Recent visitors praised the versatile exhibits and serene surroundings atthe Heritage Museums & Gardens, citing the area as a peaceful respite for visitors of all ages. Go back, do some reading, start thinking, get some perspective. The highlight of this area is definitely the beaches, and the six beaches that make up the National Seashore on Cape Cod are Race Point, Coast Guard, Nauset Light (not to be confused with Nauset Beach, which is a separate beach thats not part of the National Seashore), Marconi, Head of the Meadow, and Herring Cove. Litteraly the population of humans is what we need to worry about and the amount of food resources we have. But if bugs tend to like you, bug spray is probably a good idea. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. There are benches at the very end of the boardwalk, so you can sit and linger for as long as you want to enjoy the views before walking back to your car. 14 miles to Santa Ana, CA. A little farther north, Nauset Beach is a 10-mile stretch of sand where you can go swimming, surfing, and fishing. Some live and breed there year-round. 2 Seals appear at various times in various places on Cape Cod. You have to hike a little to get to the sand, but youre rewarded with unspoiled land and large dunes. So if you love this distinct illustrator, you'll enjoy a tour of his home in Yarmouth Port, located along the Mid Cape. The best places to find the shells, I think, was in this middle area, not by the wall but not in the park either. You may see Cape Cod seals sleep on the sandy or rocky shores when they have pups or when theyre looking for warmth. For a traditional group whale watch tour on a larger boat, Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet out of Provincetown is a great option. Seals appear at various times in various places on Cape Cod. The departure times for seal watching are 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Another company in Chatham for seal watching is Beachcomber Tours. Youll still likely have to wait, but it wont be as bad as prime dinner time. Is Lubec, Maine Worth Visiting? When the tide goes out they are left exposed, sitting on the jetty basking . Id especially love to visit the National Seashore. My absolute favorite lobster roll of all time is here at Sesuit Harbor Cafe. The Cape Cod National Seashore is home to 40 miles of sandy beaches, marshes and salt ponds, as well as six lighthouses and miles of walking trails. Both are beautiful islands and worth your time, but I also slightly prefer Nantucket. My hope is to inspire you to have an unforgettable Northeast adventure of your own, and show you just how beautiful this little corner of the world truly is. Do chipmunks hibernate in woodpiles, and, if so, how do I avoid disturbing them when taking wood from the pile? Sometimes, the seals arent shy at all and will approach swimmers. The only car rental company on the Cape is Enterprise, and there is not a pick-up location at the ferry terminal in Provincetown. Cape Cod is said to be one of the top destinations in the U.S. for whale watching, so taking a tour while visiting is a great way to round out your Cape experience. Head upriver to the marsh and you may very well see egrets, great blue herons, and ospreys. Their bright yellow boats depart from the Municipal Fish Pier. Many agree the museum is quite informative, too. Not by a human decision. Re: Where can we see seals? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. A few different types of seals (Pinnipeds) are common in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The seals are only here because were not allowed to kill them anymore. Sundae School often has people in their lots directing traffic flow, but the lines to park usually move quickly, and the ice cream is worth it. 1. Unique snack shacks and lunch spots are perfect pit stops when your stomach starts to grumble. Its a fantastic way to get close to these marine mammals and see other wildlife on the waters around Cape Cod. If you plan to visit for 3 days or more, an annual pass is the most cost-effective option, and good for the entire season. This beach was just voted one of the top 10 beaches in the country by Dr. Beach. The peak period is September and October as large numbers of them arrive on the islands. But even if its a cloudy day, its still worth visiting just for the tranquility of the marsh, and spotting wildlife. Youll hear about buried treasure and pirates, great white sharks, Native Americans, Pilgrims, and shipwrecks during the narration. Why did Jenny do this thing in this scene? Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Tip: Traffic driving into Cape Cod can be rough, Im not going to sugar coat it! There are mixed feeling about this large population of seals finding Cape Cod a comfortable habitat as they also attract sharks and can be problems for our fishermen. You may find these posts helpful for island day trips: Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod and really fun and relaxing to walk around. Previously known as the Old Colony Railroad corridor, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is considered one of the best bike trails in New England. Sea Salt Charters out of Provincetown also offers both private and split-private tours. There are also more casual restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops. Combine sightseeing with a breathtaking adventure on one of these flights. According to past visitors, if you are a Gorey fan, this quirky museum is must-see. But there's more to do here than. Recent visitors praised the staff at the welcome center and say that its a beautiful area to walk. Kayaking on Cape Cod is the perfect way to see this wildlife. Tickets are $29 for adults, $27 for seniors 65 and older, $25 for kids 3-15, under 3 are free. For more Chatham-based Cape Cod seal tours, head to Outermost Harbor Marine. There isnt a specific time of day thats best to see seals, but they tend to break for land in the late afternoon and early evening. Its a great spot to take in the views, smell the sea air and sometimes to see the seals. CAPES EMERGING WILDLIFE RESERVE: Thanks to Pres. Cahoon Hollow Beach is backed by massive sand dunes, making beachgoers feel they have found a hidden gem. Now a museum, this site boasts both historical and modern displays of glass art, as well as live glass-blowing demonstrations on the hour. Because seals cannot move well on land, during high tide they position themselves over submerged jetties. Also, youll get up-close views of Stage Harbor Lighthouse and the Nantucket Sound. There are two ferry options to Provincetown that are very convenient: one departs from Boston, and the other departs from Plymouth. Its really hard to narrow down my absolute favorite places, but if visiting Cape Cod for the first time, I suggest adding these restaurants to your itinerary: This is a very personal decision, but I can offer a few suggestions to help you decide if a house rental or a hotel is right for you when visiting Cape Cod for the first time. Many outdoor enthusiasts highlight the trail as one of the best ways to experience the natural attractions across the Cape. In 1961, summer native President John F. Kennedy designated the east shore of the Outer Cape a national park. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. City: Seal Beach. If you follow Nauset Beach north, youll come to Coast Guard Beach with only a narrow waterway to separate the two. No matter where you are in New England, youve probably seen someone wearing the iconic Cape Cod sweatshirts from Cuffys, and youll see even more people wearing them when youre actually on the Cape. The Ultimate Marthas Vineyard Day Trip Guide, How To See Marthas Vineyard Without A Car. And though the original 1950s mono speakers have been known to offer spotty speaker functionality (they are antiques, after all) you can always tune your radio to the drive-in's own 89.5 FM radio station for audio. But if you are in Chatham when the fishing boats are coming in you will get a good view of the seals at the Chatham Fish Pier. Yes, you do need to be aware of sharks, but you shouldnt let it ruin your trip. Thanks!! Really? They also praise how well-marked and clean the trail is, and report that it's mostly flat and easy to navigate. Edward Gorey's name might not ring a bell immediately, but his drawings sure will. Those large eyes are just so endearing with the splash of whiskers and glistening nose. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Cape Cod Broadcasting Media, Cape Country 104: Todays Country and the Legends, Tickology: Tick Identification and Ecology, State Offers Grant to Dennis Center for Active Living, Cape Climate Collaborative Highlights Environmental Initiatives, Pamet River Restoration Gets $2 Million in State Funding, Climate Change Event Scheduled for June 12, Massachusetts Senate Unveils $590 Million Tax Relief Proposal, Falmouth Affirms Appointment of New Police Chief, Provincetown Begins July 4 Parade Planning, Sunday Journal Cape Cod Baseball League, Sunday Journal Potted Plants for Seniors Food Truck, ARPA Funds Provide Boost for Local Transitional Housing, NOAA: Amount of Warming Triggering Carbon Dioxide in Air Hits New Peak. Popular with bikers, rollerbladers and horseback riders, this 25-mile paved trail is a breezy ride through the Lower Cape's diverse ecosystems. I have seen far more humans than seals. During tours, youre likely to see humpbacks, pilots, finbacks, minkes and possibly some dolphins. No matter how old you are, seeing seals at the beach or on a boat tour is an unforgettable experience. Several tours depart on a daily basis in July and August months. Whale watching in Ptown is all I have planned. Strike up a conversation with the captain and learn more about the Cape Cod seals. Was there any truth that the Columbia Shuttle Disaster had a contribution from wrong angle of entry? First things first you will definitely need a car to explore Cape Cod!Click here to check out the best prices at Discover Cars! Entertainment and Nightlife, Recreation, Shopping, Beaches, Natural Wonders, Free, Parks and Gardens, Historic Homes/Mansions, Monuments and Memorials. capecod 19 Massachusetts United States of America North America Place 19 comments Best Add a Comment A lot of these locations in cape cod attached are very far away, not necessarily active in july, and cost money to go see by way of ferry excursion. We'll be in Cape Cod 14th-18th staying in Dennisport. Private tours are available and are Beachcomber Boat Tours specialty. This 25-mile paved path goes through 6 towns, and is a great experience if visiting Cape Cod for the first time to cover a lot of ground and introduce yourself to the region. There is something magical to behold in a seals face when it bobs up out of the water. There isn't a guaranteed time and place to see seals, but some spots are better than others. April is a good month to try your luck - you can also check out the near real-time right whale detection map to get an idea of how active the waters are when you visit. Bicycles are still $14 on traditional ferries. This is personally my absolute favorite thing to do, and an absolute must if visiting Cape Cod for the first time. Standard vehicle daily fees are $25 per day, and are valid for the entire park all day, or you can pay $60 for an annual pass. They usually will give you quite a show. I have used it in all three destinations, and its very reliable and easy. Peak season on Cape Cod is July and August, and thats when it will be the most crowded. During peak season, there are also shuttles from MacMillan Pier in downtown Provincetown to Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach. Zip Codes: 90740 90743. I didnt know much about Cape Cod before reading this article and it was truly inspiring! May 10, 2019May 18, 2019 Harbor Seal on Cape Cod Many years ago, I summered on Cape Cod with my best friend's family. Website & Marketing Powered by Red Oak Local. The Candleberry Inn Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast. Cuffys has everything from sweatshirts to t-shirts to souvenirs like baseball caps and keychains all printed with Cape Cod on them somewhere. One of the most fun things to do on Cape Cod is to spot seals in their natural habitat swimming along the coastline at the beaches. From Harwich Port, Monomoy Island Excursions navigates the Perseverance boat through narrow channels and into isolated lagoons around Monomoy Island. Cape Cod Bay off the coast of Massachusetts has a significant whale population, and you have the opportunity to see a variety of whale species - in fact, whale watching is one of the best things to do on Cape Cod! Chatham is probably the most picturesque town on Cape Cod, and also has one of the more distinctive downtown or Main Street areas. So if they cant beat us they decided to join us, hoping we will share. And with the ferries dropping you off right in the middle of the islands main town, its very easy to get around without a car (although, I do suggest either renting a bike or a moped to see other parts of the island!). I agree joan 2 attacks In a month. Itll soon be a treat just to visit. Provincetown is the town thats furthest north, and located at the very tip of the Cape, and its also the most unique. 10, 7. I always tell people that if youre visiting Cape Cod for the first time, Provincetown cant be missed. New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Click here to get a car rental quote in Hyannis! Tip: Because of its popularity, Sesuit Harbor gets very crowded, and wait times just to place your order can be up to 45 minutes to an hour during prime times (think anywhere from 4-8p most days of the week). Here's the essential information you need for a satisfying visit. Remember, the important thing is to relax and enjoy the Capes naturally beautiful scenery, so try to balance free time with seeing the sites that interest you most. Their fun-filled tours also includes sightings of other wildlife on the refuge including the American Oystercatcher, Piping Plover, and Roseate Tern. You can also look for cities 4 hours from Seal Beach, CA (or 3 hours or 2 hours or 1 hour) or just search in general for all of the cities close to Seal Beach, CA. There are also a few nightlife spots here including The Squire a favorite among locals and visitors. A boutique bed and breakfast inn in Cape Cod. How to properly center equation labels in itemize environment? The best time to see seals is within 2 hours of low tide on a sunny midday afternoon. A nearby salt marsh is a good place to observe the seals in the winter, alongside various seabirds. 15 Best Things To Add To Your Itinerary (2023), Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod For Every Type Of Traveler (2023), 31+ Ways To Have The Best Summer In New England (2023), 21 Best Breweries In Portland, Maine You Have To Check Out In 2023. We want to be your guide. I hope to visit this summer Thank you for this helpful information! Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Depending when you visit, you may even be able to catch a live music show, bid at an art auction or take a pottery class. Copyright 2023 Candleberry Inn Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast. The adventure lasts about 1.5 hours. Beyond the shores, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails for you to explore, and two helpful visitor centers that are worth a pit stop. Yellow Warbler. They are here because there are no big numbers of Striper in the ocean anymore. I also really love Cape Cod Creamery (locations in South Yarmouth, Hyannis and Dennis), Schoolhouse in Harwich Port and Ice Cream Cafe in Orleans. Most places will take cards just like anywhere else in the U.S., but some ice cream places, seafood shacks and town beaches are still cash only. When, and how, is it safe to relocate a burrow of chipmunks without harming the young? Off the Beaten Path | Oyster Farms The Oyster Farms are right off the coast on the Bay (the North side of the Cape) and are a spectacular site to see. Tip: To check the tide schedule, visit TidesChart and see if you can plan your visit during both low tide and sunset on a clear day for the ultimate experience. For day trips, I always suggest either the Freedom Ferry because the location is very convenient to where most people choose to stay, or the fast ferry from Hyannis because the ride is just 1 hour. Popular lodging options include bed-and-breakfasts or rental homes in the nearby neighborhoods. Read on for more incredible experiences and the best locations on Cape Cod. English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold first visited Cape Cod in 1602, and it was then he named the Massachusetts Peninsula Cape Cod, after the plentiful cod populations. Today, all four attractions are still in business making Wellfleet Drive-In one of many excellent Cape Cod attractions. Ferry Pricing for Steamship Authority: Round trip tickets for high speed service are $75 per adult, $38 for children 5-12, children under 5 are free and bicycles are $14. As the customers talked over iced coffees, a coworker . According to this one the best time of day is. If youve never had the chance to see seals or you want to see them again, head to Cape Cod. Note: Because of the steep sand dunes and lack of stable walkways, physically disabled people may have some difficulty accessing the beach. No one likes to sit in traffic, but its actually a part of your Cape Cod experience. The Cape Cod Region Transportation Authority does have a bus system all over Cape Cod, but its not the best way to get around. In the fall months, its fun to bring a blanket and just watch for seals. 2. Ive spent a week on the Cape in September, and during the week, I had entire beaches to myself. Or, if youre staying nearby in Wellfleet, consider biking to the beach. Click here to check out the best prices at Discover Cars! Even if spotting ocean life isnt your thing, the walk on the ocean floor is stunning, especially at sunset. I could go on and on about how beautiful the National Seashore beaches are, but thats not to say that the town beaches arent worth your time because they absolutely are! Thats not to say that you cant do Marthas Vineyard in a day (I have, and I enjoyed it), I just think Nantucket is much easier with more to do in a concentrated area. If youre a couple, traveling with just one other person or are a solo traveler, and dont plan to stay for a full week, youll likely find that hotels will be your only option. You will then also run into the same issues with the rental car, but Enterprise does offer pick-ups from the Provincetown airport. Statement from SO: June 5, 2023 Moderator Action, We are graduating the updated button styling for vote arrows. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Be sure to check back here with updates on when it will be open to the public again. Music festivals, parades, marches and more commemorate Juneteenth across America. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats"as well as illustration and design credits on Broadway and PBS. There isn't a guaranteed time and place to see seals, but some spots are better than others. Stay away from the seals in the water. With more than 7,600 acres of protected dunes, salt and freshwater marshes and a decommissioned lighthouse, the gorgeous Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge will make you feel likea trailblazer. I also suggest starting in Dennis, and working you way to Brewster, since youll pass some really pretty ponds along that stretch, and end in Nickerson State Park. September 16, 2020 Updated September 16, 2020, previously August 17, 2015 There are four main Cape Cod seal species in the region. These are great options if you plan on staying in Provincetown and dont have a need to explore outside of town. To avoid as much traffic as possible, I suggest you plan to arrive to the bridges before 9-10a or after 8p on weekends. Disgusting? Watch a couple of curious seals at the Chatham Fish Pier! I could spend days wandering in the towns. Its common to find drag queens and cabaret entertainers on the streets handing out flyers for their evening shows and witness a flash mob on the sidewalks of Commercial Street. If youre really hoping to spot some seals in the open waters, Coast Guard Beach is one of the best spots. So, if youre a party less than 6, and still wanted a smaller, more personalized tour, this is a great option to join another private tour, and share the cost. Sandwich doesnt have a strong downtown or Main Street feel, but it has lots of character, and moves at a slightly slower pace than the other Cape towns. well done . At low-tide, up to a mile of sandbars are exposed, allowing you to walk out onto the ocean floor and look for sea life and clam beds. Tip: During shore bird nesting season, the Cape Cod National Park Service will prohibit dogs from visiting any dog-friendly area, so be sure to visit the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information. The parking lot fills up quickly during the summer months, so travelers advise getting a spot early in the morning. Where can I buy bear banger launcher and ammunition and have them shipped to US? If youre a family, and you want to save a bit of money by making some meals at home, a house rental may be a good option so you have more space, and a full kitchen. But the food and atmosphere are worth it if youre up for the challenge! Race Point is also one of the dog-friendly beaches on the Cape (dogs are permitted outside of lifeguarded areas in-season), so if there are no restrictions, you may be able to bring your pup along with you! The Cape really comes to life in July and August, too, and while it can be challenging to navigate the crowds, I love this time of year for the buzz in the air, nicest weather and warmest waters. Plan a trip to our lovely inn to see our Cape Cod seals up close as we can reserve your seat on a excursion boat that runs out of Harwich Port. 6 helpful votes Where to see Seals and other Itinerary 4 years ago Save Hello! Some of the Cape's best beaches and ponds are scattered throughout the area, especially in Orleans and Wellfleet. As mentioned, the majority of the seals hang around Monomoy Island, which is about 9.5 miles from the mainland and only accessible by boat. You can't miss a chance to hop aboard one of the best whale watching tours in Cape Cod, and don't forget to visit lively Provincetown, where boutiques, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops abound. Before each adventure, you can indulge in a fresh, locally sourced breakfast in our elegant dining room or on our lovely patio. Does the word "man" mean "a male friend"? It is a hike down but once there you can usually find a spot all to yourself. Do American mourning doves only make their plaintive cooing sound where people can't see them? If a species becomes over populated, it is by natural selection that it is thinned out and brought back into numbers. Exhibits detail how important Sandwichs contributions were at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. But the seaside would be the big draw. Shark sightings happen most frequently on the Atlantic beaches (Cape Cod National Seashore included), and are less frequently spotted along the Nantucket Sound or Cape Cod Bay. They attract sharks, and soon there wont be a beach on that side of the cape that is safe to swim in. Fish and Wildlife Service. Transportation is provided to the boats at Ryders Cove. They guarantee whale sightings, or refund your tour ticket in the form of a voucher. But if humans do the same thing thats NOT natural selection? And who could pass on home made ice cream or lobster rolls? Browse all 1 281 Provincetown topics . So let me get this straight. Previous visitors said the museum offered more interesting and hands-on activities than they had anticipated and said it is well worth a visit. New England weather can vary, so even if you visit in the summer, youre not guaranteed good weather (although, its likely!). The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Click here to book your ferry from Boston to Provincetown! Overlooking the harbor where you can watch fishing boats come and go, the casual restaurant has picnic tables set-up on their uncovered patio, as well as a raw bar, and youre able to bring your own drinks with you. I think I might just have to combine number 4 and 5 grab some homemade ice cream and then go see the sunset on the beach! I do suggest a day trip to Nantucket over Marthas Vineyard simply because Nantucket is easier to visit in a day, whereas Marthas Vineyard is more spread out. Countless migrating birds and other marine animals visit Cape Cod's shores each year. Mathematica is unable to solve using methods available to solve. Learn all about Cape Cod seals when you embark on their 90-minute adventure. Cape Cod is beautiful! ! To see Cape Cod seals on the mainland, head to Chatham Fish Pier. Past visitors said the collection of art was much more diverse than they expected from a small museum, and they raved about the friendly staff members. Click here to read my ultimate guide to shopping on Cape Cod! . The 24-foot boat can fit up to 15 people and quietly moves among the seals as they swim around in the shallow water. Today, the 40-mile stretch of coast is recognized as having some of the best beaches on Cape Cod, including Nauset Beach in Eastham, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet and Race Point and Herring Cove beaches in Provincetown. Many of our guests love to grab some of our beach chair with a beach umbrella and watch the seal from one of the National Seashore beaches. Now they fully recognize us as competition for food. Others migrate through on their way elsewhere. Harrison loves to ocean swim and you can walk for miles and miles on this breathtaking beach. If you're looking for a bargain, visit on the first Thursday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m. for free. It has one of the best launching spots in the area for seeing the seals along the inner channels of Chatham Harbor. Live music? There are many fantastic locations across the Cape that are great for seal watching, but there are some that are the best. The island is home to thousands of gray seals, so youre likely to see them swimming around and laying on the shoreline. Tip: In Summer 2022, they plan to complete renovation of their Dennis location, which includes a huge expansion to allow for a general store, penny candy store and so much more. How can I tell if there's a living snail in the shell, without picking it up? And don't forget to explore the area's smaller villages for a taste of the Old Cape. In-season, youll have to pay $25 to park at one of the two lots that offer access to the boardwalk, so it would be worthwhile to spend some time at the beach if you wanted to walk the boardwalk (which I suggest you do!). Just be sure to dress for the weather and respect the animals' habitats. Click here to begin your search for vacation rentals on Cape Cod! How to get rid of black substance in render? We're glad to share our recommendations on all the great things to explore throughout Cape Cod. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. A recent article in our local paper noted that the seals are back in force, with between 30,000 and 50,000 primarily living in the waters on and around Cape Cod. All Rights Reserved. These are also perfect for day trips! Its possible, but I dont recommend it, and youll really hinder your opportunities to see the best pars of Cape Cod because they will either be inaccessible via public transportation, or take a long time to get to. In fact, when I visit the Cape, I usually do the National Seashore beaches about two times, and then stick to the town beaches beyond that. If you would like to see the seals in their natural habitat its also fun to go to the following beaches and piers, and with patience, timing and a pair of the inns binoculars you can usually see these playful creatures on Cape Cod. My two favorite stores in Chatham that I have to visit every time I go are The Fishermans Daughter for clothing, jewelry and unique finds, and The Mayflower for nautical, rustic and farmhouse-inspired home goods and gifts. Keep reading to learn how to identify each species. The Atwood Museum, the Mayo House and the Chatham Railroad Museum give visitors a taste of Cape Cod history. Past theatergoers say the retro drive-through experience is not to be missed, saying its a great nostalgic activity, but recommend getting there early to secure a good spot. On July 1, 2022, shortly before the Buttercup Cafe's 2 p.m. closing time, two diners remained on the Cape Cod restaurant's patio. To take a ferry to Nantucket, you have two options. Just remember that those seals are federally protected and it is a crime to do harm to them. Did a bear knock all my bird feeders down? Well, good for you! It takes about 10 minutes to climb up the tower, but most visitors say the trek is worth it; describing the vantage point from the top of the Pilgrim Monument as one of the best on the Cape. With a mini-golf course nearby and a playground set up in front of the screen, the Wellfleet Drive-In is perfect for families looking for a break from the beach. His more recognizable works include the macabre alphabet in "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" and the illustrated edition of T.S. To decide which part of the Rail Trail youd like to ride, I really love this guide. They add that that you shouldnt miss the glass-blowing demo and that the museum is laid out well. Brewster. Popular Times to Visit Cape Cod. The Steamship Authority ferry departs from Hyannis, and you can choose between the traditional ferry service, which is less expensive, and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, or the fast ferry, which takes 1 hour. Bay View Trail is the longest of the six best trails in Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and is well worth the hike. For more detailed info on where to stay on Cape Cod, definitely check out the link below!This post shares what towns are best for you, and all my favorite hotels & vacation rentals.Click here to read my guide on the best towns to stay in on Cape Cod! These six locations are where you can see many, many seals during the right time of year. In fact, it appears that the National Seashore is now intentionally being turned into a National Wildlife Reserve, with less and less of the waterfront available for public access and recreational enjoyment. These marine mammals are just so cute when they splash around and poke their heads up out of the water, and even while they sunbathe on the sand especially the pups. Centrally-located towns would be Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Harwich, Chatham and Orleans. Sometimes, they swim close to the shoreline, and sometimes, theyre a bit further out. There is one exception! The ride stops by the Chatham Fish Pier where the local fishing fleet is hard at work. Level Contributor . What location or locations, and what time of year, should we choose, in order to get the most sightings? County: Orange County. 2. June and September schedules are not set in advance. The very first hoodie I bought from them over 10 years ago still looks brand new, and Ive worn it a ton. If you really want to visit a lot of beaches and maximize your time while on the Cape, I highly suggest you have a car. Prices are also very fair, and Ive seen some other sweatshirt/tourist shops across the Cape charge way more for lesser quality. Tip: Parking at Sundae School and Schoolhouse can be a bit crazy in July and August, especially on weekends, so plan to arrive with some patience. Round trip tickets from Boston average about $200. Its not my first time in Cape Cod, but I certainly could use a refresher. Ive already mentioned the two airports located on Cape Cod, but the closest major airports would be Boston, MA and Providence, RI. Nearby streets are lined with quaint homes and bed-and-breakfasts. Consider a stay with us at our romantic Cape Cod bed and breakfast. The best activities, restaurants, museums, events, views, and much more! Both these shops are located in Dennis near the start of the trail, and they both offer direct trail access, so its a true park-and-ride experience. Both are native to the area, though no. Want to see Lighthouse and Coast Guard Beach. The beach sits on the Outer Cape, so waves are suitable for surfers or boogie boarders. You can make reservations for parking when you reserve your tickets online, and it will cost you $15-$25 per day. Two kids. With over six ponds including Cliff, Flax, Little Cliff, Higgins, and Eel you will have plenty of places to choose from. If you cant make it to Nantucket during your Massachusetts vacation, stop in downtown Chatham where upscale boutiques, art galleries, antique stores and fine dining establishments stretch for a mile along Main Street. If God is perfect, do we live in the best of all possible worlds? So they come to us. Grab your wands and prepare for a magical trip through London. For that reason, you may think its a huge tourist trap, and while some people may agree, most people love wearing things from Cuffys. If you plan to explore Cape Cod beyond Provincetown, I dont usually suggest the ferry as a way to get to Cape Cod. Some hotels will offer efficiency kitchens, which also may work for you. A week-long stay hits the sweet spot, and allows you time to relax at the beaches, visit some of the famous sites and explore a few different areas. I took a seal watch several years ago and thought the over population was disgusting then. That is, until the sand gets inevitably crowded with visitors itching to experience one of the Cape's best strips of shoreline. Is Nantucket or Marthas Vineyard Better For A Day Trip? Depending on which lot you pick, youll have to take a van-shuttle to and from the parking lot and the ferry terminal, so plan for extra time before you board. Where can we see genetically pure American Bison, including Yellowstone National Park? The trailhead is just north of the parking lot right near the tent area. Youll overhear a lot of conversations from people saying things like, When did you get in? For vacation rentals, I prefer VRBO (and find them better than AirBnB). The one town on Cape Cod that will be easy to get around without a car is Provincetown. TheBlue Claw Boat Tours departs out of Orleans at the Nauset Marina. Are you stupid ? And the quality of their clothes is actually awesome. Driving along the roads of Cape Cod, past shops selling unicorn floaties and places to grab a lobster roll, it's easy to forget we live on the edge of wilderness - the Atlantic Ocean - which requires awareness and respect. You should carry some cash around with you. Of all the towns on Cape Cod, Chatham is renowned for having the most seals. From the outside, this museum looks like a classic Cape Cod-style house, complete with the region's signature gray shingles. Cape Cod is truly a spectacular destination to visit, and its home to not only some of the best beach towns in New England, but is packed with culture, stunning scenery, amazing shopping, incredible seafood and so many things to do for everyone. Click here to book your Plymouth to Provincetown Ferry! It's free for those under 12. While you may see breaching whales from the shore, hopping on a boat tour will give you a closer look. Alternatively, you can also see them from above by walking along the boardwalk. After the breeding season ends they disperse throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. If lions stop hunting zebras altogether and zebras begin to flourish and overpopulate Is THAT natural selection? But since this region is also decently large, theres more than enough to do to keep you busy for a month. Towering over the quaint Provincetown skyline, the Pilgrim Monument modeled after theTorre del Mangiain Siena, Italy is a must-see for history-loving travelers. And keep in mind, in July and August, some hotels will also have a minimum night stay requirement of two or more nights. The Freedom Ferry departs from Harwich Port, and takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. There were probably 20-30 total that day at that time at that place. 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