What to Do on a Cape Cod Vacation

The best thing about Cape Cod is that it has something to do for every kind of traveler. We just returned from a magical week in beautiful Eastham, Cape Cod with all of our family. From the beaches to the restaurants to the quaint towns, we relaxed, ate, and explored our hearts out.

The first Monday after a vacation is always chaotic with mile long to do lists and suitcases to unpack. We have a busy week ahead of us getting back into our routine only to have to begin a new schedule in two weeks when Annabelle starts school.

If you’re looking for a unique vacation spot with something for everyone to do, Cape Cod is the perfect place for everyone. There’s mini golf, bars, countless beaches, biking, wineries, nature walking, whale watching, shopping, and more. My family loves to do the same things every time we visit Cape Cod – but we stay in the Outer Cape and linger around Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. If you find yourself in the Outer Cape, here are our favorite things to do on a Cape Cod vacation.

Cape Cod Beaches – Ocean, Bay and Sound

We choose a different Cape Cod beach to visit daily based on the weather forecast and everyone’s attitude. The ocean side of the Cape has many National Seashore beaches, such as Marconi, Coast Guard, and Cahoon Hollow (where my husband proposed!). They are all unique in their own ways – such as Cahoon Hollow with the extra steep sand dunes and The Beachcomber bar and restaurant.

If we are in the mood for sand castle building and exploring the sand bars during low tide, we stick to the bayside beaches. Cooks Brook Beach is on the small side with the most incredible sunset views. During low tide you can walk what seems like miles looking for clams, crabs, and pretty shells.

First Encounter Beach has calm warm water, scenic views of seagrass, and a historical namesake. It is the site of the first encounter between Native Americans and the Pilgrims prior to their settling in Plymouth.

Where to Eat

When we visit Cape Cod we like to cook at home for the most part – except for the occasional breakfast, lunch, or dinner date out with the family. We always make a point to stop at our four favorite places in the Cape: Hole in One (Breakfast), The Beachcomber at Cahoon Hollow Beach, JDs Rooftop Bar and Restaurant in Provincetown, and Mac’s in Wellfleet.

What to Do in Cape Cod

From shopping at the unique boutiques to hiking to the top of the Pilgrim’s Monument in Provincetown to visiting a lighthouse to biking along the trails, there is something for everyone to do in Cape Cod. We spend a day in Provincetown shopping and eating, swing over to a lighthouse to explore, and make a pit stop at Riley’s for Cape Cod souvenirs on the way home. We also visit the Wellfleet town center multiple times a week, popping into the antique shops and picking out fresh seafood at Hatch’s Fish Market.

As you can see, my family spends a lot of time hanging out at the beach and our rental home – but that’s because we have three little ones who love to do just that. My family and I are also creatures of habit, meaning we do what we know we love to do when on vacation. When the little girls are older, I am sure we will all get out more to explore. But for now – it’s just the sand, sun, ocean, amazing food, and family.