With the promise of cooler temps on the horizon, it’s time to plan three perfect fall days on Cape Cod. In our opinion, autumn is a great time to visit Cape Cod. We like to call this time of year our “second summer.” The summer crowds have thinned, the beaches are still warm enough for sunning and swimming, and the fall colors sweep slowly across the marshes and bogs. While you could spend weeks exploring the region’s beauty, with only a few days, we recommend hitting a few of the highlights on your Cape Cod fall getaway.

Tips for Experiencing Fall Foliage on Cape Cod

1. Best Time to Visit Cape Cod: Leaves slowly start to change color on Cape Cod in mid-to-late September and can last into early November, depending on the weather. Peak foliage generally occurs in the third week of October.
2. How Long to Stay: To fully experience fall on Cape Cod, plan on a minimum stay of three days. However, a full week offers the opportunity to explore the whole region as it basks in the beauty of foliage season.
3. What to Pack: Plan on packing layers for a visit to Cape Cod in fall. While the “second summer” season can bring warm days, nights are often cool.

Day 1: Route 6A, The Olde King’s Highway

Morning: Scenic Drive

For an overview of the historic bay side of Cape Cod, spend some time driving scenic Route 6A. Designated as one of the most scenic byways in America, the route cruises past lovely antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, old sea captain’s mansions, and one-of-a-kind gift shops.

Lunch: Chowder and Seafood

Our favorite lunch stop on this tour is the Brewster Fish House for a delicious bowl of chowder and some fresh New England seafood. Or you may prefer the view across the marsh at The Marshside in Dennis.

Afternoon: Nature Hike and Museum Culture

After lunch, stretch your legs along the nature trails behind the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. This gentle hike passes through forest and marshland, ending at the mudflats of Paine’s Creek, where you can hunt for treasures washed up by the sea.

If you need to refuel after your jaunt in the woods, stop for an afternoon sweet treat or a refreshing cocktail at Scargo Cafe. Then, wander to the Cape Cod Museum of Art for some culture.

Detour: Rent a bike and head over to Nickerson State Park to take a spin on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, one of 3 great bike trails on the Cape. This paved bike path runs along a former railroad track spanning six towns on Cape Cod.

Dinner: Old Yarmouth Inn

May we suggest the Old Yarmouth Inn for dinner, Cape Cod’s oldest dining establishment? Then, catch the sunset along the boardwalk at Gray’s Beach in Yarmouth Port for the perfect end to your perfect day.

Day 2: The National Seashore

Morning: Beaches and Nature Trails

After breakfast this morning, pack a picnic and head east along the Mid-Cape Highway to visit the Cape Cod National Seashore. Take a side trip to Fort Hill, one of our favorite picnic spots in Eastham. You’ll pass Captain Penniman’s House, a historic sea captain’s mansion lovingly restored to its former glory. As you approach the parking area, prepare for the stunning view of Nauset Beach and Town Neck Cove. If the mood strikes, take a lovely walk along the nature trails that connect with the Red Maple Swamp Trail for a glimpse of Nauset Marsh. If you’re a bird watcher, this is a “must-see.”

Lunch: Basco Grill

After spending the morning at the beach or exploring the salt marsh, stop at the Basco Grill in Eastham for an extensive lunch menu to satiate your appetite after walking and breathing in the salt air.

Afternoon: Touring Cape Cod Lighthouses

Head back on Route 6 and continue on to the Salt Pond Visitors Center at the entrance of the National Seashore. Stop at these must-visit lighthouses—the Coast Guard Station at Coast Guard Beach, the Nauset Beach Lighthouse, the Three Sisters Lighthouses, and the Marconi Wireless Station site for a bit of Cape Cod history.

Detour: Visit the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, to wander the trails through the salt marsh to a sandy barrier beach. With 5 miles of scenic walking trails, you’ll experience the unmatched beauty of Wellfleet Harbor.

Dinner: Winslow’s Tavern

Dining at Winslow’s Tavern in Wellfleet, MA, is a delightful experience. The cozy atmosphere pairs perfectly with a menu featuring fresh, local seafood and creative dishes. Enjoy a crafted cocktail or a glass of wine as you savor the flavors of New England. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming vibe. A true Cape Cod gem!

Day 3: The Outer Cape and Provincetown

Morning Tour: Pilgrim Monument

Day three finds you back on Route 6 where we recommend you make a bee-line for Provincetown, one of Cape Cod’s most iconic villages. Once in town, park your car along Commercial Street near MacMillan Pier. Start your tour of downtown with a climb to the top of the Pilgrim Monument for a spectacular view of the Provincelands and the harbor. Then shop ‘til you drop at the quaint and quirky shops along the main streets and side roads of town.

Detour: Along the way you can detour for a visit to Truro Vineyards and the Atlantic Spice Company at the junction of Route 6 and 6A in Truro. Then follow the Shore Road into Provincetown, which takes you past one of the iconic images of the outer Cape—the Days Cottages. These tiny one-room shacks, built in the 1940s, sport a front yard that embraces Cape Cod Bay.

Lunch: Lobster Pot

Have lunch at the Lobster Pot, one of the hotspots of the Provincetown food scene, with exceptional views of Cape Cod Bay. This quintessential Cape Cod eatery has been serving up fresh seafood for over 40 years.

Afternoon: Art’s Dune Tours

After lunch, book a one-of-a-kind tour with Art’s Dune Tours for a fun-filled trip through the magnificent sand dunes and a chance to see the historic dune shacks artists use for inspiration.

Detour: Alternatively, take a whale-watching excursion to Stellwagen Bank with the Dolphin Fleet to spot whales tail-waving and breaching in the bay. An onboard naturalist guides each tour and points out the various types of whales feasting in this protected marine sanctuary.

Dinner: The Canteen

Stay in Provincetown for dinner at The Canteen. The menu features a variety of options, from fresh seafood to hearty comfort food, with many dishes showcasing the region’s flavors. You might start with a bowl of clam chowder or some crispy fish tacos, followed by a lobster roll or a seasonal salad. Using locally sourced ingredients means that the menu changes frequently, allowing for a unique experience with each visit. It’s just one of

Stay at a Historic Inn

Stay in a historic inn to complete your three perfect fall days on Cape Cod. Captain Farris House in historic Bass River Village fits the bill nicely. Treat yourselves to luxurious accommodations, top-notch service, and amenities in the heart of Cape Cod. It’s time to fall for Cape Cod.

Photo Credit: © Comstock Images via canva.com, © OlegAlbinsky via canva.com