The most recognizable places on Cape Cod can be very busy during tourist season…but there are still a few hidden gems to explore. Check out these 10 treasures on Cape Cod.
- Bound Brook Island Beach, Wellfleet
Catherine Cronin/flickr If you’re looking for a quiet, remote beach, free of crowds, then Bound Brook Island Beach is your spot. It requires a one-mile hike down a sandy path, but once you get there, you’ll be stunned at the beauty. The view from the hill above the beach is simply amazing on a clear day - you can see all the way to Plymouth.
- Monk’s Park, Pocasset
Christopher Setterlund/YouTube Some say that Monk’s Park is the best place on the entire Cape to catch the sunset. It’s hard to disagree, isn’t it? It’s usually pretty quiet here, so take a walk out onto the peninsula, and bring your camera.
- Thumpertown Beach, Eastham
Schooner Properties/YouTube When you pull into the parking lot, you’ll see a view like no other. Walk down the wooden stairs to this secluded stretch of beach in between First Encounter and Sunken Beaches. The sunset here is gorgeous.
- Bearberry Hill, Truro
Amy Yousowski/flickr Hike 110 feet up to the summit for an incredible view of the beach and ocean. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the old Pamet Cranberry Bog House.
- Godfrey Windmill, Chatham
mandjfoy/flickr Many visitors to Cape Cod don’t bother with this free attraction - but that’s a huge mistake! This windmill is staffed with volunteers, and it’s in great shape for its age. On a clear day, the windmill is perfectly picturesque.
- Taylor-Bray Farm, Yarmouth
Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce/Facebook Visit the Taylor-Bray Farm, where docents will take you on a tour and teach you about the amazing history of this hidden gem. The farm was established by Richard Taylor in 1639 - the barn and buildings were constructed between 1780 and 1820. Say hello to Scotty and Fiona, the resident Scottish Highland Cattle, or pet Rusty and Dusty, the Nubian goats.
- Coonamessett Farm, Falmouth
Coonamesseett Farm/Facebook Visit this lovely farm for the afternoon. Have lunch, browse the gift shop and relax on the pavilion for free. You can also purchase fresh produce as it’s available. Or, pay a small fee to visit the animals. The 20-acre farm also offers pick-your-own produce. Find the farm on 277 Hatchville Road.
- Fort Hill, Eastham
Gillian/flickr This is the perfect place for a quick hike to see some wildlife and amazing views of the marshes. For some real exploration, rent a kayak and explore even more. Bring your insect repellant so you can really enjoy the afternoon.
- Grays Beach Boardwalk, Yarmouth
Tom G./TripAdvisor Grays Beach Boardwalk provides a relaxing spot for an evening walk in Yarmouth. Once you get to the end, catch crabs, view wildlife (you might see seals here) and enjoy the incredible vista of the marshes. Don’t forget your camera - the sunset here is stunning.
- The Town of Mashpee
Massachusetts Office of Tourism/flickr The little town of Mashpee is often overlooked by visitors. It’s quaint and charming, with several little shops and restaurants. There’s just one public beach here - South Cape Beach. Tourists must park in the state lot; locals park closer in with their sticker. Visit the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge while you’re there.
What’s your favorite spot on the Cape?
Catherine Cronin/flickr
If you’re looking for a quiet, remote beach, free of crowds, then Bound Brook Island Beach is your spot. It requires a one-mile hike down a sandy path, but once you get there, you’ll be stunned at the beauty. The view from the hill above the beach is simply amazing on a clear day - you can see all the way to Plymouth.
Christopher Setterlund/YouTube
Some say that Monk’s Park is the best place on the entire Cape to catch the sunset. It’s hard to disagree, isn’t it? It’s usually pretty quiet here, so take a walk out onto the peninsula, and bring your camera.
Schooner Properties/YouTube
When you pull into the parking lot, you’ll see a view like no other. Walk down the wooden stairs to this secluded stretch of beach in between First Encounter and Sunken Beaches. The sunset here is gorgeous.
Amy Yousowski/flickr
Hike 110 feet up to the summit for an incredible view of the beach and ocean. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the old Pamet Cranberry Bog House.
mandjfoy/flickr
Many visitors to Cape Cod don’t bother with this free attraction - but that’s a huge mistake! This windmill is staffed with volunteers, and it’s in great shape for its age. On a clear day, the windmill is perfectly picturesque.
Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Visit the Taylor-Bray Farm, where docents will take you on a tour and teach you about the amazing history of this hidden gem. The farm was established by Richard Taylor in 1639 - the barn and buildings were constructed between 1780 and 1820. Say hello to Scotty and Fiona, the resident Scottish Highland Cattle, or pet Rusty and Dusty, the Nubian goats.
Coonamesseett Farm/Facebook
Visit this lovely farm for the afternoon. Have lunch, browse the gift shop and relax on the pavilion for free. You can also purchase fresh produce as it’s available. Or, pay a small fee to visit the animals. The 20-acre farm also offers pick-your-own produce. Find the farm on 277 Hatchville Road.
Gillian/flickr
This is the perfect place for a quick hike to see some wildlife and amazing views of the marshes. For some real exploration, rent a kayak and explore even more. Bring your insect repellant so you can really enjoy the afternoon.
Tom G./TripAdvisor
Grays Beach Boardwalk provides a relaxing spot for an evening walk in Yarmouth. Once you get to the end, catch crabs, view wildlife (you might see seals here) and enjoy the incredible vista of the marshes. Don’t forget your camera - the sunset here is stunning.
Massachusetts Office of Tourism/flickr
The little town of Mashpee is often overlooked by visitors. It’s quaint and charming, with several little shops and restaurants. There’s just one public beach here - South Cape Beach. Tourists must park in the state lot; locals park closer in with their sticker. Visit the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge while you’re there.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
