this hidden shelter. Please leave the property as you found it. Dogs are allowed but only on leash. Please clean-up after your dog. This is a non-smoking property.
Reviewed By johnmN719YN - Mashpee, United States
You won't just discover this place. Even when you park, you will have to search for the path through the "tunnel" to entrance. A very unique vista of buzzard bay all year round.TAKE THE RIGHT ST THE FORK!
