The classic summer colony of New England is Cape Cod. This peculiarly formed peninsula has a long history of serving as a summer hideaway for the wealthy. Of course, it's famous for a reason.
Along with its charming scenery, environmental preserves, fantastic family-friendly beaches, historic structures, and seafood, Cape Cod also has a distinct place in American history. The Pilgrim Fathers initially arrived on Cape Cod, where they founded Plymouth, the first authentically English settlement in New England. This makes Cape Cod's storied history, which dates back to the early 17th century, one of the region's most alluring features, particularly for anyone interested in learning about American history.
The history of Cape Cod is extensive, extending from Provincetown in the north to Nantucket Island in the south, but it isn't entirely about history. Many of Cape Cod's southern beaches are popular with windsurfers and swimmers, so there are opportunities to try your hand at a variety of watersports. Some of the best marine sports you may engage in here include sailing and surfing.
The chances to see birds in secluded island sanctuaries, see seals up close, or even witness elusive whales on their lengthy migrations will delight nature lovers. In this breathtaking region of the world, hiking along coastal routes, across marshes and rivers, or further inland through pine forests, is a wonderful way to pass the time.
In Cape Cod, lodging is simple. Because of how well-liked this location is during the summer, you'll find lodging along the main roads cutting through the peninsula, independent cottages along the coast, and even upscale resorts. You may thank the road system, historic railroads, and extensive ferry services for how simple it is to get around.
1. Provincetown: Provincetown, or P-town as it is frequently referred as, is unquestionably a cool spot to visit as it is located on the northernmost tip of Cape Cod itself. Due to the numerous beaches, such as Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach, this area is not only ideal for summertime beach fun. It is also a well-liked vacation spot for LGBTQ visitors.
The most well-known aspect of Provincetown is its rich past. In particular, the Mayflower's arrival in 1620 carrying the so-called Pilgrim Fathers was at this location. The Pilgrim Monument commemorates this, and the Provincetown Museum provides information on the Mayflower for visitors.
Accommodations in Provincetown:
- Carpe Diem Guesthouse - Sorry, families, but Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa is a stylish hotel with an exclusive, adult-only guest policy. The spa here is a combination of Finnish saunas and Turkish hamams, reflecting the 5-star quality of this hotel and making it the ideal spot to unwind. The home's polished wooden floors, vaulted ceilings, and antique furnishings give it a warm, homely feel while still maintaining its stylish, affluent appearance. This lovely lodging is a short half-mile walk from the beach and near to the harbour.
- Cape Colony Inn - This 4-star property offers a cheap place to stay surrounded by lovely countryside with straightforward but comfortable rooms decorated in seascape tones. You will be three miles from the National Seashore beach if you stay at Cape Colony Inn. On the other side, there are lots of places to eat and drink close by, in addition to the revered Pilgrim Monument. Since the hotel is set on seven acres of land, you may enjoy sunny days by strolling through the grounds or enjoying the outdoor pool.
- Beaconlight Guest House, provides plenty of character for you to relax and escape into a slower pace of life. It includes beautifully kept gardens and antique furnishings for a traditional style. There is also a guest lounge with a baby grand piano and a sunny outside decking area with plenty of sun loungers. For a cosy atmosphere, rooms are decorated in warm yellow tones and include high ceilings and contemporary ensuite bathrooms. The charming pier, a daring pirate museum, and a tonne of neighbourhood restaurants are all close by.
2. Falmouth: Falmouth is a coastal town that has been inhabited since 1660, but it isn't just because of its rich history that makes it a popular tourist destination today. Falmouth is home to beaches, tree-lined stretches of coast, and picture-perfect seaside towns, as well as all the stunning New England seascapes one could want. Even if there aren't many hotels, there are still a good number of places to stay, from locally owned B&Bs to inns with Victorian-era furnishings.
Visitors can either visit one of the many beaches in Falmouth to unwind by the water, or they can take a ferry from Woods Hole, the southernmost settlement, to the well-known island of Martha's Vineyard. Consider Falmouth Beach or Wood Neck Beach, both of which have excellent white sand. Route 28 departs from Route 6 and leads to Falmouth, the southernmost town on Cape Cod.
Accommodations in Falmouth
- Hotel Coonamessett - The Coonamessett Inn is a charming little historic hotel with tastefully designed rooms that feature vibrant colours, black-and-white paintings, antique trunks as bedside tables, fresh flowers, decorative wallpaper, and large beds. This four-star hotel's restrooms are contemporary and light. A pleasant grassy garden and seating pavilion can be found on the hotel's grounds. There is a communal room with an open fire within the hotel, as well as a restaurant there. Both Surf Drive beach and the boat to Martha's Vineyard are only five minutes away from this location.
- Falmouth Heights Motor Lodge is a clapboard beach house-style hotel with spacious verandas that is conveniently close to the Island Queen ferry to Martha's Vineyard. With all the beachfront routes around, this neighbourhood is great for cycling, but there are also large gardens here, complete with, of course, a sizable outdoor pool and BBQ amenities. Large mattresses with delicate mauve accents and smooth cream carpeting can be found in each of the Falmouth Heights Motor Lodge's guest rooms. A small kitchenette is an option in some rooms for added convenience.
3. Eastham: Eastham, which lies on the short isthmus separating Provincetown, Massachusetts, on the north, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on the south, contains a variety of motels close to Route 6. Visitors can find reasonably priced inns scattered across the town to meet their lodging needs; some are housed in historic structures as well. For those taking a road trip, there are also a few RV campgrounds with all the amenities.
Of course, spending time outdoors is the norm in Eastham. The Red Maple Swamp Trail is one of the hiking paths that wind through the coastal scenery in the Fort Hill region. Additionally, there is a sizable swath of sand to enjoy at Nauset Light Beach, which bears the name of the famed lighthouse from the 19th century that is situated there.
Accommodations in Eastham
- Eagle Wing Inn, is a locally owned and operated hotel with a lot of character. When visiting this area, one can expect to stay in a New England-style home with wood floors, patterned carpets, shuttered windows, tall ceilings, and sea-related artwork. The rooms are modern and offer lots of space for spreading out. On-site amenities include a library, an outdoor pool, and a continental breakfast that is offered every morning. The Nauset Lighthouse is close by this quaint lodging option, and you can walk to Coast Guard Beach, as well as to other stores and eateries.
4. Hyannis: The most connected town on Cape Cod is likely Hyannis. There is a train station as well as an airport close by, making it the ideal location to stay for convenience. From Hyannis to Cape Cod Canal, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers historical train trips that include culinary services and spectacular views. These trips are obviously most popular in the summer.
Additional ease: Hyannis is also the location of the ferry port that connects with Nantucket. Hyannis is the biggest town and commercial centre on Cape Cod in addition to being a transit hub.
Hyannis offers a variety of lodging options, including hostels, short-term B&Bs, inns, and hotels housed in historic structures. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is located in a local landmark and offers tourists information on the late US president and his frequent visits to this area.
Accommodations in Hyannis
- Cape Codder Resort & Spa, is close to a mall and a market for some fantastic shopping choices. It is also only a short drive from Kalmus Beach and a sizable neighbouring golf course. This hotel offers a variety of rooms, from singles to family suites, each having a wide hardwood bed, a jacuzzi, an open fireplace, and a balcony. This enjoyable, family-friendly resort even has its very own little waterpark, so the kids can enjoy the slides and wave machine for hours. There is also a standard outside pool, so don't be concerned.
- The Hyannis Travel Inn, is located just on Main Street, only steps away from Hyannis Harbour, so there are plenty of things to do nearby. However, you won't always need to leave the hotel; it offers two pools (one indoor and one outdoor), a Jacuzzi, and even its own coffee shop. All of the Hyannis Travel Inn's rooms have huge windows, dark wood furniture, and compact ensuite bathrooms. This is a wonderful choice if you're arriving by train due to its close proximity to the station.
5. Dennis Port: Anyone seeking for a fun day at the beach should head to Dennis Port, which is well-known for its lengthy series of beaches, including Sea Street Beach, Depot Street Beach, and Raycroft Beach. These beaches' kid-friendly, warm, calm seas are excellent for swimming and windsurfing, both of which are very popular during the summer here.
In Dennis Port, there are numerous beach houses, cottages, motels, and guesthouses, many of which are only available during the summer.
Head north over Route 28 to Swan Pond for a new kind of aquatic adventure. Here, you may rent a kayak, paddleboat, or even a paddle board and get away for an hour or two of fun or leisurely floating. You can even get to Nantucket Sound, which has sandbars and tidal flats, on your own.
Accommodations in Dennis Port:
- Bluegreen Travel Soundings - You won't want to leave the luxurious accommodations at this hotel, which focuses entirely on high-end comfort. Choose from a range of contemporary, chic suites, each with a separate interior and outdoor seating space. Some even offer breathtaking ocean views. Of course, you could order room service and have dinner at home. While there is an outdoor pool elsewhere, you could easily walk the 365 feet to the hotel's private beach in no time at all.
- An English Garden, a charming lodging option in New England style that is as charming as the name implies, will enchant you from the moment you arrive with its flower gardens and blue shuttered windows. Traditional furnishings like floral textiles, high ceilings, plush couches, and quilted beds may be seen in the rooms. The hotel restaurant is likewise cosy, and the guest lounge, which has a grandfather clock, adds to the cosy atmosphere. It is only a two-minute walk from here to the beach in terms of location.