A Cape Cod vacation is something that the whole world dreams about. Aren’t you lucky to be in the planning stages of yours? Offering history, fun, and dreamy beaches, there are always unique things to do on Cape Cod, even if you take the beaches out of the equation. Today, we at Pretty Picky Properties want to take you beyond the beach with this guide to the best things to do during your stay!
More to Explore on Cape Cod Beyond the Beach
Cape Cod’s beaches are world-renowned, and we hope that you find some time in your schedule to plan a beach day, but of course, there are many more activities on Cape Cod to explore. From outdoor adventures to historic sites, landmarks, and exciting restaurants, all you need to do to make your vacation dreams come true is follow the tips we provide below.
Why Cape Cod Offers Year-Round Experiences Outside of Summer
First, let’s talk seasons. There is something wonderful to do in each one. Winter visitors can expect a winter wonderland, especially when sitting by a fire and sipping hot cocoa. Spring travelers will fall in love with the beauty of hydrangeas in full bloom. In the fall, a fiery landscape awaits each visitor, encouraging travelers to take family pictures in front of the scarlet oaks. Of course, there are more things to do on Cape Cod in the summer months, but we’re pretty sure you already have an idea as to what you would like to do at that time!
Must-Visit Museums Showcasing Cape Cod Art, Maritime, and Local History
Although children aren’t always the biggest fans of museums, the ones on Cape Cod shine brighter, fascinating travelers of all ages. The museums listed below offer some of the more unique things to do on Cape Cod and should definitely be on your must-visit list when staying in our Cape Cod family-friendly rentals.
Cape Cod Museum of Art
Offering gardens of statues, walls lined with the works of artists from all over the world, and art classes of all types, this wonderful museum promises to be your favorite. The first Thursday of the month is Artful Thursdays, when the museum stays open until 7 and is free from 4 PM to closing.
- Address: 60 Hope Lane, Dennis, MA 02638
- Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday-Saturday
- 12 PM to 4 PM Sunday
- Pricing: Adults $15, Seniors 62+ $12, 21 and younger are free
- Upcoming Exhibitions
Whydah Pirate Museum
The art museum is still a bit much for younger children, but we can assure you that no one will be able to resist the charms of the Whydah Pirate Museum. Featuring real pirates’ treasure and a peek into our maritime history, this is one museum you won’t want to skip, no matter how old you are.
- Address: 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673
- Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Wednesday-Sunday
- Pricing: Adults $24.84, Seniors (65+) $21.60, Children (5-15) $16.20, Free 4 & Under
- Whydah Galley History
Historic Sites and Landmarks That Tell the Story of the Cape
The Cape’s story has been intertwined with our nation’s since before its birth. Because of this, some of the most popular activities on Cape Cod involve visiting the many historic sites and landmarks listed below.
Hoxie House in Sandwich is one of Cape Cod’s oldest homes. Built in the 17th century, it offers a sensational peek into colonial times and the birth of our nation.
- Address: 18 Water St, Sandwich, MA 02563
- Hours: 11 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Saturday
- 1 PM to 4:30 PM Sunday
- Website
Captain’s Mile on Old King’s Highway (Route 6A) is a stretch of road known for its sea captains’ homes. Located in Yarmouth Port, the history of these beautiful homes will intrigue you.
The John F. Kennedy Memorial in Hyannis honors the memory of our favorite President and former resident.
- Address: 480 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Popular Cape Cod Towns Known for Shops, Galleries, and Harbors
When you first pictured a week-long Cape Cod vacation, you probably imagined idyllic small towns with historic buildings serving new purposes, waterfront restaurants, and charming shops filled with treasures. The good news is that your imaginings are going to be reality, and towns like Brewster, Sandwich, and Chatham offer all the proof you need. Provincetown, known for its shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as its beautiful harbor, is another popular town in which you will find a long list of unique things to do on Cape Cod.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Classic Cape Cod Dining Experiences
When it comes to vacation fun, dining out may just be one of your favorite things to do on Cape Cod. The restaurants listed below are some of the area’s top options.
Sesuit Harbor Café
Sesuit Harbor Café offers inexpensive seasonal dining experiences on the water. Their lobster rolls are a must-try for travelers!
- Address: 357 Sesuit Neck Road, Dennis, MA 02638
- Hours: 11:30 AM to 7 PM Monday-Friday
- 7 AM to 7 PM Saturday-Sunday
- Website
The Pheasant
The Pheasant offers a unique dining experience that you may not expect from Cape Cod. Based out of a 200-year-old farmhouse, its French-influenced meals are elegant and innovative, and locally sourced whenever possible.
- Address: 905 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638
- Hours: Dinner 4 PM-Close Wednesday-Monday
Opens for Summer 2026 in June
Indoor Attractions for Quiet Afternoons or Bad Weather Days
Rainy days aren’t something to dread on Cape Cod; they are just nature’s way of telling you to slow down, savor the moment, and explore these fun activities on Cape Cod!
Cape Cod Central Railroad
It’s all aboard for adventure, fun, and a fantastic meal when you take a scenic excursion of the Cape aboard trains that were built between 1917 and 1990. Open much of the year, their Polar Express train ride is a magical experience your kiddos will love.
- Address: 252 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601
- Pricing: $20 to $122, depending on the excursion
- Excursions
The Lighthouses of Cape Cod
There are approximately 14 lighthouses on Cape Cod, but not all of them are open to the public, making the ones listed below an exciting thing to do on Cape Cod.
- Chatham Light – Open again for tours starting June 24, 2026. Tours are available on Wednesdays in June, July, and August.
- Address: 37 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: 1 PM to 3 PM Wednesdays
- Website
- Nauset Light – Open May through October. Tours are free.
- Address: 120 Nauset Light Beach Rd, Eastham, MA 02642
- Hours: Varies by date
- Website
Family-Friendly Activities and Easy Group Outings
Family vacations are the most important vacations of all, and this list of family-friendly activities on Cape Cod will make magical memories.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 27-mile-long bike trail that leads bikers through six different Cape Cod towns. Everyone knows that the family (or large group) that bikes together have the best vacations!
- Length: 27.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 662 feet
- Trail Map
The Cape Cod Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits that kids will love, while parents will enjoy watching them play and learn.
- Address: 577 Great Neck Rd S, Mashpee, MA 02649
- Hours: 9 AM to 1 PM Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- 9 AM to 3 PM Wednesday & Saturday
- Admission: $15 per person
- Plan Your Visit
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises offers one of the more unique things to do on Cape Cod. Whale-watching season is April through November.
- Address: 269 Millway, Barnstable, MA 02630
- Phone: (508) 362-6088
- Tour Calendar
Seasonal Events and Special Experiences on Cape Cod
Every season offers a new way to have fun, and these special events are among our favorite things to do on Cape Cod.
- The Cape Cod Baseball League is an American tradition, offering a summer filled with future MLB superstars.
- The Harwich Cranberry Festival adds a tartness to your fall visit to Cape Cod. Taking place in September and paying homage to the colorful fruit that is harvested in Harwich, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.
- Chatham Christmas by the Sea will make visitors feel as if they are living in a real-life snow globe.
Book Cape Cod Vacation Rentals Close to Attractions, Dining, and Events
Your Massachusetts vacation is going to be wonderful, and as you engage in any or all of the fun activities on Cape Cod, you won’t have far to go to reach your home sweet vacation home. Pretty Picky Properties is located everywhere you want to be on Cape Cod, so contact us to reserve your favorite today!
