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2026 Best Read Guide Cape Cod

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CAPE COD BEST READ GUIDE

ATTRACTIONS

SHOPPING

DINING

MAPS INSIDE

Cape Cod's Only Venue for World Class Entertainment

Little Feat: The Farewell Tour

6/6 • 8PM

Happy Together Tour

The Association, The Troggs, Gary Puckett & more

6/9 • 7PM

July

The BOSS Project

The Premier Bruce Springsteen Tribute

7/5 • 8PM

Rumours Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7/9 • 8PM

Little River Band

7/10 • 8PM

The Disco Biscuits

7/12 • 7PM

Judy Collins & Richard Thompson

7/15 • 7PM

Aug/Sept

The Concert: Tribute to ABBA TWO SHOWS! 8/1 & 8/2 • 8PM

Joe Bonamassa

8/3 • 8PM

The String Cheese Incident

8/6 • 6:45PM

Dirty Deeds: The AC/DC Experience

8/7 • 8PM

Lake Street Dive

8/9 • 7:30PM

The Wallflowers

8/13 • 8PM

KC & the Sunshine Band

8/14 • 7:30PM

Comedian Bob Marley

TWO SHOWS! 8/15 • 5 & 8PM

Cooper Alan 6/12 • 8PM

Umphrey's McGee & moe.

6/13 • 6:30PM

Joe Russo's Almost Dead

Grateful Dead Tribute

6/18 • 6:30PM

Maddox Batson

6/19 • 8PM

Changes In Latitudes

Jimmy Buffett Tribute

6/20 • 8PM

Hanson

7/16 • 8PM

Yachtley Crew TWO SHOWS

7/17 • 8PM & 7/19 • 8PM

POP2000 Tour

Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, BBMAK, Ryan Cabrera & LFO 7/18 • 8PM

Lyle Lovett & his Small Large Band 7/23 • 7:30PM

Face 2 Face

Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute

8/16 • 8PM

Russell Dickerson

8/19 • 8PM

Ripe

8/20 • 8PM

Atlanta Rhythm Section, Pure Prairie League, Firefall & Orleans

8/22 • 7PM

Comedian Jim Gaffigan

TWO SHOWS! 8/23 • 5 & 8:45PM

Collective Soul

8/26 • 8PM

Let's Sing Taylor Taylor Swift Tribute 8/28• 8PM

R Rollling TogetherRevuegTour: g

G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter and Moon Taxi

6/25 • 7:30PM

Voyage

Celebrating the Music of Journey

6/26 • 8PM

Comedian Chelsea Handler

6/27 • 8PM

Three Dog Night

6/28 • 8PM

Comedian John Mulaney TWO SHOWS!

7/24 • 7:30PM • 7/25 • 5PM

The Fab Four

Ultimate Beatles Tribute

7/26 • 7:30PM

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas 7/28 • 7:30PM

Everclear

7/30 • 8PM

JJ Grey & Mofro and The Wood Brothers 7/31 • 6:45PM

Jake Owen with Anna Vaus 8/29 • 8PM

Get the Led Out

Led Zeppelin Tribute

8/30 • 8PM

Lukas Nelson & Molly Tuttle

9/4 • 8PM

Violent Femmes

9/5 • 8PM

Women Rock! The Tent

9/6 • 7:30PM

ZZ TOP

9/13 • 8PM

Historic • Memorable Inn-credible

• Creative Contemporary & Traditional Cuisine

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner served daily

• Glass-Walled Conservatory

• 48 Guest Rooms & Suites

• Rustic, Historic Tavern

• Outdoor Dining (weather permitting)

• Weddings & Special Events Year-round

Relax • Refresh

• Professional, Licensed Staff

• Massage Services

• Manicures & Pedicures

Beautify

• Body Treatments • Results-oriented Facials

• Day & Overnight Getaway Packages

Reach Milli of Travelers f Eve

Elevate Your Brand’s P and Drive Results wit Out-of-Home Advertis Programs!

Maximize impact by combining print visibility with premium digital screens, reaching travelers nationwide every month.

UPPER CAPE

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.

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.

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.

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.

Attractions

Entertainment

Cinemas

Falmouth Mall

137 Teaticket Hwy

East Falmouth

508.495.0505

Dining

Jim’s Clam Shack

227 Clinton Ave

Falmouth

508.540.7758

Lodging

Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa

149 Main St

Sandwich

800.444.3566

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

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

SAILING

We invite We you to sail you to sail aboard this three-masted on beautiful on Vineyard Sound.

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

June 21 - Sept . 14 June 21 - Sept. 14

Located at 227 Clinton Avenue Call for information, schedule & reservations: 508-524-9121 • www.TheLiberte.com

508.548.2626

508.524.9121

MID CAPE

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.

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

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.

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

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.

508.974.3456

508.760.2500 Dead

Helen

508.790.0660

Helen

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises

269 Millway

Barnstable

508.362.6088

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

220 Ocean St

Hyannis

508.790.0696

800.492.8082

Lobster Roll Cruises

351 Sesuit Neck Rd

East Dennis

508.385.1686

Salt Shaker

Sportfishing

351 Sesuit Neck Rd

East Dennis

508.221.5593

Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox

210 Station Ave South Yarmouth elacey@ydredsox.com

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 on Cape Cod, and are a fun way to end a great day at the beach. The Cape is the perfect place for an unforgettable family vacation.

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Coast Guard Heritage Museum

Located in the 1856 Custom House on Route 6Ain 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. Our exhibits include over 120 models of ships, boats and aircraft, interactive displays, and significant historic artifacts.

Our latest exhibit brings to life the Coast Guard’s 18th-century origins, tracing its roots back to Massachusetts. Included is a rendering of a mural recently added to the State House that celebrates this history.

We offer audio and docent-led tours. Many of our volunteer docents served in the Coast Guard. Our museum shares a campus with America’s oldest surviving wood jail (c.1690) and an operating blacksmith shop.

Open May 21-Oct. 10: Tuesday-Saturday 10-3

OPEN THURSDAY-SATURDAYINTHEOFF-SEASON: Spring: May 7-23 Fall: Oct. 15-Nov.7

Admission: $5.00 Coast Guard Active duty & families: free

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.

LOWER CAPE

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.

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 19-20, 2026. Harwich Center and Harwichport have maintained the town’s historic feel, offering band concerts and arts and crafts shows throughout the summer.

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.

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.

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.

OUTER CAPE

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.

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 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.

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.

OUTER 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.

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.

Photo Credit: Alvaro O’Donnell via unsplash.com
Photo Credit: Aurelia Dubois via unsplash.com

OFF CAPE

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.

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.

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.

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.

OFF CAPE

June

Little Feat

The Farewell Tour

6/5 • 8PM

Happy Together Tour

The Association, The Troggs, Gary Puckett & more

6/10 • 7PM

Cooper Alan

6/13 • 8PM

Let's Sing Taylor

Taylor Swift Tribute

6/19 • 8PM

Matteo Bocelli

7/7 • 8PM

Rumours

Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7/10 • 8PM

Attractions

Maddox Batson

6/20 • 8PM

Three Dog Night

6/26 • 8PM

Rolling RevueTour:Together

G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter & Moon Taxi 6/27 • 7:30PM

July y

Men at Work, Toad the Wet Sprocket & Shonen Knife

7/26 • 6:30PM

Changes In Latitudes

Jimmy Buffett Tribute

7/11 • 8PM

Judy Collins & Richard Thompson

7/16 • 7PM

Frankie Valli

7/18 • 8PM

Hanson

7/19 • 8PM

Everclear

7/23 • 8PM

Lyle Lovett & his Small Large Band

7/24 • 7:30PM

The Fab Four

Ultimate Beatles Tribute

7/25 • 7:30PM

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas

7/29 • 7:30PM

JJ Grey & Mofro and The Wood Brothers

7/30 • 6:45PM

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA 7/31 • 8PM

Cohasset Dramatic Club presents Annie 7/22 • 10:30AM Hadestown 7/28 • 7PM

Aug/Sept A t /St

Yachtley Crew

TWO SHOWS! 8/1 8/2 • 8PM

Dirty Deeds: AC/DC Experience

8/6 • 8PM

Comedian Bob Marley

TWO SHOWS! 8/7 & 8/14 • 7:3OPM Lake Street Dive

8/8 • 7:30PM

Face 2 Face

Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute

8/13 • 8PM

KC & the Sunshine Band

8/15 • 7:30PM

Marshall Tucker Band

8/16 • 8PM

Russell Dickerson

8/20 • 8PM

75th Anniversary Celebration

Atlanta Rhythm Section, Pure Prairie League, Firefall & Orleans

8/21 • 7PM

Collective Soul

8/22 • 8PM

Ripe

8/23 • 8PM

Jake Owen w/Anna Vaus

8/28 • 8PM

Get the Led Out

Led Zeppelin Tribute 8/29 • 8PM

Lukas Nelson & Molly Tuttle

9/5 • 8PM

Violent Femmes 9/6 • 8PM

Cape Cod Central Railroad 70 Main St Buzzards Bay 888.797.7245

Museums

Plimoth Patuxet Museums 137 Warren Ave Plymouth 508.746.1622

Cod

Four Historic Places. Two Enduring Cultures. One Powerful Story.

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.

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

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.

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.

KIDS CORNER MAZE PUZZLE

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.

Wellfleet

Orleans

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

Advertiser Index

Sport & Outdoor

Capt. John Ferry to Provincetown ............40

Capt. John Pilgrim Belle Harbor Cruise ....40

Capt. John Provincetown Whale Watch ....33

Capt. John Plymouth Whale Watch ..........39

Cee Jay Fishing .......................................33

Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown Whale Watch

Back Cover

Helen H Deep Sea Fishing .......................15

Helen H Sunset Cruise ............................25

$Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises ..............19

$Hy-Line Harbor Cruises ...........................18

$ Hy-Line Hyannis to Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard High Speed Ferries ...................23 Liberte, The Schooner ...............................9 Lobster Roll Cruises ................................14 Monomoy Island Excursions ....................29 Patriot Party Boats ..................................10 Salt Shaker Sportfishing ..........................23 Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox .......................16 $ = Advertiser With Coupon

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