Cape Cod Overview

Cape Cod is an idyllic seaside region on the easternmost peninsula of Massachusetts. It is known for its sandy beaches, dune grass landscape, and upscale yet laid-back beachtown lifestyle. There are about 15 different small towns located within Cape Cod, each with its own identity and unique features. The Cape is generally split into three sections—the Upper, Mid, and Lower (or Outer) Capes—to make navigation and directions easier. The Upper Cape is the southernmost area closest to the mainland, and is known for its scientific research facilities and ferry services. The Mid Cape is a popular place for windsurfing, and is also the hub of commercial activity in the area. The Lower Cape includes the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore as well as many favorite beaches. Visitors flock to Cape Cod for its quaint atmosphere and its over 500 miles of shoreline that are perfect for beachcombing, swimming, or just lounging in the sun. There is also an abundance of fine restaurants, shops, and cozy bed and breakfasts to explore here, giving Cape Cod an even greater appeal for vacationers.

Cape Cod History

Cape Cod's unique geography and landscape was carved by glaciers more than 20,000 years ago, creating its signature shape and characteristics. Before the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans called Cape Cod home using its land and seaside location to survive, and their skills were later used to help the Pilgrims settle the land. For seafarers, Cape Cod has long been a landmark for navigation as well as a point at which many explorers stepped food into the country. More notably, the Pilgrims entered the Cape Harbor and made their first landing near Provincetown in November of 1620. This historically significant event began The Cape's early settlement and development by Europeans during the mid-1600s in which the area's towns and villages began to spring up and evolve. The cities by the sea were heavily used as fishing and whaling centers and eventually Cape Cod became more than a collection of fishing villages and port cities and began to appeal to city dwellers looking for summer getaways. The Cape became a hotspot for literary figures, prominent artists, bohemian culture, and wealthy families. Today, Cape Cod remains a cultural enclave for artists, writers, celebrities, and the affluent by offering a plethora of charming villages full or boutique restaurants, shops, and galleries and attracts a vast crowd of summer sailors, beach-goers, and tourists.