Cape Cod Travel Guide
Sunset over the Cape Cod Bay
Quintessential Cape Cod: Chatham and the Outer Cape
When you picture a trip to Cape Cod, what do you see? Colonial homes with cedar shakes and white-pane windows? Hydrangea bushes around every corner? Towering sand dunes and coastline that stretches for miles into the mist? That’s the Cape Cod I know and love, and specifically the one of Chatham and the Outer Cape.
As someone who spent their summers growing up in Eastham and has been back countless times since, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about this special place. Chatham and the Outer Cape (the towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown) make up the perfect visit to Cape Cod. Read on to learn why.
A Few Things to Note
Cape Cod is a beloved summer destination of New Englanders. Unless you plan to visit in the off-season (which I highly recommend), hotels and house rentals book up really far in advance. So the sooner you can plan your visit and book accommodations, the better!
There are only two ways to drive on and off Cape Cod: the Sagamore Bridge and the Bourne Bridge. Summer traffic really is as bad as you've heard. Even if you think you're beating the crowds by leaving work early on a Friday or heading home right after a Saturday checkout, thousands of other people have the same idea. If your hotel offers early check-in or late checkout (and if you book with me, there's a much better chance those perks are guaranteed!), take advantage of the flexibility. Arriving a few hours earlier or leaving later in the day can make a huge difference. You can also check Mass511’s live traffic map for the most up to date information. My biggest tip? Be prepared to sit in some traffic and make sure you use the bathroom, fill up on gas, get snacks, etc. long before you get close to either bridge.
Peak Times to Avoid Sagamore and Bourne Bridge Traffic:
Arriving on the Cape: Avoid Fridays from 12 PM to 9 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM. Saturday is changeover day for most rentals!
Departing the Cape: Avoid Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM and Sundays/holiday Mondays from 12 PM to 9 PM.
Recommended Sagamore and Bourne Bridge Crossing Windows:
Cross the bridge as early as possible (before 8 AM) or later at night (after 9 PM), especially on peak travel days (weekends).
Mid-week crossings (Monday-Thursday) are usually the least busy.
The Best Time to Visit Cape Cod
Summer on the Cape (specifically mid-June on) has the best beach weather. But if I had to pick my favorite time to visit Cape Cod? September, after Labor Day Weekend, when kids are back in school and the summer crowds have gone. And the weather in September? Perfect. Expect daytime highs in the low to mid-70s°F and nighttime temps in the high-50s°F. Ocean temperatures are still mild, especially on the bay side, but expect the water on the National Seashore (open Atlantic-facing side) to be crisp (in the low 60s°F).
In addition to fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures, another perk of visiting Cape Cod in mid-September is lower hotel prices. Some of my favorite properties (which I’ll get into later) are 30-40% cheaper in September compared to peak summer months.
How to Get to Cape Cod
As I already mentioned, there are only two ways to drive on and off Cape Cod: the Sagamore Bridge and the Bourne Bridge. If you’re not coming from within driving distance, you can fly direct into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) from most major airports, rent a car, and drive. Assuming you heed my earlier advice and avoid crossing either bridge during peak travel times, the drive from BOS should take 2 hours or less.
You can also skip the bridge traffic altogether and fly directly into Hyannis or Provincetown on Cape Air from BOS or New York JFK. Just remember, you’ll need a car for exploring the Cape, so be sure to reserve a rental well in advance in either Hyannis or Provincetown.
One of our favorite things to do is break up the drive with a stop at Treehouse Brewing in Sandwich, located right on the water. Their New England IPAs are legendary and are not distributed/can only be purchased from one of their breweries. They have delicious pizza seven days a week and lobster rolls Thursday-Sunday. For non-beer-lovers, they have cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Parking can be tricky as the onsite lot is really small, but Tree House operates a complimentary shuttle that runs regularly to pick up guests from the Sandwich Marina overflow lot and drop them off at the brewery.
Treehouse Brewing, Sandwich, MA
Lobster rolls at Tree House Brewing
Where to Stay in Chatham and the Outer Cape, Cape Cod
Chatham Bars Inn ($$$$) - Chatham Bars Inn, lovingly referred to as CBI, is one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed in. It is so quintessentially Cape Cod, with its sweeping ocean views and hydrangeas that cover what feels like every square inch of the property. My parents used to come here every year for their anniversary, so it holds an extra special place in my heart. It’s constantly winning awards from Forbes and Condé Nast, and when you stay here it’s easy to see why. Chatham Bars Inn has the most beautiful lawn in America, where you can enjoy a drink while gazing out over the Atlantic. There are six onsite restaurants and bars, including The Veranda (a gorgeous porch that overlooks the property and the perfect spot for breakfast each morning) and the Beach House Grill (the lobster nachos are to die for). Chatham Bars Inn has a pool, private beach, one of the most beautiful spas I’ve been to, and a daily shuttle to the exclusive North Beach Island (when my husband and I went, we had the whole strip of sand to ourselves!). Book with me and get exclusive perks at Chatham Bars Inn like:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for two
$100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay on F&B, spa, etc.
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Chatham Bars Inn
Bayview Terrace, Chatham Bars Inn
North Beach Island, Chatham, Massachusetts
Wequassett ($$$$) - Located on Pleasant Bay just five miles from Chatham is another gorgeous waterfront resort. While technically in Harwich, Wequassett is only a 10-minute drive to all that downtown Chatham has to offer. When on property, guests can enjoy six onsite restaurants and bars including twenty-eight Atlantic, the first and only Forbes Five-Star restaurant on Cape Cod. My husband and I had a delicious and beautiful meal here one night and would go back in a heartbeat. The resort also underwent a massive $12 million renovation that completed in 2025, overhauling accommodations and the bar that overlooks the pool and ocean. The Verandahs are a beautiful spot to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner beverage complete with fire pits and stunning Pleasant Bay views. The oceanfront pool is arguably the highlight of staying at the Wequassett, but guests also enjoy exclusive access to the nearby members-only Cape Cod National Golf Club. While they don’t have an onsite spa, they offer in-room wellness services like IV therapy, facials, and massages. When you book with me at Wequassett, you get exclusive perks like:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for two
$100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay on F&B, spa services, etc.
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
twenty-eight Atlantic, Wequassett
Wequassett, Harwich, MA
Vacation Rental Home ($-$$$$) - To me, Cape Cod means family, and there are few better ways to experience it than in a big house with the people that you love. A friendly reminder that I can book vacation rental homes in addition to hotels, and the Cape has something to offer for any group size! One of my favorite spots we ever rented was directly on Nauset Light Beach, the one we frequented most growing up. Sadly the house is no longer there as a result of a house fire, but there are tons of waterfront options available in Chatham and the Outer Cape. Send me a message and I’ll help you find a spectacular one!
Nauset Light Beach, Eastham, MA
Nauset Light Beach, Eastham, MA
Where to Eat & Drink in Chatham, Cape Cod
Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster ($$) - If you’re craving fried seafood, look no further than Mac’s. Whether we’re staying in Chatham or just stopping by on the way to the Outer Cape, we always make a point to eat here…sometimes more than once. This is a casual spot where you can order takeout online or order at the counter and eat in (my preferred way since fried seafood is best fresh!). Mac’s has indoor seating as well as a lovely outdoor area that’s also dog friendly. They have a huge menu—everything from fried classics to unique dishes like lobster enchiladas. But my favorite? The fried scallops and fried clams. They also have an incredible lobster roll (hot and buttered all the way!)
Fried scallops, Mac’s Chatham
Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster
The Chatham Squire ($$) - More commonly referred to as the Squire, this is a Chatham institution. I’ve been going here with my best friend since we were kids, and I still love it as an adult hangout spot with live music, karaoke, and trivia. My favorite thing on the menu? The French onion soup. Be sure to check out The Squire Shop across the street for Squire swag.
Hangar B ($) - This is an awesome breakfast spot located at the Chatham Municipal Airport. It’s also just off the Old Colony Rail Trail, which you can combine with the Cape Cod Rail Trail. In other words, bike to breakfast!
Mom & Pops Burgers ($) - If you’re looking for something that’s fast casual that isn’t seafood, Mom & Pops Burgers is an awesome spot. You can order takeout online, but I recommend enjoying your food in their beer garden because they have a great selection of beers on tap. And you don’t have to order a burger! They have fried chicken, fish n’ chips, Philly cheesteaks, hot dogs, and more. I haven’t been yet, but I’m eager to check out their sister restaurant Aplaya next summer!
twenty-Eight Atlantic ($$$$) - For a special or romantic meal, you have to check out twenty-Eight Atlantic at the Wequassett (technically in Harwich but just over the Chatham line). Since we had to postpone our honeymoon to the Philippines due to COVID, my husband and I had a little minimoon in Chatham and loved this restaurant. The setting is gorgeous, and the seasonal prix-fixe menu is divine. Reservations required, and request a table by the window!
The Beach House Grill ($$$) - If you’re looking for waterfront dining, look no further than The Beach House Grill at Chatham Bars Inn. My favorite thing on the menu? The lobster nachos (don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em!). The truffle fries are also delicious. Lunch is first-come, first-served, and dinner reservations are required.
Lobster Nachos, The Beach House Grill, Chatham Bars Inn
Where to Eat & Drink on the Outer Cape
Truro Vineyards ($$) - This family-owned winery is located in Truro, a part of the Cape famous for its untouched beauty. They offer complimentary tours of the winery and onsite distillery, and you can enjoy wines by the glass or speciality cocktails. They don’t allow outside food, but they always have a delicious food truck. And it’s dog friendly! We love pairing this with a round of golf at the nearby Highland Links.
Hole In One ($) - If you’re looking for a breakfast spot that serves incredible donuts, bagels, pastries, and specialty coffee drinks, check out Hole In One in Eastham (they have other locations not on the Outer Cape, too). Be prepared for a long line in peak summer months, but it moves fast and is worth it!
The Beachcomber ($$) - The Beachcomber in Wellfleet, lovingly referred to as the ‘Comber, is an Outer Cape institution. If you live in New England, there’s a good chance you’ve seen someone walking around with some Beachcomber swag! Nestled in the dunes of Cahoon Hollow Beach, there’s no better place to enjoy fresh seafood and summer cocktails. If you love oysters, then the ‘Comber is a must. My advice? Don’t just go for lunch…make a day of it!
Mac’s Seafood ($$) - If you don’t have time to make it to Chatham, don’t worry. Mac’s has four locations on the Outer Cape in Eastham, Wellfleet, and Provincetown. If you love sushi, be sure to check out Mac’s Shack in Wellfleet.
The Lobster Pot ($$) - If you visit Provincetown, it’s hard to miss The Lobster Pot with it's iconic neon lobster sign. This is the place to go for lobster rolls and clam chowder. They don’t take reservations, so try to go right when they open or be prepared to wait a bit.
The Lobster Pot, Provincetown, Massachusetts
Yolqueria ($$) - Yolqueria is another Provincetown gem that has amazing brunch and tacos. The Cowboy Carnitas and Chilaquiles are delicious. Be sure to get a table outside!
Casa del Cabo ($$$) - If you’re looking to switch it up in terms of cuisine, be sure to check out this Latin spot in Eastham. You’ll find everything from tacos to New England seafood classics with a twist. Reservations recommended.
Things to Do In Chatham and The Outer Cape
Eat, sleep, beach, repeat! In all seriousness, I think Cape Cod has the most stunning beaches in all of New England, especially when you get out to the Outer Cape. If you are visiting one of the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches (the first four on this list), you’ll need a pass. Here are my favorite beaches on Cape Cod:
Nauset Light Beach - You know the famous red and white lighthouse you see on a bag of Cape Cod potato chips? Well it’s here on what has to be the best beach on Cape Cod (in my opinion, of course)! This Eastham beach was just down the road from my grandparents’ Cape house growing up, and we’d go here on the regular. It has the picturesque towering sand dunes and coastline you can walk for miles. You’'ll frequently see seals playing in the waves, but remember, that means it’s not out of the question that there might be a great white shark spotting! Don’t let this scare you away…just follow signs and listen to the lifeguards and you can still enjoy the water. Nauset Light Beach has the smallest parking lot of the beaches on my list, so be sure to get there early as it’s sure to fill up in peak summer months. In the off-season, you have a way better chance of snagging a spot. There is no overflow parking.
Nauset Light Beach, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nauset Light House
Coast Guard Beach - Coast Guard is another Eastham family favorite. This is also one of our favorite spots to boogie board due to its large, consistent waves and relatively flat shoreline. The nice thing about Coast Guard? They have a huge offsite parking lot with shuttle service back and forth, dropping you right at the boardwalk down to the beach. There’s also a gorgeous trail through the marsh that connects Coast Guard Beach to the Salt Pond Visitor Center.
Marconi Beach - Located in Wellfleet, Marconi is our other favorite boogie boarding beach. It also has towering sand dunes and a massive parking lot. On our most recent trip to the Cape, the waves at Marconi were enormous and I got absolutely trashed by one on my boogie board. But this is no different than any of the open-Atlantic-facing beaches. Do not let children go in the water on any of these beaches unattended, and if you’re going to boogie board, make sure you’re a strong swimmer.
Marconi Beach, Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Race Point Beach - If you’re looking for that wild and untouched feeling, look no further than Race Point Beach, located at the tip of the Cape in Provincetown. What’s extra special about it is it faces both east and west, making it a gorgeous spot for sunrise and sunset.
Brewster Flats - If you have young kids or big waves aren’t your thing, then be sure to check out one of the bayside beaches in Brewster. While not technically in Chatham or the Outer Cape, this stretch of coastline is special because at low tide, you can walk for what feels like forever. Brewster Flats are actually North America’s largest expanse of tidal flats, spanning 12,000 acres along Cape Cod Bay where the water recedes up to two miles at low tide. They can be accessed by one of Brewster’s town beaches, like Breakwater, Paine’s Creek, Crosby Landing, Linnell Landing, or Ellis Landing. A few things to note:
The parking lots at these beaches are small and fill up fast. Parking permits are required June 15th through Labor Day (another reason to go in the off-season!), and can be purchased through the town of Brewster.
Make sure you check the local tide chart and arrive 1.5-2 hours before low tide. You want to see the flats at their best, but ensure that you are back before high tide!
Many stretches of the coastline here are private beaches, so please respect signage!
Brewster Flats, Brewster, Massachusetts
Cape Cod Rail Trail - Bring or rent bikes and ride the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a fully paved, 26-mile multi-use path spanning from Yarmouth to Wellfleet. Make stops at one of the National Seashore beaches listed above, or one of the many restaurants that have set up shop just off the trail.
Cape Escape Mini Golf - No Cape Cod trip was complete growing up without a visit to one of my favorite mini golf courses. Cape Escape is located in Orleans just off the rotary with a live Koi pond and plenty of dining options nearby. This place is super popular, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait a bit!
Highland Links - Highland Links is one of Cape Cod’s oldest and most scenic golf courses. It’s located in North Truro and perched high atop bluffs overlooking the Atlantic. My favorite thing to do is play 18 and then visit the nearby Truro Vineyards after.
The view from Highland Links, North Truro, Massachusetts
Walk around Provincetown - Provincetown, affectionately known as P-town, is located at the very tip of Cape Cod and was the first landing site of the Pilgrims. It’s a highly inclusive LGBTQ+ vacation destination known for its lively arts scene, eclectic shops, and historic charm. Head out on a whale watch or climb the Pilgrim Monument for sweeping views of P-town and the coastline. For food, be sure to check out the Lobster Pot or Yolqueria I mentioned above.
National Seashore Beach Campfire - One of my favorite Cape Cod traditions? Doing a campfire on one of the National Seashore beaches. I have so many fond memories of hanging out on Coast Guard or Nauset Light Beach just before sunset, watching my brother and grandfather surfcast until dark when it was time for ghost stories and s’mores. There are a limited number of campfire permits per day, per national seashore-managed beach, and they can be reserved up to three days in advance in person or by phone with the National Park Service. And just because the fire is out doesn’t mean the fun is over. Walking back to the car is some of the best stargazing on the Cape!
Cape Cod is my happy place. It’s full of so many wonderful memories and I get such a special, familiar feeling every time I go back. It’s coastal New England at its finest, and I can help you book your trip. Let’s chat!
Highland Light, North Truro, Massachusetts
Nauset Light Beach, Eastham, Massachusetts
Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is Boris approved!
