Cape Cod, Massachusetts - Come for the Quahog, Stay for the Sun

Cape Cod is the eastern section of the State of Massachusetts, a peninsula sticking out into the Atlantic Ocean before curling inward like a finger beckoning you to visit and stay for aw while. There are fifteen lovely towns to explore on what is known to locals simply as “the Cape”, and beautiful beaches are easy to find.

Although it is usually referred to as a Peninsula, Cape Cod is technically a barrier island, since the Cape Cod Canal separates the landmass from mainland Massachusetts. You can get there by crossing one of two bridges that straddle the canal - Bourne Bridge or Sagamore Bridge. The fifteen charming towns that draw so many visitors each year for antiquing and relaxing vacations include Wellfleet, Eastham, Chatham, Brewster, Sandwich, Falmouth and Provincetown, to name just a few. And within each town, there are smaller villages to discover. As you can see, one trip to Cape Cod may not be enough if you want to truly experience all it has to offer.

Cape Cod is home to the Plymouth Colony, where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. They were met by the Wampanoag Indians, who had inhabited the area for centuries; indeed, many of them still do. The area got its name in 1602, and it has a distinguished history of being visited by many famous explorers, from Samuel de Champlain to John Smith and Henry Hudson. It is also one of the earliest English settlements on the entire continent. When you visit the Cape, you'll notice more harbors than you can count - this natural resource is the reason that fishing and whaling were such important industries here Today, fishing and whale watching are still two of the most important pastimes.

Many whale watching fleets leave out of Provincetown, but Chatham, Barnstable, Plymouth and Hyannis are also home to many vessels that will not only bring you out into the waters to view and hear these majestic creates, but you will also get an education about the local marine life at the same time. Keep your eyes peeled for Minke, Pilot, Finback and Humpback whales%u2026 dolphins, seals and porpoises can be spotted too. Bring a camera and a raincoat - sometimes the whales come so close that they spray sightseers. If you prefer fishing, you can head out for some deep sea fishing or cast your line off one of the many piers or beaches.

The Cape is packed with hiking and biking trails, with many protected areas to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy this historic natural setting as well.  There are actually more than 100 trails that are open to the public, many of which are in sanctuaries, conservation areas and reservations. So you can be sure that you will spot some local wildlife amid the peaceful pines and sand dunes.

Don't forget to bring your golf clubs, as the Cape has some amazing courses. Or spend some time on a sailboat, the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. The season for visiting is a long one, so you can plan your getaway for the cooler months at the beginning of the summer, or choose to visit during the warm fall as the summer sun lingers, warming the sand before the chill of autumn sets in. If you visit in June, kick off the season with the annual Quahog Day. This festival celebrates summer, and includes an eating contest, so come hungry. You won't have trouble finding a place to stay on Cape Cod. There are plenty of vacation rentals to choose from, whether you want to stay in the Upper Cape, Mid-Cape, or the Lower Cape. Camping is an option, but there are bed and breakfasts everywhere, so you only have to sleep in a tent if you want to.