island tours nantucket

Discover Nantucket Tours & Discover Nantucket Bike Tours

Let's Have A Whale Of A Time!

Rated # 1 Private Tour by TripAdvisor

2023 & 2024.

Welcome to Discover Nantucket Tours & Discover Nantucket Bike Tours!

Whether this will be your first time to Nantucket Island, a return trip, or if you have been coming to Nantucket for years, booking a tour with Discover Nantucket Tours and/or Nantucket Bike Tours will give you an in-depth, surprisingly interesting, and absolutely fun tour of Nantucket Island. Whether your tour is by bike , on foot , or by scenic drive , we will show you the rich and unique history, along with the breath-taking nature and scenery of the island. Let us show you all the hidden history, intrinsic nature, and scenic gems that Nantucket has to offer. At the end of the tour you will be able to impress and amaze everyone with your newfound knowledge and appreciation of Nantucket island, it’s history, and it’s unique culture and people.

Discover Nantucket Tours and Discover Nantucket Bike Tours are also a mix of fun trivia as well as local insights on the island. The tours are great for visitors of all ages and interests and are family and dog friendly too!

Hugh Lloyd-Thomas, Owner/Operator

Hugh visited Nantucket in 1986 while on vacation from Australia, to meet for just the second time his soon to be parents-in -law, and immediately fell in love with the island.

When Hugh and Beth moved to the US in 1991, the tradition of regular visits to the Nantucket began. If you ask Hugh’s children where they grew up, they will say Nantucket from all the summers they spent on the island.

After living in Connecticut and Virginia and travelling to Nantucket every summer, and at other times during the year, Hugh and Beth moved to Nantucket in 2018. Hugh started Discover Nantucket Tours in 2020 and purchased Nantucket Bike Tours in 2022.

Hugh has been referred to as “Mr. Nantucket.” “He knows EVERYTHING about Nantucket – quite incredible!!! ”  A “walking encyclopedia”. “Very professional, knowledgeable and fun”. “…(and the) best vacation tour we’ve ever experienced” by tour guests.

When Hugh is not taking guests on tours he can be found walking his dog Bogart on the beaches and the moors of the island, volunteering for the Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket, and riding his bike around the beautiful island of Nantucket.

The beginning of the walking, biking and scenic driving tours includes a brief introduction to how the island was first formed, the history of the Wampanoag Native Americans, early European settlement, the development and decline of the whaling industry, island culture and heritage and the decline and rebirth of the island.

NOTE: Please understand that all bookings are tentative until confirmed, after a reservation review. All tour times are subject to availability. Please call: 917-716-5973 to confirm if you do not get a confirmation call or email. Thank you for your understanding.

• Walking Tours
• Driving Tours
• Testimonials (Pg. 2)
• Testimonials (Pg. 3)
• Testimonials (Pg. 4)
• Restaurants
• Sconset Village

BY CATEGORY

celebrating 25 years of

Nantucket adventures.

choose your cruise

Welcome to Nantucket By Water, a local family-run company dedicated to providing unique tours and cruises to individuals and families of all age groups. From small kids to grandparents, we have trips that cater to your needs and taste for adventure.

Whether you take a leisurely tour around Nantucket Harbor, or a longer adventure exploring the wildlife sanctuary of Coatue or visiting the unique 5th Bend Oyster Farm, we promise you an exceptional experience.

FOR THE ADULTS

FOR THE family

FOR THE ADventurers

shanty singers

Tuesday nights | june 18 - sept 10.

envisioning something different?

Customize your experience with a private charter!

Don't know which trip is best for you or want us to build a completely custom experience for you? Contact us today for a tailormade trip and experience.

DON'T HESISTATE TO BOOK

We did a chartered sunset cruise with our family. It was great! Captain, crew, and bartender were perfect for us. We had the whole Shearwater boat. We played music via Bluetooth. Had food from Bartlett’s Farm brought in. And we danced on the bow for almost the whole cruise.

glorious harbor tour

Our family had a glorious ride around the harbor on the Shearwater Ice Cream tour!

Captain Max was very helpful. Rachael, who organizes the tours, was very sweet explaining available ice creams to the young ones. Kids say it was the highlight of their visit. 

chef's kiss

Don't miss this! Not only was the sunset incredible, but cruising around Nantucket Harbor was delightful. We did this on the first night of our trip and it was the best way to kick off a great weekend. Rachael and her team were so easy and helpful to work with in planning the trip, and Max was a great sailor, leaving us with great recommendations on what not to miss on island.

join the adventure

@nantucketbywater.

• Signature Bus Tour
• The Westender Bus Tour
• Wedding Transportation
• Group Charters

Signature Tour

Enjoy a tour of the breathtaking island of Nantucket in the comfort of our climate controlled busses!

Our friendly island tour guides take you away from downtown, and allow you to enjoy the natural beauty Nantucket has to offer, in a safe and comfortable way! During the tour you will enjoy the Old Mill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, the Oldest House, or the Jethro Coffin house, and much more! With plenty of photo opportunities, and lots to see this 1 hour and 15 minute tour will be fun for all!

May 24 – October 11, 2024

Departing at

$45 per passenger

If you would like to book your bus tour tickets with your Hy-Line ferry tickets please make your reservation by clicking here or call our toll-free number for separate reservations and more information: 508-228-0334.

Things You Should Know!

We STRONGLY recommend booking ONLINE as seats are limited.

This tour is not recommended for young children

No Food or Drinks allowed on Bus

Bus Tour leaves from 10 Washington St., Nantucket, MA 02554

Please arrive 15 minutes Prior To Boarding Time

There are NO Restroom breaks during Tour

Testimonials

Wonderful Trip

“Visiting from New York, we didn’t have a car to explore the island for our day trip. Nantucket Island Tours’ tour was exactly what we hoped for! We got to see all the sights, learn a lot from our really friendly tour guide, and all in the comfort of air conditioning (a MUST in the summer heat). So glad we chose to spend an hour with you!”

Well Worth the Time

“I feel like we really got a feel for Nantucket on the tour, while not being to long for our teenage son. Perfect way to get our bearings and see all the sights without needing to bike or walk.”

Beautiful Island!

“I cannot believe how beautiful Nantucket is! I  never would have made it to Siasconset and I am so glad I did! This is a must for any trip to Nantucket”

The Nantucket

The nantucket island tour provides you with the perfect opportunity to visit and photograph nantucket’s most historic and iconic spots – visit brant point lighthouse capturing it as the boats and ferries go by with the great views of town in the background. next, soak in one of the best panoramic views of nantucket harbor from steps beach. step back in time with stops at nantucket’s oldest house and the oldest working mill in north america. tours include transport, tutorial and snacks/refreshments., a professional portrait shoot can be added. tour price:  $100 per person ( 2 hrs ) ($50/hr per person), madaket & more, this 3-hour tour will take us to different locations in madaket to photograph beaches, birds, piers ,ponds and inlets as they change color during nantucket’s epic sunsets. learn about adjusting your camera settings to achieve a crisp and colorful look at what can be a tricky time to get good pictures. we will pick you up at your hotel or home and enjoy an informational and fun evening taking photos in madaket. we will have snacks and refreshments available, and afterward we will take you back home or to town, or drop you at millie’s for dinner while you’re on this side of the island. tours include transport, tour/tutorial and refreshments. , a professional portrait shoot can be added, ​tour price: 150.00 per person (3 hour tour), 'sconset cottages, gardens and bluff, late mornings and early afternoons are the perfect time to walk the narrow streets of sconset and see some of the most picturesque cottages and beautiful gardens on the island. we will pick you up from your hotel, home, boat dock or the visitors' center . we’ll tour the town area, checking out 'sconset's sundial, snapping shots of historic fishing cottages and follow with a walk along the bluff. we'll then head to sankaty head light, stopping en route at the erosion viewing area. please call if you would like to book this for sunrise .this is a 3-hour tour.       **please wear good walking shoes**, tour price: $150 per person (3-hr tour), sunrise at brant point, this 2-hour tour starts in town as we photograph the sunrise near the wharf area and brant point lighthouse. learn how slight adjustments to your iso, shutter speed and f-stop affect your overall exposure, resulting in beautiful pictures at this time of the morning. please inquire by email for availability and start times. tour includes transport, tour, and refreshments, ​tour price: $150.00 per person (2 hour tour).

Gearing Up For a Great Summer with Nantucket Island Tours

The anticipation for the summer season to get going is palpable! Is it that way where you live? During the winter, we have much less happening on the Cape & Islands, so when we get closer to our favorite attractions opening back up and it being more enjoyable to be outside, it really is exciting! Everyone is daydreaming of the summertime busyness that we are known for around here, and it seems like travelers are excited to get here too!

Nantucket Island Tours

With everyone working so hard to ensure we are safe, COVID-wise, while we are out and about, it’s looking to be a great summer!  One of our employees on Nantucket, Rick Peterson, who manages Nantucket Island Tours for us, said “Everyone is doing their best to prepare for what from all measures looks like a very busy summer. According to news reports, we are #1 in the state right now as far as getting people vaccinated and that I think will help people’s comfort level as far as getting out and doing activities.  I think the island is preparing well. We all rely on the summer season for our livelihoods and most people understand that means playing by the rules and respecting each other.”

Lots of sunshine and good memories await us in the next few months, that’s for sure!

Getting Around Nantucket

Speaking of Nantucket Island Tours, did you know we own a bus tour company on Nantucket? In the summer, Nantucket Island Tours runs 3 bus tours a day covering close to 60% of the island as the tour bus meanders through the most beautiful, natural, and historic places on the island. In a little over an hour, you get so much more than you would if you just walked downtown, or even rented a bike or a car. The tour guides are so knowledgeable, not only giving their commentary but also answering all of your questions, that by the end of the tour you really have a feel for the island. “We believe we provide a highly professional, fun, safe experience. Our tour guides are the best on the island with years of experience. Our fleet of vehicles is by far the best on the island which provides for a clean, comfortable tour. Our tour is, as I like to say, “just right”. Long enough to learn a lot about the island but not so long that our guests are fatigued.”, says Rick.

Planning your Nantucket Tour

Staying longer than just a day? A bus tour is a great way to get your bearings on the first or second day of your trip to give you ideas of where to explore later. These tours are great for everyone, Rick re-iterated, “If people are day-tripping , as beautiful as the town is you really have not seen Nantucket if you only stay in town. We offer an ideal, fun way to get a great overview, and then folks can plan their time from there.”

“Repeat visitors often have a favorite tour guide, and we see a lot of repeat requests.” And what is his favorite part of the tour, you ask? “My personal favorite part of the tour is seeing peoples’ reaction when we are out on the eastern side of the island. After seeing the hustle and bustle of town, they are usually amazed how quiet the other parts of the island can be even during our busiest times” – he said.

Additional Transportation Services

Nantucket Island Tours is known for not only their bus tours but also their group and wedding transportation. Touting itself as the Premiere Nantucket Transportation Company, they provide professional, safe, and reliable transportation for special events and group tours on the island year-round. “We are seeing a record amount of interest in our private charter and wedding business as well and look forward to safely providing transportation for these events.” Rick said about the upcoming year.

Book your Nantucket Island Tour Today!

Taking the ferry to Nantucket and then taking a tour of the island with Nantucket Island Tours is a fun, safe, and interesting thing to do this summer! You can schedule a tour with your Hy-Line tickets, or independently through their website here .

PS – If you’re wondering what a perfect summer day on Nantucket looks like for a local, Rick gave us some insight. “My wife Suzi and I try to keep Sunday as our day off. Weather permitting, we pack our Jeep for the day and head out to our “secret” beach. Even during the height of the season, we have our space pretty much to ourselves and enjoy the beach with the high surf at this location. We also enjoy friends and family visiting. It is always a lot of fun to show people the island for the first time. Between Town, Madaket, Sconset, and many other spots the island has a lot of places to experience different atmospheres.”

Here’s to a happy, healthy, safe and fun summer for everyone!

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• Cape Cod Canal
• Martha's Vineyard
• Sightseeing
• Travel Contest

3 Nantucket Island Tours That Will Blow Your Mind

Our quaint island south of Cape Cod does not even encompass 50 square miles, but don’t let that fool you into thinking there’s not much to see. If you’re looking to explore during your next Atlantic getaway, we have the perfect Nantucket island tours for you. Whether you’re traveling on four wheels or two, there is a little something special for everyone on our shores.

Our quaint island south of Cape Cod does not even encompass 50 square miles, but don’t let that fool you into thinking there’s not much to see. If you’re looking to explore during your next Atlantic getaway, we have the perfect Nantucket island tours for you. Whether you’re traveling on four wheels or two, there is a little something special for everyone on our shores. 

For even more recommendations on what to do and see during your visit to Nantucket, be sure to access our exclusive Vacation Guide . Don’t waste time planning—walk the cobblestone like a local with our complimentary on-the-go guide.

Get the Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Nantucket Island Tours

One of the most charming aspects of Nantucket is that it’s small enough to see all the sights, yet none of the sights get old. See the lighthouses, learn the history, explore downtown. Find your favorite Nantucket island tour during your next island escape.

• Nantucket Island Tours

Nantucket Island Tours is an interactive bus tour that makes stops from Jetties Beach to Siasconset. Knowledgeable, local guides lead each trip. Prepare to be transported from the time of the Wampanoag people to the whaling boom of the 1700s to the modern-day island staples that we enjoy today. Best of all? It’s climate-controlled and A/C ready.

• Nantucket Jeep Tour

Get down and dirty with a Nantucket jeep tour. Whether you’re a seasoned off-road drive looking to hit the sand or simply want to take your hat off for an exhilarating cruise, a jeep will immerse you into the heart of the island. A jeep tour is also the perfect option for anyone looking to blaze into the uncharted. Grab your keys from Young’s , load up a cooler with snacks, plug in your favorite playlist, and let the wind take you through the island. 

• Nantucket Bike Tour

Slow down with a whimsical bike tour from Nantucket Bike Tours . See the old whaling town with a cobblestone-led Town View Tour . Discover Nantucket with the whole family and explore hidden beaches and rustic lighthouses on the Family Adventure Tour . Get your cardio on with the Spin to Sconset Tour . Ride past the cranberry bogs, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, and to the stunning ‘Sconset Beach. Finally, unwind with a breezy brewery tour to Cisco Brewers. After all, is it really drinking and driving if you’re foot-powered?  

Unwind in the Comforts of Periwinkle Inn

After an exciting day of discovering all that our island has to offer, you’ll be ready to relax at the Periwinkle Inn . Book your stay in the Tashtego room and revel in Egyptian cotton linens, cozy bathrobes, and Malin + Goetz toiletries. The inn is within walking distance of Downtown Nantucket’s finest shops. Once you’ve finished your complimentary breakfast in the garden, take a stroll through some of the best shopping on the East Coast. 

Did you know? Booking direct saves you from spending extra with third-party booking sites! Everyone wants the best price, and we have it right here at the inn. Give us a call at (508) 322-4837 or book your stay on our website . We can’t wait to welcome you to Nantucket!

• Travel Guides

12 Of The Best Experiences You Can Only Have At Cape Cod

As someone who grew up 45 minutes from the Bourne Bridge, I can safely say that I know a thing or two about Cape Cod. Every summer from infancy until I had kids and moved away, my parents would take my siblings and me for a summer sojourn down the eastern arm of Massachusetts. We made it a point to try and stay, or visit every town on the Cape. Those summers have stayed with me, and truly prove to me the singular uniqueness of Cape Cod. 

As such, the following list is one that has been personally crafted to give you the best recommendations for the Cape. These experiences are ones you can only have on Cape Cod and are based after my own personal favorites, as well as those "musts" that appear on almost every Cape Cod travel list. 

From the dunes near Provincetown, the bridges of the Cape Cod Canal, to the best oysters you'll ever eat in Wellfleet, here are 12 one-of-a-kind Cape Cod experiences. Keep reading to find out more. 

Experience the Bourne and Sagamore bridges

When the construction of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges was completed in 1935, Cape Cod was not yet a travel destination. In their many years of service, these two bridges have greeted and bid farewell to millions upon millions of visitors. According to the Cape Cod Commission , these bridges see around 38 million crossings a year. But what, apart from their age, makes these bridges so special? 

Allow me to quote from "The Bridges of Barnstable County" by Kate Whouley for Yankee Magazine in 2021: " ... you're facing forward now, eyes on the horizon. Because the first kid who spots the bridge gets the satisfaction of being the first kid who spots the bridge. You remember." Though the traffic can be horrendous, especially on Fridays, once you see either of the two bridges you're immediately transported both physically and emotionally to another world. That's the magic of Cape Cod — one that I can personally attest to. 

Owing to that immense traffic and structural deficiencies, there are plans for both bridges to be replaced by modernized look-alikes. Though it will be sad to see these icons vanish, the work is not scheduled to begin for another few years. So, while you can, see the Bourne and Sagamore bridges for yourself. You'll likely feel the excitement as I, and so many others, have done for nearly 90 years.

Woods Hole is the Cape's most unique village

The gateway to the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Woods Hole was once a thriving whaling village, now more known for its beaches, downtown district, and thriving scientific community. What's most special about Woods Hole though, is just how close you can get to the marine life. Despite its proximity to the ocean, there are not many places on Cape Cod where you can get up close with the creatures that live off the coast. However, at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, you can. 

Established in 1875, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the oldest in the entire country . Its small size is to its benefit making it very easy to navigate. Visitors can easily interact with some of Cape Cod's stunning, biologically diverse marine life, including seals. Admission is free, making it one of the most financially accessible places on the Cape, and it's a great place to bring families or school groups. 

Then, you have Woods Hole Village, which is an amalgamation of wood-shingled cottages and boutique shops. You can grab lunch at the famous Captain Kidd restaurant with dock seating and a commanding view of the harbor, go for a swim at Stony Beach, or watch the ferries go by at the iconic Nobska Lighthouse.

The best sunsets are on Cape Cod

Cape Cod is famous for two things: being the world's great white shark capital  and its stunning sunsets. The best sunsets I have ever seen have been on Cape Cod. What makes the Cape so perfect for sunsets is Cape Cod Bay itself. With its sweeping westward views unimpeded by buildings or other geographic features, the sun is allowed to put on a spectacular show as it heads to bed.

Some great places to hit up for sunsets include Skaket Beach in Orleans, which is popular for its low surf, and Paine's Creek Beach in Brewster, which has excellent sandbars and tidal pools. The photo above was taken by my wife, Briana, in August 2020 at Saints Landing Beach in Brewster, just a little east of Paine's Creek.

If you really want to see some ocean sunset drama though, I highly recommend making the trek out to Race Point. The far eastern terminus of U.S. Route 6, and located at the tip of Cape Cod, Race Point makes you feel like you've reached the world's end. Surrounded by water and with the widest expanse of sky anywhere in Massachusetts, you will probably end up seeing one of the most dramatic sunsets of your life.

Experience sandy dunes without interstellar travel

You don't need to travel to Arakkis or Tatooine, or their earthly filming locations, to experience the wonder of sand dunes. While the ones on Cape Cod are not as mountainous as those you'll find in a proper desert, the winds and tides of this scraggly peninsula have created some of the most scenically stunning sand dunes on the East Coast. 

The best sand dunes on Cape Cod can be found in the stretch of beach that connects the two outlying towns of Truro and Provincetown. Also known as The Outer Beach or Peaked Hill Bars Historic District, this is a section of the National Seashore that a lot of visitors miss out on. I don't want that to be you. Book a ride with Arts Dune Tours and see, close up, the drama of this spectacular area. Dunes rise and crest like waves, and driving over them with knowledgeable, certified drivers is an amazing treat.

On your dune tour, you might notice some beach shacks nestled in the dunes. Did you know that you can stay in some of them? Through an application process, writers and visual artists are granted access to Dune Shacks preserved by the Provincetown Community Compact . They can stay for up to two weeks to work on their art and experience firsthand this majesty section of Cape Cod. 

Lobster ice cream is a staple of the Cape

Down the Cape, there is a long-standing debate as to where you can get the best ice cream because there are so many places to choose from. Is it Cape Cod Creamery, the new kids on the block who have been serving up thick, creamy scoops since 2005? Or is it one of the old-time classics like Somerset Creamery or Four Seas Ice Cream who have been preparing iced treats since the 1930s?

Some say that the best ice cream on the Cape is actually found at Sundae School in Dennisport, and I'm inclined to agree with them. Having been there on several occasions myself, the high butterfat and real whipped cream top the charts in terms of quality, which was the main goal of this 1976-founded store. But, check out any review on Yelp or Tripadvisor  if you don't want to take my word for it. 

However, if you want something truly unique, head back down to Falmouth to sample the lobster ice cream at Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium. Yes. You read that correctly. It's one of the few places in New England where you can find the stuff and there is something unique about eating an ice cream flavored with fresh shellfish caught right off the shore. There is nothing more Cape Cod than that.

See a show at America's oldest summer theater

You'll never be short of culture on Cape Cod. It's amazing to go to the historic beaches, eat out at local restaurants, or shop in the quaint little main streets. Yet, there is always something for the more cultural palate to enjoy as well. And, while there are many wonderful theaters on Cape Cod, none beat The Cape Playhouse in terms of history and star power.

Commonly referred to as the "Place Broadway Goes to Summer" the Cape Playhouse is the foremost, and oldest, professional summer theater in the United States, performing the best on and off Broadway since the 1920s. Some famous names that have crossed the stage here include Julie Andrews, Bette Davis, Ginger Rogers, and Henry Fonda.

Today, the Cape Playhouse offers a mix of drama, comedy, and musicals. Their aim is to promote theater on the Cape to as diverse of an audience as possible, while still maintaining the standards of quality they have been known for. If you like to plan your vacations in advance, maybe plan to be in Dennis for the centenary of the Playhouse in 2027.

Eat the best oysters in Wellfleet

Driving in Massachusetts, it is common to see cars affixed with bumper stickers of an oyster superimposed with a large 'W'. The stickers themselves are a campaign by the Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce to provide scholarships to local high school students. The symbology is indicative of the town's star product: the Wellfleet Oyster.

Prized for their intense, briny flavor, Wellfleet oysters are sought after by chefs across the Cape and even Boston. If you're a fan of sustainability, the farming practices used to grow and harvest these oysters are the utmost in terms of utilizing organic processes .

What also makes the Wellfleet oyster so special is the cleanliness of the waters in Wellfleet itself. The town's well-protected massive harbor allows for an environment for the oysters to thrive. As they feed on plankton and other organic matter, the oysters continue their self-sufficient process, while also gaining their unique flavor. If you happen to catch someone harvesting oysters, see if they will shuck you one fresh on the beach. You cannot ask for a more Cape Cod moment.

Love hydrangeas? You have got to visit in July

Commonly listed among gardeners' favorite perennial flowers , hydrangeas hold something of a place of honor on Cape Cod. Considered by many to be the signature flower of the peninsula, the hydrangea is a common sight in the front garden of nearly every home on Cape Cod. If you love these wonderful blooms, then you have to visit the Cape in July during the  Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival .

Lasting for a week in the middle of July, the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival is a way for Cape gardeners to show off their blooms for visitors to appreciate. Private gardens across the Cape are open for tours, and there are workshops, lectures, and planting demonstrations at participating nurseries and garden centers. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the flower, which thrives in the Cape's' temperate climate, causing them to bloom in multiple different colors.

If you miss the festival in July, you can still appreciate the hydrangeas of the Cape. The Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich has an excellent botanical garden filled with enormous rows of hydrangea. They also have a vintage auto museum for the motoring enthusiast. It's one of my favorite places to visit on the Cape.

Catch a Cape Cod ball game

If you love a good baseball game, you absolutely need to visit Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Baseball League is a famous minor league institution that has helped launch the careers of over 1,000 Major League players , including Hall of Famers Frank Thomas and Jeff Bagwell. Prospectors and scouts from across the country flock to the Cape to catch a summer game and to see if they can find the next Ted Williams.

For the average baseball fan, games on the Cape are nothing short of the best. With affordable prices and competing teams within a half-hour drive of each other, you can quite literally go from the beach to the ballpark in no time.

You can catch up to 44 games during the regular summer season, meaning you are likely to see one regardless of what time you end up visiting. Plus, with the chance of catching a killer sunset while you munch on a hot dog and hear the crack of the bat in the cool night air, you'll know you're experiencing a true Cape Cod moment.

Experience the National Seashore

On his famous visit to famous visit to Cape Cod in the mid-1800s, Henry David Thoreau accurately predicted that what was then a harsh collection of long beaches and fishing villages would one day become a "place of resort." However, if there is one place that has remained relatively unchanged, it is the 40 miles of beach that make up the Cape Cod National Seashore. The Outer Beach that Thoreau walked from Chatham to Provincetown is today federally protected land under the supervision of the National Park Service. There is nowhere else in New England that has such a pristinely preserved sandy coastline. The best part is that many of the sanctuaries, beaches, and hiking trails are completely open to the public for their enjoyment.

While many will visit the beaches to go swimming, I would highly recommend that you stray off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known areas of the National Seashore. This is a great way to beat the crowds, while also seeing some of Cape Cod's hidden treasures. Some spots include the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail in Wellfleet and the Red Maple Swamp Trail in Eastham.

If you don't feel up to exploring the National Seashore on your own, there are a number of guided activities you can partake in with the help of park rangers. These include nature walks, discussions on maritime history, and preservation lessons.

Truro is the Cape's hidden gem

Everyone has their own definition of what can be considered a "hidden gem." However, when it comes to Truro, Massachusetts, I think it is safe to say that the town fits the general definition perfectly. The second to last town on Cape Cod, Truro is a former whaling and shipbuilding hub that is about 70% National Seashore and 30% town. Compared to the bustling and compact towns elsewhere on the Cape, Truro's openness comes as something of a surprise. It is a remarkably quiet hamlet, which can be really appealing to the right visitors, one of whom happens to be this writer.

I freely admit that Truro is my favorite town on Cape Cod. I love how quiet it is, and how much the town has done to preserve their quaint, unique character. Swimmers have the benefit of both Bay and Oceanside beaches, and Highland Light, aside from being an iconic lighthouse, is one of the best places to catch the sunrise.

Truro is filled with culture too. There is a charming downtown area with a general store and sandwich shop, a weekly farmers market, and a performing arts center. It's also known for its under-the-radar wine region . Two places worthy of note are the fantastic winery and partnering distillery, Truro Vineyards and South Hollow Spirits. They make excellent wine, gin, whiskey, and rum. It's worth the long drive to this quiet corner of Cape Cod just for that.

See the beginnings of America in Provincetown

The quiet of Truro makes for a perfect primer for the utterly unique character of the Cape's most densely packed town: Provincetown. Called "PTown" by locals and visitors alike, this jam-packed place was once a major fishing port and is now one of the most sought-after destinations on Cape Cod. It is also one of the  friendliest LGBTQ+ vacation destinations in the United States. It also happens to be the place where the Pilgrims first landed.

In 1620, sailors on the Mayflower sent a reconnaissance crew to shore to survey the new land. While they eventually settled in nearby Plymouth, Provincetown holds the distinct honor of being the very first place the Pilgrims saw in America . This history is marked by the Pilgrim Monument, Cape Cod's only tower. The monument rises high above PTown, providing a great landmark for visitors, and perhaps the best views of this truly amazing peninsula. It's the kind of American history and landscape you can't find anywhere else.

I know that I've probably missed some things on this list, but I easily say that you are going to have an unforgettable experience, no matter where you visit on Cape Cod. There is nothing like the unique landscape, towns, people, and things you can do in this wonderful area of New England.

Methodology

In this ranking and recommendation, I based my methodology partly on my own 30+ years of experience going to Cape Cod for summer vacations, and research from publications like The Cape Cod Times, Provincetown Independent, and Christian Science Monitor, reviews from Yelp and Tripadvisor, and information directly from business and government websites. 

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