There are an overwhelming number of activities, towns, and beaches to visit on Cape Cod. Planning a trip here is difficult, especially when you only have a short amount of time but want to see everything. Here is how we spent two days on Cape Cod with tips to help you have the best experience.
Table of Contents
About Our Trip to Cape Cod
Cape Cod was our first destination on a longer road trip that led through Maine and New Hampshire. We decided to stop at Cape Cod for its famed sites, beautiful beaches, and quaint towns. My friend Jocelyn longed to visit the acclaimed Martha’s Vineyard, while I was intrigued by Provincetown and sunny beaches. However, our limited amount of time made our Cape Cod experience rushed, and I wish we could have put a few more days in this wonderful location.
2 Days on Cape Cod Itinerary
2 Days on Cape Cod, Day 1
Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard, a sizable island off the Cape Cod coast, boasts a variety of attractions including coastal towns, shopping districts, beautiful beaches, and picturesque clay cliffs.
During our day trip, we explored the island’s highlights: the delightful Oak Bluffs town, the lively center of Edgartown, and the serene coastal beauty of Aquinnah. These three locations captured the essence of Martha’s Vineyard, providing us with a fulfilling and enjoyable day.
Oak Bluffs Ocean Park | 2 Days in Cape Cod Itinerary
Edgartown Lighthouse | 2 Days in Cape Cod Itinerary
Aquinnah Cliffs | 2 Days in Cape Cod Itinerary
Our time on the island was spent hopping from town to town, creating a full day of driving and sightseeing. For this reason, a car is the easiest way to get around the island, but a bus is also available.
Find more information about our experience in Martha’s Vineyard in our Guide to Martha’s Vineyard.
2 Days in Cape Cod, Day 2
Provincetown
Exploring Provincetown was one of the highlights of our entire 10-day road trip through New England.
This lively town is brimming with shops, antique stores, art galleries, ice cream stands, restaurants, and it is well-known for its welcoming LGBTQ+ community. The streets are bustling with a mix of people, cars, and bikers.
We spent the day shopping along Commercial Street, climbing to the top of Pilgrim Monument, and strolling along the pier. If you’re heading to Cape Cod, Provincetown is a spot that should not be skipped. Set aside four hours minimum to explore the town, but you could easily spend a full day here.
Near Provincetown, there are three lighthouses, vast sandy beaches, and a multitude of bike trails. We went to Race Point Beach, at Cape Cod’s northernmost tip. It’s good for sunbathing but not so much for swimming. Even in late July, the water was still very cold. Another thing to keep in mind about swimming is the wildlife nearby. We came across a large herd of seals sunbathing and swimming near the entrance to Race Point Beach. They were a joy to watch, but I wouldn’t want to run into them while swimming.
We had heard about Race Point Lighthouse and figured it was a popular spot to visit. We decided to walk there from Race Point Beach, thinking it would be a touristy thing to do. However, we realized it’s actually a 4-mile round-trip hike to get there. After an hour of not seeing anyone else making the same walk, we decided to turn back. I do not recommend making this trip unless you have plenty of time to spare in this area of Cape Cod.
For more information about our Provincetown experience, read our Guide to Provincetown.
Where we Stayed: Falmouth
We stayed in Falmouth during our time on Cape Cod. This is a small town at the south-western end of the Cape. Downtown Falmouth has an adorable shopping street with souvenir stores, delightful restaurants, sweet shops, and live music. Surrounding the Main Street are peaceful seaside neighborhoods with friendly runners and kids heading to the beach. We loved the homey vibes in and around Falmouth, and we felt safe walking around the area.
We stayed in Falmouth due to its accessibility to Martha’s Vineyard. The Steamship Authority and Island Queen are two ferry services that will take travelers to and from Martha’s Vineyard. Island Queen is a passenger-only ferry that comes directly to Falmouth. Meanwhile, the Steamship Authority is a car-ferry that docks at Woods Hole, a coastal town 10 minutes south of Falmouth (Steamship Authority will also take passengers without a car). We took The Steamship Authority to reach Martha’s Vineyard and had a streamlined experience.
Things to Do Around Falmouth
Woods Hole
Woods Hole is a small fishing village located to the south of Falmouth. It sits right on the coast, and even features a drawbridge to let ships pass. Its main street is charming and picturesque, and the village is so small it can be seen within 10 minutes.
The highlight of Woods Hole is relaxing at a restaurant or indulging in some delicious treats from Pie in the Sky Bakery. One notable dining spot in Woods Hole is Water Street Kitchen, known for its upscale dining experience and exquisite seafood dishes. We shared the scallops here and they were delicious.
Shining Sea Bikeway
The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10.7-mile rail trail that runs from Woods Hole to North Falmouth. It is a leisurely ride that passes by marshes, seaside views, and cranberry bogs.
Nobska Lighthouse
This historic 150-year-old lighthouse provides amazing views over the Vineyard Sound and Elizabeth Islands. Here you can tour the historic building, enjoy the view, go fishing, or head over to Nobska Beach, a popular swimming spot.
Hotels in Falmouth
There are a few InnSeason Resorts buildings around the Falmouth area. We stayed in the InnSeason Resorts Captain’s Quarters and greatly enjoyed our stay. The rooms were spacious with a large king-sized bedroom, two bathrooms, kitchen area, living room, and patio. This resort was right across the street from a white sand beach and was only a mile walk from the Main Street.
InnSeason Resorts Harborwalk is in an even better location, as it is only a half mile from Falmouth Main Street and is 5 minutes from the Island Queen Ferry. You will not get immediate beach access from this site, but you overlook a picturesque harbor.
InnSeason Resorts Surfside is 2 miles from the Falmouth main town, making walking here difficult (be mindful that parking in Falmouth can be a challenge). For this reason, I do not recommend this resort, however you do get beautiful ocean views.
Inn on the Sound is another great place to stay in Falmouth featuring private beach access and rooms with an ocean view. The Inn provides an array of activities including tennis courts and horseback riding, and they serve a delicious breakfast each morning. The Inn is also in a great location, being only a mile from the Falmouth Main Street.
Top Restaurants in Falmouth
Osteria La Civetta
Osteria La Civetta is a fantastic restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine. We tried the caprese appetizer, tortellini, and eggplant, and enjoyed every bite. It’s a great choice for adults seeking a finer sit-down meal.
Estia
Estia is an upscale Greek restaurant offering a variety of classic Greek dishes, pita wraps, burgers, salads, kabobs, and woodfired pizzas. All the food we tried was delicious, and the service was fast and welcoming. This restaurant is ideal for adults seeking a pleasant sit-down experience, though it’s also kid friendly.
Añejo Mexican Bistro
This contemporary venue features delicious Tex-Mex and Mexican style street-food dishes, as well as great service and cocktails.
Recommendations to Make Your Trip Even Better
We had a fantastic time during our two-day visit to Cape Cod, exploring Martha’s Vineyard and Provincetown. These were top-notch experiences we would certainly recommend to fellow travelers. If you find yourself with just two days in Cape Cod, these destinations create a remarkable trip. However, if you’re looking to mix up this itinerary, here are some suggestions to consider, along with other notable sites worth exploring.
Stay in a Centrally-Located Town
The best way to maximize your time on Cape Cod is by staying in the middle of the Cape. Some of the best centrally located towns to stay in include Chatham, Hyannis, and Harwich. These towns all have plenty of shops and restaurants to visit, beautiful town beaches, and nearby activities.
If you wish to go to both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket islands, Hyannis is a great place to stay as you can catch ferries to both of these locations from this centrally located town.
Falmouth is a great option for those who want to stay in a beautiful town, and for those visiting Martha’s Vineyard. Its downside is its distance from Provincetown, the National Seashore, and other communities. But at the same time, a short weekend excursion to just the Falmouth area and Martha’s Vineyard would make a great trip!
Spend 3-5 Days For a Well-Rounded Trip
If possible, I suggest planning for 3-5 days on Cape Cod. This will give you ample time to enjoy the attractions, unwind on the beach, and savor meals at your preferred restaurants. While our two-day trip allowed us to experience some top spots, it was stressful trying to cover everything.
Don’t Worry About Seeing the Whole Cape
For a short Cape Cod getaway, consider narrowing your focus to explore specific areas of the Cape. Provincetown, Chatham, Falmouth, and Hyannis are key towns that capture the essence of Cape Cod. These spots offer a perfect blend of seaside charm, historical richness, and natural beauty, making them ideal for a memorable short trip itinerary.
Avoid Visiting on a Weekend
During weekends, Cape Cod’s roads often experience significant traffic due to an increase in tourism, and hotel costs tend to be higher.
More Top Activities to Do on Cape Cod
Day Trip to Nantucket
Nantucket offers a timeless island getaway with its golden beaches, shopping hubs, biking routes, and seafood spots. You can access the island via ferry services from Hyannis and New Bedford. Since the island is fairly small and parking is a challenge, exploring on foot or by bike is better than by car.
Nantucket Island | Mystic Stock Photography/shutterstock.com
National Seashore and Nauset Lighthouse
Cape Cod’s National Seashore is home to a variety of beaches. Up in the northernmost tip, near Provincetown, Race Point and Herring Cove Beach are two well-liked options. On the other hand, Coast Guard Beach is widely considered one of the most stunning beaches in the area. This beach is located just a mile south of the iconic Nauset Lighthouse, a must-see site on Cape Cod for photography enthusiasts.
Note that parking at National Seashore beaches will cost $30 per day.
Nauset Lighthouse | Marianne Campolongo/shutterstock.com
Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 27-mile bike path that runs through six Cape Cod towns, passing by ponds, salt marshes, and Nickerson State Park. It’s named after the old railroad system that used to operate along this route. While the trail itself doesn’t offer a lot of coastal views, you can easily veer off to reach coastal areas and National Seashore beaches.
You’ll find bike rentals and parking options conveniently located along the path, allowing you to start at different points. Find more information about the Rail Trail and map here.
Cape Cod Rail Trail | Jim Bogosian/shutterstock.com
Visit Chatham
Nestled on the Cape’s shoreline, Chatham stands out as one of the most scenic towns, celebrated for its charming shopping avenues and maritime heritage.
Nestled between waters on three sides, this place thrives as a hub for nature trails, biking routes, golfing, kayaking, birdwatching, fishing, and stunning beaches. Don’t miss the chance to explore Chatham Light and Stage Harbor Light, two captivating spots that enhance the town’s allure.
Chatham | Exploring and Living/shutterstock.com
Visit Sandwich
Founded in 1637, Sandwich proudly holds the title of the oldest town on Cape Cod, rich with historical significance. Exploring Sandwich is a treat, with its historic streets, the intriguing Glass Museum, and the impressive Heritage Museums & Gardens. The town is also a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering expansive marshes, dunes, woodlands, a picturesque boardwalk, and access to the bay.
If you have any questions about this 2 days on Cape Cod itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to New England
BOSTON: For information about Boston, read our article Best Things to Do in Boston. We also have a detailed guide on how to day trip to Plymouth, Lexington, and Concord from Boston.
NEW ENGLAND ROAD TRIP: Visit Cape Cod, coastal Maine, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and more in this 12 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Don’t miss our article about the best things to do in Franconia Notch State Park and how to hike the Franconia Ridge Loop. We also have a guide to 10 great stops along the Kancamagus Highway.
MAINE: We have articles about the best things to do in Cape Elizabeth, the best things to do in Camden, and our Guide to Portland.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Acadia National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. For a list of must-have experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park. Go off the beaten path and explore Isle au Haut.
If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide and our Massachusetts Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
Comments 1
Thank you, I found this article very helpful and interesti