8 Reasons to Travel to Cape Cod Off-Season
8 Reasons to Travel to Cape Cod Off-Season
Prices Are Lower & the Cape is less crowded
Cape Beaches & Conservation Lands & Parks are Beautiful as Ever to Explore…and Dogs are allowed back onto the beaches.
Cape Cod Lighthouses Are Beautiful in the Snow, Fog, Fall, and Spring
Many Museums Are Still Open for History & Cultural Experiences
Seasonal Festivals occur mostly in Fall & Throughout the Holiday Season
Cape Cod Dining is better without crowds & service is better
Beer & Wine tasting is just as wonderful
Frederick William House B&B Welcomes You to Cape Cod in the Off-Season
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Even during the off-season, Cape Cod doesn't fully close down, with the period typically running from late November to early April. Towns such as Falmouth remain open year-round. As you venture further up the Cape, the winter crowds dissipate. Despite this, the off-season presents numerous attractions and activities, including exclusive events that are unique to this time of year.
Prices Are Lower
For many individuals interested in visiting Cape Cod, the summer months of June, July, August, and part of September are considered the most appealing time of year. Consequently, this period sees an increase in crowds at tourist destinations and even traffic congestion when trying to access the Cape. Parking can be a challenge in certain towns such as Falmouth, Provincetown, and Chatham.
If you choose to visit Cape Cod during the spring, fall, or winter, you will encounter significantly fewer crowds, making it easier to navigate the Cape Cod Canal without worrying about traffic jams. Additionally, you will find it simpler to locate free parking spaces in the charming towns you explore.
Moreover, staying on Cape Cod during the off-season is more budget-friendly due to reduced lodging demand. Certain attractions also lower their prices during this time, enabling you to make the most of your money.
Cape Beaches, Conservation Lands & Parks
The beauty of the Cape's landscape is more evident during the shoulder and off-seasons when there are fewer visitors, offering a clearer view. Whether it's the pine trees, dunes, or beaches, exploring nature in the spring, fall, and even winter is surprisingly attractive. Here are some suggested outdoor activities.
Beaches & Parks
With over 500 miles of shoreline, Cape Cod boasts numerous beaches where dogs and horses are permitted during the off-season. While swimming may not be popular in the cooler months, strolling along the sand and collecting rocks and shells can offer a serene experience.
Various beaches in Falmouth are ideal for beachcombing or enjoying the sunset. Other notable spots include Town Neck Beach & Boardwalk in Sandwich, Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable, and Race Point Beach in Provincetown.
Cape Cod is also home to many parks and protected wildlife areas. For example, the West Barnstable Conservation Area and Nickerson State Park in Brewster offer plenty of nature trails. The Cape Cod National Seashore features even more trails, and there are several Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries to explore as well.
Biking Trails
If you are a fan of biking, you can choose from several fantastic options available throughout the year. The Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth spans over 11 miles, the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway in Buzzards Bay is over 13 miles long, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail extends for more than 25 miles from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet!
Scenic Tours
If you want to explore Cape Cod’s natural beauty in a unique way, consider booking different types of scenic tours. Bay Spirit Tours in Hyannis offers a variety of cruises including lighthouse, music, sunset, and sailing tours on the water.
To see Cape Cod from a different perspective, visit Chatham Airport for sightseeing tours with Stick’n Rudder Aero Tours. Additionally, Art’s Dune Tours provides one-hour tours, dune and water tours, and sunset tours at the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown.
Cape Cod Lighthouses Are Always Iconic any time of year.
Whenever you decide to explore Cape Cod, it's the perfect opportunity to visit a lighthouse. While some towers allow visitors to climb them, others provide great photo opportunities and create lasting memories. With 15 lighthouses to choose from on the Cape, here are some recommendations for you to consider.
Nobska Lighthouse
Located in Falmouth, Nobska Lighthouse oversees Martha’s Vineyard and Nobska Beach. History tours are given throughout the week.
Highland Lighthouse
Highland Lighthouse in Truro, one of Cape Cod's most renowned lighthouses, was first constructed in 1797 by order of George Washington. The existing tower and keeper's residence were built in 1857. Both buildings are open to visitors for tours, except during maintenance work.
Many Museums Are Still Open for History & Cultural Experiences
In addition to the plentiful nature, there are numerous museums to explore on Cape Cod. Some notable options include the Sandwich Glass Museum, Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, the Edward Gorey House in Yarmouth Port, and the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis. And of course the Cahoon Museum of American Art in Barnstable. There are many others waiting to be discovered!
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Founded in 1885, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a top destination for the study of marine biology. Featuring an indoor aquarium and an outdoor seal enclosure, it displays approximately 140 species of marine wildlife.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster is a diverse museum that offers a variety of attractions. It is open year-round, excluding holidays, and features an aquarium, beehives, butterfly house, nature trails, archaeological investigations, and numerous other exhibits.
photo via JFK Hyannis Museum
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
As part of the Kennedy Compound on Cape Cod, the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum provides insights into the lives and achievements of the 35th president and his family. Visitors can explore the Hyannis Kennedy Legacy Trail, where informative displays about the family are presented along the way.
Cape Cod Central Railroad
While not a conventional museum, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers narrated tours around Cape Cod. Departing from Buzzards Bay, West Barnstable, and Hyannis, the trains provide a unique experience. During the period following Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas, you can reserve a spot on The Polar Express Train Ride.
Indoor Entertainment & Seasonal Festivals Are Available
During the off-season, Cape Cod remains lively with a variety of entertainment options, such as seasonal festivals. Explore the ways you can have a great time by watching live performances, bowling, ice skating, and participating in events.
Live Performances
There are various venues on the Cape where you can enjoy live performances, spanning from music to theatre arts. The Historic 1876 Falmouth Highfield Theatre Guild hosts Broadway-style musicals, managed by the Collegelight Opera Company…while the Barnstable Comedy Club stands out as one of the oldest community theaters, offering a diverse range of shows beyond just comedy throughout the year.
Furthermore, the Brazen Belles Burlesque ensemble is the sole group of its kind on Cape Cod, presenting shows in various locations. For a variety of entertainment options, you can attend a wide array of shows at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis.
Bowling Alleys
Bowling is a fantastic indoor activity to enjoy on a rainy day or when the weather is too cold to be outside. There are numerous bowling alleys on Cape Cod where you can have a great time, such as:
The Lanes Bowl & Bistro in Mashpee
Timber Axe Bar & Bowl in Falmouth
Ryan Family Amusements in Yarmouth
Ryan’s Ten Pin Eatery in Hyannis
The Alley Bowling + BBQ in Orleans
Ice Skating & Curling on Cape Cod
During winter on Cape Cod, ice skating is a top activity to enjoy, especially since you're already dressed for the season. We suggest visiting the Falmouth Ice Arena and the Cape Cod Curling Club, both located in Falmouth.
Seasonal Events
All year, Cape Cod is active with festivals and events of all kinds. The Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, for instance, plans events for every season — the Rhododendron Festival in the spring, the Hydrangea Festival and the Sandwich Halloween Festival in the fall, and Gardens Aglow in the winter.
Other popular events that are fun to attend include Brewster in Bloom during spring, the Yarmouth Seaside Festival and Wellfleet Oysterfest in fall, and the First Night Celebrations in Falmouth, Sandwich, Chatham, and Provincetown during winter.
Cape Cod Dining is better without crowds & service is better
While some restaurants are only open seasonally on Cape Cod, many are open all year. And, generally, all the seafood tastes even better during the cooler months — perhaps it’s the colder water temperature.
Whether you want seafood, comfort food, or dessert, you’ll find Cape Cod restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Here are just a few of our favorites.
In Woods Hole, Landfall Restaurant has the freshest seafood and largest local sourced choices.
The Brewster Fish House
A staple in Brewster, The Brewster Fish House has a contemporary bistro-style menu. The dishes are constantly changing because they’re based on whatever fresh, seasonal ingredients are available. The restaurant has a robust wine list too!
Beer and Wine Tasting on Cape Cod
Putting on the thickest sweater to go out into the cold to taste the most amazing micro brews is a wonderful pastime during the coldest months. Bad Martha’s Brewery in Falmouth has flights galore, to warm up your insides on those chilly days. Small holiday batches of their finest brews can be had at both the Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard locations. And if wine is more appealing to you Cape Cod Winery heats up the outdoors with firelit tasting stations, full of ambiance and flavorful glasses of fermented grapes. If you are an adventurous winter driver, and don’t mind the distance, Turo Vineyards has spectacular views while serving their selective ferments. Their location boasts their infamous Truck Dining experience paired with their perfect selection of fermented grapes!
Frederick William House Welcomes You to Cape Cod during Off-Season
No matter if you are considering a Cape Cod escape during the fall, spring, or summer seasons, Frederick William House is eager to ensure your stay is warm and inviting. Our Falmouth bed and breakfast, rich in history, is conveniently located near all the top attractions on Cape Cod.
Our 5 guest rooms and suits feature luxurious amenities and bathroom upgrades. And, alongside our lovely breakfast, you’ll have access to a variety of other on site amenities. Check our rates and availability for your travel dates! CLICK HERE.
Get our free Cape Cod Vacation Activity Guide, full of the best things to do in Cape Cod. The best activities, restaurants, museums, events, views, and much more…CLICK HERE.
For Dining off-season and on… CLICK HERE.
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