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Nothing says “summer” quite like Cape Cod. The iconic “bent arm” extends out into the Atlantic, curling up to form a protective arm around the Massachusetts shoreline. From the moment you cross the bridge near Sandwich (Upper Cape) to the remotest tip of Provincetown (Outer Cape), you’re in a special New England bubble made up of crashing ocean waves on one side and the twinkling blue waters of the Bay on the other. The iconic “coastal” imagery we all picture began here too: red-and-white-striped lighthouses, long strips of remote, sandy beaches, and quaint fishing villages.
Our tour extends along Route 6 between Barnstable, a town at the edge of Upper- and Mid-Cape, and Provincetown, the very tip of the Outer Cape. Between the two are innumerable detours to beaches, iconic lighthouses, Pilgrim landmarks, and quintessential summer adventures.
Our tour extends between Barnstable, a town at the edge of Upper- and Mid-Cape, and Provincetown, the very tip of the Outer Cape. Between the two are innumerable beaches, iconic lighthouses, Pilgrim landmarks, and quintessential summer adventures.
Cape Cod is a classic, easy-to-reach New England getaway. Most visitors fly into the Boston or Providence area before driving over the Sagamore or Bourne bridges onto the peninsula. Peak summer weekends often bring heavy traffic to the bridge approaches, so planning to arrive early in the day will usually make your trip much smoother.
Fly into Logan International Airport (BOS), then rent a car and drive 1.5 hours to Cape Cod via I-93 South to Route 3.
From Boston, take I-93 South to Route 3.
There is no cost to drive down Cape Cod’s Route 6. In the summer, parking along any of the public beaches requires payment. Two popular detours on our route, Nauset Light and Marconi Beach, are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore system so if you hold an America the Beautiful Annual National Parks pass, that will allow you to park at those sites. Otherwise, you can purchase a National Parks day pass at the entrance to the beach.
Other beach detours along our route – including Bank Street Beach in Harwich and First Encounter Beach — may require separate ticketing. A National Parks pass is not accepted for parking here. Each town in Cape Cod runs its own ticketing system, so you will need to purchase separate tickets.
One major attraction in Provincetown is the Pilgrim Monument and Museum. While you can view the tower from almost anywhere in town, going inside requires an entrance fee. The other major activity, the Causeway, is free.
The Cape Cod area is typically divide into four main sections: Upper, Mid, Lower, and Outer Cape. All sections offer plenty of accommodations, each with their own flair.
The Upper Cape and Mid-Cape tend to be more affordable, and offer good access to most attractions. The Outer Cape is famous for the lively scene around Provincetown, but can be a bit of a hike to get to. The Lower Cape and Outer Cape tend to offer more luxury accommodation options.
If combining a day trip to Cape Cod with other Massachusetts sights, consider staying in Plymouth or even Boston. Both are within an easy drive of Cape Cod.
Cape Cod and Provincetown are seasonal destinations that show their best selves in June through August, when sunny days lead to great beach trips, open museums and lighthouses – and more crowds. Visiting in the early spring and fall can be good options for enjoying coastal landscapes without the crush, if you don’t mind some chill air. Winter brings a quiet, local feel as the tourist attractions shutter for the season and the towns take on a cozier feel.
You can’t miss this stately granite tower reigning over the lively streets of P-Town. The Pilgrim Monument rises 252 feet over Provincetown, commemorating the Pilgrims’ first landing in 1620. No trip to the Cape is complete without venturing to the top of the Monument — via stairs or elevator — to see the sweeping panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and the quaint coastal town hugging the beach. You might be able to see all the way to Boston!
The iconic red-and-white Nauset Lighthouse perches on shifting dunes and is the perfect backdrop for all your Cape Cod selfies. Standing almost 50-feet high, it’s the most-photographed lighthouse on the Cape and has its own story of grit and survival to share. Climbing to the top of the historic lighthouse rewards you with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic and an up-close look of the functioning mirror system that has guided so many ships safely home.
This literal rock bridge connects the Provincetown shoreline to the very tip of the “bent arm” of Cape Cod. Huge granite rocks form a narrow breakwater that can be crossed during low tide, providing access to the remote beaches and isolated lighthouses on the far side. The causeway is just over a mile each way, over uneven and often slippery rocks. The causeway walk is unique and unmissable — one of the Cape’s best activities.
This quiet spot on the beach holds a world-changing story. Marconi station marks the spot where the very first transatlantic wireless signal was transmitted between the U.S. and England, making history and bringing people together like never before. Enjoy the peaceful coastal trails that wind around the shore, or dive deep into Marconi Station’s role in the historic Titanic survivors’ rescue in 1912 as we explore the historic markers here.
This spot along the Outer Cape commemorates where the Pilgrims first landed in North America – before even the famous Plymouth Rock! Walk the scenic Pilgrim Spring Trail to see the forest gradually returning to the landscape and imagine the Pilgrims’ first steps in the New World. Today, the beach and park offers a rock-and-sand beach that’s perfect for beachcombing or just enjoying the sea breeze a little off the beaten path.
The Provincetown Causeway is a fun-but-rocky adventure: a breakwater made of huge granite rocks connecting the Provincetown shoreline to a remote beach. While just over a mile each way, the path is uneven and often slippery. Nevertheless, this causeway walk is unique and unmissable — one of the Cape’s best activities. Estimate 2 hours for a leisurely stroll there and back (plus an extra hour, if visiting the lighthouses on the other side).
The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail is a moderately difficult 1-mile trail that takes about an hour to complete, located near Marconi Station. This unique forested landscape was carved millenia ago by glaciers and the trail leads visitors through a fairytale-forest with cedars and wildlife galore.
This driving tour of Cape Cod can be completed in a single day, with time for can’t-miss stops like the Provincetown Causeway, Nauset Light, and Pilgrim Monument.
Keep in mind that the drive along Route 6 connecting Barnstable and Provincetown is about 60 miles with detours. The roads are usually congested in the summer, so it may take a little extra time to make your way down the detours’ smaller roads. Remember, Provincetown lies at the very tip of the Cape but has some of the most enjoyable activities to explore, so don’t forget to conserve some time and energy for this iconic seaside town. We recommend leaving a little extra room in your schedule for scenic spots like Harwich Bank Street Beach and the Lavender Farm. For nature fans, the Wellfleet Bay Nature Sanctuary trails are well worth the visit, but can add another hour onto your trip.
Consider staying somewhere between Barnstable and P-town — there are vacation rentals and hotels for every budget all over the coastline. This gives you the chance to split your tour into two or more parts and have extra time for enjoying the detours.
This tour can be completed in a full day, though busy streets and beaches in the summertime mean the suggested detours may take longer than expected. Start from either Barnstable or Provincestown, or pick up the commentary anywhere along the route. This trip is designed to be flexible – you can start in the middle, repeat favorite stops, or simply drive past ones that don’t match your schedule.
Here’s a suggested itinerary for either one or two full days on the Cape:
Visitors who start in Barnstable can plan to take every suggested side trip, along with a handful of short beach walks and walking trails. Detour to Scargo Tower, then continue through the cranberry bogs, lavender fields, and picturesque villages in Harwich. Relax at Bank Street Beach and grab lunch in Chatham.
Drive into Eastham for First Encounter Beach to follow in the pilgrims’ footsteps. Swing by the Salt Pond Visitor Center to use the facilities or refill your water bottles, then head on to see the Nauset Light and other quintessential Cape Cod lighthouses. Plan to spend some time walking around here or exploring nearby trails. Pass Marconi Wireless Station en route to Provincetown and take the short walk there if you’re into historic landmarks or want a more secluded seaside walk.
Next up: Provincetown. There may be waiting times at the Pilgrim Monument but the view from the top is well worth the climb or elevator ride. End at Pilgrim’s First Landing Park, where the P-town Causeway begins. Allow for an hour there, an hour back, and perhaps an extra hour if you’d like to linger on the remote, secluded beach on the far side. Celebrate with a sunset dinner in P-town
With two days, there’s more time to explore all the walks, beaches, and historical treasures along our route – or just spend a little extra time soaking up the coastal sunshine. A good way to spread this self-guided tour out over two days is to divide it between the Route 6 drive and time spent in Provincetown.
Pack a DC Charger: Using location services will drain your battery faster, so bring a 12V DC charger to keep your phone charged throughout the day.
Water Bottle: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if planning to explore the beaches and hikes along the route.
First Aid + Extras: Pack a first-aid kit, insect repellant, and extra light layers of clothing to keep comfortable amid changing coastal breezes. Temperatures in Cape Cod tend to drop in the evenings.
Comfortable Shoes: Since the route involves a variety of terrain including granity rocks, dirt paths, cobblestone steps, sand dunes, loose beach, and the stairs of the Pilgrim Monument, visitors may want to consider packing both study walking shoes and also a pair of sandals for the beach.
Camera & Binoculars: Bring binoculars for bird watching or even spotting whales off the coast, and consider bringing your camera to capture Cape Cod’s beauty.
Elastic Bags: Bring a few small bags for trash, wet items, or pet waste so you can keep the car clean and pack everything out properly.
Sun Protection: Bring a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunblock to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays, especially if spending time on the beach.