Discover the Best of the Cape, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard
What is it that makes Cape Cod and the nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard so popular with New England travelers, particularly during the summer travel months? The Cape and Islands boast miles of ocean beaches, sand dunes, the freshest seafood served seaside, art galleries, scenic golf courses, and lovely villages. This Massachusetts region’s appeal, however, is much more than the sum of its parts.
Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard all leave powerful impressions on visitors, and many return at various stages of their lives to collect more treasured memories of carefree days scented with salty air, flavored with fried clams and buttery-rich lobster, and punctuated with sunsets, breezes, and opportunities to reconnect with children, sweethearts, or their own inner rhythms.
If you’re planning to travel to Cape Cod, Nantucket, and/or Martha’s Vineyard, this guide serves as your starting point for discovering the best vacation possibilities in this beautiful area.
Cape Cod Highlights
From places to stay to attractions to see, here are some of the ultimate experiences awaiting you in Cape Cod.
Explore Cape Cod’s Sand Dunes
You haven’t truly experienced Cape Cod unless you’ve visited the remarkable sand dunes in Provincetown. Come along on a dune tour to learn about this stunning natural phenomenon.
Cape Cod Choo Choo
For a nostalgic experience, nothing beats watching the scenic landscapes pass by aboard a Cape Cod Central Railroad train as you traverse the cranberry bogs.
The Pilgrim Monument: Unforgettable Views
Enjoy spectacular views from America’s tallest all-granite structure, which commemorates the Pilgrims’ first stop in New England, located on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod’s Best Free Tour
Discover how some of the best potato chips are made by visiting the Cape Cod Potato Chip Company in Hyannis for a complimentary factory tour and sample.
Bargain Hunting at Christmas Tree Shops in Hyannis
If you’re unfamiliar with Christmas Tree Shops, you’re in for an exciting treat as you explore these bargain emporiums during your Cape Cod adventure.
Christmas Nostalgia on Cape Cod
The Enchanted Village at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa offers fun for kids and nostalgia for adults, making it a must-see free attraction during the holiday season.
The Ultimate Family Escape on the Cape
Cape Cod’s Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, MA, ranks as one of New England’s largest resorts, featuring a 700-foot private beach, multiple pools, hot tubs, golf, and a summer children’s program.
A Vacation With and From the Kids
Parents can enjoy activities while their children take part in supervised programs at the oceanfront Red Jacket Beach Resort—ideal for a family vacation on Cape Cod.
Martha’s Vineyard Highlights
New England’s largest island has a reputation for being an exclusive hideaway. If you’re looking to rub elbows with celebrities, politicians, and corporate honchos, then a visit is a must. The Obamas and the Clintons both selected Martha’s Vineyard for their vacation retreats.
Nantucket Highlights
Nantucket lies 26 miles off Cape Cod, presenting charms worth the journey to this “far away island,” as its name translates in the native Wampanoag language.
Nantucket in the Spring
Nantucket truly feels like a different world, especially in spring before summer’s crowds arrive. This destination is a feast for the senses, with stunning sights of its harbor, beautiful beaches, iconic lighthouses, charming cobblestone streets, cranberry bogs, and rich historical attractions—delightful experiences accentuated by vibrant daffodils heralding the arrival of spring.
