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Things to do in a day in Orleans

Jennie Sparrow | 4/15/2019 (updated 1/24/2020)

As the hub of the Lower Cape, Orleans offers a ton to do! From spending the day at the beach, to shopping, to maybe even catching a glimpse of a future baseball star, this town has it all! Come along as we tour the town of Orleans . . .

An Orleans Firebirds game.

Things to do

What better way to spend a gorgeous sunny day than on the waters of Cape Cod Bay! Go Sport Fishing on the Hobo — charter a fishing boat and see what the family can reel in! Rent a bike at Orleans Cycle for a ride on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. If you’re in the mood for some local theater, definitely take in a show at The Academy of Performing Arts. For kids, big and small, there’s Cape Escape Adventure Golf — the place to go for 18 holes of mini golf, complete with a Koi pond and waterfalls! On a rainy day, enjoy some bowling (and amazing BBQ!) at the Orleans Bowling Center. And on those hot summer nights, catch the baseball stars of tomorrow as you sit beneath the evening stars and watch an Orleans Firebirds game! The Cape Cod Baseball League has seen some famous names pass through their ranks: Jason Varitek, David Price, and Jackie Bradley, Jr. — just to name a few! You never know who you might see . . .

Gorgeous Nauset Beach.

Orleans Beaches

Orleans is home to several beautiful beaches, each offering a different experience. For the adventurous, there’s Nauset Beach on the ocean side. The giant stretches of beach and large waves definitely make for an exciting beach day. If you’re looking for calmer waters perfect for kids to play in and explore, then Skaket Beach is for you! And finally, if you’re looking for a day spent floating and jumping into the water, then be sure to visit Pilgrim Lake and Crystal Lake — the clear fresh water is the perfect way to rinse off at the end of the day!

Shopping and Art Galleries

The Main Street area of Orleans is full of great shopping and art galleries. For the trendy and hip, visit the Salty Crown Boutique, If the Shoe Fits, and Karol Richardson. You’re sure to find the perfect gift at Weekend and if you’re looking for a local department store, visit Snow’s Home and Garden. They are sure to have anything you may need, from home furnishings, to linens, to gifts, to Cape Cod memorabilia! If you’re looking for local and international contemporary art, be sure to stop in to the Addison Art Gallery and Tree’s Place.

Tasty Fish Tacos from Guapo’s Tortilla Shack.

Food

There are so many places in Orleans to grab a great meal! You can’t go wrong with a visit to the popular Hole in One or the Homeport Restaurant (serving meals for over 45 years!) Newcomer Viv’s Kitchen is keeping up with the pack, with their “fresh and fast with flair” philosophy on food, and don’t miss the organic, local creations at Sunbird. Looking for tasty baked goods? Cottage Street Bakery is second to none. Don’t miss their spectacular pastries and cakes! And when it comes to seafood, Orleans has you covered! With institutions like The Lobster Claw, Sir Cricket’s Fish and Chips, and the Land Ho! a succulent lobster roll and perfectly fried seafood are guaranteed! If you’re in the mood for fresh, quality Mexican food be sure to stop in to Guapo’s Tortilla Shack, the fish tacos are perfection! There’s definitely no shortage of yummy food in Orleans!