Forming the arm shaped, farthest most peninsula of Massachusetts, Cape Cod is essentially an island after a canal separating it from Buzzards Bay was built in 1914. Extremely popular with tourists, most people are lured here by the dreamy picture of sandy beaches and small fishing towns. Also known as ‘the Cape’, it is a favorite with artists and photographers due to the fantastic quality of the sunlight.
While Cape Cod is undeniably beautiful, this is no secret. In the summer months, you are likely to be sharing otherwise secluded spots and sand dunes with hordes of other tourists and shuffling along the roads at snail’s pace. Away from the commercialization, there remains a few real treats of wilderness that do a good job of holding on to their fishing heritage.
To escape the badly placed fast-food joints and motels, charter a boat for a fishing, swimming and sightseeing trip around the Cape. Watching the whales rolling through the ocean will leave nature lovers in a state of ecstasy, with many operators offering guaranteed sightings during the season. Take a walk in the fresh New England air and work up an appetite before heading for a sensational meal at one of the many waterfront seafood restaurants, with Cape Cod being famous for serving some of the freshest and tastiest seafood in the world.
Cape Cod attractions
Cape Cod National Seashore: the dunes here will leave you breathless and no longer wondering why Cape Cod is best known as a seaside wilderness.
Provincetown: devoid of the commercialism of other parts, its location at the end of the cape has helped it remain untouched by tourisms darker sides.
Chatham: popular whitewashed town nestled in a little harbor offering a pretty lighthouse and a pier where you can watch the daily catch come in.
Sports fishing: numerous charter companies can take you out to catch big, striped bass and bluefish in Cape Cod Bay.
Cape Cod beaches: with nearly 560 miles (900kms) of flawless coastline, there are many beaches to pick from to enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
Whale watching: in the hands of an experienced naturalist, you can view some of the most elegant and rarest mammals in the world in their natural habitat.
Golf: with 27 public golf courses, there are not many places in the world that can compete with Cape Cod for its golfing experience.