MileHacker Logo
Nearby Destinations

Nearby Destinations

Massachusetts, USA

Accessible Island Locations

Martha's Vineyard: An island south of Falmouth, with quaint towns (Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven), colorful gingerbread cottages, and scenic beauty. A relaxed, upscale island atmosphere.

Nantucket: Another island south of Hyannis. Features a historic whaling town with cobblestone streets, beautiful beaches, and upscale boutiques. It has refined charm and retains historical character.

Transportation to Islands

  • Ferries from Woods Hole (MV) and Hyannis (Nantucket). Steamship Authority operates year-round.
  • Hy-Line Cruises: Seasonal high-speed passenger ferries from Hyannis.
  • Biking is a popular way to explore the islands.
  • Car rentals on islands are available but costly. Ferry car bookings need advance planning.

Connecting Regions

Beyond the islands, mainland New England places are within reach.

Historical Plymouth & Boston

Plymouth, Massachusetts: West of the Canal, site of Plimoth Patuxet Museums (Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II), Plymouth Rock, and historic waterfront.

Getting to Plymouth/Boston

  • Rental car for flexibility and exploration.
  • Peter Pan Bus Lines service to Boston.
  • Seasonal 'CapeFlyer' train links Hyannis to Boston South Station on summer weekends.

Newport, Rhode Island

Southwest of the Cape, Newport is known for Gilded Age mansions along Cliff Walk, rich sailing culture, and a lively downtown.

Getting to Newport

  • Driving a rental car offers direct travel.
  • Independent travel permits more freedom.
  • Organized tours give ease.

Travel Options & Time

Independent Travel & Time

  • Islands: Full day (8-12 hours including ferries).
  • Plymouth: Half to full day (4-8 hours).
  • Boston: Full day (10-14 hours) minimum; overnight stay advisable.
  • Newport: Full day (8-10 hours).

Tour vs. Independent

  • Organized tours present ease for highlights.
  • Independent travel gives freedom and depth.
  • Ferry tickets for islands book in advance, especially cars.
  • Day trips sometimes feel rushed without forethought.

Compare Your Options

  • Islands (MV/Nantucket)Ferries, car rentals, biking
  • Plymouth/Boston/NewportRental car, bus, train
  • Organized ToursLess flexible, pre-arranged
  • Independent TravelMore freedom, exploration
  • Island Travel Time8-12 hours
  • Plymouth Travel Time4-8 hours
  • Boston Travel Time10-14 hours
  • Newport Travel Time8-10 hours

Day Trip Booking

For seamless day trip planning and reservations, explore options on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the main Cape Cod beaches, other natural areas hold serene beauty and wildlife viewing.

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Accessible by boat, this refuge protects migratory birds and seal colonies. Look for wildlife.

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Diverse habitats with walking trails, excellent for birdwatching and nature.

Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

Walking trails, exhibits, and kayaking for nature discovery.

Scenic Landscapes

The entire Cape Cod peninsula features beaches and rural scenes. No mountains.

Explore the Outdoors

  • Outer Cape Sand Dunes: Dramatic, shifting landscapes within the National Seashore.
  • Cape Cod Canal Paths: Scenic walks and bike rides alongside boat traffic.
  • Bayside tidal flats: At low tide, find marine life and stunning reflections.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Cranberry bogs have tours to explain the harvesting process in autumn.

Nature's Calendar

  • Tidal Flats: Appear at low tide on bayside beaches, great for walking and marine discovery.
  • Spring brings new growth and blooming plants.
  • Fall and Spring: Prime times for birdwatching migratory species.

Wildlife Observation & Bogs

Monomoy National Wildlife RefugeSeals, Migratory Birds
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife SanctuaryBirdwatching, Nature
Outer Cape Sand DunesWalking, Guided Tours
Cape Cod Canal PathsWalking, Biking
Tidal Flats (Bayside Beaches)Marine Life, Photography
Cranberry BogsHarvest Tours (October)

Protecting Nature

  • Stay on marked trails and boardwalks in protected areas to preserve habitats.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to limit waste.
  • Conserve water; the Cape's drinking water comes from a sole-source aquifer.
  • Consider donating to carbon offset programs for your travel.
  • Choose tour operators that follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.

Cultural Excursions

Explore Cape Cod's rich history and cultural heritage.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

A living history museum in Plymouth depicting 17th-century English village life and a Wampanoag Homesite. An immersive historical experience.

What to See

  • Authentic 17th-century English village.
  • Wampanoag Homesite.
  • Mayflower II replica nearby.

Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown

Provincetown is the site of the Pilgrims' first landing, marked by the Pilgrim Monument. A significant historical and cultural site.

Provincetown Highlights

  • Climb Pilgrim Monument for panoramic views.
  • Explore historic Commercial Street and art galleries.
  • Whaling history and maritime heritage.

Rural & Agricultural Areas

Discover quieter towns like Truro on the Outer Cape. Visit active cranberry bogs to experience local agricultural practices.

Rural Exploration

  • Cranberry bogs: Learn about this regional industry.
  • Truro: Peaceful outer Cape town.
  • Agricultural landscapes.

More Historic Sites

Local historical societies and museums work to preserve Cape Cod's maritime history, architecture, and artistic traditions.

Local Heritage

  • Sandwich Glass Museum.
  • Chatham Lighthouse.
  • Barnstable Village Historic District.

Cultural Hotspots

Plimoth Patuxet

Immersive 17th-century historical village and Wampanoag Homesite.

Provincetown

Pilgrim Monument, art galleries, lively Commercial Street.

Rural Gems

Cranberry bogs, Truro's quiet charm.

Support Local Heritage

Support local historical societies and museums that preserve the Cape's unique history and traditions.

Multi-Day Extensions

For longer visits, expand your journey to nearby regions.

Regional Exploration

1

Island Overnights

Spend 1-2 nights on Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket for a island experience.

2

Newport, RI

1-2 nights to explore Gilded Age mansions and maritime heritage.

3

New England Road Trip

Continue north to coastal Maine, White Mountains, or Vermont's Green Mountains.

Extended Travel Options

  • Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket for a relaxed, in-depth island experience.
  • Newport, RI to fully enjoy mansions and maritime heritage.
  • Boston or New York City for a contrasting urban experience.
  • Berkshires, MA for mountains, art museums, and culture.
  • Coastal Maine for a classic New England coastal journey.
  • Historic East Coast route through Providence and New York City.

Transportation Connections

  • Direct driving routes connect all these destinations, making a road trip a practical option.
  • Amtrak presents rail service from Boston to New York and to some destinations in Rhode Island.
  • Flights are available from Boston Logan (BOS) to major U.S. Cities, allowing for onward travel.
  • Consider a Priority Pass for airport lounge access.
  • For flight issues, Compensair can assist with compensation.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Classic New England Coast

Cape Cod -> Boston -> Coastal Maine (e.g., Kennebunkport, Portland, Acadia National Park).

Historic East Coast

Cape Cod -> Plymouth -> Boston -> Providence -> Newport -> New York City. This route covers historically rich cities.

Cultural & Natural Blend

Cape Cod -> Boston -> Berkshires (Western MA) for mountains, art, and cultural attractions.

Plan Ahead for Islands

For island day trips, book ferry tickets far in advance, especially during summer. Car reservations often need months ahead.
← Previous
Activities & Experiences
← Back to Cape Cod
Next →
Communication

Next Up: Communication

Continue to Communication