Cape Cod in Massachusetts has incredible attractions, and irrespective of your likes and interests in globetrotting, you are bound to find several things that will excite you to the core. But even with the superfluity of attractions available, not every tourist prefers to go to the common attractions, but rather venture into off beaten paths where there are no crowds or waiting lines, even during the peak of summer. If you are one such traveler in need of some of the top non-touristy things to do in Cape Cod, then this list is for you. Sift through, and see what suits you the most.
1. Explore the Island of Martha’s Vineyard (from USD 65.0)
Martha’s Vineyard day trip from Boston is a 2.5-hour trip that will see you explore the famous island, bringing you face to face with lots of incredible attractions in the region. If you have ever been fascinated by the Gay Head cliffs as well as the lighthouse in the town of Aquinnah that are so synonymous with the island, then this is a trip that you must plan for when visiting Cape Cod.
Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown
Duration: 3 hours
2. Enjoy a fascinating ferry trip (from USD 64.9)
The Provincetown ferry trip is ideal for exploring historic sites and scenes while relaxing as you enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. It is one of the best ways to discover the restaurants, nightlife, beaches, and shopping joints that the majority of the visitors still don’t know about. If you yearn for this trip, however, know that it is a seasonal service that mostly runs between May and October.
Cape Cod Fast Ferry from Boston: One-Way or Round Trip
Duration: 1.5 hour
3. Explore the haunted Sandy Neck
The dunes of Sandy Neck in Barnstable
Posted by David StGermain on Thursday, 7 February 2019
The haunted Sandy Neck Beach is the intersection where sea, land, and air all meet along the coastline. It is the home to some of the most compelling scientific and visual landscapes not just in the United States, but in the entire world. For the traveler who doesn’t like going to the places frequented by masses, absolute peace and tranquility await you in this secluded destination. Precious sand dunes, maritime forests, hiking trails and unforgettable views of the ocean and marshlands are some of the memories you will hope to leave this place with.
Sandy Neck Tours
Address: Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
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4. Enjoy the best views from the Great Island
Visiting the Great Island in Cape Cod is a great way to discover the immensely fascinating shores of Cape Cod. Breathtaking views of sand dunes, salt marsh, wooded forests, and the ocean will reveal a world that not so many people talk about in Cape Cod. The unspoiled landscapes in this place are truly amazing, and strolling the desolate beaches will keep you interested and motivated, especially if you were on a mission to find self. For peaceful, clean and amazing hiking trails filled with wildlife in Cape Cod, you will never go wrong by visiting the Great Island.
Great Island
Address: The Great Island Road, Yarmouth, MA 02673, USA
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
5. Visit oyster farms
The weather changes quickly out on the water! We’re all still smiling though!
Posted by Barnstable Seafarms on Monday, 25 June 2018
The average traveler to Cape Cod finds no pleasure in visiting oyster farms, and this is what makes visiting oyster farms for those interested in oysters a non-touristy thing in Cape Cod. If you are curious to see the kind of journey an oyster goes through before they finally land on your dinner table, then this is a tour you must never miss when you are in Cape Cod. A fun trip awaits as you visit the mudflats and learn about the entire process of growing a Sandy Neck Oyster to maturity. Other than growing oysters, this tour will also see you learn a lot about aquaculture and get a glimpse of certain aspects of marine life.
Barnstable Sea Farms
Address: 98 Governors Way, Barnstable, MA 02630, USA
Website: Oyster Farm Tours
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm; Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
6. Hike through Dune Shacks Trail
Posted by Cape Cod Life on Wednesday, 24 January 2018
Hiking through Dune Shacks Trail in Cape Cod is a long walk with a serious payoff to those who think have the endurance, and this is why not so many people frequented by many people. The hike is a stunning 25- to 30-minute hike that will see you go through dunes and pines so deep that your shoes will be rendered useless. On hot days, it even becomes challenging because the sand will also be hot, so you either clear the trails quickly or endure the burning sand. The beach in this place is isolated and purely unadulterated, with no lifeguards, and literally no nothing! For a good experience, go early so that you are through before it becomes too hot.
Dune Shacks Trail
Address: Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Website: Dune Shacks Trail
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
Price: Free
7. Take a bike tour through Province Lands Bike Trail
Posted by Pedal Ptown Bike Tours on Saturday, 16 March 2019
Going for a bike tour through Provincelands Bike Trails is another non touristy thing to do in Cape Cod if you love your space and you don’t like hanging out with the crowds. This is a gorgeous trail with a beautiful bike path that rolls through the dunes. The region is remote, and breathtakingly peaceful, though expect the exercise to be a bit challenging, owing to the plethora of hills you will have to navigate. Magnificent views of beaches, lakes, and dunes will be accompanying you as you navigate the funny trails. If you want to get the best of what the trail has to offer, it is recommended that you go at different times of the year so that you appreciate more the changing landscapes. Again, this is not your normal tour, and if you are not certain about your physical fitness, you might find it to be a bit challenging.
Province Lands Bike Trail
Address: Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Website: Province Lands Bike Trail
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
8. Visit the Stage Harbor Lighthouse
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Posted by Cape Cod Life on Friday, 15 February 2019
The Stage Harbor Lighthouse is without a doubt one of the most noticeable landmarks in Cape Code. Of all the lighthouses in Cape Cod, it is the youngest one, having been built in 1880. For centuries, it was used as a navigational reference for sailors and over the years, it became a popular scene that everyone wanted to visit whenever they were in Cape Cod. Nearly everything that has been developed in the region has a direct relationship with the lighthouse, and this is what makes it very important to the region’s tourism.
Harbor Lighthouse
Address: Chatham, MA 02633, USA
9. Stroll along Nickerson State Park
Posted by Goose Hummock on Saturday, 20 April 2019
Visiting isolated parks and sanctuaries is always admired by tourists who desire to avoid the masses, and the Nickerson State Park is one such place where you can go for leisure and lazy strolls. The park is in a serene, quiet location where you can have a peaceful walk and forget about the concerns of this life. If you visit on a hot day, you can always go a step further and take a dip in the cold ponds to cool your body, or even fish as you enjoy the peace and tranquility that surrounds the place.
Nickerson State Park
Address: 3488 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631, USA
Website: Nickerson State Park
Opening hours: 6:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
10. Indulge in shark watching
Posted by Cape Cod Shark on Thursday, 11 September 2014
There are various shark watching tours you can go for if you wish to experience the marine wildlife closer but in the safety of a boat. Since the cape water is warm, it usually attracts many species of sharks, especially during the warmer months of the year, and if you happen to visit at such times, you can take the tours to find and interact with the beastly creatures both above and below the waters. If you are daring enough, you can venture in and on the water for an adrenaline-filled adventure with the sharks.
Shark Adventures
Address: 56 Goulart Memorial Dr, Fairhaven, MA 02719
Website: Shark Adventures
Price: 275 USD onwards
Fun in Cape Cod
With the popularity of Cape Cod as a tourist destination in the region, dealing with the crowds may sometimes be less admirable to some tourists, and this is why it pays to know a few non-touristy things to do so that you can enjoy yourself without being bothered by the crowds. Hopefully, the recommendations above will suffice your needs if you want to avoid crowds. Complete your trip by booking a cozy vacation rental, for a comfortable and memorable stay.
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