When your wanderlust leads you to our destination, you’ll want to know where to find Cape Cod’s best self-guided tours. With so much to see and do on this tiny spit of sand, getting out and exploring it in-depth requires a little guidance. It just so happens that we have a bit of wanderlust as well. So, whenever we have a few hours to do some exploring of our own, off we go.
We’re always in search of new and exciting sightseeing choices to share with guests of our bed and breakfast on Cape Cod. So, our “go-to” list of options grows every year. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure-seeker, or craft brew guru, Cape Cod offers a long list of possibilities. So let’s take a look at all of the ways to get out and about on a self-guided tour of Cape Cod.
The Lure of the Lighthouse
Lobster and lighthouses are a big draw for most visitors to Cape Cod. And we don’t lack variety when it comes to either. With 18 beacons guiding sailors around the treacherous shoals off Cape Cod, each tower features a unique shape and signal. While a few are open for tours in season, several others are located on private property and may only be spotted from the water. Read our recent blogs for tips and tricks to locate them all.
Thar She Blows
Whales frequent the waters off Cape Cod most months of the year. But the best time to see them feasting and frolicking along Stellwagen Bank is mid-April through mid-October. Two tour operators offer excursions to spot whales, each boasting an onboard naturalist to enlighten you about whale behavior patterns. Hop aboard for a 3 ½- to a 4-hour trip to be spellbound as you watch them breach and wave their tails. For what to wear and how to prepare, read our “What to Know Before You Go” whale watching blog.
Two-Wheel Touring
According to John F. Kennedy, “nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” And, as a long-term visitor to Cape Cod, he knows of what he speaks. Several bike paths traverse the diverse terrain of the Cape. Cycle through cranberry bogs and marshes, along beaches, and next to the Cape Cod Canal. Challenge your skills in the dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore and through the wooded paths in Nickerson State Park. To pick the perfect route for your cycling expedition, read our blog “Your Guide to Cape Cod Bike Paths.”
Take the Road Less Traveled
The diversity of hiking trails that traverse the landscape of Cape Cod is truly inspiring. Stroll along a peaceful boardwalk across marshland and sand dunes or take to the woods for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. From Sandwich to Provincetown, clearly marked trails offering gentle hikes or more challenging treks to epic vistas, Cape Cod is a dream come true for walkers or hikers of any ability.
Winery and Brewery Tours
A tip of the hat to all the craft brewers and winemakers that call Cape Cod home. Sip and swirl your way through 3 great wineries or hoist a mug of ice-cold brew at 5 craft breweries. Designate a driver, then meander the length and breadth of the Cape sampling the exceptional creations of our local vintners and brewers.
Historic Homes and Cultural Meccas
Having played a vital role in American history, it’s no wonder that our hearty ancestors strived to maintain and preserve several historical sites of interest. Historic homes, cultural centers, sanctuaries, monuments, and statues dot the landscape of Cape Cod. And the collection of museums here honors everything from pirates to presidents.
So the next time you’re motivated to take a magical mystery tour of our beloved Cape Cod, be sure to book a room at the Captain Farris House in the historic village of Bass River. We’re in the heart of it all and can lead you to Cape Cod’s best self-guided tours in every season.
