Things to Do in Cape Cod
Cape Cod is a place known for its beaches, but there is more to the Cape than sand and sun. If you are planning a vacation to Cape Cod, or just looking for a weekend excursion, here are some activities for you to consider.
Pilgrim Monument
At 252 feet high, the Pilgrim Monument is the tallest granite structure in the United States. The monument towers over picturesque Provincetown and is modeled after the Torre delMangia in Siena, Italy. The Pilgrim Monument is a must-see for history enthusiasts. It was commissioned in 1907 by Theodore Roosevelt to commemorate the place of the Mayflower’s first landing in America.
The monument is located on the waterfront of Provincetown and is open from April to November with hours depending on the season. The climb to the top takes about 10 minutes and is rewarded by grand, panoramic views famed to be the best on the Cape. You can also explore the Provincetown museum at the base of Pilgrim Monument.
Cape Cod National Seashore
In 1961, John F. Kennedy, a summer regular, designated the Lower Cape’s east shore a national park. The Cape Cod National Seashore is a 40 mile stretch of coastline containing some of the best beaches on the Cape, including Herring Cove and Race Point Beaches in Provincetown, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, and Nauset Beach in Eastham.
In addition to stunning beaches and coastline, Cape Cod National Seashore is home to numerous hiking and biking trails and 2 visitor’s centers. The park is open year round.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is 22 miles of paved trail that runs through the Lower Cape’s diverse ecosystems. It is very popular with runners, Rollerbladers, horseback riders, and bikers and is considered the best biking trail in New England.
For the outdoor enthusiast, the Rail Trail is one of the best ways to experience the Cape. The trail runs along ponds, beaches, towns, and quaint historic villages. Snack shacks and lunch spots also dot the trail.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is open year round, 24/7 and is free. There is a parking fee if you park at either trailhead, but there is ample free parking if you want to jump on in the middle.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Consisting of more than 7,600 acres of protected dunes, salt and freshwater marshes, and a decommissioned lighthouse, the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge stretched from Chatham into the Nantucket Sound. The refuge encompasses the islands of North and South Monomoy and Morris, which are the nesting habitats of hundreds of migratory seabirds. Also, right off the coast of South Monomoy, a large population of gray harbor seals gather to mate and sun themselves.
The Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is open year round from dusk to dawn, and you can explore on your own or take a guided summer tour. Transportation to the islands is by ferry.
Wellfleet Drive-In
Located in Wellfleet, the drive-in has been around since the 1950s and is still a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Wellfleet Drive-In shows blockbuster double features each night throughout the summer. With a miniature golf course nearby and a playground right under the screen, the drive-in is a perfect night time activity for families.
You can reserve your tickets 5 days in advance and remember to arrive by 7:00 p.m. to get a good spot, and come armed with bug spray. The Wellfleet Drive-In is home to the Dairy Bar and Grill where you can get your theater snacks.
History, beauty, wilderness, and fun–there is something for everyone in Cape Cod.
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