Rent a bike
Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy, So. Yarmouth"/>
Biking on Nantucket
Enjoy the landscape as you bike on one of the many paved bikeways, including the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail that runs from Dennis to Wellfleet. Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard also have extensive paved bike paths with wonderful scenic views.
Cost: $12-$25
See more on Cape and Islands bike paths.
Find bike rentals.
Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore
The National Seashore and its 40 miles of beaches
Begin your visit with a stop at the Salt Pond Visitors Center in Eastham, where you can see orientation movies and browse the museum and bookshop. Enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Nauset Marsh as you stroll or bike the 1 ½ mile path adjacent to the visitors center.
Cost: free
More info. on the National Seashore and other Cape and Islands beaches.
Tour the East Chop lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard
East Chop Lighthouse
Perched upon the cliffs overlooking the ocean, the lighthouse offers sweeping views of the ocean and Island. This is one of five lighthouses on the Vineyard.
Cost: free
See more on lighthouses.
See the harbor seals!
Harbor seals off the coast of Chatham
Climb aboard a boat shuttle that will take you into the harbor to see the seals as they laze in the sun on a sand spit or frolic in the water.
Cost: around $25
View boat cruises.
Visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster
Pirate's Cove in So. Yarmouth"/>
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster
See the fascinating exhibits on whales, birds, and coastal life and aquaria with live crustaceans, fish, frogs, turtles, and snakes. Then meander along the nature trails through woodlands, salt marsh, and the barrier beach.
Cost: $3.50-$8
View children's activities.
Visit the cliffs and lighthouse at Gay Head
Gay Head Cliffs and Lighthouse
The magnificent multi-colored clay Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah are a National Landmark and for years were a favorite for those wanting a challenging climb from the beach at the bottom. Today, however, climbing is off limits due to the toll this was taking on the face of the cliffs. Aquinnah is celebrated as a center of Wampanoag Indian culture and a source of pride and tradition among members of the tribe. You’ll find some Indian craft shops at the top of the cliffs.
Cost: free
Read more on Martha's Vineyard
Walk the trail of Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable.
110-acre Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable
This easy walk will lead you past ponds, salt marsh, and other habitats of this 110-acre sanctuary. The path ends with a spectacular view of Barnstable Harbor. Watch for butterflies and the resident pair of red-tailed hawks.
Cost: $3-$4
Visit the Nantucket Whaling Museum
Nantucket Whaling Museum
Check out the 46-foot skeleton of a sperm whale that washed ashore in 1998. You’ll also see whaling artifacts such as harpoons, longboats, and scrimshaw and learn how the Island came to be the whaling capital of the world in the 1700s.
View Nantucket museums.
Visit the 100-acre Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich
The 26' flume fountain and reflecting pool
Stroll the paths of the stunning gardens, where something is always in bloom. The Automobile Museum has an extensive collection of antique cars, including Gary Cooper’s Duesenberg. And the kids will love Hidden Hollow, an outdoor discovery center.
Cost: $7-$15
View Natural History Museums.
Stroll among the colorful Gingerbread Houses in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard
A few of the more than 300 colorful gingerbread houses
A stroll or bike around the "Gingerbread Houses" of the MV Campground Association is a must-do. If you're lucky enough to be on the Island during the third week in August, you can even catch the annual Illumination Night when all the cottages are adorned with Japanese lanterns, and a band plays in the Tabernacle.
Cost: free
View Vineyard events.
Buy some fresh produce at a farmer's market
Farmers Market in Orleans
Browse one of the many farmers markets and buy locally grown or produced goods, including organic veggies, fruits, honey, eggs, and crafts.
Cost: varies
A seashore tradition -- stop at a salt water taffy shop
Watch candy-making machines as they pull and stretch this sweet confection. Taste a sample and then fill a box with your favorites.
Cost: fill your own box for $9.49/lb.
View candy and ice cream shops.
Ride the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard
Catch the brass ring on the Flying Horses Carousel
Little ones love to ride the carved antique horses of the carousel, the oldest operating carousel in the country. Catch the brass ring and get a free ride.
Cost: around $2
More on Flying Horse Carousel.
Climb to the top of Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown
Pilgrim Monument, Provincetown
The climb up 116 stairs and 60 ramps will reward you with spectacular views in every direction. The monument commemorates the Pilgrims’ 5-week stay in Provincetown Harbor before crossing the bay to Plymouth.
Cost: $3.50-$7
More info. on Provincetown.
Visit Plimoth Plantation
Experience what life was like in the 1600s
Meet role-playing colonists who who speak, act, and dress as the Pilgrims did in the 1600s. Also visit the Mayflower II, which is docked at Plymouth Harbor.
Cost: $15-$25 for plantation; $7-$10 for Mayflower II
See more about Plimoth Plantation.
Play a round of mini golf
Whether you're a PGA wannabe or just looking for fun, a game of miniature golf can be a blast. It's a great activity for family or friends, young or old.
Cost: $7-$9
View where to mini golf.
Tour a local brewery
Offshore Ale Company, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard
Tired of the beaches but not into shopping and art galleries? Consider a tour of a local brewery.
Cost: around $20
View breweries and wineries.
Hit the lanes
Orleans Bowling Center
Okay, sure, you can bowl at home, too. But when's the last time you did? Remember what a fun activity it is for all ages, rain or shine.
Cost: under $10
View more amusements.