10 of the Best Things to Do in Cape Cod | Activities

Looking for things to do in Cape Cod?

We always recommend the following things to do in Chatham, MA, to visitors:

the expansive and magnificent beaches
stunning ocean views
quintessential New England Main Street experience

Download a free copy of our Cape Cod Vacation Guide for all our favorite things to do in Chatham, Massachusetts!

Chatham has a classic blend of the past and present. Its charming village streets are lined with historic 18th-century homes, shingled cottages, and lush seaside gardens.

With a fine selection of historic museums and a vibrant downtown area with welcoming shops and galleries, Chatham provides endless options to escape and explore. Restaurant options range from locally owned coffee shops, bistros, and pubs to fine dining.

Surrounded on three sides by water, guests enjoy year-round trips to the many different beaches in Chatham. Top Chatham beaches include Lighthouse Beach on the Atlantic, Pleasant Bay Beach on the bay and Harding’s Beach on Nantucket Sound.

Best Places to Stay in Chatham, Massachusetts

Staying at Chatham Gables Inn means you have year-round access to all the opportunities for Chatham tourism. Small town band concerts in the village gazebo to classic baseball games under the lights are all within easy reach. Our romantic Cape Cod bed and breakfast is within walking distance of Main Street of Chatham.

As a guest of our luxury Cape Cod bed and breakfast inn, you will be welcomed with refined hospitality. We provide personalized attention as you enjoy a warm and relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. Whether you have come to escape the world and unwind with a book by the fire or spend full days exploring the year round wonders of the Cape and Islands, Chatham Gables Inn will do everything possible to ensure your total satisfaction.

Be sure to explore our luxury Cape Cod accommodations near the water before you plan your visit! You can also explore our Cape Cod weekend getaway packages.

CAPE COD ACTIVITIES AND CHATHAM ATTRACTIONS

Here are some of the most exciting things to do in Cape Cod! We are always here to help you plan your trip so you can have the most unforgettable Cape Cod experience here at Chatham Gables Inn.

Cape Cod National Seashore

One of the best areas is Cape Cod National Seashore. Located in the east side of the Lower Cape is 40 miles of shores dedicated in a national park. Open year round the Cape Cod National Seashore is a great way to spend your day or afternoon.

Cape Cod Rail Trail

If you are looking for something a little more active, head over to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This 22-mile stretch, of what was once railroad tracks and the lifeblood of early Cape Cod, is now only a reminder of those days passed. The Cape Cod Rail Trail has few hills and many trail heads which makes it ideal for visitors, cyclists, walkers, runners, and horseback riders.

Chatham Shopping

If you are looking to do a bit of shopping then Chatham has you covered. With so many towns and unique aspects to each of them, finding a store will be very easy. We have all types of shops for every taste from antique to clothing to home merchandise. There are more than enough unique, fun options for shopping in Chatham, MA.

One unique shop that is worth mentioning is The Brewster Store in Brewster. This awesome store has great general merchandise but what makes it fun is its memorabilia, Christmas items, and candies. This store is fun for the whole family.

Chatham Restaurants

From classic waterfront restaurants and lobster huts to world-class cuisine, local menus of Cape cod restaurants offer fresh and satisfying food. Many restaurants specialize in offering the freshest seafood, however, finding a juicy burger is not hard. Best of all, most of them are some of the best restaurants in Chatham, MA, so they’re close to us here at Chatham Gables Inn!

Chatham Beaches

While we may be biased, we believe that our Chatham beaches are the best beaches in Cape Cod. When you peruse our list of fantastic Chatham beaches, you will easily see why we think any one of our beaches is the best beach in Cape Cod.

Day Trips to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard

Chatham is conveniently located at the elbow of Cape Cod. That makes it the perfect launching point for day trips to the historic whaling port of Nantucket or the diverse towns of Martha’s Vineyard. Nantucket is a gorgeous 14-mile long and 3.5-mile wide island with many sightseeing attractions like sea captains’ homes and cobblestone streets. You’ll enjoy the 800 pre-Civil War-era homes that have now transformed into restaurants, museums, boutiques, and inns. Eighty miles of beaches also awaits you at Nantucket. To get here, take an hour-long ferry ride from Hyannis to Nantucket.

Cape Cod Whale Watching

Explore the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary located north of Provincetown and you’ll find the whales’ feeding and nursing grounds. Get up close with these gentle giants in a group or private tour. There are plenty of great options near us for Cape Cod whale watching.

Fishing

Chatham is home to various fish especially striped bass and bluefish, and people of all ages have enjoyed fly fishing and sports fishing in Cape Cod’s wonderful shoreline. Go to Blue Water Entertainment for more information on where to find the best fishing spots in the summer and to explore the Secret Cape Cod. You can cruise to Nantucket on your own private ferry, have a relaxing beach day or cookout on a Cape Cod beach, see whale pods and even run to the canyons to chase marlin and tuna!

Cape Cod Baseball

Watch the Chatham Anglers play America’s favorite pastime at the Cape Cod Baseball League, a premier collegiate summer league founded in 1885. Watch the stars of tomorrow as college players from all over the country show off their skills for eight weeks in the summer.

Chatham Light

One of the most iconic and distinguishable landmarks of this enchanting beach town is the Chatham Lighthouse, a beautiful and towering 48-foot beacon on the water. There are many things to do at this historic site; take a look at a few of the most entertaining activities here to help you start planning your exciting day in Cape Cod!

If you want to learn more about everything there is to do around Cape Cod download our Free Chatham Vacation Guide!

Things to Do in Cape Cod