I am almost hesitant to write on this subject. Cape Cod in winter is the best kept secret. But shhhh, don’t tell anyone else. If it’s peace you seek…you will find. You’ll find it exploring the beaches of the Cape. This time of year you can fully experience the wonder of the ocean. Gone are the crowds and the noise. There is something so spiritual about an empty beach.
The beauty of the Cape in winter is the peace, but also a chance to enjoy a few things you may not be able to squeeze in when visiting in the summer. There’s art, music, plenty of parking, bowling, wide open nature parks and walking paths. The Cape Cod Times offers a fabulous list of great places to hike. If you’ve got your dog with you, one of my favorite off-leash parks is located at Kent’s Point in Orleans. You’ll find that at #9 on this list of places to bring your pooch in Mass.
The Calm Before The Fun
Outdoor dining is definitely out this time of year. But, there are still plenty of options for dining out year round on the Cape. You would be surprised. In fact, I was there this past weekend and was encouraged to see full restaurants and a thriving night life.
I’ve been going to the Cape since I was a baby. But mostly it’s been during the warmer months. Then, in my 20s I lived there for 4 years, year round. But it was a different time, and now, since the pandemic there is definitely an increased population of year-rounders. So, Cape Cod in winter now is much more vibrant than it used to be.
Crossing over the bridge this time of year, you’ll experience the best of both worlds. The calm and quiet and off-season with still plenty to do and see. Here, I’ll offer up a few of the many things to enjoy during the winter season from restaurant choices to live music venues. But remember, shhhh, don’t tell anyone. It’s our little secret. It’s Cape Cod in winter: The best kept secret.
Explore Beaches and Walking Paths
Take a walk! There are so many options. You can find some great options, as mentioned above at capecod.com. This past weekend, I started my walk at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. It’ the Cape Cod National Seashore’s year-round visitor orientation facility. There’s plenty of parking, and you can walk a variety of paths all the way to Coast Guard Beach. You’ll walk over a beautiful bridge with breathtaking views all around you. Bundle up, but don’t let a winter wind keep you from this stunning, peaceful place. The Cape Cod Times has a few more great recommendations, including what they describe as “the raw beauty of the wild Atlantic side of Cape Cod n full view along the Pamet Area Trail System in Truro. Don’t forge the Cape Cod Rail Trail for over 27 miles of paved paths to walk, run and ride your bike.
