Vacations are a much needed break from the chaos and hassle of real life, but they aren’t always extended getaways. Sometimes travelers can only manage to get away for a few days at a time, and although it is always better to spend more time on Cape Cod than less, we at Pretty Picky Properties can assure you that three days is plenty of time to experience a glimpse into much of what makes our island home the most popular vacation destination in the nation. This Cape Cod travel guide to the adventures you can enjoy during your three days in paradise will ensure that there won’t be a wasted minute and that the memories you make will last a lifetime. Read on for the best Cape Cod vacation ideas.
3-Day Cape Cod Travel Guide
Day 1: Exploring Sandwich
Sandwich is known for being the oldest settlement on Cape Cod, having been established over 100 years before our nation became an independent one, and a history getaway here will bring you joy.
- The Dunbar House, One Water Street – The land on which the Dunbar House sits has been the site of family homes and tea houses since the 1650s. Today’s incarnation is a tea and wine spot, and its history speaks loudly to all who step inside. Their Afternoon Tea harkens back to the days when English settlers enjoyed high tea every day of the year and provides a menu that resembles those of early days. Their Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two is an adventure we recommend for every couple who visits Sandwich.
- The Hoxie House, 18 Water Street – A stay in the oldest town on Cape Cod deserves a visit to the oldest house, and the Hoxie House has earned that honor. Built in 1675, it was continually inhabited until the late 1950s, and until the early 1950s, the people who lived under its roof did so without electricity or running water. Today, visitors can explore the interior with a guided tour, available from mid-June to mid-October.
Day 2: A Tour of Light
Perhaps the most famous landmarks on Cape Cod are the iconic lighthouses that have guided sailors away from certain danger, making a tour of the lighthouses a beautiful option for your second day on the Cape.
- Nauset Lighthouse, 120 Nauset Light Beach Road in Eastham – The most photographed lighthouse on Cape Cod, Nauset Lighthouse, was constructed in 1838. It has been fully restored and offers tours on Wednesdays and Sundays in the summer months. If it appears familiar to you, it is because it is the lighthouse pictured on every bag of Cape Cod Chips.
- Chatham Lighthouse, 37 Main Street in Chatham – Still working 24 hours a day, the Chatham Lighthouse has been in operation since the 1800s. It isn’t the tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod, standing just 48 feet tall and needing only 44 steps to reach the top. Chatham Light is open for tours in the summer months every Wednesday in July and August and every other Wednesday in September.
- Three Sisters Lighthouses, Cable Road in Eastham – The Three Sisters haven’t always stood where they will be when you explore their charms. Called the Three Sisters because they resembled women wearing white dresses and black bonnets, they were built to be moveable because of the ever-changing landscape of Cape Cod, and in the 1920s, two were moved to their current location, with the third joining the party over 50 years later.
Day 3: All the Comforts of Home
Everyone deserves a break once in a while, and although you are only on Cape Cod for three short days, we encourage you to take at least one day to stay home and explore the comforts of our Cape Cod retreats. The lists of amenities offered could be longer than the number of days you are staying, and we have listed a few of them below, hopefully helping you narrow down your choices of where to stay.
- Swimming Pools in Some – Nothing beats a pool party on a warm summer day, and more than a few of our properties offer private ones in their large backyards. Lounge on comfy chairs perched poolside, soaking in the sun, sipping margaritas, and relaxing like you can’t at home.
- Soaking Tubs in Others – After a long day of Cape Cod adventures, slipping into scented waters in our deep soaking tubs will ensure that aching muscles will be soothed and tired souls will be revived.
- Outdoor Firepits in Many – Even on the warmest days of summer, nights on Cape Cod can be chilly, and relaxing in front of a roaring fire can provide the ultimate in luxuries. Adding romance and warmth to your stay, some fireplaces will be gas, others will be wood burning, but all will be found in the large backyards under the stars.
Reserve Your Favorite Escape Today
Whether you are staying for three days or a month, every minute in our vacation rentals on Cape Cod will offer comfortable and relaxing adventures. Contact us to book you stay today!