The Ultimate Guide to Cape Cod: Adventures for the Whole Family

Beach days: Our favorite beach will always be Mayflower Beach in Dennis, MA. As one of the clearest and calmest bayside beaches, the changing tides provide shallow pools for young children to splash in, thin coastal sheets for older kids to skim-board on, and of course, an enormous sandy beach (no rocks or seaweed here!) for adults to lounge in the sun! Bonus: Mayflower Beach has an awesome snack shack that will appeal to everyone in your family! Make sure to arrive early, as the parking lot fills up fast! Other Cape favorites include: Skaket Beach (Orleans), Coast Guard Beach (Eastham) and Race Point Beach (Provincetown).

Kayak/SUP/canoe: One of my favorite things to do on Cape Cod is to rent a kayak and paddle down Swan River in Dennis Port. This scenic river drops off at South Village Beach, where you can pull your kayak up onto the sand and enjoy some well-earned rest—or you can keep the adventure going by jumping in the natural “lazy-river” (tide-dependent) and go for a ride in the ocean just by floating in your provided life-jacket. This adventure is VERY popular with my kids (10 & 13) who jump in for the ride at least 20 times before the tide switches and we paddle back up the river!

Dunes: Cape Cod’s dunes are always shifting with the wind and tides, creating a wild, ever-changing landscape. They’re home to rare wildlife and quirky old dune shacks where artists used to escape for some peace and inspiration. A lot of the area is protected, so you get a raw, untouched vibe that feels totally different from the busier parts of the Cape. I highly recommend Art’s Dune Tours to experience and learn more!

Cape Cod Rail Trail: Rent bikes and go for a ride on the Cape Cod Rail Trail! This scenic, paved bike and multi-use path stretches for about 25 miles through Cape Cod. It follows a former railroad line and runs from South Dennis to Wellfleet, passing through charming towns like Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, and Eastham. The trail offers access to beaches, ponds, and forests, making it a popular route! If you get hungry along the way, Brewster is a great place to stop and refuel!

Fishing: Fishing on Cape Cod is a beloved tradition for both locals and tourists alike! Striped bass, bluefish, and tuna are common catches in the area. Take the whole family out on a fishing adventure with Cap‘n Kids—or for the more experienced fishing enthusiasts, opt for a private charter with Reel Deal Fishing Charters.

Whale watch: Whale watching on Cape Cod is an unforgettable experience! You’ll see lots of humpback, fin, and minke whales. Tours often depart from Provincetown and Barnstable, offering up-close views of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Option: If you’d rather stay closer to shore and still soak up an amazing wildlife adventure, opt for a Seal Watch—equally thrilling with beautiful coastal scenery!

Mini-golf on Cape Cod is a right of passage for all visitors! My husband has been playing family mini-golf tournaments since he was a little boy. Our family favorites include Pirates Cove in south Yarmouth and Cape Escape Adventure Golf in Orleans. Make sure to ask for fish food at the 18th hole to feed to koi fish!

Day trips: Take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket! They are both incredible, and I could write a whole separate guide for both—but definitely include a day-trip to one or both of these islands during your stay on the Cape! You can take the Hyline or the Steamship ferries, and both have regular schedules that depart from Hyannis, Harwich, and Falmouth.

Outdoor concerts: At the end of a long day in the sun, there is nothing better than a family-friendly outdoor concert to wrap up the day! There are usually food trucks on site, but I prefer to pack a picnic for dinner and relax with a glass of wine! Summer concerts run throughout the summer on the Cape. Here are a few of my favorites: The Chatham Band (Fridays, 8 pm), Parker’s River Beach in Yarmouth (Mondays, 6 pm), Nauset Beach Gazebo Concert Series (Mondays, 6:30 pm).

Catch a Cape Cod Baseball League game: Did you know that one in every six MLB players once played in the CCBL? Catching a game while on your Cape vacation is an opportunity to see the future of baseball! Best part… the games are free! Enjoy this family-friendly summer tradition at baseball fields across the Cape—from the Bourne Braves to the Orleans Firebirds. Games run from mid-June to mid-August. Pro tip: If you have a young baseball player in the family, all of the CCBL teams host camps throughout the summer. My sons have loved the opportunity to get to know the baseball players and improve their skills in a super fun, relaxed environment.

If you’re looking for the best lobster roll on Cape Cod, look no further than Sesuit Harbor Cafe in Dennis. These lobsters are fresh and the portions are HUGE. Order at the counter, grab a picnic table right on the harbor, and enjoy! Cash-only & BYOB! Or, if you’d prefer to enjoy your lobster roll right ON the ocean, check out their lobster roll cruise, which is a really fun (and delicious!) way to enjoy a sunset on the Cape.

Captain Parker’s Pub in West Yarmouth is the home of the BEST clam chowder on Cape Cod! You must enjoy it in a bread bowl! It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon! Bonus: You can pop over to the Pirate Museum after your lunch! These businesses share a parking lot!

Beach House Grill at Chatham Bars Inn: The Chatham Bars Inn is an iconic Cape Cod luxury hotel. If you can’t swing a stay here, definitely stop by for lunch or dinner at The Beach House Grill. In addition to delicious food in a beautiful location, it’s always an experience! Highlights include: a server who carries your drink on the top of their head and post-dinner s’mores! For a traditional New England experience, be sure to inquire about their private lobster bakes as well!

The Ocean House Restaurant/The Beach Bar at The Ocean House: The Ocean House in Dennis is a must for fine-dining. The views are unbeatable—and the food is impeccable. It’s perfect for a special occasion, but please note, you must make a reservation far in advance to secure a table. Trust me, it is worth it! For families that are looking for a more casual environment, or for folks looking for some live music and tropical cocktails, check out the Beach Bar at Ocean House, which is situated right next to the restaurant and perched above the beach for incredible views. There is a large grassy space for dancing and lawn games, and they serve great bites as well!

The Beachcomber in Wellfleet: The Beachcomber is nestled in the dunes on Cahoon Hallow Beach, and it is quite the site! It’s always busy and always delicious! I recommend their freshly shucked oysters, a cheeseburger, and their famous Goombay Smash cocktail! The Beachcomber always has live bands at night—and their merch is super popular! Trust me, you’ll start seeing Beachcomber sweatshirts everywhere you go from now on! Pro tip: Get there early and enjoy a few hours on the beach before your meal!

Fisherman’s View in Sandwich: This restaurant is located right on the water with the freshest seafood. I love their creative sushi rolls. The views are gorgeous and the food is delicious! Make sure to stop by Shipwreck Ice Cream on your way out for a sweet treat!