Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Yarmouth, MA

The joint-oldest settlement on Cape Cod, Yarmouth was incorporated in 1640, and is deeply rooted in maritime history.

During the Golden Age of Sail, Yarmouth served as the residence for numerous sea captains, who commanded clipper ships that facilitated international trade.

Many of their residences are preserved along the Captains’ Mile in Yarmouth Port, showcasing a remarkable array of pre-20th century architecture and part of the Old King’s Highway, which traverses the cape.

Yarmouth seamlessly blends this rich heritage with engaging contemporary attractions, sites of stunning natural beauty, and a southern coastline comprised of dune-lined sandy beaches.

1. Whydah Pirate Museum

Discovered in the mid-1980s, the Whydah Gally was the world’s first pirate shipwreck to be identified and authenticated without dispute.

Launched in London in 1716 and initially involved in the Transatlantic slave trade, the Whydah Gally was seized by pirate Captain Samuel “Black Sam” Bellamy in February 1717 and engaged in two months of marauding before being wrecked off the coast of Cape Cod in April 1717.

The Whydah Pirate Museum stands as a premier interactive experience, being the sole establishment globally to exhibit authentic pirate treasure.

Among the artifacts retrieved from the seabed are silver coins, wax seal rings, pieces of dinnerware, muskets, cannons, tools, and the very bell that established the Whydah Gally’s legitimacy.

In one area, visitors can witness ongoing conservation efforts and learn how the artifacts have been extracted from the natural sediment.

2. Seagull Beach

Yarmouth’s most frequented beach is also its largest, stretching over 2,000 feet of soft, pale sand along Nantucket Sound.

A notable feature of Seagull Beach is its secluded atmosphere, with minimal development aside from a few elegant homes peeking above the dunes to the west.

Completely free from rocks, the beach offers ample space for relaxation, and the gentle surf makes it an ideal location for swimming, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.

You may spend an entire day at Seagull Beach as it is equipped with a surprisingly affordable snack bar and well-maintained restroom facilities.

3. Bass Hole Boardwalk (Gray’s Beach)

One of the most picturesque locales, not just in Yarmouth but on the entire cape, awaits you in the marshland along the shore in Yarmouth Port.

At Gray’s Beach, you can traverse a lengthy boardwalk extending 898 feet over the salt marsh.

Continuously reshaped by storms, the coastline here is ever-evolving, and the boardwalk itself has undergone frequent reconstruction and repositioning, most recently in 2018.

Later in the day, the twilight sky here is remarkable, enhanced by expansive views over the shimmering landscapes surrounding you.

4. Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT)

Yarmouth is located at the western trailhead of a 25.5-mile rail trail that winds around Cape Cod to Wellfleet.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail emerged in the 1970s and follows the route of the Cape Cod Central Railroad, established in the 1860s and integrated into successive railroads, culminating with Penn Central in the 1960s.

This trail connects six towns on Cape Cod, providing a safe and convenient route for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the best of the Cape, visiting historic centers, kettle ponds, and outstanding beaches accessible via spurs.

A parking facility is available at the trailhead on Station Avenue in Yarmouth, where the trail connects with a two-mile multipurpose trail extending west along the old rail bed to Higgins Crowell Rd.

5. Old King’s Highway

Traversing the northern bay side of Yarmouth and Cape Cod, Route 6A comprises the largest contiguous historic district in the United States.

Recently designated as a National Scenic Byway, the Old King’s Highway stretches from Bourne in the east to Orleans in the west.

This route connects some of the oldest villages in the country, featuring a remarkable collection of unaltered architecture from the 17th to the 20th century.

Yarmouth Port is particularly notable along this byway, especially the Captains’ Mile, which will be discussed in further detail below.

Additionally, the Winslow Crocker House (c. 1780), which houses an exquisite decorative arts collection, is managed as a seasonal museum by Historic New England, while the Ancient Cemetery serves as a historical burial site dating back to the 17th century.

6. Captains’ Mile

Traveling along Route 6A for two miles in the village of Yarmouth Port, you will encounter no structure newer than the 19th century.

This extraordinary stretch of roadway, shaded by mature trees, provides a comprehensive overview of architecture ranging from the 1600s to the 1800s.

Between the intersection of Wharf Lane and Playground Lane, one may embark on a walking tour past numerous homes of sea captains along the road, many associated with the Old China Trade and 19th-century packet lines.

The Historical Society of Old Yarmouth has produced a guide with detailed descriptions of over 50 stops, each marked with a plaque featuring a schooner motif.

7. Bass River Beach (Smugglers Beach)

Located near several hotels and a number of the town’s major attractions, this public beach lies at the mouth of the Bass River in the southeastern part of Yarmouth.

Spanning over 500 feet, a broad expanse of soft sand gently slopes into Nantucket Sound, bordered by low dunes.

The gentle waves at Bass River Beach and the warm water during July make this an excellent destination for families with children to enjoy a seaside experience.

Available amenities include a bathhouse, boat ramp, fishing deck, spacious parking lot, and mobile food concessions during the summer season.

8. Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail

For over a decade, the Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail has become a vital part of the town’s summer identity.

Featuring more than 30 stunning sand sculptures displayed throughout Yarmouth, these creations remain on exhibit from June until Columbus Day.

This extraordinary exhibition continues to expand annually, featuring works by nationally acclaimed artists. Ranging from whimsical to deeply thought-provoking, the sculptures are treated with a glue-like solution to ensure they withstand the elements for over four months.

A new map is published with each iteration of the trail, available at the Visitor Center located at 424 Route 28 starting in July.

9. Edward Gorey House

The distinguished writer, artist, and costume designer Edward Gorey (1925-2000) relocated to Yarmouth Port in 1986, acquiring a 200-year-old sea captain’s home.

Gorey is notably recognized for “The Gashlycrumb Tinies” alphabet book (1963), and for winning the Tony Award for Best Costume Design in 1977.

Following his passing, the historic residence was transformed into a museum dedicated to celebrating his impressive career while honoring his commitment to animal welfare.

The museum opens to the public from early April through December, showcasing thoughtfully curated exhibits that delve into various facets of Gorey’s life.

At the time of drafting this article, an exhibition was centered on his passion for the New York City Ballet, illustrating its influence on his illustrations.

10. Cultural Center of Cape Cod

In 2000, a group of concerned citizens came together to preserve the Georgian Revival Bass River Savings Bank building (1930) in South Yarmouth and transform it into a versatile arts center.

This endeavor culminated in 2007, resulting in the establishment of the Cultural Center of Cape Cod as a flourishing hub of creativity, featuring five galleries, five resident artist studios, art classrooms, a pottery studio, a performance hall, a recording studio, and even a culinary arts center.

It is an understatement to assert that there is always something occurring at the center, with approximately 400 classes conducted annually and around 100 concerts. If you’re passing through, you can explore the extensive variety of concurrent themed and solo exhibitions.

11. Judah Baker Windmill

An iconic landmark in South Yarmouth’s Historic District, this 18th-century windmill stands adjacent to a small beach, overlooking the estuary of the Bass River.

Constructed to grind corn in 1791, the Judah Baker Windmill was initially situated in North Dennis, then moved to East Dennis, subsequently relocating to South Yarmouth in 1886, and ultimately to its current position in the early 20th century.

Retaining much of its original machinery, the building underwent restoration between 1973 and 1999, utilizing hand-hewn lumber when possible.

The town has maintained this unique structure since 1953 and opens it to the public on limited days during the summer months. It is well worth a visit for captivating photographs of the windmill against the expansive river backdrop.

12. Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum

Adjacent to the Edward Gorey House, another historic sea captain’s residence can be explored along the Captains’ Mile. The Bangs Hallet House, dating to approximately 1840, is operated by the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth and serves as the society’s focal point.

The interior is arranged to reflect the environment as if Captain Hallet had just returned from one of his extensive voyages, adorned with period furnishings as well as imports gathered through the Old China Trade, ranging from porcelain to silks.

A substantial maritime collection is also on display, alongside exhibits highlighting various aspects of Yarmouth’s history.

At the time of this writing, a notable exhibit featured Victorian baby clothing, offering insights into 19th-century child-rearing practices.

13. Cape Cod Inflatable Park

Located at 518 Main St in West Yarmouth, you will find the largest inflatable park in the country, featuring over 20 attractions for children to experience.

These attractions are rotated with each season and can vary in age appropriateness, with height restrictions applied to certain activities.

Examples of available attractions include a bungee run, mechanical bull, Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacle courses, an inflatable soccer field, basketball court for slam dunks, a cliff jump, a velcro wall, and much more.

The Cape Cod Inflatable Park operates in conjunction with the Wicked Waves Water Park, which opened in 2018 and features a wave pool, zero-depth pool, water slides, lazy river, swim-up bar, zero-depth area for toddlers, and an extensive play structure with a tipping bucket.

14. Hallet’s Mill Pond Bridge

Situated at the western end of the Captains’ Mile in Yarmouth Port, you can turn north on Mill Ln, which leads you to the Cummaquid boundary.

This location boasts extraordinary beauty, where the road narrows to a single lane for crossing the inlet at Hallet’s Mill Pond Bridge.

The stream is tidal, flowing either into or out of the pond, framed by lush salt marsh vegetation.

Occasionally submerged, the bridge is adorned with sand and clam shells. With quaint old homes nestled among the trees, and reflections of the sky upon the pond and stream, it’s easy to understand why this scene captivates artists and photographers alike.

15. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

For a lighter exploration of family fun amidst Yarmouth’s historical attractions, consider visiting this themed adventure golf course, part of a national chain.

This award-winning establishment possesses an educational component, featuring plaques that narrate the tales of history’s most infamous pirates, from Blackbeard to Barbarossa.

There are two 18-hole courses set on a meticulously maintained landscape, complete with caves, rigging, cannons, barrels, shipwrecks, and rocky outcrops, all accentuated by a waterfall flowing through the center.