Top Things to do in Cape Cod
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What to do and see in Cape Cod, Cape Cod: The Best Museums
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.
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1. Centerville Historical Society Museum
2. 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
3. Cahoon Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By 950maryjanel
A small but beautiful museum....Sailors Valentines were on display when we were there....beautifully displayed and a wonderful exhibition...if you get the chance see this display and learn the history of these Sailors Valentines. While you’re there...I hope the blue tree installation is still going on.....spectacularly painted trees ...live trees...with blue trunks....beautiful....
4. Glass Studio on Cape Cod
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By kellery - East Sandwich, United States
Michael Magyar’s Glass blown pieces are simply beautiful and very Cape Cod. He produces some terrific pieces including goblets and vases that are perfect for weddings and treats for yourself. I have given quite a few pairs as wedding gifts and for a smaller token (app $20.00) he has these great glass stars that look lovely in front of a window. I have given these to guests as a Cape souvenir. There are plenty of items to choose from and they’ll engrave them right on the spot.
5. McDermott Glass Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
In the back yard of a house at 272 Cotuit road in Sandwich, there is a metal building with molten glass in a furnace at 2000 degrees. 4 glassblowers, David and Yukimi and Isabel and Peter will be making beautiful glass inside the building. You can just walk in and watch them "dance with glass" from the behind of the working bench. They will explain what they are making and will answer any questions you have, too. You can feel the heat of glass as well as the love that they have in blowing glass. They usually blow glass Wednesday-Friday. there is a small gallery at the side of the house. The gallery is open everyday 10-5.
Reviewed By pc19642015 - Boston, United States
Great local glassblowing business that makes there pieces on the premises and a gallery for pieces for sale by the main house. Great variety and price point. Owner was very down to earth and friendly. No pressure to purchase anything at all.
6. Cross Rip Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Expect the unexpected! Cross Rip Gallery represents outstanding artists from Cape Cod and beyond exhibiting out-of - the ordinary abstract and figurative creations with sculpture, paintings, photography, reliefs, prints and mixed media.
Reviewed By Vacation261932
The Cape has a plethora of galleries, but this one really stands out. There is a good variety of paintings, prints and sculptures here. The art is displayed in a charming 1850s Cape house, much as you might see it in your own home. The paintings are full of color and life, and are done by a range of emerging artists to artists of world renown. The exhibits change monthly, so make sure to make it to an opening, with live music and even livelier conversations. A must-see if you are on the Cape and love art.
7. The Art Gallery of The Guild of Harwich Artists
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary! The Art Gallery of The Guild of Harwich Artists exhibits 24 local artists with works on display in oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastels right in the heart of Harwich Port.
Reviewed By TrueBlue11 - West Harwich, United States
This gallery is a co-op of talented artists. While a few works are 'pricey' MOST are quite fair and beautifully executed, a 'find' for us on Cape and our visitors. Limited off-season hours. Check their website.
8. The Nines Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By aparker2014 - Broomall, United States
Wonderful original paintings and prints of the originals that are representational but completely modern in their approach and emotional appeal. Serious art that will look even better in your home than it does in the gallery. Lauren Di Ferdinando's works are meticulously crafted and, while generally fairly large, they shimmer like jewels. Can't praise them enough. When you visit the gallery you are likely to meet the artist who is charming and unassuming and willing to discuss her art with you. A must stop if you are looking to decorate a home here on the Cape. JMO.
9. 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!
10. Sandwich Glass Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 740 reviews
The museum details the history of the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company.
Reviewed By HKonowitz3 - Dover, United States
Don't miss this place. It is a factory and an outstanding museum offers hundreds of glass items featuring the work of Cape Cod and national artisans, as well as their own studio
