Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is one of the most iconic towns in the United States. Whether you are pairing a visit to Cape Cod with a Boston trip or choosing to visit the town on its own, your visit will be sure to be fun-filled.
The Seaside
No visit to Cape Cod is complete without a visit to the seaside. Cape Cod offers more than 550 miles of coastline filled with beautiful, peaceful beaches. Cape Cod National Seashore was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. This 40-mile long area has some of the best beaches in Massachusetts. The Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge allows visitors to visit the beach in a unique way. Migratory seabirds nest here and grey seals populate the harbor. You can choose to take a guided tour or explore the area on your own.
If you wish to enjoy the landscape, consider exploring the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This 22-mile long trail is perfect for bikers and horseback riders. While you won’t be playing in the sand, you will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking scenery of the cape.
Historical Sites
With pilgrims first visiting in 1620, the area has no shortage of history. Thankfully, many structures are still in place to allow you to step back in time while visiting Cape Cod. Pilgrim Monument was designed after the Torre del Mangia in Italy. This 252-foot tall tower pays tribute to the Mayflower’s first landing in America. Once you climb to the top, you will be able to enjoy one of the best views of the area. Visit the Heritage Museums & Gardens where you can find the Josiah K. Lilly III Antique Automobile Collection, the collection of American folk art, and the vintage carousel. You can also spend time wandering through the many acres of beautiful garden. The Sandwich Glass Museum allows you to explore the history of glass blowing. Finally, theater lovers must visit the Cape Playhouse. Visit their website to see what shows they have during any given season.
Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is an island to the south of Cape Cod, making it a popular vacation destination. Here you can enjoy nature, the beaches, quaint villages, and many fun activities for people of all ages. One nice thing about the island is you don’t need to worry about having a car. You can easily walk wherever you wish to go. This will not only save you money, but it will also allow you to enjoy the beauty of the island to its fullest.
With all the attractions on the island, it is easy to understand why so many people visit every year. One popular attraction is the Aquinnah Cliffs. These cliffs are millions of years old. You can take several trails that overlook the ocean. One of the most visited lighthouses on the island is Edgartown Lighthouse. Once you climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase you can enjoy a captivating view of the harbor. Animal lovers will want to stop by Island Alpaca Company of Martha’s Vineyard. This farm is home to 72 alpacas and one llama that you can visit. It is a great place to visit for families with children. Chappaquiddick is perfect for those who wish to spend time by the sea. On this tiny island, you can enjoy the shore, explore a Japanese garden, and visit the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge. Another great attraction for families is the Flying Horses Carousel, which was built in 1876. This beautiful carousel has hand-painted horses making it not only a fun activity to partake in, but a beautiful work of art as well.
Planning Your Trip
You’ll want to stay connected with your travel party as much as possible. If half of your group wants to go to the beach and the other half wants to visit a museum, you’ll need to be able to communicate when you’re ready to meet back up. If you experience phone problems, don’t stress. You’ll find plenty of AT&T stores in Massachusetts where you can get the assistance you need.
If you choose not to rent a car while in Cape Cod, you’ll still find plenty of options for getting around. Several rail lines offer transportation between Boston and Cape Cod as well as scenic tours of the area. Bus services can also help you get wherever you wish to go.
The Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard area has no shortage of activities. No matter what you choose to do, you will be sure to make unforgettable memories in this beautiful part of the country.
