Endless beaches wrap the shoreline of Cape Cod, a Massachusetts peninsula dotted with fishing villages, miniature golf courses, picture-perfect lighthouses, motels, and quaint art galleries. It’s the starting point for trips to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and a longtime magnet for artists and other creatives. Head all the way to the tip and you’ll reach the LGBTQ haven of Provincetown, whose lively drag bars coexist cheerfully with whale-watching tours and hiking trails.
Summer visitors flood Cape Cod with traffic in July and August, but the peak vacation energy during this month is wonderful for beach days. Shoulder seasons are the best of both worlds: In-the-know travelers aim for May–June or September–October to enjoy sunny days without the crowds. While there are fewer things to do in Cape Cod in the winter, it’s a quiet and beautiful time to bundle up for outdoor activities like beach walks and hikes. Or head indoors and visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History or the town’s antique shops.
Many visitors come by car, but summer’s legendary traffic jams require a strategic approach—try to avoid busy Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority has bus services that link major destinations, and the summer-only CapeFLYER train links Boston with Hyannis. Alternatively, take a ferry straight to Provincetown, with seasonal departures available from Boston and Plymouth. Once there, cycling is a popular option, especially along the 25-mile (40-kilometer) Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Beach parking fees can be up to US$30—and that’s if you can find a spot at all. Cycling to the beach is a budget-friendly way to avoid that hassle. Fortunately, some of the cape’s very best beaches—including Trunk River Beach, West Dennis Beach, Coast Guard Beach, Head of the Meadow Beach, and Herring Cove Beach—are located just off bike paths and cycling-friendly roads.
