Cape Cod summers are absolutely the “postcard-perfect” season. Beautiful blue skies, stunning white-sand beaches, peaceful nature trails, and more outdoor activities than you can shake a stick at! Celebrating the upcoming 4th of July here on the Cape will definitely be one of the highlights of your year, and there are no bad choices when it comes to choosing how to spend your holiday.
One thing is certain this year 4th of July, it will be a bit different! There’ll be no fireworks or parades but that does not mean that it will be less memorable. The cool ocean air, the stunning beaches, the fried clams, the ice cream, and the sparkling clean rooms at The Old Harbor Inn are not canceled! Cape Cod summers offer an abundance of outdoor activities, so you can get creative and have an unforgettable 4th of July.
Cape Cod is only 1.2 to 2 hours from Boston and about 4 hours from NYC by car. There has never been a better time to load up the car, grab a bottle of Purell and bathing suit, and drive to Cape Cod! There is nothing like crossing the Sagamore Bridge and saying, “Hello Vacation!” So don’t miss on all the fun this summer and plan a road trip to beautiful Cape Cod. Whether you are in the mood to bike, have an intimate picnic on the beach, or just spend a day exploring the Cape’s charming towns, here are some ideas on how to make the best of this year’s 4th of July celebration.
Leave the car behind and spend the day in Chatham. The Old Harbor Inn is ideally located in downtown Chatham and all the attractions, shops, restaurants, and beaches are within walking distance. Just walk down to Main Street from the Inn and check out the beautifully decorated shops. Are you into scavenger hunts? This year’s scavenger hunt theme is “Oars in the Stores”. Participate and enter to win gifts from the Chatham Merchant Association. Simply visit the downtown visitor information booth, where you can obtain the scavenger hunt booklets. Each person who hands in a complete booklet will receive a prize. Pop into one of the many ice cream shops on Main Street for a cool treat to refresh you after a morning in the sun. Enjoy the shaded benches at Kate Gould Park while admiring the various art exhibits in the park. Local artists will put on display large whale-shaped profiles starting July 1st, 2020. If you want to go on a hike take one of many gorgeous trails that veer well off the beaten path, our favorite the Monomoy Wildlife refuge is a must. Read more on our blog “Top 5 Amazing Hikes on Cape Cod!” If you’d rather spent the day at the beach, check out our blog “Best Chatham Beaches to visit this summer”.
For a fun, all-day experience on this patriotic occasion, head up to Provincetown and start off the morning by exploring Commercial Street. The colonial homes on hydrangea covered streets are mesmerizing. The kitschy lobster shacks, the harbor, the lighthouses, everywhere you look is a photo op waiting to happen. Find the most photographed and Instagramable house in town, the American flag house. It’s so much fun wandering the colorful streets of P-town and trying to find this hidden treasure. Spend the day exploring this artsy and historic town’s many quaint shops and stretch your legs with a climb of the Pilgrim Monument. You will be sure to have an incredible lunch at The Lobster Pot (one of our favorites!) or pick up some goodies from the Provincetown Portuguese Bakery and have a feast on the beach. With its many beaches, parks, and outdoor spaces, P-town is ideal for a 4th of July inspired lunch. Our blog “When was the last time you had a picnic” will inspire you and give you some great ideas on food, locations, and the local scoop.
Enjoy a full day at the beach relaxing on the Nauset Beach or going for a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Discover many fun coffee shops, bakeries, and small shops along the way. Read more on our blog “Best Outdoor Activities on Cape Cod”. To end a day of exploring, catch a sunset at Rock Harbor in Orleans. This is the best spot to see one of the Cape’s famous sunsets. After dinner be sure to pick out your prime spot on the beach and enjoy the light show.
Amid all the hustle of the holiday weekend, let the peace at the Old Harbor Inn refresh you in between all the excitement. Relax with a cold drink on the sunny deck with one of our delicious homemade treats and enjoy our complimentary Wine and Cheese Reception on Friday nights before heading out for your evening entertainment. Let us help you plan your best summer experience on Cape Cod – book today!