Cape Cod, a beautiful area of Massachusetts, is one of my favorite places to visit during the summer. With unique shops, excellent museums, stunning beaches, and delicious restaurants, there’s so much to do. Whether you live in the Boston area or are visiting on vacation, consider taking a day trip to Cape Cod if you can’t visit for an extended vacation.
Here’s what you need to know if you plan on taking a day trip from Boston to Cape Cod.
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Taking a Day Trip From Boston to Cape Cod
Getting to Cape Cod for the Day
You’ll have several options for getting to Cape Cod for the day, with many more options if you are visiting during the busy summer months (when the weather is much better, and attractions/restaurants are open for peak hours).
Driving: Driving is the more flexible option. However, keep in mind that for a day trip, you’ll want to leave as early as possible. During peak travel times, the two bridges (the Sagamore Bridge and the Bourne Bridge) get backed up. An early morning departure is best.
Peter Pan bus: Peter Pan bus lines operates buses from Boston’s South Station and Boston Logan International Airport. They stop at a variety of popular Cape Cod towns, including Hyannis, Provincetown, Wellfleet, Woods Hole, Falmouth, Orleans, and Harwich. These buses are convenient, but you’ll also have to deal with traffic, and won’t have a car once you arrive. See more information on their website.
The CapeFLYER train: The CapeFLYER is a train (similar to the Commuter Rail) that operates seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. It runs on Friday nights and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a great option for visiting on a weekend day trip.
The CapeFLYER originates at Boston’s South Station and stops in Braintree, Brockton, Lakeville, Wareham Village, Buzzards Bay, Bourne, and Hyannis. Reservations aren’t required, and the trains offer a cafe car and complimentary Wi-Fi. Pets and bikes are allowed. Tickets can be purchased on the MBTA app and at South Station. Learn more on their website.
Provincetown Fast Ferry: Provincetown, located on the tip of Cape Cod, can be a long drive from Boston (especially in the summer when there’s a lot of traffic). For a day trip, it’s easiest to take the Provincetown Fast Ferry. In season (mid-May through mid-October), it runs several times a day from the Commonwealth Pier in the Boston Seaport District.
Reservations are recommended. Leashed dogs are allowed at no additional cost, and bikes are permitted for a fee of $10 each. Luggage storage is available at both the Boston and Provincetown docks.
Flights are also available to Cape Cod on Cape Air, but are not necessarily cost-efficient or practical for a day trip.
When to Go on Your Day Trip
The summer months are the best time to visit, since the weather is usually best and the seasonal shops and restaurants are open. However, it’s also the busiest time. Weekdays are best, but are still busy. Summer weekends are the busiest.
While some places do close on Labor Day weekend for the season, many places are open in the early fall. September can be a great time to visit because it’s less crowded and the weather can still be very nice.
Where to Go For Your Day Trip
The location you choose for your day trip will depend on the type of transportation you use. Because the travel time to further points on the Cape, like Wellfleet and Provincetown, is so much more than to towns on the Upper Cape (closest to the bridges), they may not be the best option for your day trip.
If you are taking the high-speed ferry, however, Provincetown is the perfect day trip spot. It’s very walkable, with shops, attractions, art galleries, and restaurants easily within reach along Commercial Street.
Driving? Then I’d consider a town like Falmouth or Sandwich, since they are a shorter drive from Boston. If you are taking the CapeFLYER, you’ll want to stay close to Hyannis.
What To Do On Your Day Trip
There are numerous options for what to do during your day trip.
Museums
If you’d like to explore a museum, options include:
- Heritage Museum and Gardens
- Sandwich Glass Museum
- Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
- Cape Cod Maritime Museum
- Whydah Pirate Museum
Outdoor Activities
Cape Cod is renowned for its stunning beaches and picturesque towns, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. If you are driving, keep in mind that many beach parking lots fill up early during the popular summer months. Be sure to arrive very early so you’re not shut out.
Many guests prefer to be more active on their day trip to Cape Cod. Biking is a popular activity, with miles of bike paths through quaint towns with beautiful ocean views. The Shining Sea Bikeway (from Woods Hole to North Falmouth) and the Cape Cod Rail Trail (South Yarmouth to Wellfleet) are both options. You can bring your own bike, or rentals are also available throughout the Cape.
Explore Local Towns
Another option for your day trip is to explore one of the local towns on Cape Cod. Several of them have lovely, walkable downtown areas with shops and restaurants. Options include:
- Falmouth
- Hyannis
- Provincetown
- Chatham
- Harwich Port
Tours
Another option for your Cape Cod day trip is to take a tour, which can be the easiest for a quick trip. Options include: (*please research these tours independently, as we haven’t taken any of them personally).
What to Bring on Your Day Trip
What you pack for your day trip will depend on what your plans are. If you don’t have a car with you, you’ll want to pack lightly since you’ll have to carry everything with you.
In general, here’s what you’ll want to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A light sweatshirt/sweater for the evening
- An umbrella (if there is the threat of rain)
- Water and snacks
- Wallet with credit cards/cash (most places take credit cards, but there’s often a discount for cash purchases)
