Summertime on Cape Cod is one of our favorite times of the year in Massachusetts. Known for its quaint villages, fresh seafood, historic lighthouses, bayside & ocean beaches, it is the perfect getaway for any guest looking to escape the summer heat!

Cape Cod is easily recognizable on a map – just look for the ‘bent arm’ on Massachusetts’ east coast. Separated from the rest of the state by the Cape Cod Canal, the peninsula is home to 15 distinctive towns, each with their own flair and character.

For a first time visitor, it can seem overwhelming when trying to decide where on ‘The Cape’ to visit. While we are firm believers that you cannot go wrong visiting any of these coastal towns (okay, we might be a little biased) – here are a couple recommendations & travel options that we think offer the quintessential Cape Cod experience!

We’ll start with the ‘Outer Cape’ as the locals like to call it:

Provincetown

Located at the very tip of Cape (about 2 hours from Downtown Boston), Provincetown, aka P-Town, offers something for everyone. With its beautiful beaches, cool boutiques & diverse culture, it has become a top vacation spot for the LGBTQ community. The quickest way to get to this beautiful town we would suggest for you to hop right on the Provincetown Fast Ferry. The fast ferry operated by BOSTON HARBOR CRUISES, is a 90-minute ride to/from Long Wharf, Boston to MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown.

The PILGRIM MONUMENT is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States; built to honor the Mayflower Pilgrim’s first landing in the New World. With over 116 steps and 16 ramps, you’ll climb with an interior view of stones that were donated by cities, towns and organization from all of the United States ending in breath taking views.

After your experience all P-Town has to offer, we’re sure you’ll be looking for a little something to munch on. With the help of our fabulous Doorman, Peter Medeiros, here are a few of the best places to go:
BUBALA’ BY THE BAY – 185 Commercial Street; BAYSIDE BETSY’S – 177 Commercial Street and THE PATIO – 328 Commercial Street.

Before you leave don’t forget to finish your time in P-Town with a few words from Zac Brown Band, “toes in the water, ass in the sand, not a worry in the world” at the #1 beach, RACE POINT BEACH. With ample parking, soft beaches and even a few whale-watching opportunities, Race Point Beach is #1 on Trip Advisor’s 2017 Travelers Choice list of 25 best beaches in the United States.

When heading back to Boston consider taking the long way, because why not? You’re on vacation! Head right down to the most popular town in the ‘Mid Cape’

Hyannis

Also known as the “Capital of the Cape”, Hyannis is the most accessible town for visitors. Well known for the JFK Memorial, the private Kennedy Compound & the JFK Museum. Hyannis also boasts the best fish shacks, quaint B&B’s, unique shopping and much more! Feeling up for something crunchy, salty and maybe a little hoppy we suggest you make your way over to what we think are the best spots: CAPE COD CHIPS – 100 Breeds Hill Road; CAPE COD BEER – 1336 Phinneys Lane and MAIN STREET HYANNIS.

Once you’re ready to head back to Beantown, you might be interested to know about an alternative way to go! We suggest you take the CAPE FLYER TRAIN, which runs each weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The passenger train runs to/from Boston & Hyannis a few times throughout the summer. Or, a quick alternative, albeit more expensive – CAPE AIR – which has daily direct flights!

As you make your way back into the Lenox Hotel lobby we hope our suggestions help with your adventures through New England! There’s no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this! So keep your eyes out for the next edition of our summah summah summah time travel list!