1. Cape Cod Canal
Let's start with the very beginning of Cape Cod and the paved bike trail that runs along the canal. Here I'm talking about the side of the canal before you travel over the bridges. The path itself is just over 7 miles long but there are several access points along the way enabling you to bike, run or walk as much or as little as you'd like. You'll even see people just hanging out, watching the boats and fishermen. Note that there are well-maintained bathrooms at several locations along the canal. (With kids, I'm always aware of the bathroom situation.)
Tip: Grab lunch or dinner at The Seafood Shanty and head across the street to the picnic tables overlooking the canal.
2. Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Located in Falmouth, this is a small, public aquarium. You won't be able to spend all afternoon here but it's a fun spot for a quick visit. The aquarium has space for seals who are unable to live in the wild. The seals are feed when the aquarium opens and right before closing. We found this to be very educational and entertaining. (Their website indicates that they don't have any seals in residence at the time of this post.)
Admission is free but donations are accepted.
To read my post detailing a day trip with kids to Falmouth, click here.
3. Beach Hopping After 4:00
It should come as no surprise that there is a daily fee ($20-$25) for beach parking. To explore different beaches, head out after 4:00 when parking attendants close up for the day and you'll be able to park for free. (Bathroom note: some bath houses close at a certain time while others remain open past the time the parking attendants leave. The bath houses along the Cape Cod National Seashore have been open into the early evening hours when we've visited.)
4. Monomoy National Wildlife Refugee
This is a federal wildlife refugee located on Monomoy Island (Chatham.) You'll need to coordinate your visit to coincide with low tide or you will not be able to walk along the beach. This is such an amazingly beautiful and peaceful place. Check out the small visitor's center first as they have backpacks kids can borrow. The packs include a handy list identifying all the critters you may see.
To see all my photos from our visit last summer, click here.
5. Chatham Fish Pier
Plan a visit in the afternoon to watch the incoming fishermen unload their haul for the day. You'll also see seals hoping for tasty treats from the boats.
Tip: Grab dinner at the Chatham Pier Fish Market. There are public restrooms here as well.
6. Salt Pond Visitor Center
Located in Eastham, the Salt Pond Visitor Center is the main visitors center for the Cape Cod National Seashore. The center holds a small museum, theater and bookstore and I would highly recommend going inside and watching the short film, especially if you're visiting from outside New England.
This is a popular bathroom/stretching spot as there is a large (free) parking lot and public restrooms. Take advantage of the trails winding through the marsh and woods. There is also a bike path that leads to Coast Guard Beach. Note that, unlike most bike paths on the Cape, this one is not flat.
7. Go for a Bike Ride
Cape Cod has over 100 miles of bike paths. If you can't bring bicycles with you, there are plenty of rental locations scattered all over the Cape.
8. Tour Nauset Light
Nauset Light is a restored lighthouse located near Nauset Light Beach. which is down the road from Coast Guard Beach. Check online for days and times. Note that the tour is brief and donations are welcome.
9. Province Lands Visitor Center
Similar to the Salt Pond Visitor Center, this is run by the Cape Cod National Seashore. It's located on the road to Race Point Beach and features a small theater, shop and observation deck.
10. Explore Provincetown
P-town is located at the tip of Cape Cod. The small downtown area can best be described as eclectic, full of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Each area of Cape Cod is unique, and Provincetown, with its beautiful and end-of-the-world location, is a must see. The ride up there alone makes the trip worth it.
11. Catch a Sunset
Always free!
12. Coupons
In most restaurants and shops, you'll find little guidebooks for the Cape. Pick those up! They are mostly ads but they also contain coupons, which come in handy for mini golf.
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