Located on a 120-kilometre-long peninsula in southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod is one of the most beloved summer vacation spots in the United States, home to dozens of beaches, historic fishing villages, and some of the best fried clam shacks on the East Coast. More than 800 kilometres of coastline provide plenty of smooth white sand for sunbathing and beachcombing, while the calm waters of Cape Cod Bay and the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean lend themselves to all manner of waterborne activity, be it swimming, snorkelling, or sailing off to the nearby islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

But The Cape (as it’s known regionally) is more than just sand and surf. There are art galleries, small-town museums, scrappy theatre companies, and so much postcard-worthy architecture to admire, including one of the highest concentrations of lighthouses in the world, each one a portal into Cape Cod’s past. And if you’re looking for something to wash it all down with, settle into a cup of New England Clam Chowder, a local specialty that will make your mouth water.

The weather in Cape Cod differs from that of the Massachusetts mainland — the ocean breeze allows the peninsula to stay cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. Warm, pleasant summer temperatures make it a popular time to stay in a vacation rental in Cape Cod. In addition to the many beach-related activities, April through October is whale watching season. Mid-May also brings a popular wine and food festival on nearby Nantucket Island. A 10-day film event in June features documentaries, animated films, and narrative works. While winter in Cape Cod will feel more private and peaceful, the temperatures are too cold to enjoy many beach activities. Some businesses and shops even close during the winter months.

Nantucket Island

Located approximately 48 kilometres off Cape Cod’s southern coast, Nantucket can be reached by ferries leaving Cape Cod all year long. While the main parts of the island are easily walkable, bicycles and mopeds are popular modes of exploring, with rentals available at several shops. In addition to the beaches and trails, you can check out several museums, including the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, showcasing a collection of marine artifacts, or the Hinchman House Natural History Museum, which aims to educate visitors on the local flora and fauna.

Heritage Museum and Gardens

The Heritage Museum and Gardens in Historic Sandwich covers 100 acres with colourful, groomed gardens, lush lawns, trees, hiking trails, and indoor and outdoor exhibits. The museum showcases more than 18,000 artifacts from a past life on Cape Cod and surrounding islands — including toys, games, and a collection of automobiles from the late 19th century onward.

Cape Cod National Seashore

Designated a national park in 1961, the Cape Cod National Seashore features a nearly 65-kilometre stretch of coast that includes some of The Cape’s best beaches for swimming — including Coast Guard, Marconi, Head of the Meadow, Race Point, Herring, and Nauset Light. The park also features 11 hiking and three biking trails, covering miles of open fields, marshes, pine forests, sandy dunes, and cranberry bogs.