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When I picture the quintessential New England destination, Cape Cod immediately comes to mind.
Seaside cottages in the distinctive Cape Cod style, with steeply pitched roofs and shake-shingle siding. Bicycling to town to get ice cream on a late summer afternoon. Sunsets that shimmer over the water. Fresh seafood at dinner, followed by a relaxed bonfire on the beach.
All of these images fill my imagination when I think of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
I just returned from an early-June trip to Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Cape Cod, and it lived up to all of my expectations and then some.
Here’s why Cape Cod is the ultimate relaxing getaway for this summer (and beyond):
A Quintessential New England Destination
Cape Cod is a classic destination in the Northeastern United States. It’s been a popular summer vacation spot for well over 100 years. Just a short drive from Boston, the Cape is easily accessible, and yet it feels like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
There are 15 distinct towns on Cape Cod, as well as two islands, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Each Cape Cod destination has its own personality.
For example, Provincetown is known for being one of the most happening spots on the Cape, with tons of restaurants and nightlife.
For example, Provincetown is known for being one of the most happening spots on the Cape, with tons of restaurants and nightlife.
Chatham and Hyannis are both great towns with quaint Main Streets where you’ll find plenty of shopping and restaurants.
Brewster, where I stayed on my recent trip to Cape Cod, is a quieter town that is centrally located to many other destinations on the Cape. It’s known for having the best sunsets on the Cape and sandy beaches with extremely low tides.
Regardless of what kind of vacation you’re looking for, you can find the perfect town to fit your travel style on Cape Cod.
Fresh And Delicious Food
Cape Cod is an incredible destination for foodies, with tons of top-rated restaurants.
It’s known for being one of the best places in the U.S. for fresh seafood, especially lobster rolls and oysters. You’ll also find crab cakes, clam chowder, shrimp, and more on most menus. If you love seafood, you simply must visit Cape Cod to try all of these delicacies.
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If you’re a vegetarian like me, there are still plenty of tasty options available. Veggie eggs Benedict with tomato and avocado at Hole in One was by far my favorite breakfast in Cape Cod.
And the Cape Garden Paella at Ocean Terrace was the perfect veggie dinner option. I also loved Añejo, a buzzy Mexican restaurant in Hyannis that is super popular for a good reason!
If you like beer, Cape Cod Beer is another must-visit. This local craft brewery offers cool behind-the-scenes tours, live music, and other events.
If you don’t like going out to eat for every meal while on vacation and prefer to stay in places that have full kitchens where you can cook your own meals, there are plenty of options in Cape Cod.
Ocean Edge Resort has its Presidental Bay Collection of villas located right by the resort’s private beach, and the more affordable rentals at The Villages across the street. These units offer one to three bedrooms and have kitchens where you can cook for yourself.
Tons Of Things To Do (For Every Type Of Traveler)
There are so many things to do in Cape Cod that it’s impossible to get bored.
You can shop until you drop in boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries, spend endless lazy summer days on the beach, try out amazing restaurants, or spend time golfing, biking, playing tennis, or other outdoor activities.
Whether you’re looking for a more active or relaxed vacation, you can find it at Cape Cod.
One thing I really enjoyed about staying at a resort in Cape Cod was the variety of things to do that you wouldn’t get from a typical hotel or vacation rental.
At Ocean Edge Resort, I took a pickleball lesson, which was tons of fun. The pickleball courts and tennis courts are free for guests to use, along with equipment. All you have to do is reserve a court time.
There’s also a golf course, several swimming pools, a pond for swimming or kayaking, bikes for rent, croquet and other lawn games, and so much more.
Of course, Cape Cod is famous for its beaches, and I enjoyed Ocean Edge’s private beach, Bay Pines Beach. There are also several public beaches in Brewster and even more beaches in neighboring towns.
One of the most unique things to do at Bay Pines Beach is an oyster bed tour. I was able to experience this tour, which shows you how oysters are harvested during low tide, and it was by far one of the most interesting tours I’ve done.
While Cape Cod is a family-friendly destination (especially during the summer, when kids are on school vacation), there are also plenty of things for adults to do, and it’s a great destination for couples, groups of friends, or multi-generational families.
Easy To Get Around
One thing I did not realize about Cape Cod before this trip was how easy it is to get around. The entire elbow-shaped Cape stretches 65 miles, with many of the more popular towns concentrated on the eastern end. It’s 20 miles across at its widest point and just one mile across at its narrowest point.
This means the Cape is actually quite compact, and you’re not limited to just the town you’re staying in. You can easily drive to another town for dinner or an afternoon of shopping.
Don’t want to bother with a car? The Cape is also incredibly bike-friendly!
Brewster is situated in the midst of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 26-mile paved biking path that winds its way through six popular Cape Cod towns. This is a great way to explore the Cape, and much of the trail is very flat, making it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels.
There’s an entrance to the Cape Cod Rail Trail right on the property of Ocean Edge Resort, and you can also easily bike into town to check out spots like The Brewster Store, a quaint general store, Brewster Scoop, an ice cream parlor, and Brewster Book Store.
It’s Not Just A Summer Destination
Even if you aren’t able to visit Cape Cod this summer, it’s actually a great year-round destination. Most people don’t realize this, meaning that the off-season (or “sweater season”) is actually one of the best, most underrated times to visit.
The peak season for Cape Cod is June through the end of August. Outside of these months, you’ll find that the Cape is much quieter.
But many locals agree that September is actually the best time of year to visit Cape Cod. You can enjoy the tail-end of summer without the crowds and high prices.
If you don’t mind bundling up, then fall, winter and spring are also great times to visit Cape Cod. Although the weather may be chilly, it’s still as beautiful as ever. And while things may be quieter, there’s enough going on that you’ll never be bored.
Ocean Edge Resort, where I stayed, recently started staying open year-round, and they have all kinds of seasonal events. For example, during the winter, their outdoor Ocean Terrace restaurant transforms into the cozy Frost Bar, complete with private heated igloos!
In February, Ocean Edge hosts a Harry Potter-themed week, with dozens of fun, free activities targeted at young witches and wizards. (I would LOVE to experience this one.)
Choosing Where To Stay On Cape Cod
Since there are 15 distinct towns on Cape Cod, it can be hard to figure out where to stay.
I’ve now visited Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Brewster on Cape Cod, and of the three, Brewster has definitely been my favorite.
It’s centrally located in a good position for taking day trips on the Cape. I’d love to return and spend more time biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail to explore nearby towns.
It’s also a more laid-back town compared to some other hotspots on the Cape. There are plenty of things to do in Brewster, but it’s also more low-key and less developed. Nickerson State Park is a great place to go if you’re looking for tranquil natural beauty.
Brewster is also home to Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, which is the quintessential Cape Cod resort. The Mansion, the historic hub of the resort, dates all the way back to the 1890s.
This resort offers modern comfort and style while retaining its classic Cape Cod charm and heritage.
I loved staying at the resort because of all the amenities. Everything is one place for you, making this a truly relaxing getaway to Cape Cod. It’s hard to imagine a better place to stay for the quintessential Cape Cod vacation.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com