You may be so eager to begin your Cape Cod vacation, that you find yourself arriving hours before you can check-in to your hotel or rental. Don’t despair! This is the perfect time to grab a taste of Cape Cod before you unpack that suitcase! Driving over the Sagamore or Bourne Bridge is the signal your adventure is about to begin, or sadly, about to end. The following activities are centered around this milestone in your vacation, and provide you the first, or last, chance to experience life on Cape Cod.
A CANAL CRUISE
Between late May and mid October consider A Canal Cruise with Hy-Line Cruises. Cruises depart from Onset, MA – the town before you take the Bourne bridge over the canal. They offer 1, 2 and 3 hours cruises, and departure times & options vary depending upon the time of year. Enjoying some time at sea and watching the boats go by is the perfect activity to ease you into, or complete, your Cape Cod vacation. And grab a bit to eat at Stonebridge Bar & Grill or across the street from the pier at the Quahog Republic (known for their Bloody Mary’s).
Visit https://hylinecruises.com/schedules-rates/cape-cod-canal-cruises/ for dates and schedules.
A MENTAL RESET IN NATURE
For nature and classic car fans alike, visit and explore the beautiful gardens and American Automobile Collection at The Heritage Museum & Gardens. Located just over the Sagamore Bridge in Sandwich, a walk through the extensive gardens, take a curated tour or a visit one of their ever changing exhibits is the perfect way to ease into your Cape vacation….or out of it! Looking for adventure? They have a ropes course on site as well! Reserve your tickets online at https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/
CUP OF TEA ANYONE?
Step back in time and enjoy a traditional high tea or perhaps a glass of wine and sample one of the wonderful lunch or brunch specials at the Dunbar Tea Room & Wine Bar. Located in Sandwich, MA – near the Bourne Bridge, you may reserve on line, or just stop in https://www.thedunbarhouse.com/ (p.s. it’s a great stop before or after visiting the Heritage Museum & Gardens!)
ONE MORE LOBSTER ROLL PLEASE
If you have not yet visited one of Cape Cod’s fish shacks, a lunch or dinner at the Sesuit Harbor Café is a must. Stand in line and peruse their varied menu from the raw bar, salads, sandwiches, a host of fried fresh seafood and of course a lobster roll or lobster boil! Relax on an outdoor picnic table and view the boats coming in as you wait for your food to be delivered to you. BYOB and cash only (they have an ATM). Located in Dennis, MA on the bayside. No reservations. https://sesuit-harbor-cafe.com/
WALK OR BIKE THE CAPE COD CANAL
After a long flight or drive, stretch your legs with a leisurely scenic walk or bike ride along the Cape Cod Canal. Enjoy people watching, fisherman, and a variety of boats, ships and barges as they traverse the canal. For more information and parking locations on both sides of the canal visit https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/cape-cod-canal-bikeway/
END THE HUNGRY HORRORS
Your journey may make you hungry, but you don’t have to sacrifice a sumptuous meal or great views when visiting The Fisherman’s View Seafood Market & Restaurant in Sandwich, MA. Enjoy the panorama of the Cape Cod Canal, Oyster specials, and entertainment at this quintessential Cape Cod restaurant. Indoor and outdoor dining. Walk in (best time is when they open at 11:30 a.m.) or make reservations at https://www.fishermensview.com/
A LITTLE AC PLEASE
If you’d like a break from the heat or humidity trying something indoors with a little AC…like a museum! The Sandwich Glass Museum in Sandwich, MA is open 7 days a week and worth a stop to see hourly glass blowing demonstrations, visit the gift shop or take a class https://sandwichglassmuseum.org/
For a quirkyoption swing by the Edward Gorey House in Yarmouth, MA The home of Edward Gorey is now a bizarre museum displaying his works with talks conducted hourly. If you are a PBS Mystery! lover, you don’t want to miss it! https://edwardgoreyhouse.org/
Or learn about the history of pirates and see the world’s only authenticated pirate treasure pulled from the ocean floor at The Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth, MA https://www.discoverpirates.com/