7 Great Cape Places to Visit: Beaches, Shopping, and Nightlife
With all of the excitement surrounding the 49th running of the ASICS Falmouth Road Race, we’ve assembled a list of the top seven beaches, nightlife spots, and shopping that are must-sees when you’re in town for the famous seven-mile race.
Beaches
1. Old Silver Beach (Buzzard’s Bay)
Old Silver is one of the Cape’s most popular beaches, and for good reason. Think of your ideal, classic summer beach day — that’s exactly what you’ll find at Old Silver. The beach has two sides, one for residents and one for visitors, and boasts bathhouses, food stands, and parking. Be sure to get here early to land a spot!
2. Falmouth Heights Beach
What this beach at the road race finish line lacks in parking it makes up for in serenity. Located right on the Nantucket Sound, this sandy beach has plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun, sand, park benches, grassy areas, and The British Beer Company right across the road.
3. Mayflower (Dennis)
Home to one of the most unique shorelines on Cape Cod, Mayflower Beach is a must-see for visitors. Tidal flats at low tide make it a prime spot for photographers and sunset lovers alike, while the boardwalk and picnic areas are prime attractions for families.
4. Nauset Beach (Eastham)
This expansive stretch of coastline stretches for 10 miles all the way to Chatham Harbor. The site features parking, food trucks, soft sand, various lighthouses, and great conditions for water sports like surfing, boogie boarding, and skimboarding.
5. Sandy Neck (Barnstable)
The longest beach in Barnstable, Sandy Neck is a local favorite and a great spot for walking along the shoreline. Sandy Neck features small crowds, parking, food options, and some gorgeous sand dunes! Sandy Neck is also a prime spot to search for seashells and sea glass down by the water.
6. Veteran’s Park Beach (Hyannis)
Located in Hyannis not far from the Kennedy Memorial, Veteran’s Park Beach is a great place for a beach day, a playground visit or a family picnic. Complete with lifeguards, a park and a snack bar, everything you need for a day of family fun can be found at Veteran’s Park Beach.
7. Monument Beach (Bourne)
Sitting on the edge of Phinneys Harbor, Monument Beach is a hidden Cape Cod gem. Calm waters, soft sand, concessions, volleyball nets, and Monument Marina await you on this spacious, sandy shoreline.
Shops
1. Main Street, Falmouth
Great bites, unique stores, and homemade goods are just three of the many reasons you should pay a visit to Main Street in Falmouth. The second largest town in Cape Cod boasts a gorgeous downtown with a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and outdoor space for pedestrians to explore.
2. Mashpee Commons
Over 100 businesses can be found at Mashpee Commons, some of the finest outdoor shopping on Cape Cod. Aside from a diverse crop of restaurants and shops, Mashpee Commons is known to host a slew of year-round events that are fun (and free) for the whole family, including live entertainment, block parties, and special holiday attractions.
3. Main Street, Chatham
If Chatham is one of the most walkable towns on Cape Cod, then Main Street is its heart and soul. Chock full of cultural destinations, fine dining, galleries, cafes, and specialty shops, there’s something for everyone on Main Street in Chatham.
4. Local Farmers Markets
Local farmer’s markets are popping up all over the Cape all summer long. Check out local Facebook pages and websites to stay up to date on the farmer’s markets going on near you!
5. Under the Sun (Wood’s Hole)
A hole-in-the-wall in Wood’s Hole! Filled to the brim with trinkets, gifts, home goods, and much more, this gallery and boutique offers patrons a chance to purchase handmade local goods such as American-made pottery, glass, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and shoes.
6. Brewster Bookstore
The Brewster Book Store is an independent book store filled with books, toys, games, stationery, and unique knickknacks. But it’s more than just a bookstore: they’re known for hosting book signings, storytime, and other special events throughout the year.
7. Lemon Street Shops (Brewster)
A truly unique shopping experience, the Lemon Street Shops are known for their diverse array of stores and items representing artists and cultures spanning from locals to transplants from the Far East. Surrounded by lush gardens, green spaces, and fountains, a trip to Lemon Street will be a Zen experience for any shopper.
Nightlife
1. Trader Ed’s (Hyannis)
If you’re looking for a tropical twist to the Cape Cod feel, then Trader Ed’s is the place for you. This fun spot located on Hyannis Marina features a huge outdoor seating area complete with an in-ground pool for patrons to swim in while they enjoy some of the finest entertainment and nightlife Cape Cod has to offer.
2. Grumpy’s Pub (Falmouth)
This one is a local staple and a must-visit. Known as the “last dive in town,” Grumpy’s is a hot spot for townies, featuring great food, fun events, games, and live music. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for upcoming events!
3. Chapin’s Fish & Chips (Dennis)
Just a stone’s throw away from West Dennis Beach, Chapin’s is another local favorite that features outstanding bites, drinks, and vibes. Definitely on the casual side (flip flops encouraged!), Chapin’s is a great spot in the heart of Dennis to kick back, relax and catch up with friends.
4. Falmouth Raw Bar
Does casual waterfront dining overlooking the Harbor ever get old? Not on the Cape! Falmouth Raw Bar is an excellent spot that was voted Best Raw Bar by Cape Cod Life Magazine. Between that, their famous “monsta lobsta roll,” and some of the best mudslides on the Upper Cape, you’re sure to love it at the Raw Bar.
5. Liam Maguire’s Pub (Falmouth)
This Irish pub is serving up some of the best pub food around, specializing in Irish dishes and delicacies. They also have an extensive menu of alcoholic beverages, ranging from Irish stouts and ales to Maguire’s mai-tai and martinis. If you’re looking for a laid-back, authentic pub feel, then Liam Maguire’s is the place for you.
6. Pier 37 Boathouse (Falmouth)
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, you can experience fine waterfront dining at the Boathouse all summer! With sweeping views of the harbor, Boathouse is a perfect spot for those boating in for a night out, or locals looking for a nice night by the water.
7. Torino (Hyannis)
They say “you mess with the bull, you get the horns,” but what about when you dine with him? That’s exactly what you get here at Torino, where “dining with the bull” is part of the fun. The atmosphere at Torino’s is the real reason this place is so popular. Right in the heart of Hyannis, patrons can dine on fine Italian cuisine, steaks, and seafood while enjoying a fire out on the vast outdoor patio, complete with striking decor and live entertainment.
Originally published by The Enterprise for the 2021 Offical Falmouth Road Race Guide