Our Favorite Secret Spots
By Guidebook Staff
Explore some of our favorite hidden gems
The Cape is filled with secret nooks and corners… that’s what makes this little peninsula so special. While none of these places are really a secret, they are definitely cool spots to visit. Here are some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path places to add to your Cape Cod Bucket list this summer.
Chatham Light Beach Shack, Chatham
Find this cute little beach shack on Chatham Light Beach, about a quarter-mile walk from the lighthouse. This waterfront property is constantly changing as visitors decorate the shack with flotsam and jetsam. Owned by everyone and yet no one at all, this funny little shack even has its own Facebook page.
The Knob, Falmouth
A quarter-mile trail leads to the perfect spot to watch a sunset over Buzzards Bay. On a clear day, you can see the Elizabeth Island and New Bedford.
Walk the short trail from the parking area at the end of Quissett Harbor Rd for beautiful views. Please stay on the trails and respect this beautiful conservation land.
Scargo Tower, Dennis
The iconic cobblestoned Scargo Tower stretches 30 feet high and is located atop the highest hill in the mid-Cape, overlooking Scargo Lake. This cool spot began as a tourist observatory in 1874. Originally made of wood, two versions of the tower were destroyed by wind and fire before the current structure was built in 1901.
Climb to the top to see sweeping views of the entire Lower Cape to Provincetown and as far west as Plymouth. There are interesting indigenous creation stories about Scargo Hill and Lake that are fun to learn before visiting this cool spot.
Long Point, Provincetown
At the tip of Cape Cod, Long Point is the perfect location if you’re looking to get away from it all. This rugged landscape features breathtaking views of Provincetown from across the harbor, plus the awe-inspiring sight of the expansive blue Atlantic. Long Point Lighthouse is one of the main features of this area. This picturesque old lighthouse is tucked behind grassy dunes, overlooking Long Point Beach.
Spend the day swimming, exploring, and bathing in the warm summer sun to get the most out of this unique spot; you’ll feel like you’re at the end of the Earth. During the summer, get there via the Long Point Shuttle from MacMillan Pier. Year-round, walk the 1-mile Provincetown causeway— the jetty that bridges the end of Commercial Street and Long Point. Be sure to check the tide before crossing as the jetty is dangerous and impassable around high tide.
The Stony Brook Grist Mill, Brewster
The Stony Brook Grist Mill & Museum is the only remaining structure from Brewster’s Factory Village, a once-thriving 19th-century industrial hub. This restored mill on Stony Brook Road is open every Saturday in the summer. Stop by to see the water wheel in motion and purchase freshly ground corn meal! After checking out the mill and attached museum, take some time to wander the footpaths along the brook to see a variety of wildlife.
In the spring, visit the brook to see the annual herring migration. From around mid-March into May watch the herring jump up the fish ladders of Stony Brook as they migrate from Cape Cod Bay to the freshwater ponds of West Brewster to spawn. Have you seen this spectacular sight? If not… be sure to add it to your Cape Cod bucket list!
Photo via @capecodnps
Three Sisters Lighthouses, Eastham
These three small lighthouses once sat on the edge of the Atlantic at Nauset Light Station. Relocated and restored, you can visit them in their original orientation in the pine forests of Cable Road in Eastham.
Before they were acquired by the National Park Service, they sold at auction for $3.50! One also spent a period of time operating as a dance studio. These little lighthouses have had quite the life!
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Take a Trip with Rideaway Adventures!
By Guidebook Staff
Rideaway Adventures is one of the Cape’s most exciting providers of fun and adventure. Their two Upper Cape locations in Mashpee and Sandwich offer the perfect launching zone to explore the Cape’s natural world by kayak, paddle board, or bike.
We visited Rideaway’s Mashpee location on a hot morning in July. Concerns about the heat only lasted until strolling down to the launch point on Popponesset Bay, where we were met with beautiful scenery and a perfect breeze. After watching a few groups head out in kayaks and paddle boards, traveling towards the “spit”— a sprawling sandbar that separates the bay from the waters of Nantucket Sound— we caught up with Rideaway’s owner, Mike.
Mike is passionate about adventure and exploration, and Rideaway’s mission reflects this. Operating with a goal to get people outside and immersed in the beauty of the Cape’s waterways, Rideaway delivers with kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals in stunning locations, plus curated tours that offer truly unique and memorable experiences. Their staff and tour guides are ACA certified, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. They are clearly in love with their jobs and psyched at any chance to share their favorite waterways with visitors. While they encourage folks to rent equipment and explore on their own, their informative and well-crafted tours should not be missed.
From their Mashpee location, take a Sunset Kayak Tour to experience a stunning Cape Cod sunset in Ockway Bay. The tour begins with an easy paddle around Popponesset Island before heading out to the “Spit.” You’ll learn about the barrier beach as well as the marine and birdlife that calls Popponesset Bay home. From there you’ll travel to the mouth of Ockway Bay to view the sunset on the still waters of the bay. Sitting on a quiet kayak in the middle of a peaceful bay is arguably one of the best ways to enjoy a Cape Cod sunset.
If you’re really feeling adventurous, plan ahead and save a spot on their Full Moon Adventure Tour. Coinciding with each month’s full moon, these tours only occur a handful of times each summer so we recommend making a reservation. Geared up with headlamps and glow sticks, you’ll start this tour with an amazing sunset before heading off into the night to explore Popponesset Bay under the moonlight. There is a kayak and paddle board options for both the Sunset and Full Moon Adventure Tour.
Rideaway Adventures Sandwich location sits on Scorton Creek, a beautiful tidal flat that runs off of Cape Cod Bay at East Sandwich Beach. The creek’s slow-moving current, changing tides, and lush vegetation causes the scenery to completely change over a six-hour stretch. The coastal wildlife present in this tidal flat makes every expedition unique and exciting.
Their Lazy River Nature Tour is the perfect option for those looking for a relaxing kayak trip. On this tour, you’ll explore Scorton Creek just before high tide. The creek’s current will do the heavy lifting while you take in the wildlife and landscape. Since you’re never more than 10 feet from land, this tour is a great option for kids and anyone who wants to ease into water sports.
Those looking for a bit more of an adventure on should sign up for the Cape Cod Explorer tour. This adventure will always be different, as their ACA certified guides choose the best route around the creek depending on the current, wind, and tides. This adventure has a bit of everything. You’ll navigate through intricate marsh branches, through stunning coastal landscapes.
If you’re looking to stay land-bound, both their Mashpee and Sandwich locations offer bike rentals. At their Mashpee location, you can pick up your rental, or ride out and spend a few hours enjoying the “New Seabury” scenery that offers neighborhood style sidewalks and streets with water views. From Sandwich, you can pick up your rental or they can stage your bikes at the Canal Bike Path. Due to bike shortages, this year they have limited online booking to 5 days out. Call ahead of time to check availability.
We always recommend getting outside and enjoying Cape Cod’s natural beauty, but that advice is even more relevant this summer. Whether you rent equipment or embark on a kayak or paddleboard tour, Rideaway Adventures offers the perfect chance to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy off the beaten path waterways.
Check out Rideaway Adventure’s website for more information about their rentals, tours, and a full list of their offerings. They also offer private tours. Call them at 508-247-0827 for same-day bookings.
Rideaway Adventures Sandwich: 449 MA-6A, East Sandwich, MA 02537
Rideaway Aventures Mashpee: 259 Shore Drive Mashpee, MA 02649
Stroll and Shop on Main St. Hyannis
By Guidebook Staff
If Cape Cod were to have a downtown, it would have to be Main Street Hyannis. Main Street has seen a rebirth over the past few years with millions of dollars having been spent to provide pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and crosswalks. Seasonal decor lends a festive atmosphere, particularly during the tourist season when the street often takes on the vibe of a good street fair. Within a few short blocks, you’ll find about 150 locally-owned shops and galleries plus approximately 40 restaurants and cafés featuring a broad range of cuisines. Many eateries feature outdoor café style dining.
Park free in any number of large parking lots located behind the stores and stroll the street’s several blocks. For friendly advice and a wealth of printed materials, check out the Visitor Information Center run by the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce at 397 Main Street. Here you’ll also find the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, dedicated to preserving the memories of JFK and his family and their days spent on Cape Cod. The museum is a multimedia exhibit designed to reflect the man, his family, his friends and the Cape Cod he so dearly loved, offering a rare glimpse into the private and peaceful life of the country’s 35th president.
You can certainly make a day of it here. Once you’ve exhausted Main Street itself, there are side streets to explore at the north end, take the Walkway to the Sea which will lead you to the Cape Cod Maritime Museum and beyond to the Ocean Street Docks where the ferry boats to the islands are located along with charter boats, shops, restaurants and art exhibits.
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Spend the Day in Orleans
By Guidebook Staff
Explore Orleans
The hub of the Lower Cape, Orleans is a meeting place for many locals, who come from surrounding towns to shop, have coffee or dine. If you live around here, you’re bound to run into someone you know while having coffee, walking down Main Street, or grocery shopping – the town is home to two large supermarkets on either end, plus a friendly market right in town.
In the same direction, it’s a short drive or bike ride to East Orleans, where shops cluster around the post office; keep going and you’ll come to Nauset Beach, with its wide, sloping swath of white sand and crashing waves. It’s an inspiring place to stroll in the evening when the crowds are gone.
On the other end of town is Rock Harbor on Cape Cod Bay, where charter fishing boats keep busy all summer taking folks out for a taste of deep sea fishing. Also on the bay is Skaket Beach.
Orleans has plenty of cultural activity, including the French Cable Station Museum, which was the terminus for the first transatlantic cable between the U.S. and France. It’s only one of the town’s French connections, the other being its name. Beer lovers take notice—— there is a new brewery in town, and it is all the buzz. If you are a craft beer fan be sure to stop by Hog Island Beer Co. on West Road located behind the Jailhouse Tavern. The brewery has a pub and outdoor patio seating.
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Get Lost in Provincetown
By Guidebook Staff
Get Lost on the Tip of the Cape
On the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a unique blend of old-fashioned fishing village and hip arts community. Its narrow streets are lined with charming old homes and its main thoroughfare, Commercial Street is filled with unique shops, top-notch art galleries and inviting restaurants. It’s a great place to spend a day because there’s so much to do. Provincetown was selected by the National Historical Society as one of the top 12 historic places in the country. While Provincetown is known for its vibrant downtown and arts scene, there are also incredible natural landscapes to explore.
Explore Long Point:
At the tip of Cape Cod, Long Point is the perfect location if you’re looking to get away from it all. This rugged landscape features breathtaking views of Provincetown from across the harbor, plus the awe-inspiring sight of the expansive blue Atlantic. This protected land is teeming with wildlife, from a wide variety of birds to fish, starfish, and other sea creatures. Long Point Lighthouse is one of the main features of this area. This picturesque old lighthouse is tucked behind grassy dunes, overlooking Long Point Beach. Spend the day swimming, exploring, and bathing in the warm summer sun to get the most out of this unique spot; you’ll feel like you’re at the end of the Earth.
Ride the Long Point Shuttle from Flyer’s Boat Rentals
During peak season, the Long Point Shuttle leaves from MacMillian Pier every hour. The shuttle also stops for pick-ups at the Boatyard dock in the West End at ten past the hour. Take the shuttle in the morning to spend the entire day on Long Point. You can also rent a boat from Flyers Boat Rentals to cruise around Provincetown Harbor on your way to Long Point.
Walk the Causeway
If you’re feeling adventurous, embark on the 6-mile loop across the Provincetown Causeway (a long jetty) to get to Long Point Light and back to Commercial Street. The trail begins at Pilgrims Landing at the end of Commercial Street. Make sure to time your trip around the low tide, as the causeway is not accessible during high tide. There is no shade, so pack water and snacks. The 1.25-mile jetty can get congested during peak season; we recommend bringing a mask in case passing other hikers at a safe distance is impossible.
Hike along the Beach
If you want to make a day out of it, embark on the 8-mile loop that starts in the far end of the South Parking Lot at Herring Cove Beach. At first, you’ll walk through vegetation, but the path turns into beach pretty quickly. We recommend packing food and plenty of water and making a day out of it. The trail passes by the Wood End Lighthouse at mile 2, and you’ll get to Long Point Light at mile 4.
Bike the Province Lands Trail:
A great way to enjoy Provincetown's natural environment is to rent a bike for the day at one of the many local bike shops. While there are many places in Provincetown to explore by bike, we recommend the stunning Province Lands Bike Trail. This 5-mile intermediate loop navigates around the Province Lands, passing pine forests, sandy dunes, ocean, and cranberry bogs, with access points at Race Point Beach, Herring Cove Beach, the Province Lands Visitor Center, and the Beech Forest Parking Lot.
Start at the Province Lands Visitors Center. Turn left on the trail and travel 1 mile to Race Point Beach. At Race Point, stretch your legs, admire the ocean, and check out the Life-Saving Station nestled in the dunes. From there, continue to the main loop of the trail. You'll pass large dunes, oak trees, and a sweeping view of the ocean on the right. In about 3 miles, you'll reach the Herring Cove Beach spur, an extension of the Province Lands trail that adds two miles (round trip) onto the loop. If you've brought food with you, Herring Cove is a beautiful place to enjoy lunch and rest on the beach. There is signage to direct you to Herring Cove if you so choose. One mile after crossing Province Lands Road, you'll turn right to pass through a tunnel. Stay on that road to get to the beach.
Otherwise, stay on the main loop to head toward Bennett Pond. Here, sandy dunes fade into pine forests. This stretch of trail is peaceful and void of the sound of traffic. Riders will pass a lush forested landscape as well as cranberry bogs. The Beech Forest Parking lot and picnic area offer views of Blackwater Pond. Those who love to hike will want to return later to wander along the Beech Forest Trail, an excellent place for bird watching. The final mile of the Province Lands Trail features a hilly section. Beginner riders may choose to walk their bike up the steeper hills in this section. When you return to the Visitors Center, take the time to learn about the history and natural environment of the area you just explored. This summer, park rangers are staffing outdoor information stations and providing short orientation talks. Remember to wear a helmet and ride with care through the sandy sections of the trail. Follow state guidelines by social distancing and bring your mask in case there are many people on the trail.
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