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The beauty of Cape Cod’s stunning coastline is that it’s so much more than just beaches: it’s an incredibly scenic and historic region packed with small town charm and eclectic, welcoming towns where visitors can catch some rays—but also find plenty of other fun things to do, too.
And while these Cape Cod gems have plenty to offer intrepid travelers looking for the best of the beach, they also mix it up with enough outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and historic haunts to top any vacationer’s must-see list. Throw in some of the area’s freshest, most delicious restaurants and lovely seaside lodgings galore, and it’s easy to see why CC has been a perennial visitor fave and warm weather tourist destination that’s tops among coastal New England retreats—and the perfect place to the max and relax under the warm summer sun.
Brewster Has Something For Everyone
Located in the Lower Cape, Brewster is a beautiful, beachy gem that’s a snapshot of everything that makes Cape Cod a wonderful vacation destination. A plethora of great beaches where visitors can max and relax, coupled with a parade of local attractions steeped in both history and natural beauty, make Brewster a crowd favorite—and an easy-breezy spot to while away the long summer days (and nights).
Hit The Beach
Calm, warm waters and scenic coastlines galore make hitting the beach one of the best things to do in scenic Brewster.
- Breakwater Beach
- Crosby Landing Beach
- Paine’s Creek Beach
- Long Pond (freshwater inland beach)
Go Local
Mix up a day (or days) soaking up the sun with a trip to one of Brewster’s top local attractions that have something for everyone looking to explore this Cape Cod gem.
- Hike (or bike) the Cape Cod Rail Trail
- Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
- Tour Brewster’s historic homes (Dillingham House, Old Town Hall, Brewster Ladies Library)
- Visit the Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum
Have A Bite
Brewster has its fair share of culinary stars that highlight Cape Cod’s penchant for stellar seafood—from a casual, on-the-go fare to elevated, top-tier dining; there’s something for any palate.
- Brewster Fish House 2208 Main Street (Route 6A)
- Chillingworth Restaurant 2449 Main Street
- Cobie’s Clam Shack 3260 Main Street
- Breakwater Fish & Lobster Market 235 Underpass Road
Stay The Night
Comfy, cozy, and oh-so-historic, Brewster’s lovely lodgings are beach town classics that make exploring the area a snap.
- Candleberry Inn 1882 Main Street
- The Captain Freeman Inn 15 Breakwater Road
- Brewster By The Sea Inn 716 Main Street
- Old Manse Inn 1861 Main Street
Hyannis: The Heart Of Cape Cod
Situated on Nantucket Sound within the larger town of Barnstable, the charming CC village of Hyannis has often been called “the capital of the Cape." And even though Hyannis’ centralized location makes it an ideal home base to explore the region’s other seaside spots, the bustling village is a destination unto itself—from its quaint Main Street to its myriad of big city-esque attractions.
Hit The Beach
It’s no surprise that Hyannis has its fair share of breathtaking beaches perfect for fun in the sun: from sunbathing to surfing to scenic views and windsurfing, there’s always something fun to be found in Hyannis’ sandy stretches.
- Veterans Park Beach
- Orrin Keyes Beach
- Sandy Neck Beach
- Kalmus Beach
Go Local
From examining JFK’s Hyannis legacy to having a musical night out, Hyannis’ local attractions are the perfect way to soak up this cozy village’s historic small-town vibes.
- John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
- Cape Cod Melody Tent
- Cape Cod Maritime Museum
- Cape Cod Railroad
Have A Bite
Much like its Cape Cod counterparts, Hyannis is known for its fresh and delicious seafood; however, there’s more than just fish on the menu for those who know where to look.
- Spoon and Seed 12 Thornton Drive
- The Naked Oyster 410 Main Street
- Anejo Mexican Grill 599 Main Street
- Black Cat Tavern 165 Ocean Street
Stay The Night
Hyannis’ lodgings are all about chic charm and location, location, location—historic to rustic, cottage-y to scenic; there’s an accommodation to fit every traveler’s seaside wishlist.
- Anchor In Hotel 1 South Street
- Sea Street Inn 328 Sea Street
- Hyannis Harbor Hotel 213 Ocean Street
- Captain David Kelley House 539 Main Street, Centerville
Beaches, Forests, And Gardens Galore In Sandwich
For those that like their beachy vibes with a side of greenery, the cozy community of Sandwich is the place to be. Home to a number of sandy stretches along the coast, this Cape Cod beauty also offers visitors lush, forested settings that complement the seaside atmosphere beautifully—and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep travelers busy, too.
Hit The Beach
Sandwich has a number of both saltwater and freshwater options for beachgoers who want to soak up the sun, sand, and scenery of this charming CC community.
- Town Neck Beach/Boardwalk
- East Sandwich Beach
- First Beach
- Peters Pond/Oakcrest Cove (freshwater beach)
Go Local
There’s more to Sandwich than its lovely beaches: outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will find their Zen by exploring the town’s green spots, while history buffs will dig its historic coastal vibes.
- Shawme-Crowell State Forest (hiking, horseback riding)
- Heritage Museums & Gardens
- Hoxie House Museum
- Sandwich Glass Museum
Have A Bite
A visit to Sandwich wouldn’t be complete without noshing on one of the town’s eponymous lunches—but there’s more to this charming town’s cuisine scene than what’s between sliced bread; like all CC towns, it has its share of stellar seafood spots, too.
- Café Chew 4 Merchants Road
- Pilot House Restaurant & Lounge 14 Gallo Road
- Fishermen’s View Seafood Market & Restaurant 20 Freezer Road
- The Dunbar House One Water Street
Stay The Night
Cozy inns and historic gems make for lovely lodging in Sandwich, where guests have their pick of quaint, seaside spots to call home while visiting Cape Cod.
- Sandwich Inn & Suites 14 Route 6A
- Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa 149 Main Street
- Sandy Neck Hotel 669 MA-6A, East Sandwich
- Belfry Inn & Bistro 6 Jarves Street
Nothing says summer like a visit to Massachusetts’s beautiful Cape Cod coastline—and despite its relatively small size, CC’s Atlantic Ocean coastline is packed with a number of charming villages and cozy towns where visitors can live it up beachside. From outdoor activities to historic haunts to beautiful beaches and culinary delights, these quaint spots are the perfect warm weather destinations for those looking for the Bay State’s best beach town vibes.