Things to do in a week on the Outer Cape

The Outer Cape is unlike any area in the country with its miles of gorgeous beach and charming towns with art galleries, amazing restaurants, and eclectic shops. There is so much to do, see, and taste here that you may need a full week to experience it all! Here are some spots we recommend visiting on the Outer Cape.

Eastham

The Outer Cape beaches are world-renowned. In fact, Coast Guard Beach has been ranked on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches for the past several years. And it’s no wonder — the pristine sand, amazing views, and clean surf definitely make it a place you want to be no matter the season! Nauset Light Beach situated beneath famed Nauset Lighthouse (you might recognize it from bags of Cape Cod Potato Chips!), is a little further down from Coast Guard and just as spectacular. If you’re looking for a quieter, calmer beach, try the bayside First Encounter Beach and Campground Beach. The tidepools and flats created when the tide goes out make them perfect beaches for the kids!

On your way to the ocean beaches, stop in at the Salt Pond Visitor Center to learn about the natural history of the area and stroll scenic nature trails. The Center is Cape Cod National Seashore’s year-round visitor facility, with a theater, store, and museum.

Another favorite, nature trail is the Fort Hill and the Red Maple Swamp Trail. A walk through the woods, through a meadow with ocean views, and on a boardwalk over a swamp, will surely be enjoyed by visitors of all ages!

There is no shortage of great food in Eastham! While in the area, enjoy local seafood from The Friendly Fisherman, tasty Italian food from Fairway Restaurant and Pizzeria, traditional South African food from Karoo Restaurant, and locally sourced pub food at the Local Break.

Why not combine some fun with some fantastic food? Stop in at Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar for some fried clams and their “world-famous” onion rings followed by some ice cream and mini golf! Or go to the Red Barn for some yummy pizza, and then to the Gift Barn next door to shop for candy and souvenirs, play in the arcade, or try your hand at mini golf!

Wellfleet

The eclectic town of Wellfleet offers something for just about everyone. Shop the downtown area on foot and enjoy one of the many art galleries. Two of our favorites are the Frying Pan Gallery and The Left Bank Gallery .

Be sure to get down to Wellfleet Harbor and enjoy beautiful Mayo Beach. Grab some local Wellfleet oysters and other fine seafood fare at Pearl Restaurant, the Grab some local Wellfleet oysters and other fine seafood fare at Bookstore & Restaurant and Mac’s Shack. Other favorite eateries of ours are Moby Dick’s, PJ’s Seafood Restaurant, and the French cuisine and bakery delights at PB Boulangerie Bistro.

Would you like a little beach with your seafood? Then look no further than the iconic Beachcomber perched aloft beautiful Cahoon Hollow Beach. Salty air, salty seafood, and salty atmosphere — the perfect Cape Cod experience!

If you’re interested in a hike, check out the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail near the old Marconi Station. The Wellfleet Wildlife Bay Sanctuary offers wonderful hikes as well, from forest to marsh to beach. An onsite nature center features numerous exhibits and aquariums.

The perfect way to end the day? The Wellfleet Drive-in! Watch a movie from the comfort of your car seat or beach chair while you sit beneath the stars! This is the stuff summer memories are made of.

Truro

The calm beauty of Truro is inspirational. Be sure to visit the gorgeous beaches. Among our favorites are Ballston Beach and Head of the Meadow on the ocean side and Corn Hill Beach on the bayside. On a sunny day, be sure to hike the Pilgrim Spring Trail. The path is said to lead to the spot where the Pilgrims drank their first fresh water in New England. At the beginning of the hike, you’ll marvel at the view of miles of dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.

Another favorite (adult) activity in Truro is a tour and wine tasting at Truro Vineyards and their new onsite distillery, South Hollow Spirits. Set on a rolling hilled landscape, this picture-perfect setting is the spot to spend a couple hours on a sunny day.

If you’re looking for some delicious local foods, be sure to go to Black Fish Bistro, Montano’s Restaurant, and Savory and the Sweet Escape.

Provincetown

We covered how to spend the day in Provincetown in an earlier blog post — but here are some highlights!

Enjoy the beauty of the dunes while on an over-sand adventure with Art’s Dune Tours. We also suggest spending the day on the open water watching majestic sealife on a whale watch. Another favorite P’town activity is to shop the day away and enjoy some people watching from the benches of the main drag, Commercial Street!

When you’re ready to eat, stop in at the iconic Lobster Pot Restaurant for seafood, The Red Inn for fine cuisine, the Mews Restaurant & Café, Bubala’s by the Bay, and Napi’s for great casual cuisine, and, in their 90th year, the family-friendly The Mayflower. Then be sure to finish it all off with some ice cream from Lewis Brothers Ice Cream.

Lastly, one thing we can’t recommend enough is sunbathing at gorgeous Race Point Beach.

You’re going to need a few hours of rest after your adventures on the Outer Cape! And no matter how many times you return, you’ll always find something new and different to do.