Celebrate the Luck of the Irish on Cape Cod! You came to Cape Cod fun, a four-seasons climate anticipating spring and summer, and a wide and varied array of activities only available on Cape Cod – many dressed in the green of Irish spirit. There are a variety of things to do and places to see to make your fall retreat to enjoy a Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day one to remember for a lifetime!
First Encounter Beach
The Eastham beach is reportedly the site of the Pilgrims’ first encounter with the Nauset Native Americans upon arriving in the New World. They arrived in the spot after leaving Provincetown and before arriving in Plymouth. The mostly calm waters of the area make it the perfect beach for families with young children. You can make use of the bathhouse and other facilities, but you likely won’t be changing for any swimming or sunbathing activities.
Whether you’re brave enough to dip your feet in the water or stay out long in the still-chilly New England air, the spot is a can’t-miss for your Cape Cod adventure. There is handicap parking, boardwalk access to the sand, and more. Daily parking fee is $15 on weekdays and $18 on weekends.
Sightseeing Tours
New England and Cape Cod are full of history. Get in your rental car and plot your own course or book a sightseeing tour and let someone else do the driving. There are a variety of companies in the towns of Cape Cod that offer guided tours of the area, hitting all the hot spots. Knowledgeable guides will take you to all the places you want to go and fill you in on local history and events. You can even select a specialty tour that includes food or wine tastings, sunset tours, or even night tours that offer a different perspective than any daytime tour can offer.
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
The museum is devoted to the life and legacy of America’s 35th president, JFK. It includes exhibits like a remembrance of the fateful day in 1963 when President Kennedy was shot, the presidential summer home, and personal belongings like his rocking chair – known as a Kennedy Rocker – on loan during the renovation of The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria. Contact the museum before you make plans. Tentative hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. but may change.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
The over 25-miles of paved paths offer challenges for serious bikers as well as more tame routes for adventure-seeking families this St. Patrick’s Day. The trail stretches through seven Cape towns: Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet. The trail gets its name from its location: it sits atop a former railroad line. The trail cuts through national parks, past dazzling bodies of water, and a unique variety of ecosystems.
You’ll find many people biking the path, but there are also visitors walking, jogging, running, rollerblading, horseback riding, and even Nordic skiing in the winter! The trail is open daily from dawn to dusk, and there are eight different entry points along the trail, each with a convenient parking area. Keep in mind there is still the potential for snow this time of year.
Deep Sea Fishing
The activity has no seasonal limitations. Heading out to the depths of the Atlantic can be a thrilling way to catch your next big fish story this St. Patrick’s Day. Headboats, or “party boats,” offer a variety of trips, from short, fun trips where you can catch your next meal to longer trips like full day or overnight fishing treks. Make sure to secure the proper Massachusetts fishing license before departure.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Much of the seashore is accessed by the town of Wellfleet, with over half of the designated land is there! The CCNS was created in August of 1961 by 35th President John F. Kennedy and includes ponds, woods, and beachfront along the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion. The CCNS is nearly 40 miles of seashore along the Atlantic-facing eastern shore of the Cape Cod region, and includes Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, and Chatham.
Truro Vineyards
The adults-only activity is available year-round, including St. Patrick’s Day. Wine tastings are offered by the glass daily. There is also a pavilion with walk-up bar. Grapes are grown right on the five-acre vineyard and include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Choose from a variety of reds and whites or try something from the “Lighthouse Wine Series” or “Limited Release Wines.”
The vineyard also offers a selection of spirits, including whiskey, gin, rum, and Amaro. Hours vary throughout the year. Typical hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Cape Cod
When planning your Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day retreat, make sure your choose a home base provided by Pretty Picky Properties. Choose from two-bedroom units for you and your small family or group all the way up to a ten-bedroom mansion to house all your loved ones for a celebration of Irish heritage. Prepare a delicious home-cooked meals like a St. Paddy’s Day feast in the fully equipped kitchen. Lounge inside in beautiful living spaces or enjoy the view from the private balcony or patio or spend some time near the pool at select rentals.
Browse a variety of vacation rentals in Cape Cod, including charming Chatham vacation rentals, delightful Harwich Port vacation rentals, scenic Orleans vacation rentals, and cozy Barnstable vacation rentals.