Best Towns in Cape Cod
Once the decision has been reached that this year’s vacation destination will be gorgeous Cape Cod the first question that comes to mind is “where to stay?. You start wondering which Cape Cod town would be best for your upcoming vacation. Are all towns the same? Actually, not at all. Cape Cod is shaped roughly like the arm of someone flexing a bicep and is divided into four regions commonly referred to as: Upper Cape, Mid-Cape, Lower Cape and Outer Cape. Each region is made up of towns, and most towns include several “villages”. Cape Cod 15 different towns are: Upper Cape: Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich, Mid Cape: Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Lower Cape: Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Outer Cape: Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown.
Each and every town has its own beauty and unique character. Whether you want beaches, family fun, shopping, hiking, biking, night life, theatre, sailing or easy access to the islands will determine which place is the best for you. Picking a centrally located town like Chatham and staying for your full vacation there is also important. Instead of hopping form one town to the next and constantly packing and unpacking just settle in one place and enjoy your time on Cape Cod. Cape Cod is only 65 miles long from Bourne Bridge to Provincetown. Chatham is right in the middle and you are less than 30 miles away from the bridge and the very tip of Cape Cod. Let’s say you decide to stay in Chatham, what is there to do and see?
Chatham is located at the elbow of the Cape and offers upscale ambiance and classic charm. Some might argue that it’s the prettiest town on Cape Cod. Everywhere along Chatham’s scenic shoreline, the picture-postcard scenery will take your breath away. Chatham is known for its shopping, seafood and recreation along the water. Great for walking, browsing, and dining, Chatham’s Mains Street offers a variety of clothing stores and gift shops, cafes and restaurants. The downtown area’s collection of art galleries is impressive, and art lovers are sure to find inspiration in many works on display at Chatham Fine Art, Struna Galleries, Hearle Gallery and The Artful Hand. One can also sign up for a class at the Creative Art Center on nearby Crowell Road, or enjoy art of a different medium at the Chatham Orpheum, which screens first-run films- and Jaws every summer. The Chatham Fish Pier Market on Shore Road is known as much for its chowder and lobster rolls as it is for the visitor experience. Each afternoon, fishermen return to the pier with the day’s catch, and they are often followed by a flotilla of curious seals – it’s quite a sight. Get on a Seal Tour from there and see the town from the water. The Fisherman’s Monument at the pier is a symbol of the community’s vibrant fishing industry. For more great seafood, order some shellfish by the dozen at The Impudent Oyster, Bistro on Main or stop by Bluefins for custom sushi rolls. Known for its mouthwatering pizza, unique seafood dishes Del Mar is another premier restaurant. For sightseeing, the Chatham Lighthouse is the most picturesque vista on Cape Cod, offering spectacular views overlooking Chatham Harbor and the Atlantic. The light still functions and is operated today by the U.S. Coast Guard. Down a flight of stairs, visitors can stroll along Lighthouse Beach, which features a strong surf, soft sand, and more seal viewing opportunities. For a gentler swim- and food trucks in summer- Hardings Beach is a great option. Also, some of the ponds in town Oyster Pond Beach (salt water pond) and School House Pond Beach (freshwater pond) are offering warmer waters for swimmers. To enjoy a different view of the town, Outermost Harbor Marine rents kayaks and paddleboards, hosts fishing charters and leads birding and wildlife tours at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. The Cape Cod rail trail, a paved and mostly flat bike route travels through Chatham, just around the corner form the inn. Cyclists can take the trail all the way to Wellfleet and Cape Cod National Seashore – a distance of 24 ½ miles of scenic views. There is so much to see and do in Chatham any time of the year: First get here, then get out there and explore! Chatham has the best location on Cape Cod to explore the peninsula and the islands.
