Welcome to the enchanting world of Cape Cod, a coastal haven where timeless charm meets picturesque landscapes. In this travel blog, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery as we unveil the hidden gems that make Cape Cod a truly magical destination. Thanks to our local hosts we have been able to explore the true Cape Cod and found the best spots to visit, the best places for dining out and had a stay in one of the typical Cape Cod style villa's!
Explore the coastal elegance in the quaint seaside villages
Nestled on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod, the town of Chatham stands as a beacon of New England charm, offering visitors a delightful blend of history, coastal beauty, and small-town allure. Explore Chatham's charming Main Street, lined with boutiques, galleries, and inviting cafes. Admire the historic architecture, browse through unique shops offering handmade crafts, and indulge in delicious treats from local bakeries. It's a picturesque stroll that captures the essence of this idyllic town.
Another charming village: Provincetown, with its dynamic blend of history, art, and natural beauty, invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery.
Wander down Commercial Street, the vibrant heart of Provincetown. Lined with eclectic shops, art galleries, and welcoming cafes, it's a haven for those seeking unique treasures, local art, and delicious cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak in the bohemian atmosphere of this lively street.
Join a whale watching excursion and set sail into the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, where you can witness majestic humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Embark on a journey through history at the Pilgrim Monument, a towering structure commemorating the landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Provincetown and the surrounding ocean. The adjacent Provincetown Museum provides insight into the town's maritime heritage and artistic legacy.
Discover hidden beaches and secluded coves
Escape the crowds and discover the secret beaches and secluded coves that Cape Cod has to offer. From the pristine shores of Nauset Beach to the hidden gem of Sandy Neck, each sandy retreat holds its own unique beauty, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
Nestled within the coastal beauty of Yarmouth on Cape Cod, Gray's Beach Boardwalk stands as a serene gateway to the natural wonders of the Atlantic. Stretching along the salt marsh, the boardwalk offers panoramic views of the marshland's unique flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the diverse bird species that call this coastal habitat home, adding a touch of natural splendor to your stroll. Gray's Beach is also renowned for its spectacular sunsets, and the boardwalk provides an idyllic vantage point to witness this nightly masterpiece.
Rock Harbor provides a picturesque backdrop for both daytime explorations and mesmerizing sunsets. As you wander along the shores of Rock Harbor, you'll encounter a unique and whimsical sight – the clam trees. These art installations, crafted from weathered lobster buoys and adorned with colorful clam shells, stand as a testament to the creativity and sense of community in the area. Each tree is a unique masterpiece, reflecting the artistic spirit of Cape Cod residents and visitors alike.
Mayflower Beach is renowned for its vast stretch of soft, powdery sand. At low tide, Mayflower Beach transforms into a natural playground with its intricate tidal pools and sandbars. These shallow waters create a safe and captivating environment for families. Mayflower Beach is also a treasure trove for shell enthusiasts and beachcombers and offers designated picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a seaside feast.
Go for the outdoor adventures Cape Cod has to offer
Cape Cod is also a paradise for nature enthousiasts. Hike through lush nature reserves or bike along scenic trails. Embark on a whale watching excursion or rent a boat and go fishing!
Visit the lighthouses and learn about maritime history
Immerse yourself in Cape Cod's rich maritime history by visiting iconic lighthouses that stand as sentinels along the coastline. From Highland Light to Chatham Lighthouse, these beacons not only guide sailors but also offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Nauset Lighthouse, located in Eastham, captivates with its striking architecture. The red and white horizontal stripes, a distinctive feature of the tower, create a visual masterpiece against the backdrop of the azure sky and the Atlantic Ocean.
Indulge in the culinary delights Cape Cod has to offer
Savor the flavors of Cape Cod with its diverse culinary scene. Indulge in fresh seafood caught from the local waters, dine at charming waterfront restaurants, and explore farmers' markets for a taste of the region's farm-to-table goodness.
Some our favourite restaurants:
The Marshside:
This family friendly restaurant, located in East Dennis and overlooking the scenic Sesuit creek, offers a casual dining experience. Here you will find the freshest seafood, meats and salads. I adored especially their Lavender Gin cocktail and the clam showder.
Especially for outside dining, Ocean Terrace offers a refined experience against the stunning backdrop of Cape Cod Bay. Ocean Terrace has a hip vibe—an upscale but casual atmosphere with high energy and creative food and cocktails.
This restaurant, that's is one of the few open all year long, offers an unforgettable ocean front dining experience. You will find many local people there coming for dinner as The Rooftop has become a community treasure. the menu is small and includes local oysters, burgers and entrees that include seafood, vegetarian and meat dishes. Also a great place to go for celebrating a special occasion.
1620 Brewhouse, Provincetown:
Right next to Commercial street this local pub offers a wide range of specials for food, beer and wine. The products come from local farms and are freshly made into delicious dishes.
This five star luxury resort, dating back to 1914 offers farm-to-table dinners, where you can enjoy the local food either outside or in the Greenhouse. But you can also go to the Bayview Terrace (for a light fare menu featuring lobster ceviche, tuna tostadas and more), The Veranda (Mediterranean dishes with a Cape Cod flair), the Beach House Grill (for classic seaside favorites featuring clambake classics as well as clam chowder & lobster rolls) or Sacred Cod for a unique dining experience.
Take the boat to Nantucket Island (or Martha's Vineyard)
Although there's a lot to see on Cape Cod, we took a daytrip to Nantucket Island.This New England gem, steeped in maritime history, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. When arriving by boat the iconic beacon of Brant Point Lighthouse, welcomes you to the island. Dating back to 1746, it's the second-oldest lighthouse in the United States. Upon arriving on the island take a stroll through Nantucket's Historic District, where cobblestone streets wind past beautifully preserved homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. The architecture, characterized by classic New England style, transports you back in time, creating a charming atmosphere. You can choose to go visit the whale museum, open daily from 10am till 4pm except on Sundays. We rented a bike and made a tour around the island, first arriving in Siasconset Village.
Luchidea: Go for a delicious sandwich there at Claudette's Sandwich Shop.
After lunch we went to Sconset Beach, only a few minutes away and biked back to the maintown via Polpis Road. (look at the map below)
Book a unique stay in a typical Cape Cod villa
We had the pleasure to be hosted at this beautiful villa, that just opened up for the first time this summer season. This beautiful home has 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and can accommodate 11 guests. The house features comfortable gathering spots inside and out with special features such as a master bath, a jacuzzi, an outdoor shower, and a large kitchen, equipped with two ovens and two refrigerators. The open floor plan living space, large deck, and grassy front lawn, provide ample room for relaxation, conversation, and the creation of your own fond vacation memories! Fore more information or bookings, click here.
As we conclude our journey through Cape Cod's hidden gems, we hope you've been captivated by the region's timeless charm and unique allure. Whether you seek relaxation by the shore, thrilling outdoor adventures, or a taste of coastal culture, Cape Cod invites you to embrace its magic and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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What a beautiful region to visit!
You had me at the words a Wander down Commercial street, a wander anywhere on Cape Cod looks amazing, this is such a useful guide and your villa stay looked awesome!