Summer in Cape Cod often brings images of sunshine, beaches, seafood, and lighthouses. But visiting the area during the off-season can also be very enjoyable. Spring on the Cape is perfect for hiking, biking, exploring, and bird-watching. Also, with it being the off-season, there are often fewer crowds, shorter lines, and deals on lodging and activities. Here are some must-see spots when vacationing on Cape Cod in the spring.
1. Brewster
Visit Brewster in May, and you may just run into a popular spring event on Cape Cod, the Brewster in Bloom festival. Enjoy the refreshing feeling of spring with live music and craft vendors while appreciating the newly bloomed flowers all around you. Don't worry if the weather is off; spend a day inside visiting the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and exploring its unique exhibits. Or, on a nice day, visit Nickerson State Park and take in all the beautiful natural surroundings through hikes around the forests and ponds. Stay in one of the many quaint inns in town, and don't forget to stop by Cobie's for some of the best fried seafood in New England.
2. Hyannis
Visit all of the local shops and restaurants along the popular Main Street in Hyannis. Here you'll find the JFK Hyannis Museum, showcasing the Kennedy's life in this town they often visited during the summer. You'll also usually find live music and other entertainment along this lively stretch at any time of year. Also located in Hyannis is Cape Cod Beer, where you can get tours and tastings of locally crafted beer. And make sure to visit Baxter's for some delicious seafood and classic fish and chips. This restaurant is even right over the water where boats can pull up and eat too. Enjoy one of their famous bloody marys or a lovely ice cream sundae for those warmer spring days.
3. Sandwich
Sandwich is the oldest town on the Cape, making it rich in history and a must-see on your vacation. Check out the history of glass making at the Sandwich Glass Museum. View pieces from the 1800s and watch glassblowing demonstrations every hour. The Heritage Museums and Gardens is also located in Sandwich and opens at the end of April. Flowers begin to bloom in their gardens in April, and the Rhododendrons come to life in May. After walking through the gardens, make sure to visit their collection of forty-two cars from the 1890s to 1965!
4. Provincetown
Provincetown is the farthest town out on the tip of Cape Cod and has some fantastic attractions. Take a dune tour in May through the National Seashore Park or visit the Pilgrim Monument, which is the tallest granite structure in the United States and is in honor of where the first pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower. Provincetown also has some of the best whale watching on the peninsula, which begins in April. Book a boat tour with Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch to try and catch sights of Humpbacks and various dolphins.
5. Eastham
Eastham hosts the Salt Pond Visitor Center of the National Seashore Park. Learn about the history of the land, and then go exploring! Nauset Lighthouse, which begins offering tours in May, is the oldest lighthouse on the Cape and is located here as well. Any fans of the Cape Cod chips will recognize this lighthouse as the one on their bags. Eastham is also home to the Cape's oldest windmill, built in 1690. Rich with history and great trails for hiking, it is an excellent place to add to your vacation.
Connect with ERA Cape Cod Real Estate
Visiting Cape Cod in the springtime can allow you to view the area with a new lens. Take in the sights of the local towns and enjoy the area before the crowds roll in for the summer. If you are considering buying a home after experiencing the wonderful activities in the spring on Cape Cod, reach out to one of the ERA Cape Real Estate agents who know the area best.
