As you cross the Sagamore Bridge, you’ll come to the town of Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod. With plenty of activities and beaches, Sandwich is a great choice for your next vacation.

Whether you prefer an educational trip to a museum or a peaceful day on the water, Sandwich has options for everyone.

Outdoor Excursions

Looking to get out and play? Sandwich is home to many fun activities for the entire family. Rideaway Adventures in East Sandwich is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure. Visitors can rent kayaks or paddle boards from one of two Sandwich locations to ride along inland waters. The calm waters make it a great area for all levels of riders. Looking to bike the area instead? Stop by their Cape Cod Canal bike shop to rent bikes and ride along the 7-mile Cape Cod Canal path.

Shawme-Crowell State Forest offers over 15 miles of trails. Scusset Beach Reservation is another spot for nature trails, located just ten minutes down the road. This is also a great spot to watch the boats as they come through the Cape Cod Canal.

Who doesn’t love a round of competitive mini-golf? Sandwich Mini Golf is home to 36 holes of golfing fun! All ages will enjoy the many themed holes, featuring windmills, lighthouses, whales, and more. Sandwich Mini Golf is cash-only, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.

There are just as many ways to enjoy the outdoors on the sea as there are on land. If you enjoy the whale sculptures in mini-golf, you’ll love seeing the real deal on a Whale Watch! Whale Watching trips leave Barnstable Harbor every day beginning in May. Visitors embark on a four-hour journey to Stellwagen Bank to see the area's migrating whales. This is a journey you do not want to miss!

Museums

Visiting the Cape with an avid history lover? Sandwich is known for its amazing museums. The Sandwich Glass Museum tells the story of the area’s local history with the glass industry. Visitors watch live glass demonstrations while viewing works of art from varying time periods. If you’re looking to take home a glass item, you can browse the shop’s selection of ornaments, vases, and art pieces.

The Heritage Museums and Gardens offers 100 acres of exhibits, nature trails, unique antique cars, magnificent pieces of art, and beautiful gardens any time of year. See their website for special events. Due to capacity restrictions, visitors are advised to purchase their tickets ahead of time.

Two stops in the historic area of Sandwich are the Hoxie House and the Dexter Grist Mill. The Hoxie House, one of the area’s oldest homes, transports visitors to the 17th century with its historical structure and features. The Dexter Grist Mill, located just down the road, features a 1637 original mill. While the mill only runs periodically throughout the year, visitors can purchase their own ground corn throughout the summer season.

Within a 20-minute drive of Sandwich is the John F. Kennedy Museum. Learn about the legacy of President Kennedy and his family’s deep connection with Cape Cod.

Dining Options

No vacation is complete without sampling local flavors. If you’re looking to try a variety of restaurants in one day, we recommend visiting the Sandwich Historic District.

For casual dining, The Brown Jug offers a broad selection of fine wines, cheeses, artisanal groceries, and deli options. Across the street is The Belfry Inn, a favorite in the Sandwich community. This upscale dining location offers dishes like day boat scallops, pan seared filet mignon, and lobster gnocchi. If you want to grab a quick bite to eat, Beth’s Bakery is located next door and has delicious sandwiches, bagels, soups, and salads to go.

For fantastic take-out options, we’ve got you covered. JD’s Burger Company and Sushi is a fun choice. They also have a wide selection of beers, saki, and whiskey available for purchase. Some days you just want to share a classic pizza. Two Brothers Pizza is a local favorite, offering tasty flavors of calzones, pizzas, sandwiches, and more.

For additional dining recommendations, visit capecodeateries.com for a town-based directory.

Shopping

Shopping is another fun way to spend the day in the area. Sandwich has a variety of eclectic shops. Titcomb’s Bookshop has been a staple in the community for decades. Visitors will be delighted by the selection of cookbooks, vintage books, books from local authors, and more. Looking for a one-of-a-kind item? Check out the Sandwich Antique Center. This eclectic shop offers rows of interesting vases, jewelry, books, decorations, and furniture. With great prices and fascinating finds, this store is a must stop!

If you’re looking to furnish your home, Modern Vintage is the shop for you. They are known for their luxurious hand-crafted pillows, throws, painted decor, and other customized pieces. These cozy products are sure to finish any room in your house. Wish Gift Company is another creative store with items that are sure to brighten your day. Colorful notebooks, quirky pillows, and fun decorations are just a few treasures you can find here.

Looking for more destinations for a day of shopping? Be sure to travel to Mashpee Commons, a shopping lover’s dream, featuring over 100 restaurants, local shops, and activities. With just a 20-minute drive from Sandwich, this is a convenient location for shopping and dining.

Beaches

The Sandwich area offers a variety of beaches. To visit Town Neck Beach, beachgoers must venture across the beloved Sandwich Boardwalk. This iconic boardwalk offers fantastic surrounding views of the marsh along the path leading to the beach. Town Neck Beach is known for its calm waters and views of boats coming into the Cape Cod Canal. East Sandwich is another great local beach. This spacious beach has small waves and soft sand. While this beach isn’t often crowded, parking is limited, so be sure to arrive early!

Looking to visit other Cape Cod beaches outside of Sandwich? Sandy Neck Beach is one great option that stretches from Sandwich to Barnstable. This six-mile beach is one of the area’s largest beaches. Another popular beach is Craigville Beach on Nantucket Sound. It offers calm waters and plenty of available parking.

If you want to end the day with the perfect sunset and a scenic drive, we recommend visiting Grey’s Beach in Yarmouth. Visitors travel to the Cape every year to visit this beautiful boardwalk and take in the breathtaking views along their walk. The perfect way to finish a day in paradise!

Whether you decide to stay in the area or venture out of Sandwich during your vacation, you’re sure to have plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay!