There’s something about New England that shines during the summer. Maybe it’s that pink is a universal color for every man, woman, child and dog. It could be the idyllic clapboard buildings, or maybe it’s just the lobsta’ rolls.
With 400 miles of pristine shoreline, breezy weather that doesn’t melt your sandals, and the kind of charm that makes you consider buying a lighthouse, it’s a destination that checks all the vacation boxes. You can catch the golden hour at Race Point Beach or hop aboard a whale-watching tour out of Barnstable Harbor for some serious sea-life spotting. Prefer something a little more grounded? Walk, jog, or just Instagram your way along the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail. And if adrenaline’s your thing, you’ll find plenty of action kayaking or paddleboarding around Pleasant Bay and Nauset Marsh. No matter what your summer style, here’s where you’ll want to kick off those flip-flops and settle in. This is where to summer on the Cape.
Chatham Bars Inn
Location: Chatham
An absolute Cape Cod classic, Chatham Bars Inn has been delivering New England charm since 1914. It has hosted everyone from Henry Ford to the Dutch Royal Family during WWII. More recently, Tom Brady and Elton John have also checked in. The oceanfront estate features a private beach, full-service spa, tennis courts, and a golf course, not to mention its own working farm that supplies the kitchens. Dining here is an event. STARS offers an upscale menu, while Beach House Grill and Sacred Cod serve up casual vibes. And if you get tired of the hotel, you can head out to their farm. There are a series of fun activities like Beekeeping and Creating a Kitchen Garden that they offer at the farm.
Standard room rates: $600–$1200
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
Location: Harwich
If your summer mantra is “privacy and polish,” Wequassett Resort is your spot. This Forbes Five-Star property sits right on Pleasant Bay and brings a seriously elevated experience. Between its championship golf course and stylish boating excursions, you’ll want for nothing, except maybe a second stay. Restaurants like Twenty Eight and Pleasant Bay Terrace serve up fine dining with water views, and their beachfront bar, LiBAYtion, is where cocktails meet the coastline. Reality TV footnote: Whitney Bischoff Angel of ‘The Bachelor’ fame even chose this place for her wedding.
Standard room rates: $800–$1500
Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club
Location: Brewster
Set in the historic Nickerson Mansion, Ocean Edge blends 20th-century grandeur with modern beachside fun. With a private beach on Cape Cod Bay, multiple pools, and a Nicklaus Design golf course, it’s hard to be bored here. Tennis? Check. Kayaking? You bet. The club offers all kinds of accommodation options. You can choose a room in the Nickerson Mansion offering the services of a hotel. If you’re someone who doesn’t compromise on their personal space, there’s the option of Bay Pines Villas or The Villages. These are villas like rental homes. Dining options span from the refined Ocean Terrace to the beachfront Shark Bah (yes, spelled just like that). Linx Tavern rounds it out with a more laid-back feel. No celeb name-dropping here — perhaps because those who stay keep it on the down low. We see you, Kerry Brett.
Standard room rates: $400–$900
The Red Inn
Location: Provincetown
Established in 1805, The Red Inn wears its history well. With guests like President Theodore Roosevelt, Norman Mailer, Ryan O’Neal, and Isabella Rossellini, this boutique hotel is as seasoned as it is stylish. The suites are intimate and steeped in local lore — like the Pilgrim’s Landing Suite, overlooking the very spot where the Pilgrims arrived in 1620. The on-site restaurant focuses on ultra-fresh local seafood, and yes, there’s a happy hour, because even history buffs like to unwind.
Standard room rates: $425
Chapter House
Location: Yarmouth Port
Built in 1716 by Captain John Minot and once a Revolutionary War hospital, Chapter House is dripping with history — and thankfully, modern amenities too. With beautifully manicured gardens and a design that blends Victorian charm with present-day comfort, it’s a serene base camp for exploring the Cape. The location is central, meaning most major attractions are just a short drive (or bike ride) away. There’s a cozy bar and lounge on-site, or you can venture out to local favorites like Old Yarmouth Inn or Inaho Japanese Restaurant for a change of scenery.
Standard room rates: $197–$560
FAQs
Q. What’s the best time to visit Cape Cod?
A. The best time to visit Cape Cod is May-June or September-October.
Q. Which ones are the most popular beaches of Cape Cod?
A. The most popular beaches of Cape Cod are Race Point Beach, Herring Cove Beach, and Coast Guard Beach.
Q. What is the major cuisine in Cape Cod?
A. The dominant cuisine in Cape Cod is the fresh seafood.
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