10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cape Cod & the Islands

Cape Cod and the Islands are a popular tourist destination in Massachusetts, USA.

Cape Cod is a sandy peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and rich history.

The islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are also part of this area, each offering its unique charm.

Visitors to Cape Cod can enjoy relaxing on the beaches, exploring the quaint villages with their boutique shops and art galleries, and trying delicious seafood at local restaurants.

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a stunning stretch of coastline with scenic hiking and biking trails.

Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are known for their beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and picturesque harbors.

Visitors can explore the islands by bike or moped, visit historic sites like the Gingerbread Cottages in Oak Bluffs, or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back island vibe.

With its natural beauty, rich history, and charming towns, Cape Cod and the Islands are a delightful destination for travelers looking for a relaxing and scenic getaway.

1. Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful island located off the coast of Massachusetts, USA, known for its charming villages, stunning beaches, and rich history.

The island is a popular vacation spot, attracting visitors with its picturesque scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Martha’s Vineyard is its beautiful beaches, such as South Beach and Katama Beach, where visitors can relax in the sun and swim in crystal-clear waters.

The island is also home to several charming villages, like Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, where visitors can stroll along the streets lined with quaint shops and restaurants.

Martha’s Vineyard is also known for its rich history, with landmarks like the Edgartown Lighthouse and the Flying Horses Carousel, which is the oldest operating carousel in the United States.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore charming villages, or learn about the island’s history, Martha’s Vineyard has something for everyone.

2. Nantucket

Nantucket is a beautiful island located off the coast of Massachusetts, USA, and is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and historic architecture.

One of the highlights of Nantucket is its beautiful beaches, such as Surfside Beach and Jetties Beach, where visitors can relax in the sun, swim in the ocean, and enjoy water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.

The island is also known for its historic charm, with many buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Visitors can explore the historic district of Nantucket Town, which is home to beautifully preserved homes, museums, and shops.

In addition to its natural beauty and historic charm, Nantucket offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including biking along scenic paths, exploring nature reserves, and taking boat tours to see the island from the water.

With its picturesque scenery and relaxed atmosphere, Nantucket is a delightful destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

3. Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Massachusetts, USA, known for its stunning beaches, dunes, and marshes.

The seashore covers 40 miles of shoreline along Cape Cod, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area.

One of the highlights of the Cape Cod National Seashore is its pristine beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

The seashore is also home to many hiking and biking trails, allowing visitors to explore the area’s diverse ecosystems, including dunes, woodlands, and salt marshes.

The Cape Cod National Seashore is also rich in history, with several historic sites and lighthouses located within its boundaries.

Visitors can learn about the area’s maritime history and explore historic buildings and museums.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore nature, or learn about Cape Cod’s history, the Cape Cod National Seashore offers something for everyone to enjoy.

4. Provincetown

Provincetown, or P-town as it’s often called, is a charming town located at the tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant art scene, and welcoming LGBTQ+ community.

One of the main attractions in Provincetown is its lively downtown area, which is filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants serving fresh seafood.

The town is also famous for its historic landmarks, such as the Pilgrim Monument, which commemorates the landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620.

Provincetown is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including sandy beaches and sand dunes. Visitors can enjoy activities like whale watching, biking along the scenic trails, or simply relaxing on the beach.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Provincetown is a fantastic destination for tourists looking for a unique and memorable vacation experience.

5. Hyannis

Hyannis is a charming seaside village located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA, and is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

One of the main attractions in Hyannis is its picturesque harbor, where visitors can take boat tours, go fishing, or simply enjoy the view of the boats coming and going.

Hyannis is also famous for being the summer home of the Kennedy family, and visitors can learn about their legacy at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum.

The village is also home to the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn about the area’s maritime history and culture.

In addition to its museums and historic sites, Hyannis offers beautiful beaches, excellent dining options, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply relaxing by the sea, Hyannis has something for everyone to enjoy.

6. Chatham

Chatham is a charming town located on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA. It is known for its picturesque scenery, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches.

One of the highlights of Chatham is its historic downtown area, which is filled with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Visitors can stroll along Main Street, admire the beautiful historic buildings, and shop for unique souvenirs.

Chatham is also famous for its lighthouses, including the Chatham Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The town’s beaches are popular with visitors and locals alike, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, or simply relaxing on the beach, Chatham has something for everyone to enjoy.

7. Woods Hole

Woods Hole is a charming village located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, on the southwestern tip of Cape Cod.

It is best known for its world-renowned science institutions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Marine Biological Laboratory, which attract researchers and students from around the globe.

In addition to its scientific institutions, Woods Hole is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore its beautiful scenery and quaint New England charm.

The village is home to several beautiful beaches, including the popular Stoney Beach and Nobska Beach, where visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.

Woods Hole is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with several art galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing local talent.

The village is also home to several excellent restaurants serving up fresh seafood and other delicious fare.

Whether you’re interested in science, nature, or simply relaxing by the sea, Woods Hole has something for everyone to enjoy.

8. Sandwich

Sandwich is a charming town located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA, and is a popular tourist destination known for its historic charm and beautiful natural surroundings.

One of the highlights of Sandwich is the Sandwich Glass Museum, which showcases the town’s rich history of glassmaking.

Visitors can learn about the art of glassmaking and see beautiful glass pieces dating back to the 19th century.

Another popular attraction in Sandwich is the Heritage Museums & Gardens, which features beautiful gardens, art galleries, and exhibits on American culture and history.

Sandwich is also known for its scenic beauty, with picturesque beaches, marshes, and nature reserves. The town offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.

With its historic sites, beautiful natural scenery, and charming New England atmosphere, Sandwich is a delightful destination for visitors looking to experience the best of Cape Cod.

9. Edgartown

Edgartown is a charming town located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. It is known for its beautifully preserved historic homes, picturesque harbor, and quaint downtown area.

One of the most iconic sights in Edgartown is the Edgartown Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding area.

Visitors to Edgartown can stroll along Main Street and browse the many boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed in historic buildings.

The town is also home to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, where visitors can learn about the island’s history and culture.

For those looking to relax, Edgartown offers beautiful beaches where you can soak up the sun or take a refreshing swim in the ocean.

The town’s peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

10. Wellfleet

Wellfleet is a charming town located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA, and is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and rich history.

One of the main attractions in Wellfleet is its stunning beaches, which offer pristine sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

Wellfleet is also famous for its oysters, and visitors can enjoy delicious seafood at local restaurants or even go oyster farming.

The town is home to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can explore nature trails and observe a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate Wellfleet’s thriving arts scene, with many galleries showcasing local artists’ work.

The town also hosts the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, which offers a variety of performances throughout the year.

With its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and rich cultural offerings, Wellfleet is a delightful destination for visitors looking to experience the best of Cape Cod.