While most people think of Cape Cod as a summer destination, we can tell you firsthand it doesn’t totally shut down in the winter! Here are the 23 best things to do in Cape Cod in winter.
Cape Cod is a peninsula located on the tip of Massachusetts. It’s an ideal stop on a New York to Maine road trip, or a beach town vacation with friends or family.
When the bustling summer crowds of Cape Cod leave at the end of the season, the beaches and seals don’t! With fewer crowds, exciting outdoor adventures to cozy indoor weekends, you might actually find it’s one of the best times to explore.
You know it if you’ve already visited the nearby Boston in winter, this region is ideal for snowy gateaways.
As you’ll know if you’ve ever visited the nearby Boston in winter, this region is ideal for cold season getaways. That is what Amanda from Life Has Its Perks, a native New Englander who visits Cape Cod all year-long, will prove in this winter guide.
⭐ Here are some of the best things to do in Cape Cod in winter that will make you fall in love with this peaceful time of year. ⭐
Best Things to do in Cape Cod in Winter (Outdoors and Indoors)
1. Walk along the Beaches
📍 Location: Eastham, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: Free
🕒 Best time of the day to visit: at daylight
Yes, the beaches are still one of the best things to do in Cape Cod in winter. You won’t be swimming, but winter beach walks create a special, charming atmosphere.
There’s something about the quiet, the cold air, and the sound of the waves that makes it worth bundling up. The beaches of Cape Cod are wide open, and the perfect spots to watch the winter surf.
We recommend visiting Coast Guard Beach in Eastham. This beach is famous for seal-watching. Another favorite of ours is the peaceful Mayflower Beach in Dennis.
2. Winter Surfing in Cape Cod
📍 Location: Eastham, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: Free
🕒 Best time of the day to visit: at daylight
Always looking for the next wave to ride? Well, Cape Cod is famous for winter surfing! It has long and well-exposed beaches, creating the perfect waves.
Fall and winter actually offer the best surfing conditions, with regular and powerful waves, perfect for advanced surfers. We would not recommend it to beginners though.
The only downside of surfing in Cape Cod in winter are the cold water, temperatures, and sharks that you need to be careful of!
🤫 Heading west to Cape Cod? Explore the hidden places in Upstate New York!
3. Visit Cape Cod National Seashore
📍 Location: Eastham, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: Free from September to May
🕒 Best time of the day to visit: at daylight
The Cape Cod National Seashore is a public beach and area. It is open year-round and offers plenty to do in the winter. There are trails for walking and snowshoeing if you get lucky with some snow.
Check out Fort Hill Trail in Eastham or Great Island Trail in Wellfleet for great views.
The Salt Pond Visitor Center is also open in winter and offers exhibits about the area’s history and natural beauty. It’s a great stop to warm up and learn more about Cape Cod in the off-season.
3. Go Seal Watching at the Chatham Fish Pier
📍 Location: Chatam, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: Free, just pay for parking
🕒 Best time of the day to visit: any time, but especially at low tide
One of the best things to do in Cape Cod in winter is seal watching. While the whales head south, the seals stick around, and you can spot them all along the Cape’s shores.
When you spot them for the first time, you will understand why Cape Cod is worth visiting.
Chatham is a hot spot for seals, especially near the Chatham Fish Pier or Monomoy Island. You can sometimes see them lounging on the sandbars, or if you’re lucky, swimming in the water.
You can either bring your binoculars and try to spot them yourself, or go on a local winter seal-watching tour.
🦈 Warning: as you will see many signs repeating the same message, where there are seals, there are sharks!
4. Explore Lighthouses
📍 Location: Chatam, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: Free, just pay for parking
🕒 Best time of the day to visit: any time
Cape Cod’s lighthouses are iconic, and they’re even more magical in the winter when they stand against a backdrop of snow and chilly skies.
Nauset Light in Eastham and Chatham Light are both worth a visit. Many of the lighthouses are open for tours in the summer, but you can still visit the grounds in the winter for photos and some stunning views.
5. Enjoy Fresh Seafood
📍 Location: Chatam, Massachusetts
🏷️ 🕒 Price and best time to visit: depends on the restaurant
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fresh Cape Cod seafood. Many of the summer shacks are closed, but plenty of restaurants stay open year-round.
Places like the Chatham Squire are a must visit in the winter. There’s nothing like a bowl of clam chowder or fresh oysters after a cold day of exploring.
Keep in mind that some places may have reduced hours in the off-season, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead.
6. Visit Provincetown
📍 Location: Provincetown, Massachusetts
🕒 Best time of the day to visit: anytime
Provincetown, or P-town, is a must in any season, but in winter, it has a different feel. The summer crowds are gone, and you get to experience the town in a much quieter way.
There are still shops, galleries, and restaurants open, but with fewer tourists, you can enjoy them at a slower pace.
P-town’s Pilgrim Monument is open for tours in winter, and climbing to the top gives you a fantastic view of the Cape, even in the cold months.
If you’re lucky, you might also catch one of the town’s winter festivals, like the Holly Folly event in December.
7. Take a Brewery Tour
📍 Location: Hyannis, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: $12 USD per person at the Cape Cod Beer
🕒 Opening hours: Devils’ Purse Brewing Co is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 to 6 PM, while the Cape Cod Beer is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 8 PM, Saturdays from 12 to 8 PM, and on Sundays from 12 to 4 PM
For beer lovers, visiting a local brewery is one of the best things to do in Cape Cod in winter. There are a few great spots to check out.
Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis is open year-round and offers tours, tastings, and even special winter brews.
Another spot to visit is Devil’s Purse Brewing Co. in South Dennis. It’s smaller but has some great craft beers to try. Warming up with a cold pint after a chilly day is always a good idea.
8. Visit Heritage Museums & Gardens
📍 Location: Sandwich, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: $22 per adult, $12 per child from 3 to 17, free under 2
🕒 Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Located in Sandwich, the Heritage Museums & Gardens is another fantastic year-round destination. It’s one of the best family-friendly things to do in Cape Cod in winter.
In winter, they host the Gardens Aglow event, where the gardens are lit up with thousands of lights. And even when it’s not lit up for the holidays, the museum is open with exhibits focused on art, history, and cars.
If you’re interested in history or just want to take a walk around some beautifully curated gardens, it’s a great stop.
9. Go Ice Skating in Cape Cod
📍 Location: Chatam, Massachusetts
🏷️ 🕒 Price and opening hours: it depends of the day, hour and skate club, you can give them a call or check out their websites
If there is one international thing people love in winter, it’s ice skating. Each city has its own spots and magic, we especially loved ice skating in Paris.
Just like Paris, Cape Cod organizes its own ice skating events. If you are visiting Cape Cod in winter with kids, it’s a fun and classic winter activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Tony Kent Arena in South Dennis and Charles Moore Arena in Orleans are both popular spots. They offer public skating sessions throughout the winter, so you can lace up your skates and hit the ice.
10. Take a Pottery Class
📍 Location: Mashpee or Cataumet, Massachusetts
🏷️ 🕒 Price and best time of the day to visit: depends on course or session times
It’s cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be in direct contact with natural material. In the warmth of a studio, you can create or paint your next mug, bowl, pot!
Taking a pottery class is such a lovely activity to do all year-round because it feels like reconnecting with your inner child self.
In Cape Cod, there are a few pottery studios like the Meeting House Clay Center, or ceramic cafes like Color Me Mine.
11. Hop aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad for a scenic ride
📍 Location: Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
🏷️ Prices: the Polar Express Ride experience starts at $64 per adult and $54 per child, the brunch ride starts at $64 per adult, $ 49 per child
🕒 Opening hours: depends on the kind of ride you choose
One of the best ways to explore Cape Cod in winter is by train! Luckily for you, there’s nothing ordinary about the Cape Cod train… Both the vintage train and road are absolutely picturesque!
In addition to the fabulous journey, the train offers various types of rides. On Sundays, it offers on-board brunches in vintage dining cars for two and a half hours.
From the end of November, they offer Polar Express rides! The passengers dress up in Christmas jammies, the conductor offers golden tickets to children, Christmas carols play and Santa and his elves visit each car.
It’s such a lovely activity for any age you can’t miss in winter in Cape Cod.
12. Shop Local
📍 Location: Mashpee, Massachusetts
🕒 Best time of the day to visit: 10 AM to 7 PM
Winter is also a great time to shop on the Cape without the summer crowds. Towns like Chatham, Orleans, and Falmouth have charming main streets lined with local boutiques and shops.
You can find handmade crafts, souvenirs, and even some holiday gifts if you’re visiting Cape Cod in December.
Mashpee Commons is another great spot for shopping with a mix of local stores and bigger-name retailers. Winter sales are common, so you might score a deal while you’re at it.
13. Go to Concerts in Cape Cod
📍 Location: everywhere in Cape Cod
🏷️ 🕒 Price and starting time: it depends on the event, but it happens mostly in the evenings
Another great winter activity to do anywhere in the world is concerts. And Cape Cod won’t disappoint! It is home to all types of live music venues, from jazz, to blues or rock.
To name a few, the Melody Tent in Hyannis has seen the likes of Blondie, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles grace its stage. It reminds us of the 9:30 Club, one of the coolest places in Georgetown DC at night.
In Truro, the Payomet Performing Arts Center welcomes all performing arts, from Led Zeppelin’s interpretation to contemporary folk concerts, to circus performances and classes.
Live music on Cape Cod has a lot to offer, and plays an important role in bringing the region to life in winter.
14. Take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard
📍 Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: the ferry from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard is $20 USD round trip
Two islands face the south of Cape Cod: Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. You can easily go on a day trip from Cape Cod to any of those islands!
Martha’s Vineyard is an astonishing island, with a village atmosphere and welcoming inhabitants. This is due to the dozens of communities from all around the world that have found refuge on the island.
You can feel the many cultures represented in the architecture and food in Martha’s Vineyard.
The beaches of Oak Bluffs are incredible, with long stretches of sand and perfect waves.
15. Take a day trip to Nantucket
📍 Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
🏷️ Price: the ferry from Woods Hole to Nantucket is $81 USD round trip
Nantucket also has an important history for different reasons. In the 18th century, it became a mecca for whaling. People from all over the world came to Nantucket to make their fortune in the whale trade.
Today, it’s its multicultural community and natural beauty that attracts new visitors every year.
With its seaside houses, wooden paths through salt marshes and outstanding beaches, Nantucket is the perfect island for a nature gateway.
Winter annual Events in Cape Cod
16. Christmas markets, parades et festivals
🎄December
Cape Cod truly comes alive at Christmas time. The amount of festivities they organize all around the Cape is insane. Strolling through Christmas markets at a seaside town hits different.
We recommend the Dennis Village Stroll, Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade, Christmas In Harwich, Nantucket Christmas Stroll and Eastham Holiday Festival.
17. A Very Vineyard Holiday, Martha’s Vineyard
🎄 December
December is actually the best month of the year to visit Martha’s Vineyard because of the month-long celebration it hosts. The whole island organizes christmas-related events throughout the month, from markets, to workshops, parades, carol singing shows…
18. Holidays by the Sea at Falmouth
🎄 December
In addition to traditional carol singing shows and incredible Christmas decor, this festival has a special event… On a pre-set date each year, Santa arrives by boat at Marine Park Falmouth Harbor. It’s an incredible opportunity to make children’s eyes shine.
19. Glassblowers’ Christmas at the Sandwich Glass Museum
🎄 December
Don’t know how to manage the Christmas gifts stress this year? Well, the Sandwich Glass Museum got you covered. Each year, they display hand-blown glass ornaments on Christmas trees. An original Christmas market for homemade gifts!
20. First Light Provincetown
🎄 December
Provincetown, the tip of the Cape, is the place to be when the year ends. For three days, they organize festive events including delicious comfort food and fireworks.
21. First Night Chatam
🎄 December
If you dream of taking part in a traditional local event, Chatam’s festive celebrations are exceptional. Not only do they offer over 70 shows to entertain the town, but they also organize a big town photo at some point. Small-town ambiance at its best!
22. Yarmouth Winter Carnival
🎭 February
Who doesn’t love a good carnival? In Yarmouth, cold weather is no excuse. Young and old alike dress up and enjoy the various activities together. From the outdoor skating rink to face-painting booths, magic shows and delicious food trucks, these two days are eagerly awaited.
23. Hyannis Marathon and races
🏃♀️ March
Every year at the beginning of March, the village of Hyannis organized a race weekend. It has 4 types of races depending on your level and goal: marathon, half-marathon, 10k race and Marathon team relay.
Best Things to do in Cape Cod in Winter: FAQ
Where to stay in Cape Cod in winter?
Cape Cod Veranda is a stunning family-runed hotel located in South Yarmouth. Guests loved everything from the spacious rooms to the delicious breakfast!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9/10 based on these reviews
The Coonamessett is a renowned Falmouth hotel, tastefully decorated. It has suites for 2 to 4 people, suitable for families.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,1/10 based on these reviews
Why should you go to Cape Cod in winter?
Cape Cod in winter doesn’t shut down at all. Visiting at low season is an amazing opportunity to see its wonders with less crowds, both indoor and outdoor.
What is the weather like in Cape Cod in winter?
The temperatures range from 23° to 45°F (-5° to 7°C) in winter in Cape Cod. It is warmer than in most of Massachusetts due to its location by the Atlantic Ocean. However, it can be windy, and sometimes even snowy, so we recommend wrapping up warm.
What is the coldest month on Cape Cod?
The coldest months in Cape Cod are January and February, where the temperatures are usually between 23° to 40°F (-5° to 4°C).
Does Cape Cod get a lot of snow?
It does snow on Cape Cod, creating mystical landscapes of snow-covered beaches. The region has around 30 days of snowfall a year.
How to get to Cape Cod?
🚗 By car – you can drive to Cape Cod from everywhere in the United-States. We recommend renting a car through Discover Cars, the best comparator of local and international rental companies. As all companies are included on their website, you have no choice but to find the best deal!
✈️ By air – the closest international airport from Cape Cod is Boston Logan International Airport. Then, there are regional airports everywhere in Cape Cod: Provincetown, Barnstable, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket.
⛴️ By sea – last but not least, you can get a ferry to Cape Cod from Boston. It lasts for about 90 minutes and costs $40 to $70 USD per passenger.
How to get around Cape Cod?
The best way to get around Cape Cod is by car. It will be much easier to see all that the Cape has to offer. The locals have even put together a self-guided audio tour for tourists who want to discover the area on their own, at their own pace.
Why Winter on Cape Cod is Special?
We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in Cape Cod in winter. From peaceful beach walks to cozy seafood dinners, there’s something special about the Cape in the off-season.
The crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and you get to experience a quieter, calmer side of this beautiful part of New England. So, pack your warm clothes and head to the Cape, you won’t regret it!
After visiting Cape Cod, a trip to New York, whether for the first or the twentieth time, is always a good idea.
Here is a full New York city guide for a 10/10 gateway:
😴 Best area to stay in New York for the first time (+ best hotel picks)
🏙️ Empire State Building VS Summit One Vanderbilt… How to choose the best skyscraper viewpoint?
⏰ Short on time? Here’s a great New York One Day Itinerary
📸 Look no further, here is THE best viewpoint of Manhattan: DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View
🌻 A post-summer visit? Here are the best things to do in Brooklyn in September
