Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod: history

Cape Cod was named in 1602 for the fish in its waters. The Pilgrims first landed here, at Provincetown, in November 1620, before sailing on to Plymouth.

For two centuries the Cape lived by fishing and whaling. In 1903 Marconi sent the first wireless message across the Atlantic from its shore. President Kennedy, whose family home is at Hyannis Port, created the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961.

Cape Cod: tourist attractions

• Cape Cod National SeashoreForty miles of beach, dunes and lighthouses.
• ProvincetownThe Pilgrim Monument, art galleries and a lively main street.
• Whale-watching cruiseHumpback whales offshore, from about April to October.
• Hyannis harborBoats, the Kennedy museum and ferries to the islands.
• ChathamA lighthouse and seals on the sandbars.
• Cape Cod Rail TrailA flat cycle path of about 25 miles.
• SandwichThe oldest town on the Cape, with gardens and a glass museum.

Cape Cod: excursions nearby

• Martha's Vineyard 45 minutes by ferryPainted cottages, cliffs and beaches.
• Nantucket 1 hour by fast ferryA whaling town of grey shingled houses.
• Plymouth about 35 miles from HyannisPlymouth Rock and the Mayflower replica.
• Boston about 70 miles from HyannisThe Freedom Trail and the harbour.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.