TRAVELRAGS

Barnstable

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Lonely PlanetJul 28, 2026

17 things to do on Cape Cod

The beach is the main event on Cape Cod, but there are other fabulous things to do, too.

25 things in this story
  • Snack ShackRestaurantPost-hike stop for fried clams or ice cream
  • Sandy NeckNature reserveBarrier beach with hiking trails among dunes and marshes
  • Elsewhere
  • Cape Cod National SeashoreNature reserveCape Cod, United States40 miles of pristine beaches, sand dunes, pine forests
  • Race Point BeachSightCape Cod, United StatesWild beach at the end of the Province Lands trail
  • Province Lands Bike TrailTrailCape Cod, United States5.45-mile loop through the National Seashore
  • The BeachcomberRestaurantWellfleet, United StatesSeaside seafood shack at Cahoon Hollow Beach
  • Mac’s ShackRestaurantWellfleet, United StatesEat oysters from Cape Cod Bay
  • Stellwagen BankSightCape Cod, United StatesNational marine sanctuary, rich feeding grounds for marine mammals
  • Dolphin Fleet Whale WatchAttractionProvincetown, United StatesWhale watching cruises depart from Provincetown
  • Old King's HighwayNeighborhoodCape Cod, United StatesRoute 6A, a delightful drive with historic homes
  • Art’s Dune ToursPlaceCape Cod, United StatesAll-terrain vehicle tours of the sand dunes
  • Nauset MarshSightCape Cod, United StatesBest kayaking destination, calm waters, prolific wildlife
  • Monomoy IslandSightCape Cod, United StatesHome to seals, accessible by boat trip
  • Chatham Fish PierSightCape Cod, United StatesObservation deck for spotting seals, place for lobster rolls
  • Cape Cod Baseball LeaguePlaceCape Cod, United StatesOne of the country's oldest and most prestigious collegiate leagues
  • Wellfleet Drive-InSightWellfleet, United StatesOutdoor drive-in theater with playground and mini golf
  • Commercial StreetNeighborhoodProvincetown, United StatesMain street in Provincetown for shopping and people-watching
  • Aqua BarBarProvincetown, United StatesPerch to sip cocktails and watch the sunset
  • Crown & AnchorGuest houseProvincetown, United StatesDance floors, pool decks, and a stage that’s seen things.
  • A-HousePlaceProvincetown, United StatesDance floor for ending the night
  • Mayflower BeachSightDennis, United States
  • Point of RocksSightBrewster, United States
  • Salt Pond BaySightCape Cod, United States
  • Coast Guard BeachSightCape Cod, United States
  • BoatslipPlaceProvincetown, United States
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Lonely PlanetJul 8

The best beaches on Cape Cod

With nearly 560 miles of coastline, Cape Cod has a lot of beaches. Here are 12 of the best and why you should visit them.

18 things in this story
  • Sandy Neck BeachSightBest for trail walking and bird-watching.
  • Snack ShackRestaurantStop here after a hike for fried clams or ice cream.
  • Elsewhere
  • Cape Cod National SeashoreNature reserveCape Cod, United StatesCaptures the essence of the Cape with surf and dunes.
  • Race Point BeachSightCape Cod, United StatesBeach with crashing surf and undulating dunes.
  • Province Lands Bike TrailTrailCape Cod, United StatesPaved trail winding between dunes, connecting two beaches.
  • Mayflower BeachSightDennis, United StatesPrettiest bayside beach, gentle waves, good for families.
  • Old Silver BeachSightFalmouth, United StatesFavorite for swimming and sunsets, calm sandbar for kids.
  • Herring Cove BeachSightProvincetown, United StatesFaces west for sunsets, close to Provincetown.
  • Craigville BeachSightCenterville, United StatesBest location for finding sea glass.
  • Four SeasRestaurantCenterville, United StatesLocal institution scooping homemade ice cream since the 1930s.
  • Head of the Meadow BeachSightCape Cod, United StatesWide, sandy beach, good for long walks and bodysurfing.
  • Cahoon Hollow BeachSightWellfleet, United StatesWild beach with dunes, backdrop to The Beachcomber bar.
  • The BeachcomberRestaurantWellfleet, United StatesClassic beach bar in an old lifesaving station.
  • Kalmus BeachSightHyannis, United StatesBest spot for windsurfing due to warm waters and winds.
  • Coast Guard BeachSightEastham, United StatesStunning beach, great for bird-watching and surfing.
  • Nauset BeachSightTruro, United StatesLeast crowded beach, good for watching sunrise and swimming.
  • Race Point LighthouseSightCape Cod, United States
  • Long Point BeachSightProvincetown, United States
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