3 Awesome Itineraries for a Day Trip to Cape Cod From Boston
If you’re looking for a day trip that will take you out of the city and into some stunning coastal scenery, look no further than Cape Cod. A day trip from Boston to Cape Cod is a perfect way to see beautiful beaches, charming seaside towns, and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. Here is your guide to planning a day trip to Cape Cod from Boston!
Step 1: Plan Your Trip in Advance: The key to a successful day trip is to plan your itinerary in advance. This will help you make the most of your time on Cape Cod and avoid getting stuck in traffic or waiting in line for attractions. Keep reading for different options on transportation.
Step 2: Pack for the Weather: Cape Cod can be chilly, even in summer, so be sure to pack a sweater or light jacket. sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Step3: Choose Your Activities: There’s no shortage of things to do on Cape Cod. Whether you want to spend your day relaxing on the beach, exploring the local shops and restaurants, or getting out into nature, there’s something for everyone. Be sure
How to Get to Cape Cod from Boston
Take the Ferry to Provincetown
You can get to Cape Cod from Boston by taking the ferry. The ferry leaves from the Downtown Boston Waterfront and takes about an hour and a half to reach Provincetown, Cape Cod. Take either Bay State Cruise Company or Boston Harbor Cruise.
Driving to Cape Cod from Boston
If you’d rather drive, it’s about a two-hour drive from Boston to Cape Cod. The easiest way to get there is to take Route 93 South to Route 95 South. Once you hit the Rhode Island border, take the exit for Route 195 East, which will take you all the way to Cape Cod.
Taking a Bus from Boston to Cape Cod
The bus is another option for getting to Cape Cod from Boston. The Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Company offers a daily round-trip bus service between Boston and Cape Cod. The bus leaves from South Station in Boston and takes about two hours and 45 minutes to reach Hyannis, Cape Cod.
Taking a Train from Boston to Cape Cod
Amtrak also offers train service from Boston to Cape Cod. The train leaves from South Station in Boston and takes about two hours and 30 minutes to reach Hyannis, Cape Cod.
Flying to Cape Cod from Boston
The fastest, but maybe not the cheapest way to get to Cape Cod from Boston is by flying. Several small airports on the Cape offer direct flights from Boston’s Logan Airport. The flight time is around 30-45 minutes from takeoff to landing.
How to Spend a Day on Cape Cod- Three Perfect Itineraries
1. A Day in Provincetown by Ferry
If you are opting for the ferry option, Provincetown is a great place to spend the day. Since you cannot bring cars on this ferry, we recommend hanging around Provincetown.
Provincetown is a town located at the very tip of Cape Cod. It’s known for its lively nightlife, charming shops and restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Provincetown is also home to the Pilgrim Monument, which commemorates the spot where the Pilgrims first landed in America.
Start your morning off by grabbing some breakfast at Cafe Heaven or Liz’s Cafe Anybody’s Bar. The food and atmosphere is amazing and offers the best breakfast you will find in Provincetown. After that, you can catch an early morning Whale Watching tour. Or head to the beach. If it is low tide, try taking a stroll across Provincetown Causeway. From here you can spend the morning at the beach or checking out the light house.
In the afternoon, take a stroll around town for some shopping and lunch. For a great lunch spot we recommend Canteen or The Squealing Pig. Be sure to stop in at Lewis Brother’s for some incredible homemade ice cream.
If you’re looking for some gifts to take home, Provincetown has plenty of charming shops to choose from. Check out the many jewelry stores or souvenir shops. Grab a Cape Cod shirt at Soft as a Grape.
Last, visit The Pilgrim Monument for 360 degree views of Cape Cod. The Pilgrim Monument is a granite structure located in Provincetown, Massachusetts. It stands at 252 feet tall and commemorates the first landing of the Pilgrims in America. The monument was built between 1907 and 1910. Visitors can climb the 116 steps or opt to take an elevator to the top.
The last ferry departs Provincetown around 7:30pm. So, if you want to grab dinner, make it an early one or grab a snack to bring with you.
2. A Day in Hyannis by Bus or Train
If you take the bus or train into Hyannis, it is perfectly doable to spend a day there. Start by hopping on The Hyannis Trolley and heading to Kalmus Beach. Spend your morning and afternoon soaking up some sun, sand, and salt water.
After a morning at the beach, hop on the trolley and head to Main Street. We recommend Common Ground Cafe or Tap City Grill for lunch. When you finish with lunch, take a stroll down Main Street to people watch and window shop. If you’re looking for some nightlife, stop in at one of Hyannis’ many bars or nightclubs.
The last bus departing Hyannis is scheduled for 11:35pm, so grab some dinner before heading out.
3. A One Day Road Trip Through Cape Cod by Car
If you’re looking to explore Cape Cod in one day, a road trip is the perfect option. Start your day by stopping by Cafe Chew in Sandwich, MA for one of their delectable breakfast sandwiches. Then, hit the road and head towards Cape Cod National Seashore.
Make your next stop in Chatham, Ma. Visit The Chatham Lighthouse and Fish Pier. Grab a cup of clam chowder as you watch the seals from the pier and boats coming in. Before heading to your next stop, go shopping in downtown Chatham, which is known for its charming main street and boutique shops.
As you continue on your trip, stop at Nauset Light. A classic red and white striped lighthouse which makes for a perfect photo op for your journey.
Next, drive to Wellfleet, MA. Here you can visit Marconi Beach or head to Mayo beach. This will be a perfect time to stop for some lunch, we recommend getting a lobster roll from The Bookstore. Enjoy your meal while overlooking Cape Cod Bay. If you have kids there is an awesome playground next door to let the run around.
After lunch, hit the road again and head towards Provincetown. Stop at Race Point Beach for a quick swim before heading into town. Spend the afternoon walking around town before heading back down the shore.
Make your final stop in Brewster, MA for dinner at Ocean Terrace. After dinner head to a local beach and watch the sunset over Cape Cod Bay. Pick up some ice cream at the Brewster Scoop before driving back to Boston.
Tip: Use Google Maps to find the best routes to save even more time on your trip!
Final Thoughts: A Day Trip to Cape Cod from Boston
Whether you are looking for a simple quick trip or an adventure filled excursion, a day trip to Cape Cod from Boston is totally doable.
Cape Cod is a beautiful area with so much to offer. Spend your day exploring all the different towns and beaches that this region has to offer. From Chatham to Provincetown, there is something for everyone on Cape Cod. So get out there and explore!
A day trip to Cape Cod from Boston is the perfect way to enjoy the summer weather and spend some time at the beach.There are several things to do on Cape Cod, including going to the Cape Cod National Seashore, hiking, or shopping in one of the area’s many boutique stores. And, of course, no trip to Cape Cod would be complete without enjoying some of the delicious seafood that the area is known for.
