We couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to Cape Cod!
Orleans, Massachusetts
Orleans is situated in the Lower Cape, not far from the “elbow” of Massachusetts. It features a number of lovely ocean- and bay-side beaches, as well as three villages (East Orleans is where Hil’s family lives). It is also a quick drive or bike to the surrounding towns of Chatham, Brewster, Eastham, and Wellfleet (which we include in the recommendations below).
BY THE SEA
Nauset Beach
Running for miles along the Atlantic coast from Chatham to Eastham, this is one of the Cape’s most beautiful and well-known beaches (it also happens to be where we are getting married, so we are biased!).
Skaket Beach
Skaket Beach is situated on Cape Cod Bay, so the water is much more tranquil—and at low tide, the flats go on as far as the eye can see and are filled with tide pools to explore. This is a great option for kids and families!
Brewster Flats
Best visited at low tide, the Brewster flats run up much of the bay-side coast of The Cape. With acres of tidal flats exposed twice a day, the flats offer a unique opportunity to see some of the marine life typically hidden beneath the waves.
Chatham Lighthouse
The Chatham Lighthouse is one of the most classic on the Cape, and can accompany a trip to the quaint Chatham town center. While visiting, you can also walk down to Lighthouse Beach for a shorter stroll along the water.
Great Island Trail
While a bit farther afield (about 40 minutes away by car), this is our favorite beach walk on the Cape. This National Seashore Trail takes you around the tidal marshes to great vistas of the ocean from the top of pine covered hills and dunes, and along the sand. While you’re out there, swing by the charming town of Wellfleet.
Blue Claw Boat Tours
If you’re itching to get out on the water, Blue Claw offers a number of guided tours, including their popular “seal watch.”
Cape Cod National Sea Shore
None of these descriptions spoke to you? Fortunately, there are miles of amazing beaches on The Cape to explore. Check out the NPS site for a range of great options. Hil and Will love the Nauset Marsh Trail that departs from the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham.
ON LAND
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Want to explore the towns of the Cape without driving? Hop on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This 25+ mile paved rail trail is perfect for biking. The trail passes through a state park and 6 different Cape Cod towns, including Orleans Center. You can rent bikes from Orleans Cycle, Rail Trail Bike and Kayak Rentals, or a number of other spots right off the path.
Nickerson State Park
The outdoors scene on The Cape isn’t all about beaches. Nickerson is a great option for hiking and getting a break from the sun with miles of wooded trails taking you by one of the Cape’s most interesting geologic features: kettle ponds. There are also spots for a quick dip, too!
Mini Golf
Will loves mini-golf, so it was inevitable that it was going to end up on this list. There are tons of great courses on the Cape and Will is distressed that he has not tried nearly enough to make a strong recommendation. Of the ones he has tried, Arnold’s mini-golf was a fun course. On the top of his list to try are: Susan’s Garden Mini Golf, mini golf at The Gift Barn, Cape Escape, and Skull Island.
The Red Barn
Raining and you have kids with you? This is where Hil would spend her rainy childhood days on the Cape. Rumor has it that this is where she mastered the claw machine.
The Alley
This is where our welcome party will be, so if you really love candlepin bowling, you could go twice. Otherwise: we will see you there Friday night, June 20th!
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Now run by NOAA, this is the oldest aquarium in the country (it opened in 1875). Stop in to see marine life from the Cape and beyond!
Provincetown
A trip to the Cape is hardly complete without visiting P-Town. A fifty-minute drive from Orleans, this is a great day trip for shopping, strolling, and great dining options. (There are also good whale-watching tours that depart from the pier!)
Where to Eat
Hil’s Dining Recommendations:
Seafood & Cape Cuisine
Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar - Eastham
A classic clambake joint—and you can play mini-golf while you wait!
Cooke’s Seafood - Orleans
A favorite family-run business with a hefty lobster roll—and a good option to bring kids.
The Knack - Orleans
All to-go from the window (with outdoor seating); great lobster rolls, fish tacos, burgers, and a killer black-and-white milkshake.
Sir Cricket’s Fish & Chips - Orleans
It’s all in the name—and throw in some fried clams, too. Limited seating.
Beacon Room - Orleans
One of our favorite, cozy restaurants for a sit-down meal. Lovely seafood dishes.
Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster - Chatham
Great, casual seafood option if you’re staying in—or visiting—Chatham.
Bookstore & Restaurant - Wellfleet
One of our favorite places to stop and grab a chowder after hiking the Great Island Trail.
Breakfast & Cafés
Whisk - East Orleans
My favorite place to grab coffee in the morning—and they make a delicious sit-down breakfast, too.
Sunbird Provisions - Orleans
Seasonal fast casual. Very specific, but their buttered toast & whipped ricotta is weirdly addictive.
Nauset Farms - East Orleans
Our local market. Pro tip: get a breakfast sandwich on a Portuguese muffin (but consider placing your order online in advance).
Ice Cream & Sweets
Hot Chocolate Sparrow - Orleans
A beloved Cape destination. I recommend the fudge, chocolate-dip soft serve, or a hot chocolate—but you can’t go wrong, and there’s a fabulous candy selection. Right off the Rail Trail, if you’re biking.
Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream - East Orleans
Our local ice cream place! Great hot fudge & marshmallow for sundaes.
Where to Drink
Will’s Brewery Recommendations:
Tree House Brewing Co. - Sandwich, MA
This is right across the bridge for those of you driving down from Boston. It is one for the hop-heads (though they have a ton of other beer, too). They are frequently rated one of the top breweries in the country. Full disclosure: I haven’t been to this location yet, but reviews make it seem like it gets pretty crowded during the high season and you need to buy a ticket to visit and parking can be a challenge. My recommendation would be to place a pick-up order online, stop to grab beer to-go, and visit a local beach!
Naukabout Brewing Co. - Mashpee, MA
For those of you willing to do a little detour. This is a great little brewery with some lovely outdoor seating and a fun variety of beers to try.
Hog Island Beer Co. - Orleans, MA
The local brewery for Orleans. Located a short drive from the venue this brewery has all the standard beer offerings and a few surprises. Will recommends the Nauset Haze IPA, or if you are feeling adventurous, the Chatham Kelp Stout.
Barnstable Brewing - Barnstable, MA
Halfway between the bridge and the venue is Barnstable Brewing. This is a fun little place with a great local feel, and some really nice people working behind the bar. The beers rotate, but they had a fantastic vanilla milkshake IPA when we visited.
Provincetown Brewing Co. - Provincetown, MA
For those of you venturing up to P-town, Provincetown Brewing offers a smaller but strong set of beers with top tier names like “Asphalt Glitter” and “Bearded Mistress.”
On Will’s “To Try” list is: Aquatic Brewing It looks great. If you get there before me, let me know what you think.
How to Get Here
By Land
Orleans is approximately a 2 hour drive from Boston (though this can vary a bit in high season due to traffic). If you are flying into Boston’s Logan Airport, there are a number of car rental options. Peter Pan also runs buses to and from the Cape—you can reach Orleans via a transfer at the Hyannis Transportation Center.
By Air
The closest airport to Orleans is in Hyannis (HYA), which is about 35 minutes away by car. In the summer season, there are direct flights to Hyannis from Boston, New York City (JFK + LGA), and Washington, DC (DCA). Summer flights can get expensive, so we recommend booking early!
By Rail
Believe it or not, there is actually is a train to Cape Cod—but time options are limited. On weekends in the high seasons, the CapeFLYER connects Boston to Hyannis (which is a ~35 minute drive from Orleans). You can find the schedules here.
By Sea
This approach is a bit less efficient, but given how much we love boats, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the ferry! If you’ve been meaning to give Provincetown a visit (roughly 50-60 mins away from Orleans by car), there is a high-speed ferry between Boston and Provincetown.