Come to Ole Cape Cod
Yes there are the sand dunes and salty air, but Cape Cod in the summer is so much more than that. There is a certain smell in the air on Cape Cod, its Heavenly. It must be a mix of the salt and the sand, but it’s a very distinct scent.
Location
Cape Cod is located to the far east of Massachusetts. There is only one way to Cape Cod and that is over one of two Bridges, the Sagamore and the Bourne. If you can ignore the traffic on these bridges, you’ll be ahead of the game. Cape Cod is about 1-hour 15 minutes to Boston, which makes it easy for a day trip into the city. It’s also convenient to fly into Logan Airport in Boston or TF Green airport in Rhode Island (also 1-hour and 15 mins.).
Family Fun
Of course there are beaches all over Cape Cod. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the US, but what else is there to do for families who already got their sunburns?
1)Whale Watch - There are a few different ships you can go on to go see a whale watch. Rest assured, most likely you will see an abundance of whales as well as dolphins. It’s an amazing site. The 2 whale watches that I trust are, The Dolphin Fleet, Provincetown – 1-800-826-9300, and Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, Hyannis – 1-888-942-5392.
2)The Duckmobile - 508-362-1117 - Before you ask, yes it is a giant duck! It travels the roads in Barnstable County and then goes off the docks in Hyannis Marina. You may feel very silly riding on the duck, but I bet your kids will love it!
3)The Water Wizz - Wareham - 508-295-3255 – A water park, fun for the whole family.
4)SLAM Paintball - South Yarmouth – 508-398-6919 – Paintball area and store. Save this one for the end of your vacation when the family members are all sick of each other!
5)Pirate’s Cove - Yarmouth – 508-394-6200 – This is the largest miniature golf course on Cape Cod. The whole course is set up to look like it is on a pirate ship. There is a gift shop next door for souvenirs.
6)Heritage Plantation - Sandwich – 508-888-1222 – Find out about the history of Cape Cod here on house walk through tours. They also feature antique cars and activities for kids.
7)Provincetown - Even if you aren’t staying near P-Town, it’s worth the drive there. It has fabulous shopping on Commercial Street, small quaint restaurants and great beaches.
8)Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket - There are 2 locations to catch a ferry to the Island. One is in Hyannis and one in Wood’s Hole. You can visit the famous Black Dog store on Martha’s Vineyard and do some shopping in Oak’s Bluff or you can ride you bike along the many trails on Nantucket. Nantucket is also famous for it’s cobblestone streets.
It does rain on Cape Cod and you don’t want to be stuck in your hotel room all day long. Here are a few rainy day activities.
1) The Cape Cod Mall - The mall is located in Hyannis and is newly remodeled and expanded. It also added a larger food-court and 2 new restaurants, TGIFridays and Polcari’s.
2)The Outlet Malls - There are outlet malls when you first come over the bridge in Bourne and a smaller one on RT 28 in Yarmouth. The feature Liz Claiborne, Levis, Bass and Ralph Lauren.
3)The Melody Tent - Hyannis – 508-775-9100 – Daytime shows are aimed at kids. For example, The Kaleidoscope Theater puts on a production of Cinderella and the Harwich Jr. Theater puts on a production of The Kid’s Broadway Revue. Excellent idea for a rainy day! https://melodytent.com
Be sure to read my next part in ‘The Cape Cod Summer’ series. It will be about Cape Cod’s nightlife and accommodations.
Cape Cod is fun for the whole family. There is never a dull moment and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime. It is also one of the more reasonably priced resort areas.
Enjoy your trip!
©2001 KAC