2025 CAPE Cod Best Read Guide

BE ST RE AD GU I DE

CAPE COD 2025

AT TRACTIONS SHOPPING DINING MAPS INSIDE

F I N D YO U R N E X T

A DV E N T U R E

586 Main St | Hyannis | 774-470-4588 285 Main St | Falmouth | 774-349-2776 TAPCITYGRILLE.COM Best Read Guide 2025

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contents

Best Read Guide 2025

Features

12 Attractions 24 Family Fun 32 Shopping 34 Kids Corner 48 Dining

24 48

Discover Cape Cod 6 Upper Cape 14 Mid Cape 30 Lower Cape 38 Outer Cape 42 Off Cape 50 Islands 58 Advertiser Index

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Maps 54 Cape Cod

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Best Read Guide Cape Cod | Volume 40, Issue 1 Copyright 2025 CTM Media Group, Inc. 21-S Atlantic Ave, MA 02660 508-557-2305 | https://visitorfun.com/brg

Best Read Guide 2025

Advertising Sales Laura Capshaw, Melanie Footer Design Team CTM Design Services Distribution Manager Kevin Bolis Media Coordinator Kristina Woo

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UPPER CAPE UPPER CAPE BOURNE | FALMOUTH | MASHPEE | SANDWICH | WOODS HOLE

The Upper Cape, located just over the bridge from the mainland, is the gateway to Cape Cod. Its convenient location makes the Upper Cape a perfect destination for a day trip, while abundant attractions and beautiful natural scenery promise plenty of fun for longer stays, too. Cape visitors first pass through Bourne, which straddles the Cape Cod Canal. Connected to the mainland via two famous bridges—the Bourne Bridge and the Sagamore Bridge—Bourne is a destination for birders, boaters, and cyclists who come to explore the hiking paths and nature trails along the Canal.

Best Read Guide 2025

Incorporated in 1638, neighboring Sandwich is Cape Cod’s oldest town.

This charming village boasts quaint bed and breakfasts and inns, bustling shops, and is home to intriguing historic sites and museums that celebrate Sandwich’s rich history. Visit the Sandwich Glass Museum to learn about the town’s considerable contributions to the glass industry or explore Sandwich’s natural environment on the extensive Sandwich Boardwalk. Generations of children can also thank Sandwich native Thornton W. Burgess for his Old Mother West Wind series featuring Peter Rabbit.

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BOURNE | FALMOUTH | MASHPEE | SANDWICH | WOODS HOLE

Provincetown tic lan At an Oce

Truro Plymouth

Wellfleet Wareham Sagamore Eastham

Cape Cod Bay Bourne Sandwich Buzzards Bay

Barnstable Falmouth

Mashpee

Hyannis

Dennis Yarmouth

Brewster

Orleans

Harwich Chatham

Nantucket Sound Woods Hole

Just to the south of Sandwich is the town of Mashpee, another important cultural destination known for its rich Native American history and culture, which continues to thrive in this small town thanks to the efforts of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. This tribe hosts a variety of cultural activities throughout the year, including an annual Powwow.

Mashpee is also a destination for shopping and dining, featuring two of the largest shopping centers on the Cape, Mashpee Commons and South Cape Village.

Best Read Guide 2025

Falmouth, one of the Cape’s largest and oldest resort towns, offers a little bit of everything for a traditional Cape Cod getaway. This town features eleven harbors and the longest coastline of any Cape town, making it perfect for beachgoers, birders, and boaters, and is an easy place to catch a ferry to the Islands.

Falmouth’s village of Woods Hole is home to the world-famous Oceanographic Institution and is a great stop for budding scientists and curious nature-lovers.

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UPPER CAPE Attractions Entertainment Cinemas

Museums Sandwich Glass Museum

Falmouth Mall 137 Teaticket Hwy East Falmouth 508.495.0505

129 Main St Sandwich 508.888.0251

Dining Jim’s Clam Shack 227 Clinton Ave Falmouth 508.540.7758

Tap City Grille 285 Main St Falmouth 774.349.2776

Lodging Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa

Services Beach Plum Spa 149 Main St Sandwich 508.833.3211

Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce 70 Main St Buzzards Bay 508.759.6000

149 Main St Sandwich 800.444.3566

SAILING

Falmouth Harbor We invite you to sail aboard this ϔ ͽͽ̹ three-masted

on beautiful Vineyard Sound.

Helping Visitors Find Their Next

Adventure

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Scheduled Day sails • Private Charters Up to 49 Guests • Sunset Sails Full Beverage Bar

June 21 - Sept. 14

ctmmediagroup.com 800-888-2974

Located at 227 Clinton Avenue

Call for information, schedule & reservations:

508-524-9121 • www.TheLiberte.com Best Read Guide 2025

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BOURNE | FALMOUTH | MASHPEE | SANDWICH | WOODS HOLE

Patriot Party Boats Fishing and cruising out of Falmouth Harbor

Sport Fishing • Bottom Fishing • Sightseeing • Martha’s Vineyard Shuttle Call 508-548-2626 for information Reserve online at patriotpartyboats.com or download the FREE APP Boats are docked at 140 Scranton Avenue, Falmouth MA 02540 We provide free rods, bait, tackle, instruction and parking

JIM’S CLAM SHACK OUTDOOR WATERFRONT DINING PICTURESQUE VIEWS OF FALMOUTH HARBOR, VINEYARD SOUND & MARTHA’S MARTHA S VINEYARD VINEY

LUNCH & DINNER FAMILY FRIENDLY TAKE OUT & WALK-INS 227 CLINTON AVE • FALMOUTH (508) 540-7758 • FIND US ON Best Read Guide 2025

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UPPER CAPE When you need to be seen for a minor illness or injury, we’ve got you covered.

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Urgent Care Falmouth Harwich

Hyannis Sandwich

Orleans (seasonal) Osterville (seasonal)

Helping Visitors Find Their Next

Adventure

ctmmediagroup.com I 800-888-2974 Best Read Guide 2025

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BOURNE | FALMOUTH | MASHPEE | SANDWICH | WOODS HOLE

Patriot Square

Falmouth Mall

2 - 6 Enterprise Road South Dennis, MA 02660

137 Teaticket Highway East Falmouth, MA 02536

508-394-4700

508-495-0505 Hyannis

(formerly Regal, now reopened at Cape Cod Mall) 793 Iyannough Rd. Route 132, Hyannis, MA 02601

508-974-3456 Great Food + Great Drinks + 7KHDWHU 5HQWDOV + %LUWKGD\ 3DUW\ (YHQWV + *LIW &DUGV

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UPPER CAPE

Attractions

The Cape truly has something for everyone.

From Provincetown to Plymouth, Cape Cod is overflowing with famous attractions, fun activities, and hidden gems, promising visitors of all kinds an unforgettable getaway.

Get outside and enjoy the sunshine during a day at one of the Cape’s dozens of white sandy beaches along the National Seashore or explore the region’s unique wildlife at the many nature preserves, bird sanctuaries, and hiking trails.

During the spring and summer, the water is the best place to be while on Cape Cod. Set off on a whale watch or fishing charter or join a ferry excursion to one of the Islands. Or take a kayak or canoe tour of one of Cape Cod’s many inland waterways and experience the region’s beautiful landscapes first-hand. For the more adventurous traveler, stand-up paddle boarding is a fun option offered by an increasing number of rental companies.

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BOURNE | FALMOUTH | MASHPEE | SANDWICH | WOODS HOLE

Glassblowing Experiences led by our

Expert Glass Artists COME EXPLORE THE SANDWICH GLASS MUSEUM TODAY! Visit our website for more info and events:

129 Main Street, Sandwich, MA 02563 508-888-0251 www.sandwichglassmuseum.org

Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care Falmouth 273 Teaticket Hwy Falmouth 508.495.8000

Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care Sandwich Stoneman Outpatient Center 2 Jan Sebastian Dr Sandwich 508.833.2639

Sport & Outdoor Patriot Party Boats 227 Clinton Ave Falmouth 508.548.2626

Liberte, The Schooner 227 Clinton Ave Falmouth 508.524.9121

Steamship Authority 1 Cowdry Rd Woods Hole 508.548.3788

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MID CAPE MID CAPE BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

The Mid Cape covers an eclectic assortment of towns and villages, ranging from bustling commercial centers to quaint, sleepy villages, making the region an essential addition to any Cape Cod itinerary. The town of Barnstable is the Cape’s largest town and serves as the transportation and commercial hub of the region. Comprised of seven villages, each with its own unique character, Barnstable is a destination in and of itself, providing ample shopping, dining, and activities.

Municipal Airport and still serves as a bustling seaport for commercial and passenger vessels. Cultural activities and historic sites abound in Hyannis, including the Cape Cod Melody Tent, which features live entertainment throughout the summer, and the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum.

Visitors to Hyannis should also be sure to stop at the Cape Cod Potato Chip headquarters.

Neighboring Yarmouth is a popular destination for families due to its central location and many kid-friendly attractions. The town features several

Barnstable’s largest village, Hyannis, is a must-see for any visitor to Cape Cod. The village is home to the Barnstable Best Read Guide 2025

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BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

Provincetown tic lan At an Oce

Truro Plymouth

Wellfleet Wareham Sagamore Eastham

Cape Cod Bay Bourne Sandwich Buzzards Bay

Barnstable Falmouth

Mashpee

Hyannis

Dennis Yarmouth

Brewster

Orleans

Harwich Chatham

Nantucket Sound Woods Hole

miniature golf courses, family-style seafood restaurants, and copious soft-serve ice cream, making Yarmouth an ideal spot to spend a fun-filled summer’s day with the whole family.

The town offers a versatile range of lodging, dining, and shopping, making it an easy starting place for any Cape Cod vacation, and its convenient location along Routes 6, 6A, and 28 ensures that Yarmouth is part of any Cape Cod itinerary. Yarmouth is also the perfect place to try some famous Cape Cod clam chowder or some of the region’s saltwater taffy.

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Historic Dennis is the quintessential Cape Cod town, featuring abundant shopping, dining, antiquing, and cultural activities. As one of the Cape’s few bi-coastal towns, Dennis is a great destination for beach-goers and outdoors enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the region’s spectacular sunsets. Cyclists and walkers can also set out on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a twenty-two mile paved former railroad that runs from Dennis to Wellfleet.

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MID CAPE Attractions Entertainment Cinemas 793 Iyannough Rd, Rt 132 Hyannis 508.974.3456

Entertainment Cinemas Patriot Square 2-6 Enterprise Rd South Dennis 508.394.4700

Cape Cod Central Railroad 252 Main St Hyannis 888.797.7245

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Cape Cod Melody Tent 41 West Main St Hyannis 508.775.5630

Holiday Hill Mini Golf 350 Main St Dennis Port 508.398.8857

Dining DiParma 175 MA-28 West Yarmouth 508.771.7776

BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

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MID CAPE

Sunset Cruise Out of Hyannis Harbor

• Full Beverage Bar • Full Service Galley with hot food and snacks • Sunset Cruises in Hyannis Harbor • $32 a ticket or private charters up to 150 passengers • 85’ Boat with an open second deck to view the sunset

Book Now! 508-790-0660

157 Pleasant St, Hyannis, MA

Helen-h.com/sunset-cruises

Rental Fleet

18 - 22 Ft Boston Whalers (center console and bowriders) 23 and 26 Ft Regulators (center console) -,2--, - 21 2& 2 ʉ'2 3. 2- :9 .#-.*#

Full Day, Half Day and 2-Hour Rentals Daily from our Dock in Hyannis.

Long term rentals available for clients with a private mooring or dock: Weekly, monthly, or the entire season.

FREE

parking in our lot!

All Cape Boat Rentals Inc. :<< *# 1 ,2 20##2 7 ,,'1 9;?9: Best Read Guide 2025

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www.allcapeboatrentals.com

Call us! (508) 827-2001 VisitorFun.com

BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

Scally’s Irish Ale House 585 Main St West Yarmouth 508.771.5225

Museums Coast Guard Heritage Museum 3353 Main St Barnstable Village 508.362.8521

Tap City Grille 586 Main St Hyannis 774.470.4588

John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum

Yarmouth House

397 Main St Hyannis 508.790.3077

335 MA-28 West Yarmouth 508.771.5154

Whydah Pirate Museum

Lodging Starlight Lodge Cape Cod 203 Main St Dennis 508.385.3464

674 MA-28 West Yarmouth 508.534.9571

Services Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care Hyannis Best Read Guide 2025

1220 Iyannough Rd Hyannis 508.862.7900

Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care Osterville (seasonal)

Dead Zone 1196 MA-28 South Yarmouth 508.760.5823

Sport & Outdoor All Cape Boat Rentals 133 Pleasant St Hyannis 508.827.2001

John and Marjorie McGraw Medical Complex 770 Main St Osterville 508.957.9290

Helen H Deep Sea Fishing

Shopping Cape Cat

137 Pleasant St Hyannis 508.790.0660

987 MA-28 South Yarmouth 508.760.2500

Helen H Sunset Cruises 157 Pleasant St Hyannis 508.790.0660

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MID CAPE

Coast Guard Heritage Museum Located in the 1856 Custom House on Rt. 6A in Barnstable Village, the museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the extraordinary history of the United States Coast Guard.

Massachusetts is the birthplace of the Coast Guard. Cape Cod has played an important role in its evolution. Piloting the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic, rescuing thousands of mariners in distress, maintaining iconic lighthouses, and protecting our coast are all part of the service’s extraordinary legacy. Over 120 models of boats, ships and aircrafts are displayed.

Our newest exhibit focuses on Coast Guard Arts and Entertainment.

We offer audio and docent-led tours. Many of our volunteers served in the Coast Guard.

Our museum shares a campus with America’s oldest surviving wooden jail (circa 1690) and an operating blacksmith shop!

Open May 22 – Oct. 11: Tuesday-Saturday 10 - 3 May 1-17 & Oct. 16-18: Thursday-Saturday10 - 3 Admission: $5.00

$4.00 with this ad

3353 Main St., BarnstableVillage 508-362-8521

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BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

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MID CAPE Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises 269 Millway Barnstable 508.362.6088

Hy-Line Harbor Cruises and Ferries to Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket

Lobster Roll Cruises 351 Sesuit Neck Rd East Dennis 508.385.1686

220 Ocean St Hyannis 800.492.8082

Steamship Authority 69 South St Hyannis 508.771.4000

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YarmouthDennis Red Sox 210 Station Ave South Yarmouth elacey@ydredsox.com

BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

Authentic Cape Cod Course Over 10,000 Flowers Giant Waterfalls Large 18 Hole Course

RTE 28 Dennisport (next to the Mill Stores)

$ .50 OFF

1

Per Person with this Coupon.

Coupon good for up to 4 people Holiday Hill Miniature Golf BRG25 Best Read Guide 2025

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MID CAPE

Family Fun

The Cape is the perfect place for an unforgettable family vacation.

Cape Cod offers plenty of fun activities to keep the kids busy and happy. Most area museums and wildlife centers offer packed schedules of exciting familyfriendly programs and activities, while other attractions cater directly to children and families. Enjoy bike riding, swimming, and boating, or finally teach the kids how to fish.

Numerous tidepool and shallow backwaters provide a great opportunity for kids to explore nature. Mini-golf and ice cream are abundant ea on Cape Cod, and are at fun way to end a great he day at the beach. The Cape is the perfect place for an unforgettable family vacation.

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BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

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MID CAPE

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BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

The Cape Cod Baseball League is the Premier Amateur Summer Baseball League in the Country!

Come See Future Major League Stars in Action!

Free Admission

Fun for the Whole Family This project is partially funded by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund.

For more information scan the QR code

or visit ydredsox.com Best Read Guide 2025

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MID CAPE

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BARNSTABLE | DENNIS | HYANNIS | YARMOUTH

Grateful Dead, Reggae & Cool Hippie Merchandise Jewelry • Flags • Childrens & Adult Clothing • Ty Handbags • Wallets • Perfumes • Crystals • Bajas Mexican Blankets • Incense • Tapestries • CBD

Rewards Points on Every $10 purchase

Collect 10 stamps to get $10 OFF 1196 Rt. 28 (Hearth & Kettle Plaza), S. Yarmouth

508-760-5823 • Open Year Round

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LOWER CAPE LOWER CAPE BREWSTER | CHATHAM | HARWICH | ORLEANS

Provincetown tic lan At an Oce

Truro Plymouth

Wellfleet Wareham Sagamore Eastham

Cape Cod Bay Bourne Sandwich Buzzards Bay

Barnstable Falmouth

Mashpee

Hyannis

Dennis Yarmouth

Brewster

Orleans

Harwich Chatham

Nantucket Sound Woods Hole

The Lower Cape offers visitors a classic seaside vacation experience. Brewster is considered one of the Cape’s most picturesque towns. Once known as the “sea captain’s town,” it features many gorgeous seaside inns that were once mansions built by sea captains, making Brewster a top destination for lodging on the Cape. The various downtown shops attract antique collectors, while the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is one of the region’s premier museums.

The small but popular town of Chatham is packed with history and summer fun.

Seals, birds, and other wildlife abound just off Chatham’s shores, while the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and Morris Island feature coastal walking trails.

The Chatham Lighthouse is one of the most well-preserved lighthouses on the Cape.

Meanwhile, the stylish Main Street features an abundance of shopping, local dining, and a busy schedule of theater productions and cultural events.

Harwich is a small town that breathes seaside charm and the birthplace of the Cape’s famous cranberry farming industry. Enjoy one of the Cape’s most popular events, the annual Harwich Cranberry Festival, on September 13-14, 2025. Harwich Center and Harwichport have maintained the town’s historic feel, offering band concerts and arts and crafts shows throughout the summer.

Orleans is a beautiful, quaint town with excellent beach access. Visitors can spend the day at Nauset Beach or at Rock Harbor on the Cape Cod Bay, which is bustling with fishing boats and provides ample birdwatching and breathtakivng sunsets. Orleans is also home to one of the Cape’s historic windmills, the Jonathan Young Windmill, a testament to the town’s saltmaking history.

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BREWSTER | CHATHAM | HARWICH | ORLEANS

Attractions Cape Escape Mini Golf 14 Canal Rd Orleans 508.240.1791

Services Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care Harwich Fontaine Outpatient Center 525 Long Pond Dr Harwich 508.430.3330

Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care Orleans (seasonal) Jean P. Buchanan Medical Building

42 Rt 6A Orleans 508.957.9270

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Shopping Bird Watcher’s General Store 36 MA Rt 6A Orleans 508.255.6974

Yellow Umbrella Books

“The Best Selection of NEW & USED BOOKS on Cape Cod.”

501 Main St Chatham 508.945.0144

$

Sport & Outdoor Monomoy Island Excursions

on any $15.00 purchase BRG Expires: April 2026

501 Main St., Chatham (508) 945-0144

731 MA-28 Harwichport 508.430.7772 Best Read Guide 2025

3.00 Off

www.yellowumbrellabooks.net

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LOWER CAPE

Shopping

Finding the perfect gift or souvenir on Cape Cod is easy.

The area’s thriving artistic community and numerous small towns mean that shopping on the Cape is always a unique experience. Visit local art galleries to support the area’s independent artisans and acquire handmade treasures inspired by the sea.

Photo Credit: Alvaro O’Donnell via unsplash.com

Photo Credit: Aurelia Dubois via unsplash.com

Spend an afternoon hunting through the small boutiques, antique stores, and independent businesses that line the picturesque streets of Cape Cod’s villages & towns. Get some homemade jams, an antique buoy, or handcrafted jewelry, or go bargain-hunting at an outlet store. Go home with the perfect memento of a great vacation.

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BREWSTER | CHATHAM | HARWICH | ORLEANS

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KIDS CORNER GAMES, PUZZLES, COLORING

MAZE PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS: HELP FIND THE PATH TO THE BEACH CHAISE.

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FIND

DIFFERENCES

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WORD SEARCH • fish • jellyfish • sand • sunglasses • fin • ball

• bikini • snorkel • lifebuoy • seaweed • sunblock • wave

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COLOR

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ME!

OUTER CAPE OUTER CAPE EASTHAM | PROVINCETOWN | TRURO | WELLFLEET

Provincetown tic lan At an Oce

Truro Plymouth

Wellfleet Wareham Sagamore Eastham

Cape Cod Bay Bourne Sandwich Buzzards Bay

Barnstable Falmouth

Mashpee

Hyannis

Dennis Yarmouth

Brewster

Orleans

Harwich Chatham

Nantucket Sound Woods Hole

Like Eastham, the town of Wellfleet features a stunning coastline of sandy beaches. The town is only two miles wide and is located seventy-five miles out into the Atlantic Ocean, and its bustling harbor is full of fishing vessels, yachts, and sailboats. Wellfleet is a center for the arts, known for its many local art galleries, unique drive-in movie theater, and an exceptional theater, the Wellfleet Harbor Actors’ Theatre. Wellfleet is famous for its seafood, particularly for its oysters, making it the perfect addition to any Cape Cod itinerary.

The Outer Cape, located at the very end of Cape Cod, is a world apart and well worth a visit. Home to a distinctive culture and stunning natural environment, the four tiny towns of the Outer Cape are a captivating combination of quaint tradition, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Eastham, the first of these four towns, is a picturesque beach town that features some of the most interesting natural trails on the Cape. Its extensive beaches make up a large portion of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

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EASTHAM | PROVINCETOWN | TRURO | WELLFLEET

Known locally as “P-Town,” Provincetown is world-famous for its thriving gay and lesbian community, and remains one of the country’s most notable artists’ colonies. The town’s narrow, winding streets are packed with trendy shops, restaurants, and offbeat galleries, and the region’s rich history is memorialized by the Pilgrim Monument, celebrating the Pilgrim’s 1620 landing on Provincetown’s shore. Provincetown also features some of the best whale watching on Cape Cod.

The peaceful and quaint town of Truro is home to some of the Cape’s most beautiful beaches, framed by dramatic sandy cliffs and prehistoric kettle holes. Truro’s lighthouse, the Highland Light, is the oldest on Cape Cod, and the town is also home to America’s oldest links golf course, Highland Links. Wine lovers should stop for a tasting or a tour of Truro Vineyards, one of the Cape’s only three wineries.

Provincetown, located at the very tip of the Cape, is a cosmopolitan and quirky haven for artists and alternative culture.

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OUTER CAPE Dining Bookstore & Restaurant 50 Kendrick Ave, Wellfleet 508.349.3154

Sport & Outdoor Captain John Provincetown Whale Watch MacMillan Wharf Provincetown 508.746.2643

Cee Jay Fishing MacMillan Pier Provincetown 508.487.4330

Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown Whale Watch 307 Commercial St, #1 Provincetown 800.826.9300 508.240.3636

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EASTHAM | PROVINCETOWN | TRURO | WELLFLEET

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OFF OFFCAPE CAPE BUZZARDS BAY | PLYMOUTH | SAGAMORE BEACH | WAREHAM

Cape Cod offers a plethora of adventures, relaxation, and fun for visitors with a range of budgets, itineraries, and interests. However, travelers looking to get the most out of a trip to the region should explore the entire South Shore of Massachusetts. Attractions, landmarks, dining, and shopping can all be found on the mainland just over the Cape Cod Canal, all within driving distance of many major Cape Cod destinations.

Best Read Guide 2025

Small towns and villages dot the entire Off Cape region, each with its own unique attractions and character. Some, like Buzzards Bay and Sagamore Beach, maintain close ties with the Upper Cape communities just across the Canal, featuring some of the region’s best beaches. Others, like Rochester, Taunton, and Carver, provide easy access to both the Boston and Providence metropolitan areas, making them great stopping points for a larger trip.

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BUZZARDS BAY | PLYMOUTH | SAGAMORE BEACH | WAREHAM

Provincetown tic lan At an Oce

Truro Plymouth

Wellfleet Wareham Sagamore Eastham

Cape Cod Bay Bourne Sandwich Buzzards Bay

Barnstable Falmouth

Mashpee

Hyannis

Dennis Yarmouth

Brewster

Orleans

Harwich Chatham

Nantucket Sound Woods Hole

For a more contemporary Off Cape experience, stop in the town of Wareham, known as “the gateway to Cape Cod.” Wareham and its tiny village of Onset overlook the peaceful Buzzards Bay and border the eastern shore of the Cape Cod Canal. Blues legends Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Tommy Dorsey frequently vacationed in Onset.

Plymouth is a vacation destination for families and history buffs from all over the world. The town is internationally recognized as one of the first settlements in the United States, founded in 1620

by English colonists. Visit the famous Plymouth Rock and step back in time at Plimoth Plantation, an extraordinary living history museum that serves as a tangible connection to America’s past.

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OFF CAPE Attractions Cape Cod Central Railroad 70 Main St Buzzards Bay 888.797.7245

Tour of the Freedom Trail

Sport & Outdoor Captain John Fast 139 Tremont St, Boston Ferry (Plymouth to 978.741.1170 Provincetown)

South Shore Music Circus

Services Southeastern MA Visitors Bureau/ Viva Fall River

130 Sohier St Cohasset 781.383.9850

200 Pocasset St Fall River 508.676.8226 x104

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77 Water St, Plymouth 508.746.2643

Captain John Pilgrim Belle Harbor Cruise 77 Water St, Plymouth 508.746.2643

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Captain John Whale Watch 10 Town Wharf Plymouth 508.746.2643

Hy-Line Canal Cruises 184 Onset Ave Onset 508.295.3883

BUZZARDS BAY | PLYMOUTH | SAGAMORE BEACH | WAREHAM

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OFF CAPE

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BUZZARDS BAY | PLYMOUTH | SAGAMORE BEACH | WAREHAM

TOURS DAILY

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MO MONSTER NS ER NST R TOUR TOU O R OU

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OFF CAPE

Dining

No visit to Cape Cod is complete without fresh, local seafood.

The Cape’s dining scene ranges from local chowder joints to upscale restaurants, offering something for every traveler and every appetite.

Take a stroll down any main street to stumble upon some local offerings ranging from sandwiches and pizza to fresh seafood and chowder.

Check out local dives and roadside stands to find mouth-watering fried fish and clams caught just offshore. Or dine in style at one of the Cape’s luxurious resorts or restaurants, which transform the best local oysters, lobsters, and scallops into elegant culinary delights.

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BUZZARDS BAY | PLYMOUTH | SAGAMORE BEACH | WAREHAM

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ISLANDS ISLANDS MARTHA’S VINEYARD | NANTUCKET

Provincetown tic lan At

an Oce

Truro Plymouth

Wellfleet Wareham Sagamore Eastham

Cape Cod Bay Bourne Sandwich Buzzards Bay

Barnstable Falmouth

Mashpee

Hyannis

Dennis Yarmouth

Brewster

Orleans

Harwich Chatham

Nantucket Sound Woods Hole

Martha’s Vineyard Nantucket

character and charm. The town of Oak Bluffs is the most common drop-off point for visitors during the summer months and is also home to the famous Gingerbread Cottages, whimsically decorated and vibrantly colored 19thcentury houses found only on the island.

Despite their proximity to the mainland, the Islands offer a relaxing escape from the bustle of daily life. Both have, to varying degrees, resisted widespread commercialization, maintaining the unique charm of traditional seaside communities. The Islands thrived economically during the 18th and 19th centuries as epicenters of the whaling industry, and their storied maritime history is preserved in the quaint winding streets and distinctive architecture.

Nantucket is the more remote of the two islands and offers visitors an escape to a quintessential New England maritime community. Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets, visit a historic lighthouse, or find a spot along the island’s 80 miles of pristine beaches— Nantucket abounds with activities and scenery for the perfect summer vacation.

About seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard occupies about 100 square miles and consists of six towns, each with its own individual Best Read Guide 2025

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MARTHA’S VINEYARD | NANTUCKET

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ISLANDS

Golfing on Cape Cod

Cape Cod and golf are like whales and water; they just naturally go together.

The Cape is home to more than twenty public, semi-private and municipal golf courses, each offering varied levels of difficulty and play.

There are nine hole, par three, and eighteen hole courses, some with authentic Scottish links, and some with wonderful views of the water. Many Cape courses have restaurants, driving ranges, pro shops and lessons for newcomers and for those who need a refresher.

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MARTHA’S VINEYARD | NANTUCKET

Serving the Islands with more ferries and the lowest fares

66

$

ROUND-TRIP High-Speed Ferry Hyannis to Nantucket

Ferry service from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard and Hyannis to Nantucket

Same Day Monday–Thursday

For high-speed passenger ferry reservations, please call (508) 495-FAST (3278) For safety, schedule, and parking information, go to SteamshipAuthority.com

Lodging The Summer House

Steamship Authority

17 Ocean Ave Nantucket 508.257.4577

Union St & Water St Vineyard Haven 508.693.0367

Museums Martha’s Vineyard Museum 151 Lagoon Pond Rd Vineyard Haven 508.627.4441

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SOMETHING BIG HAS RETURNED TO THE ISLAND.

Sport & Outdoor Steamship Authority

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1 Steamboat Wharf Nantucket 508.228.0262

Jaws at 50: A Deeper Dive ūŭ Ņ Ű Amity Homecoming Weekend ŪŲ Ņ ūŬ

Steamship Authority 1 Seaview Ave Oak Bluffs 508.693.0125

PLAN YOUR VISIT ŪŮŪ

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MAP LEGEND P R

6

t tree 35 lS 36 cia er P

m m Co

High Head Beach Point

34

Provincetown Harbor

Highland Beach

Long Point

Wood End

Truro

Ol d

Ryder Beach

N.

Pamet Harbor

Corn Hill Beach

et Rd Pam

y Rd unt Co

6

S

Truro

Prince Valley R d

(at right)

Sesuit Harbor Scargo Lake

Point Gammon

Sea Gull Beach

Ferry to N

Roa d Forest

d

P Great W U

un ty Rd

Smugglers Beach

West Dennis Beach

Glendon Beach

estern Ro N. Harwich ad

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Queen A

P

124

Harwich Center 13 W. Harwich P

Herring River

Nantucket Sound antuck et

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6

h th ut ou 28 i Soarm 28 Y ver West Dennis Port nty Road Dennis Lower Cou Bass R i

uth Ro ad

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West Yarmouth A ea

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Hyannis Inner Harbor

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Hyannis Port

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For the rest of Cape Cod, see previous page

Un

Barnstable

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N. Ro Den ad n i s

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1 P Yarmouth Port

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Dennis Yarmouth

Barnstable Harbor

East Dennis

8

Breakwater Landing Beach

Quivett Marsh

P a Setreet S

Beac 7 hS

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W

Ballston S. Pamet Rd Beach

Chapin Memorial Beach

ey a

Windmill

Hyannis to Orleans 18 miles. Orleans to Provincetown 27 miles.

Sandy Neck Beach

V in rtha ’s to Ma Ferry

Whale Watch

N

Wellfleet

Hyannis Harbor

32 Point of Interest

k Long Nook Noo Beach ng ad Lo Ro

Great Hollow Beach

Lower & Outer Cape

ai n

P Parking

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LOCATOR

M

Info Center

33

Cape Cod Bay

6A

Ferry Service

Highla nd Roa d

Pond Village

to Prov i ncetown

Exits

Sunset

i North

6A

Boating Bird Watching

Lighthouse

Head of the Meadow Beach

Pilgrim Lake

Bike Path

6

Atlantic Ocean

Provinceland Sand Dunes

P 37

Land’s End

Fe rry

Provincetown

ace 38 Po i Rd

Rd nt

Herring Cove P Beach

and s

39

vince Pro L

Race Point

Race Point Beach

Harwich Port Wychmere Harbor

Saquatu Harbo

Truro

POINTS OF INTEREST

(on left)

6 G u l l P on d

e Ch que s

sett Neck

Main Rd St

Maguire Landing

Atlanti

Lieutenant Island

28

South Marconi Wellfleet Beach North Eastham 27

Cooks Brook Beach

n

29

c Ocea

i

Blackfish Creek

Billingsgate Island

E

Rd

Wellfleet

Wellfleet Harbor Chequesset Neck

Rd

Cahoon Holl o w

30

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1. Bass Hole 2. Winslow Crocker House 3. HSOY Nature Trails 4. Capt. Bangs Hallet House 5. Baxter Grist Mill 6. 1801 Jericho Historical Center 7. 1736 Josiah Dennis Manse 8. Scargo Tower & Scargo Lake 9. Drummer Boy Park 10. Stony Brook Mill & Herring Run 11. Crosby Mansion 12. Nickerson State Park 13. Brooks Academy/1812 Canon 14. Wychmere Harbor Overlook 15. Chatham Railroad Museum 16. Godfrey Windmill 17. Atwood House Museum 18. Chatham Lighthouse/The Breakthrough 19. Chatham Fish Pier/Overlook 20. French Cable Museum 21. Jonathan Young Windmill 22. Fort Hill Overlook 23. Swift-Daley House 24. Eastham Windmill Green 25. Salt Pond Visitor Center & Schoolhouse Museum 26. Coast Guard Station 27. Nauset Lighthouse 28. Marconi Wireless Site 29. Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary 30. Wellfleet Historical Society Museum 31. Wellfleet Town Pier 32. Jenny Lind Tower & Highlands Center 33. Highland Lighthouse, Highland Links & Highland House Museum 34. Pilgrim Heights 35. Provincetown Art Association & Museum 36. MacMillan Wharf 37. Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum 38. Province Lands Visitor Center & Old Harbor Life-Saving Station 39. Race Point Lighthouse

Newcomb Hollow Beach

u Na

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stone Ro ad

12

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Barley Neck

Little Pleasant Bay

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Pleasant Bay

B ay Ro a d

Strong Island

Trainin Field Rdg

Chatham Port

Ol dQ ueen An n 137 e Rd rth m Noatha Ch

28 15

28

S

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17 Stage Harbor

Na nt u

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Nauset Inlet

ad

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East Harwich

De po tR

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South Orleans uoit eq

11

Fer ry to

Nauset Marsh

East Orleans

28

Coast Guard Beach

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22 P

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6

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Harwich

8

6

Rock Harbor Rd.

S

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Herring Pond

T

Skaket Beach P

M

Anne R

25 P

23

Bridg eR

Rock Harbor

in Ma

137

d Doane Rd Naus et R

24 Samoset Rd Great Pond

First Encounter Beach

Point Linnell of Rocks Landing Beach

ster

Road

Kingsbury Beach

Cable R d Nauset Light Beach ad Ro

Brackett Road

Thumpertown Landing

Cape Cod Bay

s

Eastham

Chatham Harbor

19

North Beach

Chatham

16 18

The Breakthrough

SCALE

Morris Island

ck et

South Beach

0 Monomoy

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2

3

Original concept by Joe Rees & Walt Brooks

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4 miles

Advertiser Index

Attractions

Yarmouth

Cape Cod Central Railroad ...................... 21 Cape Cod Melody Tent ............................ 17 $ Cape Escape Mini Golf ............................ 31 Entertainment Cinemas .......................... 11 $ Holiday Hill Mini Golf............................... 23 South Shore Music Circus ....................... 47 Tour of the Freedom Trail ........................ 47

$ DiParma ............................................... 2, 4 $ Scally’s................................................. 2, 4 $ Yarmouth House ................................... 2, 4

Lodging Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa ........................... 3 Starlight Lodge ....................................... 22 Summer House ....................................... 51

Dining Falmouth

Museums

Jim’s Clam Shack...................................... 9 $ Tap City Grille........................................ 2, 4

$ Coast Guard Heritage Museum ............... 20 John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum .......... 19 Martha’s Vineyard Museum..................... 53 Sandwich Glass Museum ........................ 13 $ Whydah Pirate Museum .......................... 16

Hyannis $ Tap City Grille........................................ 2, 4

Wellfleet

Services

Bookstore & Restaurant .......................... 40

Beach Plum Spa ....................................... 3

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Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce ........................... 13 Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care........... 10 Southeastern MA Visitors Bureau/ Viva Fall River ......................................... 44

Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown Whale Watch..............................Back Cover Helen H Deep Sea Fishing ....................... 25 Helen H Sunset Cruise ............................ 18 $ Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises .............. 27 $ Hy-Line Canal Cruises ............................. 49 $ Hy-Line Harbor Cruises ........................... 26 $ Hy-Line Hyannis to Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard High Speed Ferries ................... 22 Liberte, The Schooner ............................... 8 Lobster Roll Cruises ................................ 21 Monomoy Island Excursions .................... 33 Patriot Party Boats .................................... 9 Steamship Authority ............................... 53 Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox....................... 27

Shopping $ Bird Watcher’s General Store .................. 33 Cape Cat................................................. 16 $ The Dead Zone ....................................... 29 $ Yellow Umbrella Books ............................ 31

Sport & Outdoor All Cape Boat Rentals ............................. 18 Capt. John Ferry to Provincetown ............ 46 Capt. John Pilgrim Belle Harbor Cruise .... 44 Capt. John Plymouth Whale Watch .......... 45 Capt. John Provincetown Whale Watch .... 41 Cee Jay Fishing ....................................... 41 Best Read Guide 2025

Best Read Guide is produced by CTM Media Group Inc. Best Read Guide makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising for errors or omissions. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited.

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GUARANTEED SIGHTINGS!

• Up to 7 Whale Watching trips daily. Each trip lasts 3 to 3 1/2 hours to fit your schedule • Naturalist conduct scientific research while guiding each trip with information on whales, other marine life and the local habitat • 4– 100’ vessels with air conditioned cabin, sundeck, and a full Galley which offers good food, beverages, and cocktails

EXCITING NEW TOURS WITH DOLPHIN FLEET SUNSET CRUISES

WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:

Enjoy our 2-hour evening cruise to watch the sunset along the stunning Provincetown shoreline.

SCENIC TOURS

OF PROVINCETOWN:

Our 90-minute tour will cruise along the scenic shoreline while detailing Provincetown’s rich cultural, economic, and artistic history.

SPECIALTY EVENTS

• Full day Whale Watch • Early morning Whale Watch, often the most exciting time for feeding activity • Private charter availability for your special trip or gathering

VISIT US ONLINE FOR BOOKING, DISCOUNTS AND ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULES ALL TRIPS DEPART MACMILLAN PIER IN PROVINCETOWN

508-240-3636 • WHALEWATCH.COM Best Read Guide 2025

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