Family Friendly Cape Cod Itinerary

Last year my family spent 5 days in Cape Cod for our first family vacay after our son was born.  Of course being a bit Type-A, I prepared an 18 page itinerary of things to do and see and places to eat, complete with maps and directions to each location.  Since then, I've had a few friends ask about the itinerary so I thought I'd share it here, especially for those seeking a kid-friendly vacay.  Email me if you want the complete document but here are some of the highlights.

We stayed in Hyannis and ventured out each day to a different part of the Cape.

DAY 1: HYANNIS
This was a half day since we drove up and then settled into our hotel.

1. Tour of Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory
Free self-guided tours with free samples at the end. 
You watch the potato chip making & bagging process through glass windows.  The tour is as long as you make it.  I think toddlers would enjoy it, my son was too young to understand.  So if you're not going with kids, I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to visit the Factory unless you love potato chips : )

2. Dinner at Cooke’s Seafood

1120 Route 132
(508) 775-0450

Fried fish, fried shrimp, fried clams, french fries.  Enough said.  

DAY 2: BREWSTER/EASTHAM

1. Biking through Nickerson

State Park

A bike trail runs all through Nickerson State Park through 8 miles of scenic wilderness. The park is open to the public free of charge.  We rented two bikes and a trailer for my son.  It was so much fun!

Rent bikes at one of these locations:

Brewster Bike 

442 Underpass Rd., Brewster, MA 02631

(508) 896-8149

Rail Trail Bike & Kayak

302 Underpass Rd., Brewster, MA 02631

(508) 896-8200

 

We parked at the bike shop and biked towards Nickerson State Park stopping for lunch at Cobie's (right off Cape Code Rail Trail) on the way back. 

2. Lunch at Cobie’s

3260 Main St.

(508)896-7021

Known as the "Best Clam Shack" and fabulous lobster rolls.  Cash Only.

Our First Lobsta Roll

3. Chill at the Beach

First Encounter Beach, Eastham: 

At low tide this beach is absolutely amazing and like I've never experienced before.  The sand stretches so far out, they say you can walk out up to 2 whole miles.  It's hard to believe the water recedes that much. 

$12 per day for parking

Just miles of sand after the tide rolls out, AMAZING!

We didn't hit these beaches, but I read this somewhere online:

Best Picnic Spot: Doane Rock (Nauset Rd., Eastham). This favorite picnic spot is near the homestead site of John Doane, the first of the Plymouth settlers to make his home on the Cape, in 1644. A unique feature is a huge exposed boulder that was transported to the spot by glaciers. There are plenty of picnic tables and hiking trails.

Coast Guard Beach, Eastham. A favorite among the many quintessential dune-backed beaches that make up part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. “Coast Guard Beach has been cited by the Travel Channel as one of the most beautiful beaches in the US.” During the summer, there’s no on-site parking; you catch a shuttle bus from the Little Creek parking area, across from the Doane Area.  Has lifeguards, bathrooms, picnic area,

4. Dinner at Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar 

3580 State Hwy Rte 6

(508) 255-2575

Award winning seafood, ice cream stand and mini golf.

Sign up for promotions to get a coupon via email.

5. Watch a Movie at Wellfleet Drive in Theatre

51 State Hwy, Wellfleet, MA 02667

508-349-7176

I love drive-ins!  There is a 100 by 44 foot screen and you listen to the soundtrack through your car stereo.  They offer double features nightly.  There's a playground and snack bar. 

Adults: $8.00 Cash Only.  Children 3 & under: Free

DAY 3: CHATHAM

1. Chatham Fish Pier

Corner of Shore Road

and Barcliff Avenue on Aunt Lydia's Cove

Climb the stairs on the left side of the building and watch the activity from the observation deck (best between 12-2). Watch the fishing boats return to unload their daily catch in the late afternoon.

2. Visit Fisherman’s Monument, designed by Sig Purwin, a sculptor from Woods Hole.

3. Chatham Lighthouse

Children <5 not allowed above base.  Free Tour 1-3:30 pm

4. Walk Main Street & Chill at Kate Gould Park

Main street is lined with quaint little shops.  I stopped into one shop that sells infused oils and vinegars and after sampling several, settled on a white peach balsamic vinegar for me and a blueberry balsamic vinegar for my sister.  Kate Gould Park was a nice place to sit and people watch (and use restrooms : ).

5. Clam Bake at Beach House Grill (part of Chatham Bars Inn)

297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633

Make Reservations!!  508-945-0096

This is a family-friendly, indoor/outdoor restaurant literally on the beach.  The kids can play in the sand and afterwards roast marshmallows on the beach for smores.  This is the casual dining portion of the luxurious Chatham Bars Inn.  $78 for adults.

"Am I supposed to eat this??"

I had debated between spending a day on Nantucket or going to Provincetown so I planned out itineraries for both.  We opted for Provincetown, but if you want my Nantucket itinerary email me.

DAY 4: PROVINCETOWN

 

1. Whale Watching via Dolphin Fleet

$36/adult (by making reservations online)

The last time I went whale watching I totally passed out from the dramamine and missed all the action.  This time I risked it and enjoyed some amazing and close up views of whales and luckily didn't get seasick.

2. Lunch at Lobster Pot

321 Commercial Street

508-487-0842

This restaurant overlooks the Provincetown harbor, considered by Zagat one of the top restaurants on Cape Cod.

3. View Pilgrim Monument

1 High Pole Hill Road
508-487-1310

Tallest granite structure in the US.  $7/adult to climb the monument.  116 steps and 60 ramps to the top were too many for us so we just admired it from afar : )

4. Chill at Mayo Beach, Wellfleet

Playground across the street.  Free parking

5. Dinner at Moby Dick’s Restaurant

3225 Rt. 6, 
Wellfleet, MA

508-349-0404

DAY 5: HYANNIS

1. Lunch at Baxter’s Fish n Chips

177 Pleasant St Hyannis, MA 02601

The restaurant is on the pier with nice views of the harbor.  It was pretty cool to see people ride up in their boats and climb up into the restaurant.

"L" rode up to the restaurant in his boat

2. Tour Downtown Hyannis and Visit JFK Memorial

Start on Main Street and head for the harbor.  Head south on Ocean Street to the Kenendy Memorial and Kalmus Park

and Beach.

3. Visit The Kandy Korner

474 Main St., Hyannis

(508) 771-5313

No trip is complete without souvenirs so this was our last stop before heading home.  I bought some locally made jam and fudge and my husband got a bag of penny candy for the car ride home.

 

It was a wonderful family vacay, and I hope you get a chance to visit Cape Cod too!