Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard are generally synonymous with sandy beaches
and summertime vacations. But, with crowds gone and warm days and cool nights, fall
is also a wonderful time of year to visit. The fall foliage on the Cape and Islands
is a well-kept secret. Peaking in late October, you will find the bogs, marshes,
farmlands, forests, and even beaches transitioning from lush green to vibrant yellow,
orange, gold, and red. Want to do more than just look at the foliage? Then enjoy
the abundance of Cape and Islands activities that go hand in hand with leaf peeping.
Leaf Peeping and Picnicking – Pack a picnic lunch, and head to the
Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum on Nantucket. There you can soak
in the fall colors and glorious view of Folgers Marsh from a quaint picnic area
on a knoll. If there prior to October 14, combine your leaf peeping and picnicking
with a tour of the museum to learn about Nantucket’s maritime history and the heroes
who performed rescues off the coast of the Island. Other picnic spots that offer
beautiful fall vistas include Salt Pond in Eastham and Priester’s Pond or Cedar
Tree Neck on Martha’s Vineyard.
Leaf Peeping and Golfing – Take in the bountiful fall foliage on the Cape
and Islands while squeezing in 18 (or more) holes of golf! Most of the courses on
Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard are open throughout the fall months,
allowing the opportunity to play on less crowded courses. Thus, you can take the
time to work on your putting while feasting your eyes on the beauty of the area
in the autumn. Dennis Highlands, Captains Golf Course, Truro Highlands, Falmouth
Country Club, and Mink Meadows are just a few
public courses that offer great golf and great foliage at the same time.
Leaf Peeping and Running - Like to do your leaf peeping at a quicker pace?
Well then, pack your running shoes, and head to the Cape and Islands. With a multitude
of on- and off-trail places to run, you can go for miles while taking in the beauty
of fall. Here is one in Falmouth and one in Hyannis.
Leaf Peeping and Wine Tasting - Visit Cape Cod during autumn, and taste such fall
wine flavors as Cranberry Red, Cranberry Blush, or Three-Sip-Cran all while
taking in the views of the majestic colors of the vineyards as they transition from
summer to fall.
Leaf Peeping and Hiking - What better way to see the fall foliage than while
hiking on the beaches, in the woods, or around the marshes of Cape Cod and
the Islands. Such spots as South Cape Beach Park in Mashpee, Nickerson State Park
in Brewster, Red Maple Swamp in Eastham, Beech Forest in Provincetown, Hummock Pond
on Nantucket, and Waskosim's Rock in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard offer a diverse
range of foliage.
Leaf Peeping and Fishing –
Cast a line in a Cape and Islands pond or from the shore during the fall
months, and enjoy the serenity of the beaches and the changing colors around the
ponds. The mirrored reflection provides twice the beauty!
Leaf Peeping and Shopping – There’s no better place to combine a little shopping
(and local history) and leaf peeping than traveling the Cape along Old King’s Highway
(6A), which is 34 miles long and runs from Sandwich to Orleans. Along the
way, you will be able to see the changing colors of cranberry bogs, farmlands, and
marshes, as well as poke around various antique shops, general stores, art galleries,
and historical sites. Allow yourself plenty of time so that you can slowly meander
along this beautiful route.
Leaf Peeping and Kayaking – A paddle along the Mashpee River, Herring River,
or Nauset Marsh are just a few great options for
kayaking and viewing fall foliage and wildlife. Wherever you roam, you are
bound to find yourself surrounded by the splendor of fall on the Cape and Islands.
If looking for a guided kayaking tour, there are many
outfitting companies that can accommodate you.
Leaf Peeping and Riding (horses, trains, or bikes) – A canter through Nickerson
Park (Emerald Hollow Farm, Brewster), a
pedaling adventure along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, or a relaxing ride on
the
Cape Cod Central Railroad: each of these activities will provide you with
some wonderful opportunities for fall foliage viewing that are off the beaten path.
Emerald Hollow Farm, Brewster
Leaf Peeping and Dining – Experience the beauty of Cape Cod, the Vineyard,
and Nantucket while enjoying fabulous food. Visit during
Cape Cod,
Nantucket, and/or
Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Weeks, and your eyes and palate will
not be disappointed.
Interested in visiting the Cape and Islands this fall? We have plenty of
Cape Cod vacation rentals to suit you.