Rob & I usually take a trip to the Cape at least once a summer. The Cape’s laid back vibe makes it an ideal place to unwind and since it’s only a few hours from Connecticut, it has become a yearly summer staple for us. Every summer, I crave a fresh lobster roll and that salty air. Depending on where you go in the Cape, there’s a variety of different things to do. The beaches, fresh seafood, adorable boutiques, quaint towns….there’s just so much I love! The Cape’s hooked shape peninsula extends 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean with miles and miles of shoreline. When we visit, we enjoy taking day trips to various towns. Each town has its own unique personality – some more casual and coastal than others. Given the size of the Cape, it’s easy to get lost with what to do and where to visit.
(1) Visit Chatham
Chatham is by far one of the prettiest Cape towns. It has its own beautiful beaches, lighthouse, and an idyllic Main Street lined with boutique shops. One of my favorite shops is Mahi Gold, with its bright patterned nautical dresses. On our most recent trip, we spent the day walking around town and browsing the shops. We had lunch at The Beach House at the Chatham Bars Inn & Spa – a luxury resort on the water with a private beach, in-ground pool, and a location that can’t be beat. This place is dreamy! and it’s such an easy walk from downtown Main Street to the resort. We sat overlooking the beach nommin’ on tuna tartar and sipping Rosé Sangria (both phenomenal!). Elle got to play on the oversized loungers and crawl in the sand. There were so many kids running around – we felt right at home!
(2) Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 22-mile trail that runs right through the Cape covering multiple towns like Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster and Wellfleet. Rent bikes and tour the Cape on this scenic path. There are so many places to stop on the way – state parks, beaches, seafood shacks. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset and you can get on and off at different points. We checked out the Rail Trail Guide to get all the details on the options for where to hop on.
On this trip, we took Elle for a 6 mile walk along the trail. We got our exercise in and Elle got to nap – it was a win-win!
(3) Take a ferry to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard
Off the coast of Cape Cod are two incredible islands – Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The ferry runs from Hyannis and the ride is about an hour for each. I visited Nantucket for the first time this summer and I really couldn’t get enough! The island has the prettiest cobble stone streets, charming boutiques, and all the positive sea vibes one could ask for. For what to do on Nantucket, check out my Day Trip Guide here.
(4) Watch the Sunset at The Beachcomber (Wellfleet)
This is Rob’s all-time favorite spot! The Beachcomber is located in Wellfleet, MA on the Cahoon Hollow Beach and is open in June through the summer from 11:30 am – 1:00 am. The restaurant has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and delicious seafood. Stop in for a drink, grab an appetizer, and watch the sunset. This place is like vacation in a glass!
(5) Grab a Drink in Provincetown
The last time I went to Provincetown was for my Bachelorette weekend with my besties! There was so much fun had that weekend that I have only fond memories of good ole’ Ptown! Provincetown really does have a little bit of everything – beaches, shops, great restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Every night we took a peddle car back to our hotel and ran around on the beach. At night we could walk for a mile out in the water since it was low tide. It was unreal! (Picture – Kristin McNulty)\
