The Guides

Practical knowledge for Cape Cod living.

Explore hundreds of locally researched guides designed to help you experience the very best of Cape Cod. From hidden beaches and family adventures to local dining, seasonal events, homeownership, and insider tips, every guide is written to help you plan with confidence.

While you’re planning — book an experience

Beach Day

Private · Seals Guaranteed

East Orleans Private Harbor & Seal Tour

A private tour from the Meetinghouse Pond town dock through Orleans' waterways to the barrier beach, Chatham fishing fleet and seal colonies. Personal and flexible, ideal for families.

from $500See Pricing & Availability

Cape Classics

Tastings Included

Lobster Legends and Coastal Bites History Tour

A guided Cape Cod food-and-drink experience with small-group tastings. Booked on Viator.

from $105See Pricing & Availability

Beach Day

Fly Above the Water

eFoil Lessons on Cape Cod

An active Cape Cod adventure on the water and shoreline. Booked on Viator.

from $190See Pricing & Availability

Beach Day

No Guide · Just Go

Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals — Dennis

Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals — Dennis with Mocean Adventures in Dennis. Book on Cape Cod Certified.

from $106See Pricing & Availability

Beach Day

Best for Ages 4-12

Cape Cod Pirate Adventure Paddle Hunt and Battle

An active Cape Cod adventure on the water and shoreline. Booked on Viator.

from $100See Pricing & Availability

Cape Classics

Party Boat · All Welcome

Helen H Sunset & Party Cruise

Evening sunset and themed party cruises — margarita, luau and fireworks nights — from Hyannis and Barnstable Harbors aboard a large, stable vessel with full bar.

from $1200See Pricing & Availability

Filters

Cape Cod Celebrations

New Year's Eve on Cape Cod: Where to Celebrate, What Stays Open & Why It's Surprisingly Great

New Year's Eve on Cape Cod: First Night Chatham, Provincetown's party, what stays open in the off-season, and why the Cape beats the city for NYE.

Visiting Cape Cod

How to Spend One Week on Cape Cod: The Local's Itinerary for a Full, Unhurried Visit

A locals's Cape Cod one week itinerary built around two bases — Mid-Cape and Provincetown — covering Sandwich, Brewster, Chatham, Wellfleet, and the National Seashore without the daily packing and moving.

Visiting Cape Cod

First Time on Cape Cod? Start Here: What to Do, Where to Go & What Not to Miss

First time on Cape Cod? This local's guide covers the Bay vs. Atlantic distinction, the 5 must-do experiences, common mistakes to avoid, and exactly where to base yourself for the best introduction to the Cape.

Cape Cod Pursuits

Fishing on Cape Cod: Shore, Pier & Saltwater — A Complete Guide

Everything you need to fish Cape Cod saltwater — the best shore spots, species guide, charter boats, pier access, and license info for stripers, bluefish, fluke, and more.

Visiting Cape Cod

Sailing on Cape Cod: Lessons, Charters & Where to Get Out on the Water

Everything you need to know about sailing Cape Cod — from beginner lessons and bareboat charters to crewed sunset sails from Provincetown, Barnstable, and Chatham harbors.

Visiting Cape Cod

Best Sunrise Spots on Cape Cod: Where to Watch the Atlantic Wake Up

Discover the best sunrise spots on Cape Cod — from Nauset Beach in Orleans to Race Point in Provincetown. Practical tips on timing, parking, photography, and what to bring to watch the Atlantic wake up.

Visiting Cape Cod

Live Music on Cape Cod: Where to Catch a Show This Summer

Discover the best live music on Cape Cod — from the iconic Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis to free Friday night band concerts in Chatham, Provincetown cabaret, and waterfront jazz all summer long.

Visiting Cape Cod

Seal Watching on Cape Cod: Where They Haul Out, Best Beaches to See Them & What to Know

Fort Hill Trail in Eastham offers the best marsh views in Cape Cod National Seashore. Free parking, 1.6 miles, red maple swamp, and expert tips on what to see.

Visiting Cape Cod

Is Cape Cod Expensive? A Real 2026 Budget Breakdown (Lodging, Ferries, Food & Beach Fees)

How expensive is Cape Cod in 2026? Real prices for lodging, ferries, food, and beach parking — plus where locals save without missing the point.

Visiting Cape Cod

Where to Stay on Cape Cod: The Right Town for Every Traveler (9 Traveler Types Matched to the Perfect Base)

Where to stay on Cape Cod depends on who you are. This guide matches 9 specific traveler types — from nightlife seekers to families with young kids — to the exact town and lodging that fits them best.

Visiting Cape Cod

Solo Travel on Cape Cod: Where to Stay, How to Get Around & the Places That Feel Good Alone

Solo travel on Cape Cod is more practical than most assume. This local guide covers car-free arrival, the best towns, solo dining, and safety tips.

Visiting Cape Cod

Cape Cod with Teenagers: What Actually Keeps Them Engaged

Cape Cod with teenagers can be genuinely great — if you pick the right activities. Surfing, whale watching, P-town days, Rail Trail rides, shark science, and more that teens actually want to do.

Visiting Cape Cod

Cape Cod Beach Parking: What It Costs, When to Arrive, and How to Beat the Lot

Cape Cod beach parking costs $25/day at National Seashore lots. Know exactly when lots fill, which town beaches charge what, and how to save money all week.

Visiting Cape Cod

Multi-Generational Cape Cod: How to Plan a Trip That Actually Works for Everyone (From Toddlers to Grandparents)

Real strategies for a multi-generational Cape Cod vacation: tidal flats, whale watches, best base towns, and rental tips for three generations.

Visiting Cape Cod

Best Ice Cream on Cape Cod: Scoops Worth the Line

From Sundae School in Orleans to Four Seas in Centerville, discover the best ice cream shops on Cape Cod — scoops, soft serve, and summer lines worth every minute of the wait.

Visiting Cape Cod

Sharks on Cape Cod: What You Need to Know Before You Swim (Great Whites, Safety & Beach Flags)

Great whites are back on Cape Cod beaches. Learn the flag system, riskiest beaches, seasonal patterns, and what locals actually do before swimming in Chatham, Wellfleet, or Truro.

Cape Cod Pursuits

Seal Watching in Chatham: A Guide to Cape Cod's Wild Grey Seal Colony

How to see Chatham's grey seal colony: best beaches and boat tours, when to go, responsible-viewing rules, and the Shark Smart safety you need to know.

Visiting Cape Cod

Cape Cod Honeymoon: The Most Romantic Places and Experiences

Plan the perfect Cape Cod honeymoon with our guide to the most romantic towns, sunset sails, oyster bars, charming inns, and unforgettable experiences on the Outer Cape.

Visiting Cape Cod

Sea Glass Beaches on Cape Cod: Where to Hunt and What to Find

Discover the best sea glass beaches on Cape Cod — from Nauset Light Beach in Eastham to Wellfleet's Atlantic shores. Learn what colors to find, when to go, and the rules every hunter needs to know.

Visiting Cape Cod

Cape Cod Nightlife: Bars, Clubs & What to Do After Dark

Discover the best bars, live music, clubs, and after-dark activities on Cape Cod — from Provincetown's legendary nightlife strip to the Wellfleet Beachcomber's cliffside sunset parties.

Visiting Cape Cod

Girls Trip to Cape Cod: Best Towns, Sunset Bars & What Locals Actually Do on a Weekend Without Kids

Planning a girls trip to Cape Cod? Local picks for Provincetown, Chatham & Wellfleet — sunset bars, spa days, oysters, and when to actually go.

Visiting Cape Cod

Best Bars on Cape Cod: Where to Drink After Dinner, Town by Town

The honest town-by-town guide to bars Cape Cod nightlife — from Provincetown's Commercial Street to the Chatham Squire, the Beachcomber, and local breweries.

Visiting Cape Cod

Cape Cod from New York: Drive Times, Best Routes & How to Plan a NYC Weekend Trip

The drive from New York City to Cape Cod takes 4.5–5.5 hours in clear conditions — and significantly longer on peak summer Fridays. Here's the route, the bridge decision, the timing strategy, and how to plan a weekend trip from NYC that actually works.

Visiting Cape Cod

Cape Cod for Seniors & Active Retirees: The Best Beaches, Flat Trails & Off-Peak Timing Guide

Cape Cod for seniors is best in June and September — calm bay beaches, the flat Rail Trail, whale watching, and off-peak timing tips for active retirees.